DU Website ✉️ head@or.du.ac.in Department Brochure Virtual Tour

Welcome

Operational Research (OR) as a subject was introduced in the University of Delhi in 1963 with the introduction of a two-year postgraduate programme. A decade later in 1973, the Department of Operational Research was independently set up under the Faculty of Mathematical Sciences. It is the first department in India to start a postgraduate programme in Operational Research.

Operational Research focuses on advancing Operational Research/Management Science (OR/MS) and Analytics through theoretical insights, methodological developments, and real-world case studies.

  • Promotes interdisciplinary collaboration by exploring the integration of Operational Research (OR)/Management Science (MS) and Analytics with other academic and industrial disciplines.
  • Emphasizes emerging fields such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Soft Computing, and Electronic Services as part of its extended research coverage.
  • Encourages submissions rooted in interdisciplinary approaches, offering real-world case studies and exploring new research directions in OR/MS and Analytics.
  • Focuses on advancing OR/MS and Analytics through a combination of theoretical developments and practical applications across diverse sectors.

Our campus placement program helps industries recruit well-trained Operations Managers who are equipped with analytical and decision-making skills. The inclusion of these young and dynamic professionals into organizational frameworks enables industries to achieve their operational targets efficiently.

Our alumni are positioned across the globe, actively contributing by applying mathematical and statistical modeling techniques to enhance managerial decision-making in various domains.

Dr. Kishor K. Aggarwal
Head, Department of Operational Research

History

In 1994, the Department also introduced the Post Graduate Programme at South Campus, University of Delhi. Since 2019 the Department is running Master of Operational Research Programme in both North Campus and South Campus. The Department also offers Ph.D. programme in Operational Research.

Operational Research is all about the transformation of inputs (such as material, machines, labor and capital) into output (goods and services) such that the output is of higher value than the sum of inputs. Our students are given theoretical as well as practical knowledge of various topics which facilitate the smooth functioning of this transformation process — a value chain extending from supplier to customer. These topics include Linear Programming, Statistics – the science of decision making in the face of uncertainty, Inventory Management, Supply Chain Management, Scheduling Techniques, Marketing Management, Econometric Modelling and Forecasting, Mathematical Programming, Queueing Theory, Reliability and Maintenance Theory, Software Engineering, Financial Management, Health Care Management. Our students are, therefore, indispensable for any organization.

The Department of Operational Research at the University of Delhi aims to produce analytical thinkers and decision scientists who excel in solving complex real-world problems. The department offers cutting-edge postgraduate programs, backed by experienced faculty and modern facilities.

Our vision is to foster innovation and data-driven solutions through a curriculum rich in mathematical modeling, optimization, and simulation techniques. With strong placement support, alumni network, and research exposure, we prepare students for careers in academia, industry, and research organizations.

The cornerstone of the programme is the Industrial Project where every student is matched with an industry partner to consult on a significant operational issue faced by the company. Working closely with the faculty members and project mentors, each student defines the problem to be solved, collects relevant information, builds mathematical models and delivers decision tools and executive level recommendations to the industry partner. The project outcomes are valued so highly by the industry partners that they hire the students to continue their work with them after completing their degree.

Vision and Mission

Vision

To be a globally recognized centre of excellence in Operational Research by advancing knowledge, promoting innovation, and solving real-world decision-making problems through cutting-edge research, education, and industry collaboration.

The Department envisions nurturing future-ready professionals and researchers who contribute meaningfully to the fields of Operations Management, Analytics, and Decision Sciences, while addressing complex challenges across academia, government, and industry.

Mission

  • Academic Excellence: To deliver rigorous and interdisciplinary education in Operational Research, Management Science, and Analytics with a strong foundation in mathematical modeling, optimization, and simulation.
  • Research Leadership: To promote original research in emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Supply Chain Optimization, Financial Engineering, and Public Systems Management.
  • Industry Integration: To foster active engagement with industry and government through internships, consultancy projects, and the hallmark Industrial Project, thereby bridging theory and practice.
  • Skill Development: To equip students with analytical, computational, and managerial skills necessary to tackle complex problems in diverse domains including logistics, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.
  • Innovation & Ethics: To encourage a culture of innovation, critical thinking, and ethical responsibility, ensuring that graduates contribute to society as responsible leaders and researchers.
  • Global Outreach: To strengthen international collaborations and expand the department’s academic and research footprint across borders.

