Public Universities In India: Complete List (2026)

Public universities in India have played a huge role in developing the country's higher education system and driving the accessibility of quality education to students from all walks of life. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the top public universities in India, exploring what makes them stand out and the key factors in choosing the best ones.

Overview of Public Universities in India

Public universities in India are those set up or funded by the central or state governments. They are created through laws passed by Parliament or local assemblies. The UGC recognises the universities that follow these laws and receive financial support directly.

Over time, these universities have grown a lot, thanks to various government efforts. From Deemed-to-be Universities to State Universities, Public universities in India aim to offer improved teaching quality. They've also boosted research opportunities across the country.

These universities are crucial because they provide millions of students with affordable education. They help in social development, support research, and contribute to the economy.

Criteria for Ranking

To find the best public universities in India, we looked at several key factors. For example:

Academic Excellence

Academic excellence depends on how well universities teach and conduct research. This is measured by the TLR (Teaching, Learning & Resources) and RPC scores.

Infrastructure

Good facilities make a big difference in student life. We looked at things like libraries, labs, and campus housing. This helps us see if the university is well-equipped to support students, and it is also part of the TLR score.

Student Support Services

We considered whether the university offers scholarships, financial aid, and career counselling. We also looked at extracurricular activities. These aspects are included in the OI (Outreach and Inclusivity) score.

Reputation and Accreditation

How others see the university matters. So, we checked the university's reputation among peers, employers, and the public. We also looked at national and international rankings and accreditations, which are reflected in the Perception score.

Top 10 Public Universities in India 2026

Here's a closer look at some of the best public universities in India. These universities are known for their excellent education, rich history, and vibrant campus life. Let's explore each one in detail.

1. Indian Institute of Science (IISc)

IISc, located in Bangalore, is the best public university in India. Known as the "Silicon Valley of India," it stands out for its focus on science, technology, and research. Its location in Bangalore offers access to India's thriving IT industry, providing students with numerous job opportunities. The city's pleasant weather adds to the appeal. IISc is recognised for cutting-edge research and strong ties with industries, making it a top choice for aspiring scientists and engineers.

Key Departments:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Biology
• Material Science
• Earth and Environmental Science

Notable Features:

• State-of-the-art labs
• A green and serene campus
• Strong emphasis on research
• Collaborations with many international universities

Overall Details:

Tuition Fee: 2-3 Lakh NRI

Undergraduate Duration: 4 years

Postgraduate Duration: 2-3 years

Established: 1909

Total Programs: 42 undergraduate and postgraduate programs

Total Students: 4495

Total Faculty: 734

Location: Bangalore, Karnataka

2. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is another top public university in India. Located in the capital city of India, New Delhi. JNU is very well-known for its focus on social sciences, humanities, and international studies. It's a popular choice for political science, history, and language students.

The campus itself is peaceful and green. JNU is also famous for its active participation in debates and discussions on national and international issues. The location in the capital city allows students to explore various internships and job opportunities.

Key Departments:

• Political Science
• International Studies
• History
• Economics
• Languages

Notable Features:

• Intellectually stimulating environment
• active student politics
• strong emphasis on research.

Overall Details:

Tuition Fee: 4680-5000 INR (for BTech, INR 62,000/semester)

Undergraduate Duration: 3 years

Postgraduate Duration: 2 years

Established: 1969

Total Programs: 100+ undergraduate and postgraduate programs

Total Students: 9,297+

Total Faculty: 592+

Location: New Delhi, Delhi

3. Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI)

Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) is another of the best public universities in India. It is located in New Delhi and has a rich history rooted in India's freedom struggle. It's a famous university for students interested in media, journalism, and humanities.

The university has a diverse student body. Being in New Delhi, students can access numerous cultural events, seminars, and conferences. JMI is also recognised for its excellent mass communication and social sciences facilities.

