India has a large and diverse higher-education system, with universities and university-level institutions spread across its states and Union Territories. Students may be searching for universities in a particular state, while others may want to understand the difference between central, state, private and deemed-to-be universities before applying.
This state-wise list of universities in India is designed as a practical starting point. It helps you find university information by state or Union Territory and understand what to check before relying on a university listing, ranking, accreditation claim or course advertisement.
India currently has 28 states and 8 Union Territories. The National Portal of India maintains the current state and Union Territory structure.
A useful point to remember is that a directory is only a starting point. University status, programme eligibility, accreditation, distance-learning recognition and other regulatory information can change. For current legal and regulatory status, students should verify the institution through the relevant official authority, particularly the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Universities in India: State-Wise List
Use the directory below to explore university information by state and Union Territory. Where a corresponding state-wise page is available in the IndiaUnivercity internal sitemap, the state name links to that resource.
States
Union Territories
| Union Territory | University Information |
|---|---|
| Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Check the current UGC university listings for institutions serving the UT |
| Chandigarh | Universities in Chandigarh |
| Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu | Check current UGC listings and institution-specific information |
| Delhi | Universities in Delhi |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Universities in Jammu and Kashmir |
| Ladakh | Check current UGC listings and institution-specific information |
| Lakshadweep | Check current UGC listings and institution-specific information |
| Puducherry | Universities in Puducherry |
Important: The internal state pages above are legacy resources from the site's sitemap. University names, legal status, programmes and regulatory information should be checked against current official sources before making an admission decision.
What Types of Universities Are There in India?
Not every higher-education institution operates under the same legal structure. Understanding the category of an institution can make it easier to interpret its authority, funding model and relationship with government or regulatory bodies.
The UGC identifies several major types of degree-granting institutions in India, including Central Universities, State Universities, Private Universities and Institutions Deemed to be Universities. UGC also identifies Institutions of National Importance as another category of degree-granting institutions established or declared under Acts of Parliament.
Central Universities
Central Universities are established by an Act of Parliament and are funded by the Central Government. They are distinct from state universities, which are established under state legislation.
Examples found in the broader university ecosystem include institutions such as the University of Hyderabad and other central institutions.
The IndiaUnivercity directory also contains information about the University of Hyderabad.
State Universities
State Universities are established by legislation enacted by the relevant state legislature. They generally form an important part of the public higher-education system within their respective states.
A state university may have affiliated colleges, constituent colleges, departments, research centres or other academic units. The exact structure varies by institution and state.
For example, the directory contains resources relating to Anna University in Tamil Nadu, Gauhati University, Dibrugarh University and Goa University.
Private Universities
Private Universities are established under state legislation and operate as self-financing institutions. UGC maintains information and compliance-related records for state private universities.
Students considering a private university should look beyond branding or advertising. Check the institution's current status, programme details, admission rules, fees, campus information and relevant professional approvals where applicable.
Deemed-to-be Universities
An Institution Deemed to be University is an institution of higher education declared as such by notification of the Government of India on the advice of the UGC under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956.
The term deemed-to-be university therefore refers to a specific legal category. It should not simply be treated as a marketing description.
For example, the UGC's university information includes Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham among institutions in this category. UGC maintains institution-specific information for deemed-to-be universities.
Institutions of National Importance
Institutions of National Importance are established or declared through Acts of Parliament. The UGC lists IITs, NITs, IIMs and IISERs among examples of this category of degree-granting institution.
This is important when searching for "universities" because students often use the word university broadly for many types of higher-education institutions.
UGC Recognition: What Should Students Check?
One of the most important steps when researching a university is verifying its official status rather than relying only on a website, advertisement or third-party directory.
The UGC maintains university information covering categories such as Central Universities, State Universities, Deemed-to-be Universities and State Private Universities. Its university database also provides information such as the institution name, location, type and status.
Before applying, check:
Whether the institution appears in the appropriate official UGC records
The institution's current legal category
Whether the programme you want is actually offered
Whether a professional programme requires approval from another statutory regulator
Whether the campus or study centre you intend to attend is officially permitted
Whether online or distance-learning programmes have the required recognition or entitlement
The university's current admission notification and fee structure
Whether the qualification matches the requirements of your intended employer, profession or further study
This last point matters because university status and programme approval are not always the same thing.
