Top Universities in India State-Wise 2026-27: Your Ultimate Guide

Established in 2018, Central University of Andhra Pradesh is a distinguished university situated in Ananthapuramu, Andhra Pradesh. The institution is affiliated with Central University of Andhra Pradesh and recognized by University Grants Commission (UGC), imparting rigorous programs anchored in holistic multidisciplinary education, applied research, and professional competence. Students benefit from contemporary infrastructure featuring digital lecture rooms, departmental resource centers, and central library, designed to support hands-on learning and comprehensive intellectual growth. Through structured career placement cells and community outreach, Central University of Andhra Pradesh continues to prepare graduates for impactful careers across regional and global sectors.

Tezpur University is a premier Central University located in Assam, established in 1994 by an Act of Parliament. The university is known for its interdisciplinary approach to education, research excellence, and strong academic infrastructure. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in fields such as engineering, sciences, humanities, management, and social sciences. The campus is spread across a lush green area, providing a conducive environment for learning and innovation.

With an educational trajectory spanning 17 years since its inception in 2009, Central University of South Bihar serves as a prominent seat of learning in Gaya, Bihar. Conforming to regulatory norms of University Grants Commission (UGC) through its affiliation with Central University of South Bihar, the institution offers students an integrated foundation across holistic multidisciplinary education, applied research, and professional competence. Students benefit from contemporary infrastructure featuring digital lecture rooms, departmental resource centers, and central library, designed to support hands-on learning and comprehensive intellectual growth. Through structured career placement cells and community outreach, Central University of South Bihar continues to prepare graduates for impactful careers across regional and global sectors.

With an educational trajectory spanning 39 years since its inception in 1987, Nalanda Open University, Patna serves as a prominent seat of learning in Nalanda, Bihar. Operating under the academic aegis of Nalanda Open University, Patna and recognized by University Grants Commission (UGC), it provides structured degree programs emphasizing holistic multidisciplinary education, applied research, and professional competence. Students benefit from contemporary infrastructure featuring digital lecture rooms, departmental resource centers, and central library, designed to support hands-on learning and comprehensive intellectual growth. Dedicated to holistic student empowerment, the institution prepares ethical and career-ready professionals who contribute meaningfully to societal and industrial growth.

Goa University, established in 1985, is a premier public state university located in Taleigao, Goa. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across disciplines such as arts, science, commerce, management, and engineering. The university is known for its scenic campus, strong academic framework, and research-oriented approach.

With an educational trajectory spanning 17 years since its inception in 2009, Central University of Gujarat serves as a prominent seat of learning in Vadodara, Gujarat. Operating under the academic aegis of Central University of Gujarat and recognized by University Grants Commission (UGC), it provides structured degree programs emphasizing holistic multidisciplinary education, applied research, and professional competence. The campus is equipped with digital lecture rooms, departmental resource centers, and central library, creating an immersive environment for scholarly development and collaborative innovation. By combining academic discipline with practical exposure, it equips emerging scholars to meet evolving demands in industry, academia, and public service.

The Central University of Haryana (CUH), established in 2009, is a prestigious central university located in Mahendragarh, Haryana. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across disciplines such as engineering, sciences, humanities, commerce, and management. CUH is known for its modern infrastructure, research-oriented approach, and focus on academic excellence.

The Central University of Himachal Pradesh (CUHP), established in 2009, is a premier central university located in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across disciplines such as humanities, social sciences, commerce, management, and sciences. The university is known for its scenic campus, research-oriented curriculum, and emphasis on interdisciplinary learning.

The President of India gave assent to the Central Universities Act, 2009, which envisages establishing and incorporating universities for teaching and research in the various states. The Central University of Jharkhand came into being under this act on the 1st of March, 2009. The Visitor of the Central University of Jharkhand, Her Excellency, Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil, appointed Dr. Darlando T. Khathing, an internationally renowned scientist and a distinguished academic administrator, as its first Vice Chancellor. CUJ focus will be on research in cutting-edge technologies.

