Top Universities in India 2024: Rankings, Admissions, Placements & Courses

Top universities in India 2024: Jawaharlal Nehru University, Banaras Hindu University, Aligarh Muslim University, Jamia Millia Islamia, and the University of Hyderabad are the top 5 central universities in the IIRF University Ranking 2023. The CUET exam has been conducted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for the admission of top universities in India. These are the most prominent sources of higher education in India, where students can study their desired courses and specializations at different levels of academic programs.
The top universities in India (Central and state) are public universities that are funded by the government to lower the cost of education for students. On the other hand, private universities are self funded educational firms that are required to accommodate students in their desired courses. All these kinds of universities are managed and accredited by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in India. UGC has introduced the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-2023) for admissions to the top universities in India. CUET 2023 is a part of the National Education Policy (NEP-2020).

As of 2023, India has 1074 universities in different categories:

  • Central University
  • State University
  • Private University
  • Deemed University

Top Universities in India: Highlights 2024

ParticularsDetails
Top Universities in India RankingsIIRF & NIRF
CUET Full FormCommon University Entrance Test
Top SpecializationsScience, Management, Humanities, and more
CoursesUG, PG, Diploma, Ph.D, Certificate
Top University Entrance Exams CUET, DU, BHU, JNU, and other top universities entrance exams

The Major Highlights of Top Universities in India

  • Top Government Universities in India have the lowest fees in the world, and the government also offers some scholarship schemes to reimburse the fee amount.
  • Most of the top universities in India offer education in every discipline and specialization.

Top 10 Universities in India: IIRF Ranking (2022-23) 

S.No.State UniversitiesAll India Rank 2022All India Rank 2023State Rank 2022State Rank 2023
 1 DA-IICT University (Gandhinagar) 1 1 1 1
 2 Nirma University (Ahmedabad) 2 3 2 2
 3 Shiv Nadar University (Dadri) 3 4 1 1
 4 REVA University (Bangalore) 4 8 1 3
 5

 Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University

(Dharwad)

 5 5 2 1
 6 O.P. Jindal Global University (Sonipat) 6 12 1 2
 6 Chitkara University (Patiala) 6 9 1 1
 7 Azim Premji University (Bangalore) 7 6 3 2
 8 Sri Sri University (Bhubaneswar) 8 11 1 1
 9 AMITY University (Noida) 9 7 2 2
 10 Dayanand Sagar University (Bangalore) 10 10 4 4

Top Universities in India that are accepting CUET 2024

After the inclusion of CUET, the admission process has changed, and students need to follow different strategies to get enrolled in various courses at the top universities in India. Here is a list of all central universities, state universities, deemed universities, and private universities, as mentioned below. There are a total of 215 Universities in India that are accepting CUET 2024.
Read More:

Top Universities in India Accepting CUET ScoresTop 10 Universities in India

CUET 2024 Participating College

The top universities in India that are CUET UG 2024 participants are divided into various categories. The following table lists the categories of universities that accept CUET UG 2024 scores, along with the approximate number of institutions in each group. 

Type of UniversitiesNumber of Universities
Central University44
State University34
Deemed University29
Private Universities105
Other Universities3

Top Universities in India: Admissions 2024

As the academic year kicks off, all eyes turn towards India's prestigious universities, where a multitude of students harbor dreams of commencing their higher education journey. With the advent of admissions for the 2024 academic year, these revered institutions bustle with activity, from the release of application forms to the stringent selection procedures that ensue. Successfully navigating this terrain necessitates meticulous planning, unwavering commitment, and a profound understanding of the distinct admission protocols set by each university.

Admission Process for Universities in India

Initiating the Process:

The inaugural step towards securing a coveted spot in a premier university entails completing application forms, typically accessible online via the university's official portal. Applicants must furnish personal particulars, educational credentials, and other pertinent details in accordance with stipulated guidelines.

Entrance Evaluations:

A significant number of leading universities in India administer entrance examinations for various undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These assessments serve as pivotal determinants in the admission process, meticulously gauging candidates' expertise, aptitude, and proficiency in their respective fields of study.

Criterion of Merit:

In tandem with entrance exams, the top 100 universities in India often factor academic merit into their selection criteria. Exemplary performance in qualifying examinations, such as 10+2 board exams or undergraduate degrees, significantly enhances one's prospects of securing admission.

Adherence to Reservation Norms:

Adhering to government-mandated directives, esteemed universities allocate reserved seats for candidates hailing from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and economically disadvantaged sections (EWS). Admissions are meticulously orchestrated to honor these reservation quotas, fostering inclusivity and diversity within the student body.

Guidance through Counseling:

Certain universities extend support to applicants through counseling sessions, facilitating clarity on the admission process, resolving queries, and furnishing insights into available courses and programs.

Verification of Documentation:

Upon selection, candidates are mandated to furnish authenticated copies of academic certificates, proof of identity, and other requisite documents, adhering to the university's specified guidelines.

Assessment via Interviews and Discussions:

Select programs may incorporate interviews or group discussions to evaluate candidates' communication prowess, subject matter expertise, and overall suitability for the course.

Allocation of Seats:

Successful candidates receive notifications regarding their admission status and are subsequently allocated seats based on their performance in entrance exams, academic merit, and other pertinent criteria.

Commencement of Academic Pursuits:

With the completion of the admission process, the academic journey for selected candidates commences as per the university's preordained schedule.

Traversing the labyrinthine admissions process of India's premier universities demands strategic planning, unwavering dedication, and thorough preparation. Armed with resolve and persistence, aspiring scholars can aspire to realize their aspirations of securing admission into their preferred institutions, thus embarking on a transformative educational voyage.

Eligibility criteria for admission in top Indian universities

The university offers educational programs at the diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. There are some basic eligibility criteria that need to be fulfilled by students to get admission into top universities in India.

Top Universities in India For Diploma Courses 

●       Students with 10th grade pass certificates are required to complete a diploma of three years duration, while those who pass the 10+2 examination can pursue a 2 year diploma course.

●       Students need to participate in the selection process by appearing in the entrance examinations or through their previous academic records.

Top Universities in India For UG Courses 

●       The students must pass the 12th grade exam or diploma from a recognized board of education.

●       Variable criteria govern the minimum marks required for the 12th examination. To learn what their required minimum marks are, students should contact the university separately. The majority of prestigious universities demand at least 60% on the 12th grade exam.

●       Students should have a similar subject in their 10+2 examination that they wish to pursue in their undergraduate course.

●       The students must achieve cutoff scores in the national entrance exam for UG programs or in other entrance exams that the particular university prefers.

Top Universities in India For PG Courses

●       The candidates must hold an undergraduate degree in a related field from a recognized institution.

●       The requirements for an undergraduate degree's minimum scores vary. To learn what their required minimum marks are, students should contact the university separately. The majority of prestigious universities demand at least 60% for the bachelor's degree.

●       The students must achieve cutoff scores in the national entrance exam for PG programs or in other entrance exams that the particular university prefers.

●       Personal interviews may be required of the applicants at the desired university.

Top Universities in India For Ph.D Courses 

●       The candidates must hold a postgraduate degree in a related field from a recognized institution with a minimum grade point average of 55%.

●       Students must take either a written test administered by the desired university or a national entrance exam administered by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

●       For the final merit list, the students must participate in individual interviews.

Entrance Examination for Top Universities in India

After the inception of the National Education Policy (NEP-2020), the UGC decided to conduct one examination for various universities and various courses, and that is known as the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). Some of the other important entrance examinations for admission to the top universities in India are mentioned below. 

