Vivekananda Global University (VGU), Jaipur has just achieved something no university in Rajasthan has done before. On June 2, 2026, VGU was officially granted accreditation by the Data Science Council of America (DASCA) β making it the first DASCA-accredited university in Rajasthan and placing it in the same league as globally renowned institutions that have earned this coveted recognition.
This is not just another award on a shelf. This is a transformation β for VGU's engineering programs, for every student who walks through our gates, and for the future of Data Science & AI education in the entire state of Rajasthan.
What Is DASCA? Understanding the Gold Standard of Data Science
Before we celebrate, let's understand what DASCA really is and why it matters.
The Data Science Council of America (DASCA) is the world's premier standards, accreditation, and credentialing body for Data Science. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, DASCA is a globally established authority that defines professional benchmarks, certification frameworks, and academic accreditation standards for data science, artificial intelligence, analytics, and allied fields.
DASCA is not a regional or national body β it is a global institution whose certifications and accreditation have been embraced by some of the most respected universities on earth, including Columbia, Cornell, Duke, Harvard, and Stanford. When DASCA evaluates a university, it scrutinizes governance quality, curriculum design, faculty capability, research integration, and the real-world industry relevance of its programs.
What truly distinguishes DASCA from conventional accreditors is its vendor-neutral, cross-platform philosophy. Rather than endorsing any particular software tool, cloud provider, or technology stack, DASCA certifies competency across universal data science principles. This means a DASCA-credentialed professional is not "certified in Python" or "certified on AWS" β they are certified as genuinely capable data science practitioners who can adapt to any platform, any employer, any industry.
DASCA's accreditation is built on the DASCA Essential Knowledge Framework (EKFβ’) β a five-pronged intellectual architecture that maps and validates competencies across over 30 profession-critical knowledge vectors in data science. This framework is what sets DASCA apart as the architect of the world's first global digital accreditation for data science education.
Today, DASCA is leading the World Data Science & AI Initiative (WDSAI) β a global movement spanning 60+ countries, with plans to accredit 350+ institutions and build a global pool of 250,000 certified professionals by 2028. Over 200 institutions are currently queued for DASCA accreditation globally β VGU has already made it through.
A Historic Milestone: VGU β Rajasthan's First DASCA-Accredited University
On June 2, 2026, Vivekananda Global University became the first university in Rajasthan to earn this prestigious recognition. The official DASCA announcement described VGU as building "an academic ecosystem centered on innovation, applied learning, research, entrepreneurship, and industry-connected education".
This milestone did not happen by accident. It reflects years of deliberate institution-building β aligning VGU's engineering and technology programs with global standards, investing in research infrastructure, and fostering the kind of interdisciplinary learning environment that data-driven careers demand.
Commenting on this achievement, Er. Onkar Bagaria, Trustee & CEO of Vivekananda Global University, said:
"At Vivekananda Global University, we view Data Science & AI as important enablers of innovation, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary advancement. The DASCA accreditation reflects our commitment to building academic frameworks that remain aligned with evolving technological realities while fostering research, entrepreneurship, and industry engagement."
Prof. D.V.S. Bhagavanulu, Pro President of VGU, added:
"The integration of Data Science & AI within a multidisciplinary academic environment is becoming increasingly important to contemporary higher education. This accreditation recognizes the university's focus on maintaining academic quality, industry relevance, and future-oriented learning pathways."
DASCA's India representative, Avik Dutta, Country Manager at Academik America, recognized VGU's "strongly innovation-oriented academic environment where emerging technologies are being integrated with entrepreneurship, applied learning, and industry engagement".
VGU is now listed as one of DASCA's Spotlight Accredited Institutions and Centers of Excellence on the official DASCA website β alongside institutions of national and international distinction.
What DASCA Accreditation Actually Means for VGU
DASCA accreditation is not a ceremonial honor. It is a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation process that typically takes 4β8 weeks and assesses an institution across five critical dimensions:
Governance & Academic Intent β Does the institution have the leadership and vision to sustain globally aligned programs?
Curriculum Design β Do programs reflect globally benchmarked standards in Data Science, AI, analytics, and engineering?
Faculty Capability β Are faculty equipped to deliver world-class, future-focused education?