The Central University of Karnataka (CUK) has been established by an Act of the Parliament (No. 3 of 2009) at Kalaburagi, Karnataka. It is one of the 16 new central universities established by the Government of India during the UGC XI Plan Period to address the concerns of ‘equity and access’ and to increase the access to quality higher education by people in less educationally developed districts, which have a graduate enrollment ratio of less than the national average of 11%. The CUK, with its territorial jurisdiction all over Karnataka, has initiated its activities from the academic year beginning August 2009 in keeping with the philosophy of achieving and maintaining the highest levels of academic excellence, sensitivity to equity and access in enrollment and recruitment, and emerging as a premier national educational and research institution in the country.

Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, also known as the University of Sagar, is a central university located in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh. Established in 1946 by Dr. Harisingh Gour, it is one of the oldest and largest universities in the state. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and doctoral programs across disciplines such as science, arts, commerce, law, engineering, management, and pharmacy. The campus spreads across more than 1300 acres and provides modern academic facilities, research centers, hostels, libraries, and sports infrastructure.

Manipur University, established in 1980 and converted into a Central University in 2005, is located in Imphal, Manipur. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across disciplines such as humanities, sciences, social sciences, and professional courses. The university is recognized by UGC and is known for its academic excellence, research contributions, and diverse student community in the North-East region of India.

The objectives of the University shall be to disseminate and advance knowledge by providing instructional and research facilities in such branches of learning as it may deem fit; to pay special attention to the improvement of the social and economic conditions and welfare of the people of the hill areas of the Northeastern region, and, in particular, their intellectual, academic and cultural advancement The North-Eastern Hill University Act (24 of 1973), passed by both Houses of Parliament, received the assent of the President of India on May 26th, 1973. It was published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary) on May 26th, 1973, together with the First Schedule of the Act incorporating the Statutes of the University.

Mizoram University (MZU) is a central university established in 2001 by the Government of India. Located in Aizawl, Mizoram, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across disciplines such as science, humanities, commerce, management, and engineering. The university is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and accredited with an ‘A’ grade by NAAC. Mizoram University is known for its scenic campus, strong academic research, and diverse student community from across India.

Located in the educational landscape of Zunheboto, Nagaland, Nagaland University was established in 1994 to deliver transformative education. Operating under the academic aegis of Nagaland University and recognized by University Grants Commission (UGC), it provides structured degree programs emphasizing holistic multidisciplinary education, applied research, and professional competence. The institution maintains robust academic resources including digital lecture rooms, departmental resource centers, and central library, fostering an active student life and practical competencies. Graduates of Nagaland University emerge as competent, socially conscious professionals poised to assume impactful roles in diverse professional domains.

The Central University of Odisha has been established by the Parliament under the Central Universities Act, 2009 (No. 3C of 2009). It is one of the 15 new Central Universities established by the Government of India during the UGC XI Plan period to address the concerns of "equity and access" and as per the policy of the Government of India to increase the access to quality higher education by people in less educationally developed districts, which have a Graduate Enrollment Ratio of less than the national average of 11%. The Koraput District of Odisha comes within the KBK region (Koraput, Bolangir, and Kalahandi), which is still considered an extremely underdeveloped region of the State of Odisha. These three districts of the state are known for tribal culture because the majority of the people here belong to ST and SC categories. Since there is no university or any other national-level educational setup in this region, the Central University is proposed to be established here so that it may widen the access to quality higher education in the country.

The Central University of Punjab has been established in 2009 along with other new central universities by an Act of Parliament (No. 25 of 2009). Central University has completed a remarkable journey of 13 years. The university is accredited with an ‘A+’ grade in 2023 in the second accreditation cycle by NAAC and has secured 95th, 87th, 84th, 81st, 100th, and 83rd ranks in the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively, in the University category of NIRF. It is credited with the highest per capita research funding. The university has a mission of providing a wide range of instructional and research facilities across integrated and cross-disciplines, promoting innovation in teaching, learning, and research, and cross-pollinating new ideas, new technologies, and new worldviews. It aims to create an ignited workforce responsive to regional, national, and global needs in tune with the requirements of academia, industry, and business. The university is resorting to e-governance through the Samarth Project. The staff members have been trained in twenty-one administrative modules for reducing the response time and bringing transparency to the decision-making process and also to ensure a participatory model of governance.