 Common University Entrance Test (CUET) Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) Mains and   Advance
 Common Admission Test (CAT) National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET)
 Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)
 National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) Common Entrance Exam for Design (CEED)
 NIFT Entrance Exam Film and Television  Institute of India (FTII) Entrance Test National School of Drama (NSD) Entrance  Test
 Management Aptitude Test (MAT) Karnataka Management Aptitude Test (K-MAT)
 National Aptitude Test (NAT) Xavier Admission Test (XAT)
 JAM Entrance Exam Engineering and Medical Common  Entrance Test (EAMCET)
 AIMA UGAT Entrance Exam LAWCET Entrance Exam
 AILET Entrance Exam ILSAT Entrance Exam BITSAT Entrance  Exam
 ATIT Entrance Exam UGET Entrance Exam
 COMEDK Entrance Exam MHT CET Entrance Exam
 CMC Vellore Entrance Exam 

Specializations offered by Top Universities in India

Top universities in India offer a diverse array of specializations across various academic disciplines, catering to the varied interests and career aspirations of students. Here's an overview of the specializations offered:

Disciplines Top Specializations
Engineering and Technology:

Computer Science

Electrical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Civil Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering

Aerospace Engineering

Environmental Engineering

Materials Engineering

Nanotechnology

Management and Business Administration:

Finance

Marketing

Human Resources

Operations

Entrepreneurship

International Business

Supply Chain Management

Business Analytics

Healthcare Management

Strategic Management

Information Technology and Computer Science:

Software Engineering

Data Science

Cybersecurity

Artificial Intelligence

Computer Networks

Information Systems

Cloud Computing

Mobile Application Development

Web Development

Game Development

Medicine and Healthcare:

Medicine

Surgery

Dentistry

Pharmacy

Nursing

Biotechnology

Public Health

Healthcare Administration

Physiotherapy

Radiology

Science and Research:

Physics

Chemistry

Biology

Mathematics

Environmental Science

Astronomy

Geology

Biotechnology

Microbiology

Statistics

Social Sciences and Humanities:

Economics

Psychology

Sociology

Anthropology

History

Political Science

Literature

Linguistics

Philosophy

Cultural Studies

These specializations encompass a wide range of fields, providing students with opportunities to specialize in specific areas of interest. From engineering marvels to business strategies, from medical breakthroughs to societal dynamics, these top universities in India empower students to pursue their passions and excel in their chosen domains, preparing them for successful careers and impactful contributions to their respective fields.

Best Universities in India: Cut Off

In the vibrant tapestry of Indian education, the best universities in India stand as bastions of academic excellence, research prowess, and cutting-edge infrastructure. Their gates are guarded by stringent admission processes, where the quest for coveted seats hinges on a delicate dance of academic prowess, extracurricular flair, and sometimes, the charisma of personal interviews.

Each year, these academic citadels set their cut-off marks, a beacon guiding aspiring scholars through the labyrinth of admissions. These thresholds, akin to shifting sands, ebb and flow with the tides of competition, influenced by the influx of applicants, the caliber of their credentials, and the institutional capacity.

At the forefront of this academic battleground are the most sought-after programs, where the clamor for admission sends cut-off marks soaring. It's a testament to the fierce competition among students vying for a coveted spot in these top universities in India.

Yet, amidst this whirlwind of academic ambition, there exists a nod to inclusivity. Some of the top universities in India embrace reservation policies, carving pathways for candidates from marginalized backgrounds. Consequently, the cut-off marks for these categories may chart a different course, reflective of the diverse tapestry of Indian society.

In the digital age, technology serves as a faithful companion, offering students a window into the world of cut-off trends. Armed with this knowledge, aspiring scholars navigate the maze of admissions with precision, making informed choices about their academic destiny.

In essence, the cut-off marks not only signify the academic caliber of best universities in India but also embody the spirit of academic pursuit and the relentless quest for knowledge that defines the Indian educational landscape.

Best Universities in India: Comparison 2024

In the dynamic landscape of Indian higher education in 2024, the crown jewels of academia, the top universities in India, stand as pillars of excellence, continuously raising the bar in research, innovation, and student-centric initiatives. Comparing these academic giants involves a nuanced evaluation of various facets that define their stature and influence.

At the heart of the top universities in India lies a treasure trove of faculty expertise spanning a multitude of disciplines, from the sciences to humanities and management. These esteemed scholars, revered in their fields, not only impart knowledge but also drive cutting-edge research, fueling the engine of intellectual advancement.

The hallmark of distinction for the top universities in India is their prolific research output, marked by groundbreaking discoveries and scholarly contributions that reverberate across the globe. With state-of-the-art research facilities and interdisciplinary collaboration at their core, these institutions serve as crucibles of innovation, pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.

Infrastructure stands as a testament to their commitment to providing students with a conducive learning environment. From modern libraries to advanced laboratories and vibrant campus spaces, these top universities in India offer a blend of tradition and technology, fostering holistic development and academic excellence.

Yet, beyond bricks and mortar, lies a robust network of student support services, ensuring the well-being and success of every learner. Academic counseling, career guidance, and industry internships are but a few of the avenues through which these institutions nurture talent and pave the way for future leaders.

Industry collaborations further enrich the academic tapestry, offering students real-world exposure and forging pathways to professional success. Through partnerships with leading corporations, research institutions, and governmental bodies, these universities bridge the gap between academia and industry, driving innovation and fostering economic growth.

International rankings serve as a beacon of global recognition, affirming the academic eminence of these top universities in India on the world stage. Their presence among the top echelons of global rankings is a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence and their enduring legacy of scholarly achievement.

Lastly, the true measure of a university's impact lies in the success of its alumni, who embody the institution's ethos of excellence and service. From boardrooms to laboratories, from policymaking to social entrepreneurship, the alumni of these top universities in India leave an indelible mark on society, shaping the world for generations to come.

In essence, the best universities in India in 2024 are not merely institutions of learning but beacons of inspiration, driving progress and shaping the future of the nation and beyond. Through their unwavering dedication to academic excellence and societal impact, they continue to redefine the contours of higher education and set new standards of achievement.

Popular Exams Accepted by Top Universities in India

After the inception of the National Education Policy (NEP-2020), the UGC decided to conduct one examination for various universities and various courses, and that is known as the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). Some of the other important entrance examinations for  admission to the top universities in India are mentioned below.

Common University Entrance Test (CUET)Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) Mains and Advance
Common Admission Test (CAT)National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET)
Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)
National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA)Common Entrance Exam for Design (CEED)
NIFT Entrance Exam Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) Entrance TestNational School of Drama (NSD) Entrance Test
Management Aptitude Test (MAT)Karnataka Management Aptitude Test (K-MAT)
National Aptitude Test (NAT)Xavier Admission Test (XAT)
JAM Entrance ExamEngineering and Medical Common Entrance Test (EAMCET)
AIMA UGAT Entrance ExamLAWCET Entrance Exam
AILET Entrance ExamILSAT Entrance Exam BITSAT Entrance Exam
ATIT Entrance ExamUGET Entrance Exam
COMEDK Entrance ExamMHT CET Entrance Exam
CMC Vellore Entrance Exam 

Some of the top entrance exams in India that are essential to enrolling into top universities in India are explained below.

CUET:

For applicants to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across India, the Ministry of Education administers the Common University Entrance Test, or CUET. The results of the CUET 2023 are used by many central, state, and private universities to admit students. Candidates can thus participate in the admissions process at numerous universities by passing this one exam, which is all they need to do to qualify. The National Testing Agency (NTA) oversees the test's administration. 215 universities may create the merit list and conduct individual counseling using the CUET 2023 Scorecard.

NAT:

An exam at the national level called the APIIT NAT (National Aptitude Test) 2023 is given to candidates for engineering and management. Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology, Panipat, is in charge of administering the test. Both undergraduate and graduate courses have one annual session.

CLAT:

For entry into undergraduate and graduate law programs, there is a national exam called CLAT. 24 NLUs (National Law Universities) and approximately 61 affiliated colleges use the CLAT exam to determine admission. The CLAT exam is given once a year in offline mode by the Consortium of NLUs. On the consortiumofnlus.ac.in website, the official CLAT application form has been made available online. English is the only language used to administer the test.

