The Department of Studies and Research in Geography at Rani Channamma University (RCU), Belagavi, is a distinguished academic unit functioning under the School of Applied Sciences. It was originally established in the year 1982 as part of the Kittur Rani Channamma Post Graduate Centre, which operated as a regional extension of Karnatak University, Dharwad. With the establishment of Rani Channamma University as an independent institution in 2010, the department was formally integrated into the university's academic framework, continuing its legacy of excellence in geographical education and research.
To be a leading centre of geographical education and research that addresses contemporary spatial challenges and contributes to sustainable development at local, regional, and global levels.
The Department of Studies and Research in Geography at Rani Channamma University is committed to promoting academic excellence by fostering a rigorous and innovative learning environment that encourages critical thinking and interdisciplinary engagement. A core goal of the department is to advance research and innovation in diverse fields such as climate change, urban and rural development, environmental studies, and geospatial technologies like GIS and Remote Sensing. The department aims to equip students with essential technical skills, including cartographic techniques, field survey methods, and spatial data analysis, thereby enhancing their employability across academic, industrial, and governmental sectors. It strives to engage with the community through collaborative projects and outreach programs that address regional developmental challenges and promote sustainable practices. Additionally, the department is dedicated to instilling values of environmental ethics and social responsibility, nurturing a sense of global citizenship among its students. Strengthening academic linkages through national and international collaborations, faculty exchanges, and joint research initiatives is also a key priority. Furthermore, the department seeks to support lifelong learning and professional development through continuous academic engagement and capacity-building opportunities.
Information will be updated soon.
| Eligibility | Candidates who have secured at least 55% of aggregate marks (50% for SC/ST/Cat-I/Physically challenged) of equivalent grade under grading system, in their Master’s Degree or equivalent examination from the recognized Universities / Institutions. Candidates who have qualified UGC (JRF) Examinations/NET/SET/SELT can directly appear for the interview. |
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| Mode of Study | Full-Time / Part-Time |
| Admission Procedure | Rani Channamma University, Belagavi, conducts Ph.D. admissions through an entrance test in respective subjects. Applications must be submitted online via the UUCMS portal. Admission is made as per the reservation policy and directions issued by the Government of Karnataka and University rules. |
| Eligibility | A candidate should have passed B. A./B.Sc. degree in Geography as one of the optional subject at least 45% of marks in Geography as well as in B. A./B.Sc. as aggregate marks. Relaxation for SC/ST etc. will be followed as per prevailing rules of the University. |
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| Admission Criteria | The admission shall be made as per the reservation policy and directions issued in this regard from time to time by the Government of Karnataka and also as per rules as prescribed by the University Grant Commission from time to time. |
| Mode of Study | Regular-Full-Time. |
| Programme Duration | 02 Years- 04 Semester CBCS Scheme. |
| Scope | M.Sc.in Geography is a Two-year Master of Science programme. The objective behind of M.Sc. in Geography attempts to bring in an innovative approach in the way of the subject is perceived and disseminated. The courses offered aims to integrate both the basic theory and the applied aspects of the subject. |
| Career Prospects | A Candidate Successfully completing M.Sc. Geography can find lucrative career opportunities in government sectors / Organizations and also high productive career in Teaching, Research and development and GIS and Remote Sensing area of the field. |
| Admission Procedure | The admission shall be made as per the reservation policy and guidelines issued by the Government of Karnataka and also as per RCUB from time to time. |
| Programme Name (M.Sc. Geography): | Attach Syllabus Semesters wise: | Course Name (Ph.D. in Geography): | Attach Coursework Syllabus: |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Semester: | [Download PDF] | Ph.D. in Geography | [Download PDF] |
| Second Semester: | [Download PDF] | ||
| Third Semester: | [Download PDF] | ||
| Forth Semester: | [Download PDF] |
| Name: | Dr. Basavaraj Bagade |
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| Designation: | Coordinator |
| Email-id: | bagadebr@gmail.com |
| Mobile Number: | +91 9620587750 |
| Period of Chairmanship: | 2 Years |
| Resume: | [View Resume] |
| Full Name: | Dr. Basavaraj Bagade |
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| Designation: | Assistant Professor |
| Qualification: | M.A., M.Ed., Ph.D., K-SET |
| Email-id: | bagadebr@gmail.com |
| Mobile: | +91 9620587750 |
| Resume: | [View Resume] |
| Full Name: | Dr. M B Chalawadi |
|---|---|
| Designation: | Assistant Professor |
| Qualification: | M.A, Ph.D. |
| Email-id: | Mahantbc12@gmail.com |
| Mobile: | +91 9449018935 |
| Resume: | [View Resume] |
| Full Name: | Dr. MANJUNATHA. N.K. |
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| Designation: | Assistant Professor |
| Qualification: | M.Sc., Ph.D., NET |
| Email-id: | nkmanju@rcub.ac.in, manjunathbhoomi100@gmail.com |
| Mobile: | +91 8722865424, +91 8618292695 |
| Resume: | [View Resume] |
Information about the department's research profile will be updated soon.
| Research Title | Faculty Name | Funding Agency/Details |
|---|---|---|
| Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Land Use/Land Cover in Bagalkot District: Using Remote Sensing Techniques | Dr. Basavaraj Bagade | PMEB, RCU. Completed July 2021 |
| Spatial patterns and variations in literacy and sex ratio in Belagavi District, Karnataka: A study in Gender Geography | Dr. Manjunatha N .K. | Rani Channamma University. Completed 2020–21 |
| A study of Human Health Risk Assessments around Industrial textile plant and Water treatment process using Electro-catalytic method | Rani Channamma University (₹4 Lakh). Completed 2022–23 |
| Funding Source | Amount | Faculty Coordinator |
|---|---|---|
| Ashok Iron Industries, Belagavi | ₹7 Lakhs | Dr. Basavaraj Bagade |
| Shri. Hanumanth Neerani, MLC, C-funding | ₹5 Lakhs | |
| Generated for international conference from CSR and other Govt agencies | ₹25 Lakhs |
Note: No data available for Dr. M B Chalawadi.