Located in the educational landscape of Ajmer, Rajasthan, Central University of Rajasthan, Jaipur was established in 2009 to deliver transformative education. Conforming to regulatory norms of University Grants Commission (UGC) through its affiliation with Central University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, the institution offers students an integrated foundation across holistic multidisciplinary education, applied research, and professional competence. With modern campus amenities encompassing digital lecture rooms, departmental resource centers, and central library, the institution actively bridges conceptual instruction with empirical application. Dedicated to holistic student empowerment, the institution prepares ethical and career-ready professionals who contribute meaningfully to societal and industrial growth.

Sikkim University is a central university located in Gangtok and Yangang, Sikkim, India. It was established in 2007 by an Act of Parliament of India. While currently operating from various locations in Gangtok, its permanent campus is being developed in Yangang, Namchi district. Several departments and offices have started functioning from the main campus as the university is undergoing a progressive shifting phase to the main campus. The ongoing development of the permanent campus in Yangang is a significant undertaking with the development of state-of-the-art facilities and a consolidated learning and research environment for the students. Currently the university offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs distributed among the following schools of studies, each encompassing related departments: Sikkim University offers a broad spectrum of programs catering to various academic interests, therefore providing valuable opportunities for specialized research and learning. Sikkim University is actively implementing the Learning Outcomes-based Curriculum Framework (LOCF) in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Sikkim's rich natural resources and cultural diversity provide unique opportunities for research, especially in environmental science, sustainable development, and cultural studies. The ongoing campus development will help mitigate existing challenges and is expected to further enhance the university's capacity to attract more students, faculty, and international collaborations. Sikkim University is on the path to becoming a center of academic excellence, contributing to the socio-economic development of Sikkim and neighboring states while focusing on sustainability and cultural preservation.

Welcome to the Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, a hub of academic excellence and innovation. Our institution takes immense pride in its 13 schools, with 28 dynamic departments that foster a diverse and enriching learning environment. Our commitment to comprehensive education is evident in the vast array of 64 academic programs we offer, tailored to cater to different interests and aspirations. Among these are 29 research programs, 22 specialized programs, 6 integrated programs, 2 undergraduate programs, and several PG diploma courses. Through strategic collaborations with prestigious institutions such as the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International School of Textiles & Management, Coimbatore, and the Salim Ali Center for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) in Coimbatore, CUTN extends its academic reach even further, providing undergraduate and postgraduate programs through industrial and institutional partnerships. Moreover, the Central University of Tamil Nadu houses a community college, providing B.Voc. programs, along with various certificate and diploma programs to cater to diverse educational needs.

The University of Hyderabad (UoH), established in 1974, is a premier central university known for its excellence in teaching and research. Located in Hyderabad, it offers a wide range of postgraduate, integrated, and doctoral programs across disciplines such as sciences, social sciences, humanities, management, and technology. The university is recognized for its strong research output, vibrant campus life, and interdisciplinary learning environment.

From a humble beginning as the Post-Graduate Wing of Calcutta University in 1976 to a state university in 1987 and eventually a central university in 2007, Tripura University has traversed a long way in its pursuit of excellence as a higher education institution in this tiny landlocked state of Tripura. The university is dedicated to the cause of developing and empowering the people of this state and the region by imparting quality education and technological innovations in the field of academic and research activities. The picturesque beauty in an idyllic surrounding of the campus situated in a zero-pollution zone provides the right academic ambience for nurturing young and potential minds. As a conventional university, Tripura University has taken upon itself the responsibility to preserve and promote the enviable heritage of the state’s indigenous art forms, folk, oral, and multi-dimensional cultural traditions. At present there are five faculties, forty-four departments, and four centers of study in the university, along with four departments under the Directorate of Distance Education. The Directorate of Distance Education extends educational support to the employed and socio-economically deprived sections located in the far-flung hilly areas of this state. The future plans of the university include expansion of the campus and immediate installation of ICT-enabled classrooms in all the departments, more hostels for men and women, including research scholar hostels, improved canteens, guest houses, and accommodation for the faculty and non-teaching staff, employment of modern technological tools, and facilitating a multimedia mode of interactive teaching and learning. In order to adapt to the demands of the changing times, the university is gradually changing over to e-governance for efficient, accurate, and eco-friendly administration.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University (BAMU), established in 1958, is a public state university located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Maharashtra. The university was originally known as Marathwada University and was renamed in 1994 in honor of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. BAMU offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in disciplines such as science, engineering, humanities, commerce, law, and management. The university is recognized by the UGC and accredited with NAAC grade A. It serves as an affiliating university for numerous colleges across the Marathwada region.