CEED:

For the purpose of providing admission to candidates for the M.Des - Master of Design and Ph.D. Programs, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay administers the CEED - Common Entrance Examination for Design. In order to assess a candidate's aptitude for design, the Common Entrance Exam for Design (CEED) looks at their visual perception abilities, drawing abilities, logical reasoning, creativity, communication, and problem-solving abilities. It is a prerequisite exam for admission to the Master of Design (M.Des) programs at the IISC Bangalore, the IIT Bombay, the IIT Delhi, the IIT Guwahati, the IIT Hyderabad, the IIT Kanpur, and the IIT Roorkee, as well as the Ph.D. programs at numerous IITs and design universities.

NEET

The only entrance exam for enrollment in MBBS and BDS programs in India is the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). It takes three hours and 20 minutes to complete the exam, which is given once a year in offline mode. The medical entrance exam for enrollment in MBBS, BDS, BSc Nursing, BAMS, Veterinary, and other medical/paramedical courses in India is administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA). There are 13 languages used to administer the exam.

CAT:

A national level management aptitude test called the Common Admission Test, or CAT, is administered by the IIM to applicants seeking admission to the MBA programs offered by its 20 campuses and more than 1,200 B-schools throughout India. Every year, more than two lakh applicants submit applications for the CAT exam. Approximately 2.55 lakh candidates registered for the CAT 2022 exam, and approximately 2.22 lakh candidates showed up. About 400 testing locations in 155 cities across India offer the CAT exam in three sessions over the course of one day. Those who want to study business administration in the academic year 2024 must take the CAT exam because it is a requirement for admission to the majority of public and private MBA programs in India.

Top 10 Universities in India: IIRF Ranking 2023

Students get confused while choosing the best university for themselves due to the huge number of universities available in India. All the top universities in India are available in the IIRF University Ranking 2023.

Top Central Universities in India

A list of the top 10 Central universities in India according to the IIRF University Ranking is mentioned in the table below.

All India Rank Central UniversitiesState
1JNU - Jawaharlal Nehru UniversityNew Delhi
2BHU - Banaras Hindu UniversityVaranasi
3AMU - Aligarh Muslim UniversityAligarh
4JMI - Jamia Millia IslamiaJamia Nagar
5UoH - University of HyderabadHyderabad
6DU - University of DelhiNew Delhi
7CUP - Central University of PunjabBathinda
8Visva Bharati UniversityShantiniketan
9EFLU - English and Foreign Languages UniversityHyderabad
10CURAJ - Central University of RajasthanNH-8/Ajmer

Top Private Universities in India

A list of the top 10 Private universities in India according to the IIRF University Ranking is mentioned in the table below.

All India Rank State Private UniversitiesState
1

DA-IICT University

(Gandhinagar)

Gujarat
2

Ashoka University

(Sonipat)

Haryana
3

Nirma University

(Ahmedabad)

Gujarat
4

Shiv Nadar University

(Dadri)

Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University

(Dharwad)

Uttar Pradesh
5

Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University

(Dharwad)

Karnataka
6

Azim Premji University

(Bengaluru)

Karnataka
7

AMITY University

(Noida)

Uttar Pradesh
8

REVA University

(Bengaluru)

Karnataka
9

Chitkara University

(Patiala)

Punjab
10

Dayananda Sagar University

(Bengaluru)

Karnataka

Best Government Universities in India

Top government universities in India stand as pillars of the nation's educational system, celebrated for their unwavering commitment to academic brilliance, research excellence, and societal progress. These top universities in India serve as beacons of learning, offering a diverse range of programs and opportunities that attract students from all corners of the country.

At the heart of these top universities in India lies a robust academic framework, complemented by world-class infrastructure and a faculty renowned for their expertise and dedication. Equipped with cutting-edge facilities and backed by extensive research resources, they provide students with an enriching environment conducive to intellectual growth and exploration.

Research occupies a central position in the ethos of these top universities in India, driving innovation and discovery across various disciplines. Through pioneering research endeavors, they contribute significantly to advancements in science, technology, humanities, and social sciences, shaping the course of knowledge and societal progress.

Inclusivity and diversity are fundamental values upheld by these institutions, fostering a vibrant community of learners from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Through inclusive policies and outreach initiatives, they strive to democratize access to quality education and promote social equity and mobility.

Moreover, these top universities in India prioritize holistic development, nurturing not only academic excellence but also the talents, interests, and leadership potential of their students. Through a myriad of co-curricular and extracurricular activities, they cultivate well-rounded individuals equipped with essential life skills and a sense of social responsibility.

In essence, top government universities in India symbolize excellence in higher education, serving as catalysts for intellectual, cultural, and socio-economic advancement. Their enduring commitment to academic rigor, research innovation, inclusivity, and holistic development underscores their indispensable role in shaping the future of the nation.

Best Private Universities in India

Top private universities in India have become prominent players in India's higher education sector, offering innovative programs, research opportunities, and a dynamic learning environment. Here's a refined version:

The best private universities in India have emerged as key contributors to the country's educational landscape, renowned for their commitment to academic excellence, research endeavors, and student development. Though specific names aren't mentioned, understanding the common attributes of these institutions sheds light on their significance.

Foremost, top private universities prioritize academic excellence, offering a wide array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across diverse fields. They uphold rigorous academic standards, fostering critical thinking, innovation, and intellectual inquiry among both students and faculty.

Furthermore, top universities in India invest heavily in modern infrastructure and cutting-edge facilities, including advanced laboratories, libraries, and interactive learning spaces. Leveraging technology enhances the educational experience, providing students with access to online resources and virtual classrooms, preparing them for the demands of the modern workforce.

Research and innovation are integral to the top private universities in India, with significant investments made in research infrastructure and faculty development. Through interdisciplinary initiatives and collaborative partnerships, they contribute significantly to the advancement of knowledge across various domains.

Moreover, these institutions prioritize personalized attention and support services, maintaining low student-faculty ratios, and offering mentorship and career guidance. Services such as internships and placement assistance further enhance students' academic and professional success.

Top private universities in India also emphasize global perspectives, often fostering international collaborations and study abroad programs. Exposure to diverse cultures and ideas enriches students' understanding and prepares them for a globally interconnected world.

Flexibility and adaptability characterize top private universities, responding promptly to industry trends and changing market demands by introducing new programs and specializations.

In summary, top private universities in India play a crucial role in shaping higher education, offering quality education, research opportunities, and holistic development experiences. While each institution may have its unique strengths, collectively, they contribute significantly to the intellectual and socio-economic advancement of the nation.

State-wise Top Universities in India

Here's an overview of the top universities in India categorized by state:

StatesDetails
Andhra PradeshAndhra Pradesh is home to a mix of traditional and modern top universities in India, including premier institutions like Andhra University and Sri Venkateswara University, known for their academic excellence and research contributions.
Arunachal PradeshArunachal Pradesh has several emerging and top universities in India aiming to provide quality education and contribute to the development of the region, including Rajiv Gandhi University and North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST).
AssamAssam hosts universities such as Gauhati University and Tezpur University, which are renowned for their academic programs and research initiatives, contributing to the educational advancement of the state and the Northeast region.
BiharBihar houses esteemed institutions like Patna University and Nalanda University, known for their rich academic heritage and commitment to fostering intellectual growth and societal development.
ChhattisgarhChhattisgarh is home to the top universities in India like Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya and Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, which play a crucial role in providing quality education and research opportunities to students in the state.
GoaGoa's universities, including Goa University, focus on providing a conducive environment for learning and research, reflecting the state's commitment to educational excellence and intellectual enrichment.
GujaratGujarat boasts institutions like Gujarat University and Sardar Patel University, which are recognized for their academic programs, research endeavors, and contribution to the socio-economic development of the state.
HaryanaHaryana houses universities like Kurukshetra University and Maharshi Dayanand University, which are known for their academic rigor, innovative research, and emphasis on holistic development.
Himachal PradeshHimachal Pradesh's universities, including Himachal Pradesh University and Jaypee University of Information Technology, offer diverse programs and research opportunities, contributing to the educational landscape of the state.
Jammu and KashmirJammu and Kashmir's universities, such as University of Kashmir and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), play a crucial role in providing quality education and research opportunities despite the region's challenges.
JharkhandJharkhand hosts institutions like Ranchi University and Birla Institute of Technology, known for their academic excellence, research initiatives, and efforts towards nurturing talent and fostering innovation.
KarnatakaKarnataka boasts top university in India like Bangalore University and Indian Institute of Science (IISc), contributing significantly to the state's educational prowess and innovation ecosystem.
KeralaKerala's universities, including University of Kerala and Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), are renowned for their academic excellence, research output, and emphasis on societal development.
Madhya PradeshMadhya Pradesh houses institutions like Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya and Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IIT Indore), which are known for their academic programs, research endeavors, and contribution to the state's educational landscape.
MaharashtraMaharashtra boasts top universities in India like University of Mumbai and Savitribai Phule Pune University, which are recognized for their academic excellence, research initiatives, and contribution to the state's intellectual capital.
ManipurManipur's universities, including Manipur University and Central Agricultural University, play a pivotal role in providing quality education and research opportunities, contributing to the educational development of the state and the Northeast region.
MeghalayaMeghalaya hosts institutions like North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) and Indian Institute of Management Shillong (IIM Shillong), known for their academic programs, research initiatives, and efforts towards fostering regional development.
MizoramMizoram's universities, including Mizoram University and National Institute of Technology Mizoram (NIT Mizoram), focus on providing quality education and research opportunities, contributing to the educational advancement of the state and the Northeast region.
NagalandNagaland houses institutions like Nagaland University and National Institute of Technology Nagaland (NIT Nagaland), which play a crucial role in providing quality education and research opportunities despite the region's challenges.
OdishaOdisha's universities, including Utkal University and National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela), are known for their academic excellence, research output, and contribution to the state's educational and industrial development.
PunjabPunjab boasts institutions like Panjab University and Guru Nanak Dev University, which are recognized for their academic programs, research initiatives, and efforts towards fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the state.
RajasthanRajasthan's universities, including University of Rajasthan and Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS Pilani), are known for their academic excellence, research endeavors, and contribution to the state's educational and economic development.
SikkimSikkim's universities, including Sikkim University and National Institute of Technology Sikkim (NIT Sikkim), focus on providing quality education and research opportunities, contributing to the educational development of the state and the Northeast region.
Tamil NaduTamil Nadu boasts top universities in India like Anna University and Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), which are recognized for their academic excellence, research output, and contribution to the state's technological advancement and industrial growth.
TelanganaTelangana's universities, including Osmania University and International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Hyderabad, play a crucial role in providing quality education and research opportunities, contributing to the state's educational and technological advancement.
TripuraTripura's universities, including Tripura University and National Institute of Technology Agartala (NIT Agartala), focus on providing quality education and research opportunities, contributing to the educational development of the state and the Northeast region.
Uttar PradeshUttar Pradesh houses top universities in India like Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), which are recognized for their academic programs, research initiatives, and efforts towards fostering cultural and intellectual heritage.
UttarakhandUttarakhand's universities, including Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University and Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), are known for their academic excellence, research output, and contribution to the state's educational and environmental conservation efforts.
West BengalWest Bengal boasts premier institutions like University of Calcutta and Jadavpur University, which are recognized for their academic excellence, research initiatives, and cultural vibrancy, contributing to the state's intellectual capital and socio-economic development.

These top universities in India, spread across various states in India, play a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of the country, fostering intellectual growth, research innovation, and societal development.

CUET 2023 Cutoff marks

A separate announcement of the CUET 2023 cutoff will be made by participating institutes. Accordingly, the cutoff is the minimum score needed to pass the exam. While participating institutes will publish unique cutoffs for each program they offer, NTA will only publish the qualifying cutoff. The CUET cutoff scores were determined using a variety of criteria, including the exam's level of difficulty, the number of test-takers, and available seats.

CUET 2023 Counseling

The participating institutes will run their own counseling sessions for CUET 2023. After the results are announced, each institute will publish its merit list based on the eligible applicants. The counseling process, which will probably take place online, will require interested candidates to register before they can participate. There are typically three rounds of counseling, but this can change based on the availability of seats. Candidates must accept the admission offer by reporting to the institutes and having their documentation verified after the seat allocation results are made public. In a few programs, interview rounds will be held in place of counseling sessions. The application procedure for those programs will be covered separately in the CUET 2023 information brochure by NTA.

CUET 2023 Preparation Tips

Candidates should review the following CUET exam preparation advice while preparing for the test:

  • Create a schedule that works for you and stick to it religiously.
  • Understand the comprehensive exam syllabus and pattern.
  • Concentrate on stronger areas while working on weaker ones.
  • Attempt to finish your topics and syllabus a few days before the test. 
  • Be calm and continue your meditation.
  • Eat and sleep as you should.

CUET Participating Universities

The list of participating universities in different categories, like Central Universities, State Universities, Deemed Universities, Private Universities, and other universities, is mentioned below.

List of Central Universities Participating in CUET 2023:

There are a total of 44 Central Universities participating in the CUET 2023 examination.

S.NoUniversity NameCity/State
1ALIGARH MUSLIM UNIVERSITYAligarh, Uttar Pradesh
2ASSAM UNIVERSITYSilchar, Assam
3BABASAHEB BHIMRAO AMBEDKAR UNIVERSITYLucknow, Uttar Pradesh
4BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITYVaranasi, Uttar Pradesh
5CENTRAL SANSKRIT UNIVERSITYNew Delhi
6CENTRAL TRIBAL UNIVERSITY OF ANDHRA PRADESHVizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh
7CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF ANDHRA PRADESHAnantapur, Andhra Pradesh
8CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF GUJARATGandhinagar, Gujarat
9CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF HARYANAMahendragarh, Haryana
10CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF HIMACHAL PRADESHDharamsala, Himachal Pradesh
11CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF JAMMUSrinagar, Jammu
12CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF JHARKHANDRanchi, Jharakhand
13CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF KARNATAKAKalaburagi, Karnataka
14CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIRSrinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
15CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF KERALAKasaragod, Kerala
16CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF ODISHAKoraput, Odisha
17CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF RAJASTHANAjmer, Rajasthan
18CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH BIHARGaya, Bihar
19CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF TAMIL NADUTiruvarur, Tamil Nadu
20DR. HARISINGH GOUR VISHWAVIDYALAYASagar, Madhya Pradesh
21GURU GHASIDAS VISHWAVIDYALAYABilaspur, Chhattisgarh
22HEMVATI NANDAN BAHUGUNA GARHWAL UNIVERSITYSrinagar, Uttarakhand
23INDIRA GANDHI NATIONAL TRIBAL UNIVERSITYAmarkantak, Madhya Pradesh
24JAMIA MILLIA ISLAMIANew Delhi
25JAWAHARLAL NEHRU UNIVERSITYNew Delhi
26MAHATMA GANDHI ANTARRASHTRIYA HINDI VISHWAVIDYALAYAWardha, Maharashtra
27MAHATMA GANDHI CENTRAL UNIVERSITYMotihari, Bihar
28MANIPUR UNIVERSITYImphal, Manipur
29MAULANA AZAD NATIONAL URDU UNIVERSITYHyderabad, Telangana
30MIZORAM UNIVERSITYAizawl, Mizoram
31NAGALAND UNIVERSITYLumami, Nagaland
32NATIONAL SANSKRIT UNIVERSITYTirupati, Andhra Pradesh
33NORTH-EASTERN HILL UNIVERSITYShillong, Meghalaya
34PONDICHERRY UNIVERSITYPondicherry
35RAJIV GANDHI UNIVERSITYItanagar, Arunachal Pradesh
36SHRI LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI NATIONAL SANSKRIT UNIVERSITYNew Delhi
37SIKKIM UNIVERSITYGangtok, Sikkim
38TEZPUR UNIVERSITYTezpur, Assam
39THE ENGLISH AND FOREIGN LANGUAGES UNIVERSITYSecunderabad, Telangana
40TRIPURA UNIVERSITYAgartala, Tripura
41UNIVERSITY OF ALLAHABADPrayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
42UNIVERSITY OF DELHINew Delhi
43UNIVERSITY OF HYDERABADHyderabad, Telangana
44VISVA-BHARATI UNIVERSITYSantiniketan, West Bengal

List of State Universities Participating in CUET 2023:

There are a total of 34 state universities participating in CUET 2023.