The Department of Geography is committed to providing a dynamic learning environment. A key initiative was the establishment of the Geoinformatics Laboratory, funded by the Jay Bharath Foundation (Ashok Iron Works Ltd) under CSR. This lab, equipped with 10 laptops, was inaugurated on 30/11/2021 and serves as a hub for teaching and research in GIS, Remote Sensing, and GPS. The department aims to offer a P.G. Diploma in Geoinformatics in collaboration with KSRSAC and NRSA to meet the growing demand for geospatial professionals.
Guest Speakers: Dr. Vidya Chougle and Dr. Prashanth Patil (Kolhapur University)
Summary: The Department of Studies in Geography successfully organized a one-day workshop on Geospatial Technology in January 2025. The event aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of students and researchers in emerging geospatial tools and applications. Both resource persons delivered insightful sessions on the latest developments in GIS, remote sensing, and their practical applications in research and planning. The workshop received active participation from postgraduate students, research scholars, and faculty members, making it an enriching academic experience. Dr. Basavaraj Bagade, Coordinator, efficiently coordinated the event.
Guest Speaker: Dr. D. K. Kamble, Deputy Registrar, RCU, Belagavi.
Summary: As part of National Integration Week, the Department of Geography organized an "Environmental Protection Day" in Bhootaramanahatti village. Dr. T.K. Kamble addressed students and villagers on the importance of preventing environmental imbalance, water conservation, and forest protection. Geography students performed a street play on environmental conservation. Dr. Basavaraj Bagade welcomed the gathering, Dr. Manjunath N. delivered the vote of thanks, and Shashikala Hande compered the event. PG students, research scholars, and villagers were present.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Sanjit Sarkar, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Geography, Central University of Karnataka.
Summary: On 2nd February 2023, the department organized a special lecture where Dr. Sanjit Sarkar delivered an insightful talk on various data sources pivotal for demographic and geographical studies. He emphasized the role of census data, NFHS, SRS, and other datasets in advanced research. The lecture also highlighted methodologies for interpreting secondary data and integrating them with GIS tools. The session was highly interactive, with active participation from PG students and research scholars. Dr. Basavaraj Bagade coordinated the event.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Brati Dey, Head Faculty Geoinformatics, Swatik Edustart, Institute of GIS & Remote Sensing, New Delhi.
Summary: The session focused on the practical and theoretical dimensions of Geoinformatics, with an emphasis on spatial data analysis and environmental monitoring. Dr. Dey provided a comprehensive overview of modern tools like QGIS and ERDAS Imagine, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world applications. The event was coordinated by Dr. Basavaraj Bagade and aimed at equipping students with contemporary skills in geospatial technology.
The department is well-equipped with a variety of facilities to support academic and research activities. These include:
Practical
Lab
| PARTICULARS | Attach the PDF File |
|---|---|
| Promotion-of-Research-RCU | [Download PDF] |
| Code-of-Ethics-for-Research-Document | [Download PDF] |
| Consultancy | [Download PDF] |
| Award-of-scholarship-and-free-ship | [Download PDF] |
| Internal-Complaints-Committee | [Download PDF] |
| e-Governance | [Download PDF] |
| Providing-Financial-support-to-Teachers | [Download PDF] |
| Code-of-Ethics | [Download PDF] |
| Green-Campus | [Download PDF] |
| Environment-&-Energy-Usage | [Download PDF] |
| Disabled-friendly-barrier-free-environment | [Download PDF] |
Details about alumni activities and contributions can be found in the document here: [Download PDF]
Alumni Coordinator Name: Dr. Manjunath N K.
| Year | M.Sc. |
|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 20 |
| 2022-23 | 20 |
| 2021-22 | 08 |
| 2020-21 | 07 |
| 2019-20 | 08 |
| Name: | Nafisa Naikodi |
|---|---|
| Designation: | Assistant Professor |
| Working for: | GFGC K R Pete Women’s Degree College |
| Email: | naikodinafisa@gmail.com |
| Mobile: | 9538854317 |
| Order Copy: | [Download] |
| Name: | Suman Kumari |
|---|---|
| Designation: | PHD Research Scholar, Dept. of Geography-RCUB |
| Email: | sumanpatel640@gmail.com |
| JRF Letter: | [Download] |
| Department Postal Address: | Coordinator, Department of Studies and Research in Geography, Rani Channamma University, Vidyasangama, National Highway-04, At/P: Bhootaramanahatti, Belagavi: 591156, Karnataka |
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| Office Phone: | 081-2565229 |
| Email-id: | geographydept@rcub.ac.in |