Hyderabad: In a landmark move that elevates Telangana’s academic profile and strengthens India’s scientific education landscape, the State Government has approved the establishment of the country’s first dedicated Earth Sciences University in Bhadradri-Kothagudem district. The university will be inaugurated on December 2nd by Hon’ble Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.
The institution, developed by upgrading the historic mining college in Kothagudem, has been named Dr. Manmohan Singh Earth Sciences University, in honour of the former Prime Minister, adding national prestige and global academic relevance to the vision.
This transformative achievement is being credited to the relentless leadership of Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao (TNR), whose persistent efforts and strategic proposal convinced the Chief Minister to sanction the project. Student unions, academic experts and youth organisations across the region have praised this development, describing it as a “defining legacy for future generations.”
Historic Evolution from a Mining College to a National-Level Institution
The university has evolved from the renowned School of Mines — long considered one of India’s prominent centres for mining studies. Over the decades, as the institution expanded beyond mining subjects, leaders from education and industry argued for its elevation into a specialised Earth Sciences hub.
The vision has now resulted in a full-fledged university with academic autonomy, advanced research capability and national importance.
Academic Programs to be Offered
The university will offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs in core Earth Science disciplines such as:
- Geology
- Geophysics
- Geochemistry
- Geo-Mines
- Environmental Science
- Industrial Science
Admissions will begin from the next academic year, enabling students from across India to pursue career-oriented education tied directly to real-world geoscience and industry needs.
Kothagudem — The Ideal Geo-Scientific Hub
The selection of Kothagudem for the university is considered strategically ideal because of its unique geography and industrial ecosystem:
- Mineral-rich belts and extensive coal reserves
- Singareni Collieries mining network
- Dense forest regions and biodiversity clusters
- The Godavari River basin — valuable for environmental and hydrological research
- Strong industrial corridor supporting applied learning
Together, these elements turn Kothagudem into a living laboratory for advanced research and field-based education.
Why This University is Transformative
The establishment of the Earth Sciences University is expected to drive major academic, economic and industrial benefits:
- Positions Telangana on the global map of science & education
- Strengthens collaboration between industry and academia
- Creates highly skilled professionals in mining, geoscience and environmental engineering
- Expands research and innovation opportunities
- Promotes job creation and entrepreneurship in resource-based sectors
- Boosts regional growth and infrastructure investment
Students, research scholars and emerging professionals stand to benefit from cutting-edge training, practical exposure and access to real mining and geological environments.
A Turning Point for Regional Development
Along with the proposed Greenfield Airport, new road connectivity, industrial expansion and improved transport access, Kothagudem is entering a rapid phase of development. The university is expected to attract national-level faculty, investors, research partnerships and technological collaborations.
The initiative has sparked widespread appreciation from youth organisations and regional communities who believe that both CM Revanth Reddy and Minister TNR will be remembered for shaping a historic milestone that redefines educational opportunities in the region.
A New Chapter for Telangana
The establishment of India’s first Earth Sciences University reflects the Telangana government’s commitment to high-impact educational reforms and innovation-led growth. With the upcoming inauguration, the state is poised to emerge as a national hub for Earth science research, sustainable mining, environmental studies and advanced scientific education.
Kothagudem now stands ready to become the epicentre of India’s next generation of geological, mining and environmental experts — a landmark moment for Telangana and for the country.