S.NoUniversity NameCity/State
1BABA GHULAM SHAH BADSHAH UNIVERSITYRajouri, Jammu and Kashmir
2BARKATULLAH UNIVERSITYBhopal, Madhya Pradesh
3BHATTADEV UNIVERSITYAssam
4Binod Bihari Mahto Koyalanchal University, DhanbadDhanbad, Jharkhand
5Cluster University of JammuJammu and Kashmir
6Cluster University of SrinagarSrinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
7COTTON UNIVERSITYGuwahati, Assam
8DELHI SKILL AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP UNIVERSITYDelhi
9DEVI AHILYA VISHWAVIDYALAYAIndore, Madhya Pradesh
10DR. A.P.J. ABDUL KALAM TECHNICAL UNIVERSITYLucknow, Uttar Pradesh
11DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS UNIVERSITYKarnataka, Bangalore
12DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR UNIVERSITY DELHIDelhi
13Dr. SHYAMA PRASAD MUKHERJEE UNIVERSITYRanchi, Jharkhand
14GOVT. COLLEGE FOR WOMEN, PARADE GROUND, JAMMUJammu and kashmir
15Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha UniversityDelhi
16Harcourt Butler Technical University, KanpurKanpur, Uttar Pradesh
17Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for WomenNew Delhi
18Islamia College of Science and CommerceSrinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
19Islamic University of Science and Technology, KashmirPulwama, Kashmir
20Jamshedpur Women's UniversityJamshedpur, Jharkhand
21JHARKHAND RAKSHA SHAKTI UNIVERSITYRanchi, Jharakhand
22KHWAJA MOINUDDIN CHISHTI LANGUAGE UNIVERSITYLucknow, Uttar Pradesh
23Kolhan UniversityChalbasa, Jharkhand
24MADAN MOHAN MALAVIYA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGYGorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh
25MAHATMA JYOTIBA PHULE ROHILKHAND UNIVERSITYBareilly, Uttar Pradesh
26Nilamber Pitamber UniversityPalamu, Jharkhand
27RANCHI UNIVERSITYRanchi, Jharkhand
28SARDAR PATEL UNIVERSITY OF POLICE SECURITY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICEJodhpur, Rajasthan
29SHRI MATA VAISHNO DEVI UNIVERSITYKatra, Jammu & Kashmir
30SIDO KANHU MURMU UNIVERSITY, DUMKADumka, Jharkhand
31UNIVERSITY OF JAMMUJammu, Jammu and Kashmir
32UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIRSrinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
33VIKRAM UNIVERSITYUjjain, Madhya Pradesh
34Vinoba Bhave UniversityHazaribagh, Jharkhand

List of Deemed Universities Participating in CUET 2023:

There are a total of 29 deemed universities participating in CUET 2023.

S.NoUniversity NameCity/State
1AVINASHILINGAM INSTITUTE FOR HOME SCIENCE AND HIGHER EDUCATION FOR WOMENCoimbatore, Tamil Nadu
2CHINMAYA VISHWAVIDYAPEETHArakunnam, Kerala
3Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and ResearchNagpur, Maharashtra
4DAYALBAGH EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTEAgra, Uttar Pradesh
5FOOTWEAR DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTENoida, Uttar Pradesh
6Gandhi Institute of Technology And Management - Bengaluru, Karnataka (Off Campus)Bengaluru, Karnataka
7Gandhi Institute of Technology And Management - Hyderabad, Telangana (Off Campus)Hyderabad, Telangana
8Gandhi Institute of Technology And Management - Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (Main Campus)Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
9Govt. Degree College (Autonomous), BaramullaBaramulla, Jammu and Kashmir
10GRAPHIC ERA UNIVERSITYDehradun, Uttarakhand
11GUJARAT VIDYAPITHAhmedabad, Gujarat
12GURUKULA KANGRIHaridwar, Uttarakhand
13Hindustan Institute of Technology and ScienceChennai, Tamil Nadu
14JAMIA HAMDARDNew Delhi
15Jaypee Institute of Information TechnologyNoida, Uttar Pradesh
16KALASALINGAM ACADEMY OF RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONKrishnankoil, Tamil Nadu
17Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (Deemed to be University)Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
18LAKSHMIBAI NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATIONGwalior, Madhya Pradesh
19Lingaya's VidyapeethOld Faridabad, Haryana
20MANAV RACHNA INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF RESEARCH AND STUDIESFaridabad, Haryana
21Nehru Gram BharatiHanuman Ganj, Uttar Pradesh
22Noorul Islam Center for Higher EducationKanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
23Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research InstituteHowrah, West Bengal
24SHOBHIT UNIVERSITYMeerut, Uttar Pradesh
25SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (DEEMED UNIVERSITY), NCR CAMPUSModinagar, Uttar Pradesh
26TATA INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES (TISS)Mumbai, Maharashtra
27THE GANDHIGRAM RURAL INSTITUTE (DTBU)Chinnalapatti, Tamil Nadu
28Vinayaka Mission's Research FoundationSalem, Tamil Nadu
29Yenepoya UniversityMangaluru, Karnataka 

List of Private Universities Participating in CUET 2023:

There are a total of 105 private universities participating in CUET 2023.

