Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), an Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, hosted an admission outreach and media interaction in Chennai today. Headquartered in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, RRU also has campuses in Puducherry and Shivamogga, Karnataka, among others. Established by an Act of the Parliament of India, RRU is a pioneering national security and police university.
During the interaction, Mr. Ankur Sharma, Director (I/c) of the School of Integrated Coastal and Maritime Security Studies at RRU, addressed the media. Drawing from the timeless wisdom of Tamil poet-saint Thiruvalluvar, Mr. Sharma invoked a verse from the Thirukkural that underscores the foundations of a strong nation:
பிணியின்மை செல்வம் விளைவின்பம் ஏமம்
அணியென்ப நாட்டிவ் வைந்து. (Kural 738)
“The five ornaments of a nation are: good health, wealth, fertile lands, joy, and security.”
He emphasized that while many institutions serve sectors like health, economy, and agriculture, RRU stands apart as the only university dedicated to national security education and training.
Envisioned by the Honourable Prime Minister of India and guided by the Hon’ble Home Minister of India, RRU offers diverse academic and professional programs at all levels — UG, PG, and Doctoral — in areas such as SMART Policing, Criminal Law, Maritime Law and Maritime Security, Private Security, Cyber Security, Forensic and Behavioural Sciences, Strategic Languages, Physical Education, and more. The university aims to prepare a community of experts in various domains of national security.
He highlighted RRU’s core mission — to develop professionals who are conscious of national security and equipped with the right blend of knowledge and skills to counter evolving security challenges. He stressed that whether serving in the police, armed forces, or in other critical roles beyond traditional law enforcement, every professional has a role to play in strengthening national security. RRU is dedicated to fulfilling their higher education needs and channelling their potential in service of the nation.
When asked about the relevance of the university for students from Tamil Nadu, the RRU representative highlighted the state’s strategic importance as a coastal and maritime hub. He pointed to the growing opportunities for Tamil Nadu’s youth in the field of maritime law — not only in commercial maritime sectors but also in law enforcement through agencies like the Coastal Police/Coast Guard, as well as in areas such as port governance and port security. With the Government of India’s push to fully operationalise the ambitious Chennai–Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor, along with the ongoing development of Tamil Nadu’s minor ports to handle increased capacity, he said, young law students from the state are encouraged to consider RRU’s LL.M. programs in domains like Maritime Law and Coastal and Maritime Security Law and Governance.
On the question of the quality of faculty teaching these unconventional, field-oriented subjects, Mr. Sharma explained that RRU draws strength not only from its full-time academicians but also from a distinguished pool of national security practitioners who bring real-world insights into the classroom. From former Director Generals of the Indian Coast Guard, retired senior police officials to former directors from the Forensic department, RRU has strategically positioned itself to attract top-tier professionals. This creates the right ecosystem for the effective transfer of knowledge and skills from seasoned experts to students.
He emphasized that under the stewardship of Prof. Bimal N. Patel—Vice Chancellor of RRU, Member of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) of India, and Member of the United Nations International Law Commission (UNILC)—the university has evolved into a truly national institution. It now attracts top-tier students and faculty from across India and makes significant investments in capacity building—not only for students and faculty but also for officials of the state/UTs police, union paramilitary and armed forces, as well as officials from friendly foreign nations. Prof. Patel's role in the NSAB has enriched the university’s ecosystem by bringing in some of the finest serving national security practitioners to engage with RRU. Meanwhile, his membership in the UNILC has enabled the translation of RRU’s domestic advancements in National Security to the international stage, positioning the university as a globally recognized centre for security education and research.
Commenting on student support, he highlighted that RRU, with its modest fee structure, generous scholarship schemes, startup support, and student-centric support system, remains committed to attracting the best and brightest minds from across the country. The university also provides hostel accommodation, world-class sports infrastructure, and modern training facilities—creating an environment that fosters the holistic development of students aspiring to build careers in national security.
When asked about the application process and deadlines, he shared that admissions are now open for all programs. Interested students are encouraged to visit www.rru.ac.in to explore the wide range of programs offered, including those available at off-campus centers, and choose the one that best aligns with their goals. The last date to apply for undergraduate programs is May 1, 2025, and for postgraduate programs, it is June 30, 2025. However, he advised aspirants to refer to the website for specific deadlines, as they may vary by program.
The event concluded with a call to Tamil Nadu’s youth to play a meaningful role in strengthening India’s national security through informed academic and professional choices.