Campus

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  • Research Labs and Facilities:
    The Department of Operational Research houses state-of-the-art research labs equipped with high-performance computing systems and statistical software. These labs support advanced research in areas such as optimization, machine learning, simulation, and decision science. Doctoral scholars and postgraduate students utilize these labs to conduct rigorous data analysis, model complex systems, and validate theoretical frameworks.
  • Seminar & Lecture Rooms:
    The seminar and lecture rooms are well-furnished, digitally enabled spaces designed for academic instruction, workshops, and interactive learning. Each room is equipped with smart boards, projectors, and high-speed internet to facilitate engaging presentations and collaborative discussions. They regularly host guest lectures, academic seminars, and industrial training sessions to enhance the learning environment.
  • Research Scholar Room:
    The Research Scholar Room provides a dedicated and quiet workspace for Ph.D. candidates and research fellows. It is furnished with ergonomic desks, storage units, and network access to support uninterrupted academic writing and computational work. This facility ensures a focused environment for literature review, thesis development, and scholarly collaboration.
  • Computer Lab:
    The Computer Lab is a fully networked, air-conditioned facility equipped with licensed analytical software like MATLAB, R, Python, LINGO, and SPSS. It supports hands-on training in algorithmic modeling, simulation, data mining, and programming for optimization problems. The lab is accessible to students for both coursework and project implementation under faculty guidance.
  • Committee Room:
    The Committee Room serves as the venue for departmental meetings, interviews, project reviews, and academic deliberations. It is equipped with conferencing facilities to enable both in-person and virtual discussions. This space is integral to the administration of departmental planning, curriculum revisions, and collaborative decision-making.
  • Library:
    The departmental library houses a rich collection of textbooks, reference materials, theses, and research journals relevant to Operational Research and allied fields. Students and researchers benefit from access to academic databases, past examination papers, and case studies. The library promotes self-directed learning and supports coursework, dissertations, and research endeavors.
  • Disabled-Friendly Campus:
    The campus is designed with inclusivity in mind, featuring wheelchair-accessible entrances, ramps, and elevators. Restrooms, lecture halls, and pathways are adapted to accommodate students and faculty with mobility challenges. These facilities ensure equitable access to education and participation in all academic activities.
  • Clean and Green Campus:
    The department takes pride in maintaining a clean, eco-friendly campus with lush green surroundings and pollution-free zones. Initiatives like waste segregation, tree plantation drives, and solar energy usage reflect its commitment to sustainability. The serene environment fosters academic focus and environmental awareness among students and staff.

Ranking

    The Department of Operational Research at the University of Delhi has consistently secured top positions in the QS World University Rankings by Subject for Mathematics, particularly among Indian universities.

    Year World Rank Asia Rank India Rank Rank Among Indian Universities
    2025 201–250 64–80 7–9 1st
    2024 251–300 68–80 9–10 1st
    2023 251–300 64–73 9 1st
    2022 301–350 75–81 9 1st
    2021 351–400 91–105 9–10 1st
    2020 351–400 87–100 9–10 1st
    2019 351–400 88–97 9–10 1st

Accomplishments

1. Department

  • The department was the first in India to start a postgraduate programme in Operational Research in 1963.
  • Recognized as a centre of excellence for education and research in OR/MS and Analytics.
  • Regularly publishes high-impact research papers in Scopus and Web of Science indexed journals.
  • Organizes national and international conferences, workshops, and seminars on cutting-edge topics.
  • Has a strong focus on interdisciplinary collaboration with domains such as AI, Finance, Healthcare, and Logistics.
  • Maintains active research collaborations with industry and global academic institutions.

2. Faculty

  • Faculty members have received national awards like UGC Research Fellowships and Young Scientist Awards.
  • Actively serve as reviewers and editorial board members of reputed international journals.
  • Invited as keynote speakers and resource persons in conferences across India and abroad.
  • Secured research grants from funding agencies such as UGC, DST, ICSSR, and international bodies.
  • Authored numerous books and book chapters in the fields of optimization, analytics, and operations research.
  • Lead several interdisciplinary and application-oriented research projects with social impact.

3. Students

  • Students have received prestigious fellowships like PMRF, INSPIRE, CSIR-JRF, and UGC-NET.
  • Many have presented papers at international conferences and received Best Paper Awards.
  • Alumni are placed in global companies such as Deloitte, EY, ZS Associates, TCS, EXL, and Mu Sigma.
  • The Industrial Project initiative enables students to solve real-world problems with industry mentorship.
  • Graduates secure doctoral and postdoctoral positions in top institutions globally.
  • Students consistently rank in top positions in exams like GATE, NET, and international university admissions.

Annual Reports

1. 2025

Details of departmental achievements, publications, faculty development, and placement records during 2025 will be uploaded soon.

2. 2024

Annual Report 2024 highlights academic innovations, industrial collaborations, student achievements, and infrastructure upgrades.

3. 2023

In 2023, the department successfully hosted conferences and published multiple research papers in reputed journals.

Brochure

1. 2025

Annual brochoure of Department of Operational Research 2025-26

2. 2024

Annual brochoure of Department of Operational Research 2024-25

3. 2023

Annual brochoure of Department of Operational Research 2023-24

Contact Us

Faculty of Mathematical Sciences
II Floor, Department of Operational Research
University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, India

📞 +91 011 27666672, 27667725 x 1333 (EPABX)

✉️ head@or.du.ac.in