S.NoUniversity NameCity/State
1Amity University ChhattisgarhMath, Chhattisgarh
2Amity University GurugramGurugran, Haryana
3Amity University GwaliorGwalior, Madhya Pradesh
4Amity University JaipurJaipur, Rajasthan
5Amity University JharkhandRanchi, Jharkhand
6Amity University KolkataKadampukur, West Bengal
7Amity University LucknowLucknow, Uttar Pradesh
8Amity University MumbaiMumbai, Maharashtra
9Amity University NoidaNoida, Uttar Pradesh
10Amity University PatnaPatna, Bihar
11Amity University PunjabMohali, Panjab
12Apeejay Stya UniversityGurgaon, Haryana
13APEX UNIVERSITYJaipur, Rajasthan
14Arka Jain UniversityJamshedpur, Jharkhand
15ARUNACHAL UNIVERSITY OF STUDIESNamsai, Arunachal Pradesh
16ASBM UniversityBhubaneswar, Odisha
17Bahra University (Shimla Hills)Waknaghat, Himachal Pradesh
18Bhagwant UniversityAjmer, Rajasthan
19BHARATIYA ENGINEERING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION UNIVERSITYGorantla, Andhra Pradesh
20BML MUNJAL UNIVERSITYKapriwas, Haryana
21CAPITAL UNIVERSITYKoderma, Jharkhand
22CAREER POINT UNIVERSITYHamirpur, Himachal Pradesh
23Chanakya UniversityBengaluru, Karnataka
24CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ UNIVERSITYKanpur, Uttar Pradesh
25Chitkara University, Himachal PradeshBaddi, Himachal Pradesh
26Chitkara University, PunjabRajpura, Punjab
27DAV UNIVERSITYJalandhar, Punjab
28G D Goenka UniversitySohna Rural, Haryana
29GALGOTIAS UNIVERSITYGreater Noida, Uttar Pradesh
30GEETA UNIVERSITY, PANIPAT, DELHI-NCR, HARYANANaultha, Haryana
31GLA University MathuraMathura, Uttar Pradesh
32GRAPHIC ERA HILL UNIVERSITY, HALDWANIHaldwani, Uttarakhand
33GRAPHIC ERA HILL UNIVERSITY, BHIMTALBhimtal, Uttarakhand
34GRAPHIC ERA HILL UNIVERSITY, DEHRADUNDehradun, Uttarakhand
35Hi-Tech Institute of Engineering & TechnologyGhaziabad, Uttar Pradesh
36Himalayan University ItanagarItanagar, Arunachal Pradesh
37IES UNIVERSITYBhopal, Madhya Pradesh
38IILM University, Greater NoidaGreater Noida, Uttar Pradesh
39IILM University, GurugramGurugram, Haryana
40IIMT UNIVERSITYMeerut, Uttar Pradesh
41IMS Unison UniversityDehradun, Uttarakhand
42Invertis UniversityRajau Paraspur, Uttar Pradesh
43ITM UNIVERSITY GWALIORGwalior, Madhya Pradesh
44JAGAN NATH UNIVERSITY BAHADURGARH HARYANABahadurgarh, Haryana
45JAGANNATH UNIVERSITY, JAIPUR (RAJASTHAN)Jaipur, Rajasthan
46JAYPEE UNIVERSITY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGYNoida, Uttar Pradesh
47Jharkhand Rai UniversityKamre, Jharkhand
48Joy UniversityTirunelveli, Tamil Nadu
49K. K. Modi UniversityMahmara, Chhattisgarh
50K.R. MANGALAM UNIVERSITYSohna Rural, Haryana
51Karnavati UniversityGandhinagar, Gujarat
52Lohit's Academy College of CommerceBengaluru, Karnataka
53Lovely Professional UniversityPhagwara, Punjab
54MANAV RACHNA UNIVERSITYFaridabad, Haryana
55Mangalayatan University JabalpurBeswan, Uttar Pradesh
56Mangalayatan University, AligarhAligarh, Uttar Pradesh
57Manipal University JaipurJaipur, rajasthan
58Mansarovar Global UniversityBilkisganj, Madhya Pradesh
59MEWAR UNIVERSITYChittorgarh, Rajasthan
60Mody University of Science and TechnologyLaxmangarh, Rajasthan
61MVN UniversityAurangabad, Haryana
62Netaji Subhas UniversityDwarka, Delhi
63NICMAR UNIVERSITY, PUNEPune Maharashtra
64NIIT UNIVERSITYNeemrana, Rajasthan
65NIRWAN UNIVERSITY, JAIPURJaipur, Rajasthan
66Noida International UniversityNoida, Uttar Pradesh
67NOWGONG COLLEGENagaon, Assam
68PRESIDENCY UNIVERSITYBengaluru, Karnataka
69Radha Govind University, JharkhandRamgarh, Jharkhand
70RAM KRISHNA DHARMARTH FOUNDATION (RKDF) UNIVERSITYBhopal, Madhya Pradesh
71RNB GLOBAL UNIVERSITYBikaner, Rajasthan
72Sai Nath UniversityJirabar, Jharkhand
73SANGAM UNIVERSITYAtoon, Rajasthan
74SANSKRITI UNIVERSITYSemri, Uttar Pradesh
75Sarala Birla UniversityAra, Jharkhand
76SHARDA UNIVERSITYGreater Noida, Uttar Pradesh
77Shoolini UniversitySolan, Himachal Pradesh
78SHRI KHUSHAL DAS UNIVERSITY, HANUMANGARHKhushal Nagar, Rajasthan
79Shri Ramswaroop Memorial UniversityBarabanki, Uttar Pradesh
80SHRI Venkateshwara UniversityGajraula, Uttar Pradesh
81SHYAM UNIVERSITY, DAUSA, RAJASTHANDausa, Rajasthan
82Sikkim Professional UniversityGangtok, Sikkim
83Somaiya Vidyavihar UniversityMumbai, Maharashtra
84Srinath universityJamshedpur, Jharkhand
85SRM UNIVERSITY (Andhra Pradesh)Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh
86SRM University Delhi-NCR, SonepatSonepath, Haryana
87Surajmal UniversityJanakpuri, New Delhi
88Suresh Gyan Vihar University JaipurJaipur, Rajasthan
89Sushant UniversityGurugram, haryana
90SVKM's MITHIBAI COLLEGE OF ARTS, CHAUHAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AMRUTBEN JIVANLAL COLLEGE OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMICS (AUTONOMOUS)Mumbai, Maharashtra
91SVKM's NARSEE MONJEE COLLEGE OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMICS (AUTONOMOUS)Mumbai, Maharashtra
92Swami Vivekanand Subharti UniversityMeerut, Uttar Pradesh
93Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana SamsthanaBengaluru, Karnataka
94TEERTHANKER MAHAVEER UNIVERSITYMoradabad, Uttar Pradesh
95The ICFAI University, JaipurJaipur, rajasthan
96THE ICFAI UNIVERSITY, SIKKIMGangtok, Sikkim
97Tribhuvan College of Environment & Development SciencesNeemrana, Rajasthan
98UNITED UNIVERSITY, PRAYAGRAJPrayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
99UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY ROORKEERoorkee, Uttarakhand
100UPES - DEHRADUNDehradun, Uttarakhand
101USHA MARTIN UNIVERSITYNarayansoso, Jharkhand
102Uttaranchal UniversityDehradun, Uttarakhand
103Vivekananda Global UniversityJaipur, Rajasthan
104WORLD UNIVERSITY OF DESIGNSonipat, Haryana
105YBN UNIVERSITYUlatu, Jharkhand

List of other Universities Participating in CUET 2023:

There are a total of 3 other universities participating in CUET 2023.

S.NoUniversity NameCity/State
1Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)New Delhi
2Indian Culinary InstituteNoida, Uttar Pradesh
3Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel ManagementNew Delhi

Total number of universities participating in CUET 2023:

Type of UniversityNumber of University
Central Universities44
State Universities34
Deemed Universities29
Private Universities105
Other Universities3
Total Number of universities participating in CUET 2023215

Top Universities in India: Zonal Division of India and their Top Universities

Along with China and the US, India has one of the largest higher education systems in the world, and it is particularly well-known for its engineering schools. In 1961, the nation's parliament designated technical institutions as "institutes of national importance," which aided the then-recently founded universities in expanding and establishing their reputations.

With a population of more than 1.3 billion people, India is the youngest country (more than 65% of people in the country are youth). So, providing better education is the most important task that this country needs to finish to grow as a country, put itself out of the list of developing countries, and finally achieve the tag of a developed country. The top universities in India have the responsibility to do so. 

The latest changes in the educational framework and curriculum imposed by the National Education Policy (NEP-2020) were made while considering the modern world's growth and needs. Not only with its population, India is the 7th largest country in the world by geographical area. The huge geographical location has people residing in every part of it, and to provide them with the best quality of higher education, the government is trying to make top universities in every corner of India. 

India is widely divided into four zones, North Zone, South Zone, East Zone, and West Zone. So in this article, we will go through each zone and try to find the top universities in India in every zone, along with their specialties, facilities, and more.

Top Universities in North India

Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat are northern Indian states that have consistently outperformed other states in terms of the quality of their entire higher education system. Top private universities in South India have developed a standard in this area that is now followed by universities across the country. In the areas of engineering, IT, the arts, medicine, law, management, and commerce, India is home to a large number of reputable universities, institutions, and elite colleges. Best-in-class research, education, and higher education systems are hallmarks of top private universities in north India.

The list of the top 10 universities in North India is mentioned in the table below. 