Key Departments:

• Engineering (Electrical/ Civil/ Computer Science)
• Biology and Biochemistry
• Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Physics
• Business Administration
• Law

Notable Features:

• Beautiful campus with modern facilities
• A strong focus on media studies
• Media Research Centre

Overall Details:

Tuition Fee: INR 5,700-390,300

Undergraduate Duration: 3-4 years

Postgraduate Duration: 2 years

Established: 1920

Total Programs: 65+ undergraduate and postgraduate programs

Total Students: 8,730+

Total Faculty: 867+

Location: New Delhi, Delhi

4. Jadavpur University, Kolkata

Jadavpur University is located in Kolkata, West Bengal, a city popular for its cultural heritage and literary history. This university is especially popular for its engineering, arts, and humanities programs. Students are drawn to Jadavpur University because of its academic excellence and the city's intellectual environment.

Key Departments:

• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• English
• Comparative Literature
• Philosophy

Notable Features:

• Excellent faculty
• Strong research culture
• Active student involvement in cultural activities
• A beautiful and historic campus

Overall Details:

Tuition Fee: INR 9,600-30,000

Undergraduate Duration: 3-4 years

Postgraduate Duration: 2 years

Established: 1955

Total Programs: 150+ undergraduate and postgraduate programs

Total Students: 11,500

Total Faculty: 745

Location: Kolkata, West Bengal

5. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, one of India's oldest and holiest cities. BHU is known for its strong emphasis on traditional Indian culture and values and its modern academic programs.

The university is popular for its arts, sciences, and medicine programs. Students at BHU benefit from the city's rich cultural heritage and a strong focus on holistic education.

Key Departments:

• Sanskrit
• Philosophy
• Medicine
• Science
• Engineering

Notable Features:

• A large and diverse campus
• Strong emphasis on Indian culture and spirituality
• Home to the prestigious Institute of Medical Sciences

Overall Details:

Tuition Fee: INR 20,000-70,000

Undergraduate Duration: 4 years

Postgraduate Duration: 2 years

Established: 1916

Total Programs: 170+ undergraduate and postgraduate programs

Total Students: 30,000+

Total Faculty: 1,400+

Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

6. Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is located in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, and has a long and storied history as one of India's premier institutions for minority education. AMU is very popular for its focus on diversity and inclusion and has made significant contributions to Indian society and culture. Its law and engineering departments are especially well-known.

Key Departments:

• Law
• Engineering
• Medicine
• Social Sciences
• Arts

Notable Features:

• Beautiful campus
• Rich cultural heritage
• High job placement prospects

Overall Details:

Tuition Fee: 1.75-3.6 lakh INR

Undergraduate Duration: 3 years

Postgraduate Duration: 2 years

Established: 1920

Total Programs: 120+ undergraduate and postgraduate programs

Total Students: 21,678+

Total Faculty: 1,468+

Location: Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh

7. University of Hyderabad (UoH), Hyderabad

Another top public university in India is the University of Hyderabad (UoH). It's located in Hyderabad, Telangana, a city known for its IT industry and historical monuments. UoH is popular for its postgraduate programs and research opportunities, particularly in science, arts, and humanities.

This university offers a quiet, green campus for focused study and research. Hyderabad's growing tech industry also offers plenty of job opportunities for graduates.

Key Departments:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• English
• Social Sciences
• Life Sciences

Notable Features:

• Strong research programs
• A peaceful campus environment.
• Collaborations with several international institutions

Overall Details:

Tuition Fee: INR 6,770-55,950

Undergraduate Duration: 3-4 years

Postgraduate Duration: 2 years

Established: 1974

Total Programs: 138+ undergraduate and postgraduate programs

Total Students: 5,000+

Total Faculty: 400+

Location: Hyderabad, Telangana

8. University of Delhi (DU)

The University of Delhi (DU) is another prestigious and popular university in India. Located in New Delhi, the capital city, it is famous for its high academic standards. Students have access to numerous cultural, academic, and professional opportunities in New Delhi. DU's alumni network is also vast and influential, which can greatly benefit students' careers.