UGC Recognition vs NAAC Accreditation vs NIRF Ranking
These terms are often mixed together, but they answer different questions.
UGC Recognition or University Status
UGC-related university information concerns the institution's legal and regulatory position within the higher-education system.
It is not the same thing as a ranking.
NAAC Accreditation
The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) evaluates and accredits universities and colleges through an assessment process involving institutional information, self-study and peer review. UGC describes NAAC's role as performance evaluation, assessment and accreditation.
Therefore, NAAC accreditation should not be treated as a replacement for checking whether an institution has the appropriate legal university status.
NIRF Ranking
The National Institutional Ranking Framework, or NIRF, is a ranking framework of the Ministry of Education.
For example, the India Rankings 2025: University table provides rankings and scores for participating institutions in the university category.
A ranking can help with comparative research, but it should be considered alongside factors such as:
Programme suitability
Curriculum
Faculty
Research opportunities
Fees
Location
Infrastructure
Student support
Placements where relevant
Accreditation and regulatory status
In other words, recognition, accreditation and ranking are three different concepts.
How to Choose a University in India
Finding a university by state is only the first step. The next step is determining whether the institution fits your academic and practical requirements.
1. Start With the Course, Not Just the University Name
The same university may offer strong programmes in one subject while having a very different academic profile in another.
Start by identifying:
Degree level
Subject or specialization
Course duration
Admission route
Eligibility requirements
Entrance examination, if applicable
Mode of study
Internship or practical requirements
Research opportunities
Expected career pathway
A university's overall reputation does not automatically tell you whether a particular programme is suitable.
2. Check the Official Programme Page
Once you identify a university, find the programme on the institution's official website.
Check the latest:
Prospectus
Admission notification
Eligibility criteria
Application dates
Fee structure
Course structure
Examination rules
Reservation information
Scholarship information
Avoid relying on old admission articles when the university has published a newer notification.
3. Verify Professional Programme Requirements
Some courses operate within additional regulatory frameworks.
This is particularly relevant for areas such as:
Medicine
Nursing
Pharmacy
Law
Architecture
Teacher education
Engineering
Other regulated professional fields
The university's general status does not by itself answer every question about professional-programme approval.
4. Compare the Total Cost
Do not compare universities only by the advertised tuition fee.
Consider the total expected cost:
Total education cost = tuition + examination fees + accommodation + food + transport + books + equipment + other institutional charges
For residential students, hostel and living costs can substantially change the overall expense.
5. Examine the Learning Mode
Students increasingly consider:
Regular on-campus study
Open and distance learning
Online learning
Part-time or continuing education
For online and ODL programmes, verify the specific institution and programme through the UGC Distance Education Bureau rather than assuming that every programme offered by a university has the same recognition.
The UGC Distance Education Bureau provides current information on recognised and entitled institutions and programmes, including ODL and online offerings.
6. Look Beyond Rankings
A ranking can be useful, but it should not be the only selection criterion.
For example, two universities may have different strengths in:
Research
Teaching
Industry interaction
Regional opportunities
Specific academic disciplines
Student support
Location
Cost
Use rankings as one research input rather than as a substitute for course-level investigation.
Examples of Universities Covered by the IndiaUnivercity Directory
The internal sitemap contains institution-specific pages covering universities and university-level institutions from several parts of India.
For example:
NALSAR University of Law — useful for readers researching legal education.
Annamalai University — a Tamil Nadu university resource.
Alagappa University — another Tamil Nadu university resource.
Sikkim University — useful for readers researching higher education in Sikkim.
Jadavpur University — a West Bengal university resource.
University of Calcutta — another West Bengal institution.
Visva-Bharati University — a university resource for West Bengal.
Panjab University — useful for Chandigarh/Punjab-related searches.
Osmania University — a Hyderabad-based university resource.
Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University — an engineering and technology-related resource.
Maulana Azad National Urdu University — a university resource in Hyderabad.
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University — relevant to open and distance-learning research.
The directory also includes pages for individual institutions in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and other regions.
State-Wise University Search: What Information Should You Compare?