 North India Private Universities State Zone Zone Rank
 Ashoka University (Sonipat) Haryana North 1
 Shiv Nadar University (Dadri) Uttar Pradesh North 2
 AMITY University (Noida) Uttar Pradesh North 3
 Chitkara University (Patiala) Punjab North 4
 O.P. Jindal Global University (Sonipat) Haryana North 5
 Shoolini University (Solan) Himachal Pradesh North 6
 Apeejay Stya University (Sohna) Haryana North 7
 Sikkim Manipal University (Sikkim) Sikkim North East 1
 BML Munjal University (Gurugram) Haryana North 8
 ICFAI University (Dehradun) Uttarakhand North 8

Top Universities in South India

The knowledge center of India is thought to be in southern India. It has been producing the most qualified management graduates for many years. The southern region maintains its standing as the nation's high-tech hub, which helps to make management studies knowledge a complete and useful experience. In comparison to Northern India, South India has a higher rate of literacy, giving it a stronger argument for pursuing higher education. South India has various universities listed among the top ranked universities in India. A climate that promotes better education is now possible thanks to Karnataka. Additionally, it ensures harmony among people, society, institutions, and nature. The colleges collaborate with the business world to give their students a realistic understanding of the sector. Due to the high concentration of commercial sectors there, people are encouraged to focus more on their careers than their industries.

The list of the top 10 universities in South India is mentioned in the table below. 

 South India Private Universities State Zone Zone Rank
 Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara  University (Dharwad) Karnataka South 1
 Azim Premji University (Bengaluru) Karnataka South 2
 REVA University (Bengaluru) Karnataka South 3
 Dayananda Sagar University  (Bengaluru) Karnataka South 4
 JSS Science and Technology University  (Mysuru) Karnataka South 5
 PES University (Bengaluru) Karnataka South 6
 Presidency University (Bengaluru)  Karnataka South 7
 M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied  Sciences (Bengaluru) Karnataka South 8
 CMR University (Bengaluru) Karnataka South 9
 Alliance University (Bengaluru) Karnataka South 10

Top Universities in East India

India's eastern region is renowned for its diverse cultures and scenic landscapes. Numerous colleges and universities that provide top-notch education to students from all over India and abroad are located there. These institutions of higher learning provide undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in a range of subject areas, including engineering, the sciences, the humanities, the arts, and business.

The list of the top 10 universities in East India is mentioned in the table below. 

 East India Private Universities State Zone Zone Rank
 Sri Sri University(Bhubaneswar) Odisha East 1
 Sikkim Manipal University(Sikkim) Sikkim North East 1
 ADAMAS University(Kolkata) West Bengal East 2
 XIM University(Bhubaneswar) Odisha East 3
 William Carey University(Shillong) Meghalaya North East 2
 The Institute of Chartered Financial  Analysts of India University(Gangtok) Sikkim North East 2
 Martin Luther Christian  University(Shillong) Meghalaya North East 3
 Brainware University(Kolkata) West Bengal East 4
 Assam Don Bosco University(Guwahati) Assam North East 4
 Techno Global University(Shillong) Meghalaya North East 5

Top Universities in West India

The western part of India has numerous universities, and they have the capacity and access to a modern education system. The residents of the west part of India do not need to move out of their home location just to receive quality education, as they have their own top notch education system. Some of the top universities in India are located in the west zone. Students can choose the best institutions for their higher education in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Mumbai, Pune, and many more places in western India. Many IITs, IIMs, and Central Universities are located in the western states of India.

The list of the top 10 universities in West India is mentioned in the table below. 

 North India Private Universities State Zone Zone Rank
 DA-IICT University(Gandhinagar) Gujarat West 1
 Nirma University(Ahmedabad) Gujarat West 2
 Centre for Environmental Planning and  Technology University (Ahmedabad) Gujarat West 3
 Ahmedabad University (Ahmedabad) Gujarat West 4
 Ganpat University (Mehsana) Gujarat West 5
 Flame University (Pune) Maharashtra West 6
 MIT Art, Design & Technology University (Pune) Maharashtra West 7
 Pandit Deendayal Energy University  (Gandhinagar) Gujarat West 8
 Navrachana University(Vadodara) Gujarat West 9
 AMITY University(Mumbai) Maharashtra West 10

Students in a country like India face huge competition while chasing their dream university because of a huge population that makes it impossible for everyone to get admission to the top universities in India. So for that reason, the zonal ranking and the top universities in each zone are favorable options for them to get enrolled and receive the best quality of education.

Top Universities in India

Students get confused while choosing the best university for themselves due to the huge number of universities available in India. All the top universities in India are available in the IIRF University Ranking 2023.

Top Central Universities in India

A list of the top 10 Central universities in India according to the IIRF University Ranking is mentioned in the table below. 

 All India   Rank Central Universities State
 1 JNU - Jawaharlal Nehru University New Delhi
 2 BHU - Banaras Hindu University Varanasi
 3 AMU - Aligarh Muslim University Aligarh
 4 JMI - Jamia Millia Islamia Jamia Nagar
 5 UoH - University of Hyderabad Hyderabad
 6 DU - University of Delhi New Delhi
 7 CUP - Central University of Punjab Bathinda
 8 Visva Bharati University Shantiniketan
 9 EFLU - English and Foreign Languages University Hyderabad
 10 CURAJ - Central University of Rajasthan NH-8/Ajmer

Top Private Universities in India

A list of the top 10 Private universities in India according to the IIRF University Ranking is mentioned in the table below.

 All India   Rank State Private Universities State
 1 DA-IICT University (Gandhinagar) Gujarat
 2 Ashoka University (Sonipat) Haryana
 3 Nirma University (Ahmedabad) Gujarat
 4 Shiv Nadar University (Dadri) Uttar Pradesh
 5

 Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University

(Dharwad)

 Karnataka
 6 Azim Premji University (Bengaluru) Karnataka
 7 AMITY University (Noida) Uttar Pradesh
 8 REVA University (Bengaluru) Karnataka
 9 Chitkara University (Patiala) Punjab
 10 Dayananda Sagar University (Bengaluru) Karnataka

Top Universities in India City Wise

There are a number of students who don't want to switch their location for their higher education, so we bring you the top universities in your cities.

Top Deemed Universities in Delhi (Govt., Pvt. & Public) 

 S.No. Name of the University City Status
 1 Indian Agricultural  Research Institute, Pusa New Delhi Govt.
 2 Indian Institute of Foreign  Trade, IIFT-Delhi New Delhi Govt.
 3 National University of  Educational Planning and  Administration New Delhi Govt.
 4 Jamia Hamdard New Delhi Pvt.
 5 Indian Law Institute New Delhi Govt.

Top Deemed Universities in Hyderabad (Govt., Pvt. & Public) 

 S.No. Name of the University City Status
 1 ICFAI Foundation for  Higher Education Hyderabad Pvt.
 2 International Institute of  Information Technology Hyderabad Pvt.

Top Universities in Bengaluru

 S.No. Name of the University City
 1 Azim Premji University Bengaluru
 2 REVA University Bengaluru
 3 Dayananda Sagar University Bengaluru
 4 PES University Bengaluru
 5 Presidency University Bengaluru

Top Universities in Pune 

 S.No. Name of the University City
 1 Flame University Pune
 2 MIT Art, Design & Technology  University Pune
 3 Ajeenkya D Y Patil University Pune
 4 Spicer Adventist University Pune

Top Deemed Universities in Mumbai (Govt., Pvt. & Public) 

 S.No. Name of the University City Status
 1 Homi Bhabha National  Institute Mumbai Govt.
 2 Tata Institute of Social  Sciences, TISS Mumbai Govt.
 3 Indira Gandhi Institute  of Development  Research Mumbai Govt.
 4 Institute of Chemical  Technology Mumbai Govt.
 5 International Institute  for Population Sciences Mumbai Govt.

