DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS

The Physics Department of Janta Vedic College, Baraut, stands as a testament to the institution’s vision of advancing scientific education in a primarily rural and agrarian region of Western Uttar Pradesh. The college itself was founded on October 20, 1917, as Jat Vedic High School by the Jat Shiksha Sabha—a community initiative aimed at promoting education among the farming population. With time, this modest high school evolved into a full-fledged undergraduate institution in 1949, and by 1956, it had initiated postgraduate and research programs across multiple disciplines. It is affiliated with Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, and recognized under sections 2(f) and 12(b) of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Amidst this academic expansion, the Physics Department was established in the year 1962 with the introduction of the B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) program. The department was founded with the goal of providing rigorous and quality education in fundamental and applied physics to students from rural backgrounds. Recognizing the rising demand for advanced education in science, the department soon expanded to offer M.Sc. (Master of Science) in Physics and eventually became a recognized centre for doctoral research (Ph.D.). Over the decades, it has grown into a hub of scientific inquiry, promoting both theoretical and experimental physics in areas such as atomic and molecular physics, solid-state physics, electronics, nanomaterials, and plasma processing.

The development of the department owes much to the leadership and vision of educationists like Dr. Ranbir Singh Latayan, who served as the principal of the college from 1963 to 1972. Under his tenure, the science faculties, particularly physics, flourished with infrastructural upgrades and academic discipline. Dr. Latayan later went on to serve as the founding principal of Sri Aurobindo College, Delhi University, and was also elected to the Rajya Sabha. His foundational work laid the groundwork for future academic and research growth within the department.

Academically, the Physics Department has designed its undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum to balance theoretical foundations with practical skills. The B.Sc. program includes core subjects such as mechanics, electricity, optics, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and nuclear physics. The M.Sc. program is structured into four semesters covering advanced areas like mathematical physics, classical mechanics, quantum theory, electronics, atomic and molecular physics, electrodynamics, statistical mechanics, nanomaterials, and computational methods. Each semester integrates practical components and continuous internal assessments, ensuring holistic learning.

The department has also been active in research and development, supported by grants from national agencies such as the UGC, Department of Science and Technology (DST), and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). These projects have not only enhanced the research output but have also helped develop laboratories equipped with modern instruments for postgraduate and doctoral research. Topics of research include laser technology, photonics, thin-film deposition, nanostructured materials, and microwave plasma.

In terms of faculty, the department boasts a team of qualified and experienced educators and researchers. Professors like Dr. Vinay Kumar, Mr. Prashant Yadav, Dr. Ravinder Kumar, and Dr. Vipin Kumar contribute to various specializations ranging from electronics and communication physics to photonics and materials science. Their involvement in both teaching and funded research projects has significantly elevated the academic standard of the department.

Alongside academics, the Physics Department has contributed to student development through seminars, workshops, and science exhibitions, often collaborating with national science programs. The department is also supported by a departmental library, access to the central college library with over 1 lakh volumes, and ICT-enabled classrooms. Its integration with other college facilities—such as hostels, agricultural farms, and community welfare initiatives—creates a unique blend of traditional values and modern scientific outlook.

Today, the Physics Department of Janta Vedic College continues to serve as a beacon of higher scientific education in the region. It combines a legacy of over six decades with a forward-looking vision to prepare students not just as science graduates but as researchers, innovators, and responsible citizens.

The Physics Department of Janta Vedic College is well-equipped with modern laboratories and infrastructure to support both undergraduate and postgraduate education. The department houses spacious labs dedicated to optics, electronics, nuclear physics, and solid-state physics, each furnished with advanced apparatus such as spectrometers, oscilloscopes, and laser systems. Students gain hands-on experience through regular practical sessions, workshops, and demonstrations, allowing them to connect theoretical concepts with real-world applications.

 Additionally, the department maintains a well-stocked departmental library offering a wide range of physics textbooks, reference materials, and research journals. Career counselling sessions, preparation classes for NET/GATE/JEST, and peer learning circles are also regularly organized.

To foster academic growth and research, the department provides access to computer labs with scientific software for data analysis and simulations. Some colleges in Uttar Pradesh have also initiated minor research projects funded by university grants or national science bodies, encouraging students to participate in research from an early stage. Seminars, guest lectures by renowned physicists, and inter-college science exhibitions are regularly organized to enhance student engagement. The faculty members are highly qualified, many with PhDs, and are actively involved in guiding students through projects, competitive exams, and higher studies. All of these make the Physics Department not just a place of learning but a nurturing ecosystem for intellectual and personal development.