BAOU INFLIBNET MoU, Ahmedabad, gives students new hope
BAOU INFLIBNET MoU Ensures Better Study Support for Students in Gujarat
We are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 23 April 2026 between Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, Ahmedabad, and the Information and Library Network Centre (INFLIBNET), Gandhinagar.
This step comes at a time when Indian universities are working hard to improve access to digital learning and research tools. Over the past few years, open universities have seen a sharp rise in student enrolment, especially among working adults and rural learners. Many of these students depend fully on online libraries and digital platforms. Experts often say that without strong digital support, distance education cannot succeed. This MoU directly supports that need.
This collaboration, under the distinguished leadership of Prof. Ami Upadhyay, Hon. Vice Chancellor of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, marks a significant step towards strengthening academic and research infrastructure through a wide range of INFLIBNET services, including IndCat, SOUL (Library Automation), ONOS, INFED, ShodhGanga, ShodhShuddhi (PDS), Shodh-Chakra, ILMS, IRINS, ShodhPrabha, and INFYMEET. has played a key role in India’s higher education system for many years. It works under the University Grants Commission and supports thousands of colleges and universities. Services like IndCat help students find books and journals across India. Many researchers use it daily to save time and locate rare material. SOUL, the library software, is already used in over 4,000 libraries. It helps manage books, records, and users in a simple and organised way.
Platforms like ShodhGanga have changed how research is shared in India. It stores thousands of PhD theses from universities across the country. Students can read past research without travelling or paying extra fees. Reports show that ShodhGanga has improved research quality, as students can learn from earlier work and avoid repeating the same topics.
ShodhShuddhi, also known as plagiarism detection software, is now a must in universities. Academic experts often warn that copied work damages trust and learning. With tools like this, universities can check research work properly and ensure originality. Many top institutions in India already use such tools as a standard practice.
IRINS helps track the research performance of teachers and institutions. It shows data such as publications, citations, and academic impact. This is useful for both universities and funding bodies. It also helps teachers build a strong academic profile. INFYMEET supports online meetings and academic discussions, which have become common after the pandemic. Online seminars and workshops now reach more people than before.
The MoU aims to clearly define the responsibilities and commitments of both institutions, ensuring effective implementation of these services for the benefit of students, researchers, and academic communities.
Clear roles and planning are important in such partnerships. In many cases, MoUs fail because there is no follow-up or clear system. Education experts often stress that regular training, monitoring, and technical support are needed for success. With defined responsibilities, both institutions can focus on proper execution. This also helps students get real benefits instead of just announcements.
For students, this means easier access to study material, better research tools, and faster learning support. For researchers, it opens doors to national-level databases and improves the quality of their work. For teachers, it provides tools to manage classes, research, and publications more effectively.
The agreement was executed by Prof. Devika P. Madalli, Director, INFLIBNET Centre, and Prof. Ami Upadhyay, Vice Chancellor, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University. Representatives of both institutions were present on the occasion.
Such collaborations are becoming more common across India. Universities are now focusing on shared resources instead of working alone. This helps reduce costs and improve quality at the same time. Gujarat, in particular, has seen steady growth in digital education initiatives. With strong support from institutions like INFLIBNET, universities in the state are moving towards a more connected and modern education system.
This MoU reflects that direction. It is not just a formal agreement. It is a step towards making education more open, reliable, and useful for every learner.