Top Universities in Noida 

 S.No. Name of the University City
 1 AMITY University Noida
 2 Sharda University Greater Noida
 3 Bennett University Greater Noida
 4 Galgotias University Greater Noida
 5 Noida International University Noida

Top Universities in Haryana 

 S.No. Name of the University City
 1 Ashoka University Sonipat
 2 O.P. Jindal Global University Sonipat
 3 Apeejay Stya University Sohna
 4 BML Munjal University Gurugram
 5 AMITY University Gurugram

Top Deemed Universities in Chennai (Govt., Pvt. & Public) 

 S.No. Name of the University City Status
 1 Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research,  BIHER Chennai Pvt.
 2 Meenakshi Academy of  Higher Education and  Research, MAHER Chennai Pvt.
 3 Sathyabama Institute of  Science and Technology Chennai Pvt.
 4 Sri Ramachandra Institute  of Higher Education and  Research Chennai Pvt.
 5 Dr. M.G.R Educational and  Research Institute Chennai Pvt.

Top Universities in Kolkata 

 S.No. Name of the University City
 1 ADAMAS University Kolkata
 2 Brainware University Kolkata
 3 Techno India University Kolkata
 4 University of Engineering and  Management Kolkata
 5 The Neotia University Kolkata

Top Universities in Lucknow 

 S.No. Name of the University City
 1 Integral University Lucknow
 2 Babu Banarasi Das University Lucknow
 3 Maharishi University of Information  Technology Lucknow

Top Deemed Universities in Kerala (Govt., Pvt. & Public) 

 S.No. Name of the University City Status
 1 Indian Institute of Space  Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram Govt.
 2 Kerala Kalamandalam,  Vallathol Nagar Thrissur Public

Top Universities in Jaipur 

 S.No. Name of the University City
 1 AMITY University Jaipur
 2 ICFAI University Jaipur
 3 Jayoti Vidyapeeth Women's University Jaipur
 4 Mahatma Gandhi University of  Medical Sciences & Technology Jaipur
 5 Suresh Gyan Vihar University Jaipur

Recommended Top Universities in India

India is a huge country with a huge population, and to overcome poverty, education is the most important tool. There are a total of 1057 universities currently active in India that offer higher education in various disciplines. With a higher number of universities, there is more space for doubts in selecting the perfect university for students.

Recommended Top Private Universities in India

University NameCity
DA-IICT University
 
Gandhinagar
SRM University
 
Ahmedabad
Shiv Nadar University
 
Dadri
REVA University
 
Bangalore
Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara UniversityDharwad
O.P. Jindal Global University
 
Sonipat
Chitkara University
 
Patiala
Azim Premji University
 
Bangalore
Sri Sri University
 
Bhubaneswar
AMITY University
 
Noida
Dayananda Sagar University
 
Bangalore


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Recommended Best Government Universities in India

University NameCity
Indian Institute of Science (IISc)Bangalore
Indian Agricultural Research Institute, PusaNew Delhi
Homi Bhabha National InstituteMumbai
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)Mumbai
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)New Delhi
Indira Gandhi Institute of Development ResearchMumbai
University Institute of Chemical TechnologyMumbai
Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (Pune)Pune
Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific ResearchBangalore
Indian Institute of Space Science and TechnologyThiruvananthapuram


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Top Universities in India 2024  FAQs

What are the criteria for ranking universities in India?

University rankings in India are typically based on factors such as academic reputation, faculty expertise, research output, infrastructure, student-to-faculty ratio, placement opportunities, and alumni feedback. Various organizations and agencies conduct rankings using different methodologies, including surveys, data analysis, and expert opinions.

How do I apply to top universities in India?

The application process for top universities in India varies depending on the institution and the program you are applying for. Generally, you would need to check the university's website for specific admission requirements, fill out an application form, submit required documents such as academic transcripts and entrance exam scores, and possibly attend an entrance exam or interview.

What are the popular undergraduate programs offered by top universities in India?

Popular undergraduate programs offered by top universities in India include Engineering, Medicine, Business Administration, Computer Science, Humanities, and Natural Sciences. These programs often attract a large number of applicants due to their career prospects and academic reputation.

Do top universities in India offer scholarships or financial aid to students?

Yes, many top universities in India offer scholarships, grants, and financial aid to eligible students based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria set by the institution or external organizations. Students are encouraged to check the university's website or contact the admissions office for information on available scholarships and how to apply.

What is the research environment like at top universities in India?

Top universities in India typically have a vibrant research environment, with state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated research centers, and opportunities for faculty and students to engage in cutting-edge research across various disciplines. These institutions often collaborate with industry, government agencies, and international partners to address real-world challenges and contribute to scientific advancements.

How do top universities in India support student development beyond academics?

Top universities in India offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs, societies, and sports facilities to support student development beyond academics. They organize cultural events, workshops, seminars, and community service initiatives to foster leadership skills, creativity, teamwork, and personal growth among students. Additionally, career counseling, internships, and placement services are often provided to help students transition to the professional world.

What is the alumni network like at top universities in India?

Top universities in India have extensive alumni networks comprising successful professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and leaders across various industries and sectors. Alumni often play an active role in mentoring current students, providing career guidance, networking opportunities, and contributing to the development of their alma mater through donations, collaborations, and initiatives.

What are the requirements for CUET 2023, and how will they impact my ability to apply to various universities?

Candidates who wish to participate in CUET 2023 must meet the requirements established by the individual universities. The eligibility criteria may vary depending on the course and university. Based on the candidate's CUET results and compliance with the eligibility requirements established by the individual universities, admission to various universities will be granted. Before submitting an application for CUET 2023, candidates should review the eligibility requirements for each course.

How many subjects can candidates select when registering for CUET 2023?

When registering for the CUET 2023 Exam, candidates can select up to 10 topics from each of the three parts. There are now more subjects available for selection than there were the year before, when there were only nine.

When was the CUET 2023 exam held?

The CUET Undergraduate Exam was held from May 21 to June 23. The exam was postponed until June 23 due to a high number of applicants in some states and UTs. Previously, the exam was supposed to end on June 17. The CUET 2023 exam was initially scheduled to end on May 31, but it was later extended until June 8 and then June 11. Each day, there were three slots for the exam. In a previous statement, NTA guaranteed that candidates would receive a slot during the allotted time period in the event that the exam was postponed for any day. The subjects were assigned to various days and times.

Who administers the CUET test?

NTA administers the CUET UG examination to candidates seeking admission to Central and other Indian universities. Up until 2019, the University Grants Commission (UGC) served as the exam conducting authority. After that, NTA was given the task of handling exam administration. UGC nevertheless continues to be responsible for the exam and publishes pertinent information and notifications regarding CUET UG. 

How can I prepare for the CUET?

Candidates are strongly advised to thoroughly read the syllabus and pay close attention to the exam format and scoring system. Candidates should also complete a variety of practice tests, mock exams, and question papers from prior years. Here are some easy ways to get ready for the test, as recommended by a CUET Topper. According to last year's top scorers, the best strategies for CUET UG 2023 preparation include consulting the appropriate books, taking frequent practice exams, resolving CUET question papers from prior years, and adopting a disciplined and systematic approach. The top scorers claim that NCERT is the best preparation resource. Students are required to complete revisions after the syllabus is finished. Following this, they ought to take frequent practice exams to gauge their level of preparation and devise a plan to enhance their exam performance.

Check the below List of Top Universities in India Ranking 2023

Top Universities & Colleges in India 2023: Courses, Disciplines, Specializations

Education is the only way any country can escape poverty and hunger, and a developing country like India, which has such a huge population, needs it the most. India has a huge society which still needs to be educated, understand the meaning of living standards in this modern world and adopt the changes which are necessary for the development of the country as a whole. The educational infrastructure in India is developing with each passing day, and the Top Universities in India are offering a global level of education in every discipline.

The Ministry of Education has a statutory body named as the University Grants Commission (UGC), which was set up by the government in 1956. The major functions of the UGC include providing recognition to universities in India and disbursements of funds to such recognized universities. The UGC promotes higher education in India by providing doctoral scholarships to students in every discipline at the top universities in India.

Total Top Universities in India (Registered to UGC as of Jan 2023):

University TypeTotal Number
Central University56
State University460
Deemed to be University128
Private University430
Total1074

The UGC is the one which moni

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