When moving from a state-level list to a shortlist of institutions, compare universities using the same set of criteria.
| Factor | What to Check |
|---|---|
| University status | Central, state, private or deemed-to-be status |
| Programme | Exact degree, specialization and curriculum |
| Eligibility | Academic qualifications and entrance requirements |
| Admission | Merit, entrance examination or another route |
| Fees | Tuition and additional institutional charges |
| Location | Campus, transport and accommodation |
| Learning mode | Regular, ODL or online |
| Accreditation | Current accreditation information where applicable |
| Research | Labs, centres, publications and research opportunities |
| Faculty | Department-level faculty profile |
| Student support | Library, mentoring, placement or career services |
| Outcomes | Relevant employment, professional or higher-study pathways |
This approach is more useful than choosing an institution solely because it appears high in a general university list.
Common Mistakes When Searching for Universities in India
Mistake 1: Using an Old University List as Current Proof
A webpage published years ago can remain online even when institutional information has changed.
Use historical directory pages for navigation, but verify current information through official sources.
Mistake 2: Treating Every "University" Website as Official
A university-related website, admission portal or coaching page is not necessarily the official institutional website.
For important decisions, cross-check information with the university and relevant statutory authority.
Mistake 3: Assuming UGC Status Covers Every Programme
University status does not necessarily answer programme-specific regulatory questions.
For professional courses, check the applicable regulator and the programme's current approval or recognition requirements.
Mistake 4: Choosing Only by Ranking
A ranking measures selected criteria within a particular methodology and year. It does not necessarily answer whether a particular course, location, fee structure or learning format is right for an individual student.
Mistake 5: Ignoring Online and Distance-Learning Recognition
Students pursuing ODL or online programmes should verify the specific programme and session through the appropriate UGC framework. The UGC's Distance Education Bureau provides programme-level information for this purpose.
Mistake 6: Confusing Accreditation With Recognition
Accreditation and university status are related to different aspects of higher education. Check both where relevant rather than using one as a substitute for the other.
How to Verify a University Before Applying
A simple verification workflow can reduce the risk of relying on outdated information.
Step 1: Identify the Exact Institution
Record the full university name, location and campus you are considering.
Similar names can belong to different institutions.
Step 2: Check UGC Information
Search the current UGC university information and confirm the institution's category and status. UGC provides separate information for Central Universities, State Universities, Deemed-to-be Universities and State Private Universities.
Step 3: Check the University's Official Website
Confirm the current:
Admission notification
Programme list
Eligibility
Fees
Academic calendar
Campus information
Contact details
Step 4: Check Programme-Specific Requirements
If the course is professionally regulated, check the relevant statutory authority as well.
Step 5: For Online or ODL Study, Check UGC-DEB
Verify whether the particular programme and session are listed under the applicable UGC-DEB framework.
Step 6: Compare Alternatives
Only after verification should you compare universities on academic, financial, geographic and career-related factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many universities are there in India?
The number changes as institutions are established, recognised, reorganised or otherwise updated in official records. Rather than relying on a static number in an old article, use the current UGC university listings for the latest institutional information. UGC maintains consolidated information across major university categories.
Which are the main types of universities in India?
The main categories described by UGC include Central Universities, State Universities, Private Universities and Institutions Deemed to be Universities. UGC also identifies Institutions of National Importance as a separate category of degree-granting institution.
What is the difference between a Central University and a State University?
A Central University is established by an Act of Parliament and funded by the Central Government, while a State University is established by legislation of the relevant state and funded by the state government.
What is a deemed-to-be university?
A deemed-to-be university is an institution of higher education declared as such by the Government of India, on the advice of the UGC, under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956.
Is NAAC accreditation the same as UGC recognition?
No. They refer to different aspects of higher education. UGC maintains information concerning university categories and status, while NAAC's role is assessment and accreditation of universities and colleges.
Is NIRF ranking the same as university recognition?
No. NIRF is a ranking framework of the Ministry of Education. Its university rankings are based on a defined methodology and should not be confused with an institution's legal university status.
Are online and distance-learning degrees automatically recognised?
Students should not assume that every online or distance programme offered by a university has the same status. Check the specific institution and programme through the current UGC Distance Education Bureau information.
How should I find universities in a particular state?
Start with the state-wise directory above, then shortlist institutions based on your course, eligibility, location, fees and study mode. After that, verify the institution and programme through official sources.
Which state has the best universities in India?
