Types of universities in India: State, private, deemed & more

India has a thriving higher education system featuring a diverse range of universities that provide a multitude of degree options. The categorization of universities in India is based on their founding methods, which are divided into four categories: state universities, deemed universities, private universities, and public universities. For those looking to make well-informed selections regarding their educational journey, future learners must be thoroughly aware of the types of universities in India. 

Individuals looking for accredited and well-regulated educational institutions must comprehend the meaning of UGC approved. Today, we will explore the types of universities in India, particularly various universities. It prominently includes those recognized and approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Read this insightful blog on the state of higher education to understand the growth of higher educational institutions in India over the years.

Public Universities

Public universities in India are academic institutions sponsored and regulated by state or federal bodies. Public universities enable students from various socioeconomic backgrounds to access inexpensive higher education through their extensive undergraduate and graduate program offerings. One of the main advantages of public universities is their capacity to offer state residents reduced tuition costs, thereby improving educational accessibility and unique academic opportunities.

Here are some of the top-ranking public universities in India:

• Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
• Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
• Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur
• University of Delhi
• Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
• Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur

Also read: What is the Institute of Eminence? Why does MAHE deserve IoE status?

Private Universities

A private university is a higher education system in India run by businesses or organizations instead of the government. Private universities are autonomous higher education institutions that function independently, without any financial support from the government. They possess the flexibility to tailor their academic programs, admission requirements, and overall approach according to their own discretion.

Private universities typically generate revenue through endowments, tuition fees, and generous contributions from donors. They provide benefits like smaller class sizes, specialized programs, and additional resources. The smaller class sizes promote individualized interactions, while the specialized programs cater to the evolving needs of various industries. Private universities also invest in modern infrastructure, research facilities, and technological resources. These advantages significantly contribute to the diversity and dynamism of the higher education system in India, fostering innovation and molding future leaders.

Here are some of the top-ranking private universities in India:

• Vellore Institute of Technology
• SRM Institute of Science and Technology
• Manipal Academy of Higher Education
• Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
• Narsee Monjee Institute of Management and Higher Studies
• Birla Institute of Technology and Science

Here are the checklist to identify fake universities.

Deemed Universities

A postsecondary educational establishment that the Indian government has granted university status is known as a deemed university. In India, deemed universities have special status and are free to choose their own policies, curricula, and methods of operation. To be designated as a deemed university, achieving the necessary standards established by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for academic excellence and research capabilities is mandatory. Their independence permits curriculum design flexibility and enables interdisciplinary studies.

Here’s a list of the top deemed universities in India:

• IIS, Bangalore
• Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore
• Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai
• Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani
• IIT, Madras
• IIT, Delhi

Students must also keep in mind the difference between deemed and private university. The two are primarily distinguished by the recognition process and the governing bodies involved.

• Deemed universities earn their status through recognition by meeting specific UGC criteria, while private universities are established through state legislative acts.
• Deemed universities have a special status granted by the UGC, allowing them more independence, while private universities operate under the purview of state legislative acts and may have varying levels of autonomy.

Similar to how private and deemed universities differ greatly, so do autonomous and deemed universities. The difference between autonomous and deemed university lies in the level of autonomy. Both have been granted some degree of autonomy from the government but differ in some aspects. Autonomous universities maintain affiliation with a government university while enjoying some independence, whereas deemed universities operate independently with a higher degree of autonomy recognized by the UGC.

University	Recognition process	Autonomy
Private University	Constituted by a federal or state law	Functions autonomously and free from governmental oversight
Autonomous University	Affiliated with a government university	Limited autonomy inside the confines of a government university
Deemed University	Attain recognition by the UGC	UGC grants a higher level of autonomy, allowing it to operate independently.

Also Read: What is CUET? How does it help students?

State Universities

State universities are public universities in India that are institutes of higher learning created or supported by the state legislature. The state government controls its finances and rules, assuring consistency with the state’s educational goals. These institutions greatly focus on serving the specific requirements of their respective areas, and they provide a multitude of undergraduate and graduate degrees.

State policies heavily impact the management framework of public colleges, fostering uniformity in their operations. It allows them to meet the educational needs of their local populations efficiently. Indeed, geographical variables may influence the admissions process, favoring in-state or local applicants.

It’s important to realize that “state universities” and “public universities” are two different categories of higher education systems in India, even though some individuals may use the terms interchangeably. Public universities get funding from state and federal governments, whereas state universities are expressly overseen and funded by the state government. How these educational institutions in India are governed and funded may impact things like hiring professors, developing curricula, and allocating resources generally.

Here’s a list of top state universities:

• Acharya Nagarjuna University, Andhra Pradesh
• Sri Venkateswara University, Andhra Pradesh
• University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad
• Jadavpur University, Kolkata
• University of Delhi, Delhi
• Anna University, Chennai

Central Universities

Central universities in India are distinct educational institutions overseen by the Indian central government. These institutions boast their governing system, overseen by the national government and the University Grants Commission (UGC), ensuring a consistent and cohesive approach to education and research. Their presence substantially impacts the nation’s educational landscape, and they are renowned for their outstanding infrastructure, faculty, and research facilities.

The central government funds these institutions significantly, helping them to retain their superiority in all areas. Central universities also play an important role in higher education by supporting interdisciplinary research and establishing international cooperation. These endeavors contribute to overall academic achievement, research innovation, and holistic growth.

Here’s a list of the top central universities in India:

• Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
• Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
• Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
• University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad
• Jadavpur University, Kolkata
• University of Delhi, Delhi

Also Read: 10 reasons why you should choose an online MBA in India

Type of university	Governing body	Funding source	Admission process	Courses offered	Autonomy level
Central University	Managed by Central Government	Funded by Central Government	National level entrance exams (e.g., JEE, NEET, CUET)	Wide range of UG, PG, PhD programs	High autonomy in academic and administrative matters
State University	Managed by State Government	Funded by State Government	State level entrance exams / based on qualification exam result	Wide range of UG, PG, PhD programs	Moderate autonomy, with some control by state government
Private University	Managed by Private Entities	Funded by Private Entities (tuition fees, donations)	University-specific entrance exams	Wide range of UG, PG, PhD programs	High autonomy in academic and administrative matters
Deemed University	Autonomous institutions recognized by UGC	Funded by various sources (self-financing)	University-specific entrance exams	Specialized and varied courses across UG, PG, PhD levels	High autonomy, equivalent to central universities

What kind of university is MAHE?

MAHE (Manipal Academy of Higher Education) is a private deemed university in India. It operates as a private institution with deemed university status granted by the UGC. Known for its diverse academic programs, MAHE offers online degrees across various disciplines. MAHE’s online programs cater to the evolving needs of students seeking flexible and accessible education in various fields. The plethora of online degrees offered by MAHE include – MSc Business Analytics, MSc Data Science, Master of Business Administration (MBA), PGCP-BA and PGCP-LSCM.

Conclusion

With its range of institutions, funding structures, and organizational methods, India’s higher education system offers students from various backgrounds and goals many choices. This customizable approach allows students to select the perfect university and program to match their individual needs and desires, making the Indian higher education sector a top choice for students around the globe.