Banaras Hindu University (BHU), established in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, is one of India’s premier central universities located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across disciplines such as humanities, social sciences, science, engineering, medicine, and management. Known for its large residential campus, BHU is recognized for academic excellence, research contributions, and cultural heritage.

Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University was established as a state university vide U.P. State Government notification no. (10)/(865)/15/(75)(85)/64 dated 23 November 1973. It has a rare distinction of taking birth through a powerful and popular movement during the early 1970s. This movement symbolized the hopes and aspirations of the masses for the development of higher education institutions in the Garhwal region. The people of this remote mountain region struggled to open a university in the small but historic semi-rural town of Srinagar, Garhwal. It was an expression of the quest for empowering their future generations to overcome endemic economic and social backwardness, geographic and environmental constraints, preserving cultural identity, and harnessing the human resources for development. Proof-of-year-of-establishment.pdf The HNBGU was converted to a Central University on 15th January 2009 by an Act of Parliament, i.e., the Central Universities Act 2009. The university has thus been entrusted with new responsibilities to guide its students, faculty, and all other stakeholders to achieve excellence in academics and strive for the all-round development of the students. Since its inception, the university has shown commitment towards regional and community development inherent in its teaching courses, research agenda, and other outreach and extension initiatives. The synergy derived from the circumstances of its genesis still inspires and promotes its vision for the future. However, being a central university, HNBGU has a pan-India appeal and draws students from various pockets of the country. The University, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, ranging in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, is a residential cum affiliating institution of higher learning. It has jurisdiction over seven districts of the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The university has three campuses distantly located from each other: Birla Campus with its extension at Chauras Campus, Srinagar, Garhwal; B. Gopal Reddy (BGR) Campus, Pauri; and Swami Ram Teerth (SRT) Campus, Badshahithaul, Tehri. In addition, there are around 70 colleges and institutes affiliated with HNBGU, spreading over seven districts of the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. On university campuses, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs are offered in various disciplines. Besides conventional courses, the university has introduced some regionally relevant courses of greater significance for the mountainous areas.

Hindu College, which was established in 1899, has a distinguished background that ties it intimately to both the country and the city of Delhi. The idea of the College was born out of the movement for Indian independence, which was growing in strength as the nineteenth century drew to a close. The Indian National Congress had been founded a little more than ten years prior, and this year, at the momentous Lucknow session, the first party constitution was drafted. In 1899, Mahatma Gandhi was in South Africa spearheading a campaign against efforts to disenfranchise the Indian community there. Dadabhai Naoroji was two years away from publishing his Poverty and Un-British Rule in India. Bal Gangadhar Tilak had made his now-famous claim that Swaraj should be a birthright.

Established in 2011, Central University of Jammu is a distinguished university situated in Samba, Jammu And Kashmir. Operating under the academic aegis of Central University of Jammu and recognized by University Grants Commission (UGC), it provides structured degree programs emphasizing holistic multidisciplinary education, applied research, and professional competence. The institution maintains robust academic resources including digital lecture rooms, departmental resource centers, and central library, fostering an active student life and practical competencies. Graduates of Central University of Jammu emerge as competent, socially conscious professionals poised to assume impactful roles in diverse professional domains.