Key Departments:

• Law
• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Sciences
• Medicine and Allied Sciences
• Commerce
• Education
• Computer and IT

Notable Features:

• Rigorous academic programs
• Active student societies
• Large and beautiful campus

Overall Details:

Tuition Fee: INR 25000-60000

Undergraduate Duration: 34 years

Postgraduate Duration: 2 years

Established: 1922

Total Programs: 500+ undergraduate and postgraduate programs

Total Students: 25,926+

Total Faculty: 8,000+

Location: New Delhi, Delhi

9. Calcutta University, Kolkata

Another top university in Kolkata is Calcutta University, which is also one of the oldest. It's one of the most prestigious universities in India. It is particularly known for its contributions to the arts, science, and commerce. The university has a rich history and is often regarded as a pioneer in Indian higher education.

Additionally, it has many notable alumni, including Nobel laureates. Some of them are Rabindranath Tagore, Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, Amartya Sen, and Abhijit Banerjee.

Key Departments:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Economics
• History
• English

Notable Features:

• Strong academic traditions
• Historic campus.

Overall Details:

Tuition Fee: 1604-30690 INR

Undergraduate Duration: 3-4 years

Postgraduate Duration: 2 years

Established: 1857

Total Programs: 263 undergraduate and postgraduate programs

Total Students: 14,732+

Total Faculty: 764+

Location: Kolkata, West Bengal

10. Anna University, Chennai

Anna University, located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is especially popular for its engineering programs. It's also one of the top choices for students in South India. Anna University's strong industry connections and practical learning make it a preferred destination for aspiring engineers. Chennai's coastal location, cultural richness, and vibrant economy add to the appeal of studying here.

Key Departments:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Civil Engineering
• Architecture

Notable Features:

• Excellent engineering programs
• Strong industry ties
• A large and well-equipped campus

Overall Details:

Tuition Fee: 2-2.2 Lakh INR

Undergraduate Duration: 4 years

Postgraduate Duration: 2 years

Established: 1978

Total Programs: 150+ undergraduate and postgraduate programs

Total Students: 15,000+

Total Faculty: 900+

Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu

All Public Universities in India 2026

There are two main types of public universities in India - Central and State universities.

Here's a comprehensive list of all the Central universities in India:

University Name	Location	Established Year
Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh	Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh	2019
Central University of Andhra Pradesh	Anantapuram, Andhra Pradesh	2019
National Sanskrit University	Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh	2020 (1956 as established)
Rajiv Gandhi University	Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh	1985 (2007 as central)
Assam University	Silchar, Assam	1994
Tezpur University	Tezpur, Assam	1994
Central University of South Bihar	Gaya, Bihar	2009
Mahatma Gandhi Central University	Motihari, Bihar	2016
Nalanda University	Rajgir, Nalanda, Bihar	2010
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agriculture University	Samastipur, Bihar	2016 (1905 as established)
Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya	Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh	1983 (2009 as central)
Central Sanskrit University	New Delhi, Delhi	1970 (2020 as central)
Indira Gandhi National Open University	New Delhi, Delhi	1985
Jamia Millia Islamia	New Delhi, Delhi	1920 (1988 as central)
Jawaharlal Nehru University	New Delhi, Delhi	1969
Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University	New Delhi, Delhi	1962 (2020 as central)
South Asian University	New Delhi, Delhi	2010
University of Delhi	New Delhi, Delhi	1922
Central University of Gujarat	Gandhinagar, Gujarat	2009
Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya	Vadodara, Gujarat	2018 (2022 as central)
Central University of Haryana	Mahendragarh, Haryana	2009
Central University of Himachal Pradesh	Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh	2009
Central University of Jammu	Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir	2011
Central University of Kashmir	Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir	2009
Central University of Jharkhand	Ranchi, Jharkhand	2009
Central University of Karnataka	Kalaburagi, Karnataka	2009
Central University of Kerala	Kasaragod, Kerala	2009
Sindhu Central University	Khalatse, Ladakh	2021
Dr. Hari Singh Gour University	Sagar, Madhya Pradesh	1946 (2009 as central)
Indira Gandhi National Tribal University	Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh	2007
Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya	Wardha, Maharashtra	1997
Central Agricultural University	Imphal, Manipur	1993
Manipur University	Imphal, Manipur	1980 (2005 as central)
National Sports University	Imphal, Manipur	2018
North Eastern Hill University	Shillong, Meghalaya	1973
Mizoram University	Aizawl, Mizoram	2000
Nagaland University	Lumami, Nagaland	1994
Central University of Odisha	Koraput, Odisha	2009
Pondicherry University	Pondicherry, Puducherry	1985
Central University of Punjab	Bathinda, Punjab	2009
Central University of Rajasthan	Ajmer, Rajasthan	2009
Sikkim University	Gangtok, Sikkim	2007
Central University of Tamil Nadu	Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu	2009
Indian Maritime University	Chennai, Tamil Nadu	2008
English and Foreign Languages University	Hyderabad, Telangana	1958 (2007 as central)
Maulana Azad National Urdu University	Hyderabad, Telangana	1998
University of Hyderabad	Hyderabad, Telangana	1974
Tripura University	Agartala, Tripura	1987
Aligarh Muslim University	Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh	1920
University of Allahabad	Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh	1887 (2005 as central)
Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University	Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh	1996
Banaras Hindu University	Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh	1916
Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University	Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh	2013
Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University	Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh	2014
Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University	Srinagar, Uttarakhand	1973 (2009 as central)
Visva-Bharati University	Santiniketan, West Bengal	1921