There is no single meaningful answer without defining what is being compared. University systems differ by discipline, institution type, programme, location, fees, research activity and other factors. A student looking for engineering, law, medicine, humanities or online education may need a different shortlist.
How do I know whether a university is legitimate?
Check the institution's current information in the appropriate UGC records, visit the university's official website, verify the exact programme and check any additional regulatory requirements relevant to your course. UGC also publishes information concerning institutions that are identified as fake universities or that are subject to certain regulatory concerns.
Final Checklist Before Choosing a University
Before submitting an application, make sure you have checked:
Exact university name and campus
Current UGC status/category
Exact programme and specialization
Eligibility requirements
Admission process and deadline
Tuition and other fees
Campus and accommodation requirements
Professional regulator requirements, where applicable
NAAC accreditation information, where relevant
NIRF ranking information, if useful for your comparison
Online/ODL recognition, if applicable
Official admission notification
Career, internship or higher-study requirements relevant to your goals
Final Takeaway
A state-wise list of universities in India is useful for discovering institutions, but the university name alone is not enough to make an informed decision.
Start with the state or Union Territory where you want to study, explore the relevant university pages, identify institutions offering your desired programme, and then verify their current status and programme information through official sources.
The UGC's university database should be treated as an important verification point, while NAAC accreditation, NIRF rankings, programme-specific regulatory requirements and UGC-DEB information can provide additional context depending on the course and study mode.
Use the state-wise directory as your starting point, but make the final comparison at the university and programme level. This produces a more reliable shortlist than relying on a generic list or an old ranking alone.
Click on the links below to access the complete list of universities in each state/union territory:
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Universities in India – State Wise Complete Guide
Andhra Pradesh – Explore universities offering diverse programs in arts, science, and professional courses.
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Punjab – Home to renowned institutions with strong research and technical programs.
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Arunachal Pradesh – Universities focused on regional development and higher education accessibility.
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Puducherry / Pondicherry – Institutions offering high-quality education in science, arts, and management.
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Assam – Universities emphasizing research, innovation, and regional studies.
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Rajasthan – Known for its historic and modern institutions across multiple disciplines.
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Bihar – A growing educational hub with a mix of ancient universities and modern institutions.
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Sikkim – Universities offering technical, medical, and management courses.
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Chhattisgarh – Institutions focusing on technology, science, and regional development.
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Tamil Nadu – Renowned for engineering, technology, and research-oriented universities.
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Chandigarh – Institutions with advanced academic programs and research centers.
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Tripura – Universities offering arts, science, management, and technology courses.
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Delhi – A major hub for premier universities in India.
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Uttarakhand / Uttaranchal – Known for engineering, management, and agricultural universities.
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Goa – Universities offering specialized programs in arts, management, and tourism.
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Uttar Pradesh – One of the largest higher education hubs in India with diverse programs.
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Gujarat – Institutions with strong emphasis on engineering, management, and medical sciences.
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West Bengal – Rich in cultural and academic excellence with prestigious universities.
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Haryana – Universities focusing on engineering, technology, and professional courses.
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Himachal Pradesh – Institutions emphasizing research and regional education development.
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Jammu and Kashmir – Universities providing high-quality education in arts, science, and technology.
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Jharkhand – Known for technical, medical, and professional educational institutions.
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Karnataka – Home to top-ranking universities in engineering, IT, and management.
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Kerala – Renowned for high literacy and excellent higher education institutions.
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Madhya Pradesh – Universities offering programs across arts, science, and professional studies.
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Maharashtra – A hub for premier universities in engineering, technology, and management.
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Manipur – Institutions providing quality higher education and research opportunities.
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Meghalaya – Universities emphasizing regional studies and professional education.
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Mizoram – Institutions promoting higher education accessibility and regional development.
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Nagaland – Universities focused on arts, science, and cultural studies.
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Orissa – Known for technical and professional institutions along with research centers.
Why Use This State-Wise Guide?
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Comprehensive Coverage – Access detailed lists of universities in all Indian states and union territories.
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Ease of Navigation – Quickly find universities based on the region you are interested in.
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Academic Planning – Useful for students, researchers, and academics planning higher education or collaborations.
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Research and Career Opportunities – Discover universities with research programs, professional courses, and skill-development initiatives.