University Types in India

In India, there are many university types which are categorized based on the administrative and funding structures. There four main type of universities are Deemed Universities, State Universities, Central Universities.

In-depth Explanation Of University Types

Deemed Universities

Based on academic excellence and contribution to higher education, the UGC grants universities the status of “Deemed to be University.” These universities have autonomy in designing courses, setting admission criteria, and deciding the fee structure. Also these universities can recive fund from goverment, but they can generate revenue through other means from collaborations, research projects and donations.

Some of the Deemed to be University in India are Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Symbiosis International University, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS Pilani), Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Christ University, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Jamia Hamdard & Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham.

The UGC currently recognizes 126 universities with “Deemed to be University” status (as of November 30, 2021).

Read More: Diffrence between Institute And University

State Universities

These universities are established by the state government and are under its jurisdiction. Each state in India may have multiple state universities. Funding for these universities comes from the respective state government. They follow academic guidelines set by a central body, and some of these universities may have affiliated colleges.

For example, some of the well-known state universities in India include University of Mumbai, University of Delhi, University of Calcutta, University of Madras, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), University of Rajasthan, University of Kerala, and University of Hyderabad.

As of 16 November 2022, the UGC lists 460 active state universities.

Central Universities

These universities are spread across different states and are established by an Act of Parliament, placing them under the direct control of the central government. In terms of academic and administrative decisions, these universities enjoy a higher degree of autonomy. Funding is received from the central government, but they can also generate revenue through research projects and collaborations.

For example, some of the well-known central universities in India include Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), University of Hyderabad, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Jamia Millia Islamia, Visva-Bharati University, Central University of Rajasthan, Central University of Punjab and Central University of Kerala.

As per UGC list there are 56 active central universities.

Private Universities

These universities are established and managed by private individuals or organisations, goverment doesnt control Private Universities. Similar to deemed universities they have considerable autonomy in decison making. As they dont recive financial support from the goverment these universities rely on tution fees, donations and other source of funding.

For example, some of the well-known private universities in India include Amity University, Symbiosis International University, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Manipal Academy of Higher Education, OP Jindal Global University & Ashoka University.

Total number of private university are around 430

When applying to universities, students should consider factors such as reputation, faculty, infrastructure, and course offerings. It’s also important to note that each type of university has its own advantages and challenges.