Here's a list of the top 50 State Universities in India:

1. Indian Institute of Science
2. Jadavpur University, Kolkata
3. Calcutta University, Kolkata
4. Anna University, Chennai
5. Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
6. Bharathiar University, Coimbatore
7. Panjab University, Chandigarh
8. Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam
9. Mysore University, Mysore
10. Andhra University, Visakhapatnam
11. Gujarat University, Ahmedabad
12. University of Madras, Chennai
13. Kerala University, Thiruvananthapuram
14. Osmania University, Hyderabad
15. Alagappa University, Karaikudi
16. Cochin University of Science and Technology, Cochin
17. Gauhati University, Guwahati
18. University of Kashmir, Srinagar
19. Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
20. Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati
21. Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli
22. University of Calicut, Calicut
23. Madurai Kamraj University, Madurai
24. University of Jammu, Jammu Tawi
25. Bangalore University, Bengaluru
26. Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi
27. Mumbai University, Mumbai
28. Periyar University, Salem
29. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad
30. Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak
31. Kuvempu University, Shimoga
32. The University of Burdwan, Barddhaman
33. Utkal University, Bhubaneswar
34. Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar
35. Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara
36. Goa University, Goa
37. Annamalai University, Annamalainagar
38. Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore
39. Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh
40. Kalyani University, Kalyani
41. Shivaji University, Kolhapur
42. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra
43. Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa
44. Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur
45. Mangalore University, Mangalagangotri
46. Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur
47. North Maharashtra University, Umavinagar
48. Punjabi University, Patiala
49. Rayalaseema University, Kurnool
50. Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar

Factors to Consider When Choosing a University

Choosing the right university is a big decision. It's important to think about several key factors to find the best fit for you. Here's what to keep in mind:

Academic Fit

Pick a university with strong programs and experienced professors in your field of interest. This helps ensure you get a quality education.

Financial Considerations

Check tuition costs and look for scholarships and financial aid. Public universities are usually cheaper than private ones, but make sure it fits your budget.

Campus Life

Look at the activities, clubs, and support services available. Choose a university that offers things you enjoy and need for a great experience.

Location and Accessibility

Consider how close the university is to home and how easy it is to get there. Check living costs and transportation options to make sure it's convenient for you.

Conclusion

Public universities in India are a cornerstone of the nation's higher education system. These institutions have made significant contributions, from prestigious institutions like IISc and JNU to universities nationwide. Several options are there, whether you're looking for academic excellence or a vibrant campus life. So, do your research well before you make a final decision.