Research Integration β Is there genuine engagement with applied learning, innovation, and knowledge creation?
Industry Relevance β Are graduates prepared for the real-world demands of data-driven industries?
Once accredited, institutions are part of the WDSAI global ecosystem, gaining international visibility and collaborative opportunities. DASCA accreditation is valid for six years, after which institutions must reapply and demonstrate continued improvement.
This recognition places VGU in an elite global cohort that includes top institutions in India that have earned this same accreditation β such as SP Jain School of Global Management (which joined the same network as Columbia and Harvard), MIT-ADT University (first in Maharashtra), JK Lakshmipat University (Jaipur), and O.P. Jindal Global University. Among Rajasthan's universities specifically, VGU is the pioneer.
Why VGU Engineering Is Now the Best Choice in Rajasthan
DASCA accreditation is not just a badge β it is a statement about the quality and future-readiness of VGU's engineering education. Here is why DASCA makes VGU Engineering the most forward-looking engineering institution in Rajasthan:
1. Globally Benchmarked Curriculum
VGU's B.Tech programs in Computer Science & Engineering, Artificial Intelligence & Data Science, and related disciplines are now measured against international standards β the same standards used by Ivy League institutions. The DASCA accreditation affirms that VGU's programs in Data Science, AI, cloud computing, data analytics, cybersecurity, and software engineering align with what the global industry actually demands.
2. Students Can Now Earn Global Certifications Alongside Their Degree
This is the single biggest game-changer for VGU students. DASCA accreditation unlocks direct access to six globally recognized DASCA certifications:
Students from DASCA-accredited universities gain simplified eligibility, preferred fee structures, and recognition benefits. The DASCA ExpressTrackβ’ program provides graduates of accredited institutions a faster certification pathway with reduced eligibility requirements and lower certification fees.
3. India's Fastest-Growing Career Domain β With VGU Access
Data Science is not the future β it is the present. Average salaries for Data Scientists in India currently range from βΉ8 Lakhs to βΉ20 Lakhs per annum, with top earners touching βΉ34 Lakhs. AI Engineers can command βΉ20β35 LPA; Machine Learning Engineers βΉ18β30 LPA. Job postings requiring data science credentials jumped from 47% in 2024 to 70% in 2025. VGU graduates now enter this market with globally recognized credentials that competitors cannot match.
4. Multidisciplinary Advantage
One of DASCA's defining insights β shared by VGU's leadership β is that Data Science is not confined to technology. It intersects with business, engineering, healthcare, agriculture, design, governance, and innovation ecosystems. VGU's multidisciplinary campus β offering programs across engineering, management, law, agriculture, design, and pharmaceutical sciences β is uniquely positioned to produce graduates who apply data intelligence across every sector.
5. Innovation Ecosystem Recognition
The accreditation specifically recognizes VGU's "strongly innovation-oriented academic environment" β where entrepreneurship, incubation, applied research, and industry engagement co-exist with academic excellence. This is the learning environment that globally competitive employers look for.
Benefits for VGU Students: A New World of Opportunities
For every student enrolled at VGU β whether in B.Tech CSE, B.Tech AI & Data Science, BCA, MBA, or any other program β DASCA accreditation opens concrete new doors:
Certification Without Extra Barriers
Students at DASCA-accredited universities get preferential access to DASCA certifications with simplified eligibility criteria. You do not need additional years of work experience to start your certification journey β your VGU enrollment already counts in your favor.
A Credential That Travels the World
DASCA certifications are "designed for recognition across borders and industries". Whether a VGU graduate goes to Bengaluru, Dubai, London, or Singapore β employers globally understand and value DASCA credentials. This is unlike regional or national certifications that lose meaning beyond India's borders.
Future-Ready Skills
The DASCA accreditation ensures that VGU's curriculum includes digital learning resources, case studies, and knowledge frameworks aligned with what the global data economy demands today. Students learn not just what is in textbooks, but what industry expects.
Career Edge from Day One
DASCA credentials set students apart in recruitment processes. A DASCA-credentialed graduate "demonstrates a complete understanding of the latest Data Science techniques, tools and concepts to manage and harness Big Data across verticals, environments and markets".
Access to Global Networks
VGU students become part of the WDSAI global talent network β a community of Data Science and AI professionals from 28+ countries. This opens doors to international internships, collaborative research, and cross-border career opportunities.
Affordable Path to Global Certification
The WDSAI subsidy framework reduces certification costs significantly β with subsidies of 40β70% available for qualifying students. VGU's DASCA accreditation positions students to benefit from these subsidized certification pathways.
Benefits for VGU Faculty: Growing as Global Educators
DASCA accreditation is equally transformative for VGU's academic community:
Faculty Development Platforms
Through DASCA and WDSAI, faculty gain access to advanced knowledge frameworks, pedagogical resources, and professional development programs specifically designed for Data Science & AI educators. This keeps teaching current, rigorous, and globally relevant.
Collaborative Research Opportunities
DASCA accreditation enables "collaborative research engagement" with institutions and research bodies across the WDSAI global network. VGU faculty can now pursue research partnerships with peer institutions in 60+ countries.
Centers of Excellence
The accreditation supports development of institutional Centers of Excellence in Data Science & AI β structured hubs of applied learning, innovation, and industry engagement where faculty can lead cutting-edge work.
Curriculum Authority
DASCA's curriculum frameworks give faculty a globally benchmarked reference to design, review, and continuously improve their courses β ensuring VGU's programs remain at the frontier of the field.
Recognition in a Peer Global Network
Faculty at DASCA-accredited institutions are recognized as part of an international community of educators committed to global quality standards β enhancing their professional standing and publication opportunities.
The Bigger Picture: Why Rajasthan Needed This
Rajasthan is one of India's largest states β home to a rapidly growing technology, startup, and industrial ecosystem. Yet in the race to build globally competitive human capital in Data Science and AI, Rajasthan's universities were yet to be formally recognized by the world's foremost accreditation authority in the field.
VGU has changed that.
By becoming the first DASCA-accredited university in Rajasthan, VGU has:
Raised the bar for what engineering and technology education means in the state
Signaled to national and global employers that Rajasthan can produce globally certified Data Science talent
Created a competitive benchmark that will benefit the entire educational ecosystem of the region
Put Jaipur on the global map as a destination for world-class Data Science education
The DASCA recognition comes alongside VGU's existing portfolio of credentials that already distinguish it as Rajasthan's leading private university: NAAC A+ accreditation, QS Asia Rankings (Band 681β700 globally, 95th in India), ICAR recognition, Outlook Rankings AIR 111, and a student community of over 33,800 learners from across India and 23 countries.
VGU's Engineering Programs: Where DASCA Makes the Difference
VGU's School of Engineering offers a comprehensive range of programs that directly benefit from DASCA accreditation:
B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering β with specializations in AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, and Software Engineering
B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence & Data Science β a dedicated program at the intersection of engineering and data intelligence
B.Tech in CSE with AI/ML specialization β for students seeking cutting-edge technical depth
M.Tech and Ph.D. programs in Computer Science & related domains
BCA programs with Data Science and AI tracks
VGU engineering students already had access to a globally ranked curriculum, advanced laboratories, AICTE-approved programs, and a placement ecosystem that delivered a highest package of βΉ44 LPA domestically in 2025. DASCA accreditation now adds the layer of global certification that makes these graduates uniquely positioned in the job market.
Conclusion: A New Chapter Begins
When a university in Jaipur, Rajasthan earns the same accreditation as Columbia, Harvard, and Stanford's data science ecosystem β and does so as the first in its entire state β it is not an incremental improvement. It is a step-change.
DASCA accreditation at VGU means that students from Rajasthan no longer have to travel to a metro city or abroad to access globally recognized Data Science education. It means that VGU's engineering graduates carry credentials that are understood and valued by employers in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Singapore, and New York alike.
For prospective students, the message is clear: If you want to study engineering in Rajasthan with the backing of globally recognized Data Science accreditation, VGU is the only choice.
For employers and industry partners, the message is equally clear: VGU graduates in Data Science & AI meet global standards β because the global standards body said so.
This is Rajasthan's moment. And VGU is leading the way.
Vivekananda Global University | Jagatpura, Jaipur, Rajasthan | www.vgu.ac.in | 18003131415
Admissions Open 2026β27 | NAAC A+ | DASCA Accredited | QS Asia Ranked
