List of Central Universities in India – Updated Guide 2025
Central Universities are public institutions established by an Act of Parliament and are funded and regulated by the Government of India through the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry of Education (MoE). These universities are renowned for offering high-quality education and are located across various states and union territories in India. As of 2025, there are 56 Central Universities in India.
In this blog, we will discuss the complete list of Central Universities in India and other important information related to these institutions.
What Are Central Universities
Central Universities are governed under the Central Universities Act and operate directly under the control of the Ministry of Education. They differ from State, Private, and Deemed universities in that their funding, administrative structure, and admissions are centrally managed. They often enjoy nationwide recognition and offer admissions primarily through national-level entrance exams like CUET, JEE, and NEET.
Types of Central Universities in India
Central Universities in India are all established and governed by the Government of India, and you can refer to the central university list to see how they are grouped based on their focus areas or mode of education.
1. General Central Universities
- These offer a wide range of regular degree programs in arts, science, commerce, law, and more.
- Examples: University of Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Banaras Hindu University.
2. Specialized Central Universities
- These focus on specific academic or professional fields such as language, culture, or technology.
- Examples: Central Sanskrit University, English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Rajiv Gandhi University.
3.Open and Distance Learning Central Universities
- These are dedicated to distance and online education, allowing flexible learning for students.
- Example: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).
Features of Central Universities
Many top institutions in India, included in the central university list, are known for their quality education and diverse courses. Here are some key features that make them stand out:
- Funded entirely by the Central Government
- National-level recognition and credibility
- Admission through CUET and other national exams
- Implementation of reservation policies as per central norms
- Emphasis on inclusive and equitable education
- Research opportunities and fellowships
Full List of Central Universities in India (State-wise Table)
India has a total of 57 Central Universities spread across different states and union territories. These universities are recognized by the UGC and are fully funded by the Government of India. Below is the updated state-wise table, which shows a list of Central Universities in India.
| Sr.No | Name of the University | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aligarh Muslim University | Uttar Pradesh |
| 2 | Assam University | Assam |
| 3 | Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University | Uttar Pradesh |
| 4 | Banaras Hindu University | Uttar Pradesh |
| 5 | Central Agricultural University | Manipur |
| 6 | Central Sanskrit University | Delhi |
| 7 | Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh | Andhra Pradesh |
| 8 | Central University of Andhra Pradesh | Andhra Pradesh |
| 9 | Central University of Gujarat | Gujarat |
| 10 | Central University of Haryana | Haryana |
| 11 | Central University of Himachal Pradesh | Himachal Pradesh |
| 12 | Central University of Jammu | Jammu and Kashmir |
| 13 | Central University of Jharkhand | Jharkhand |
| 14 | Central University of Karnataka | Karnataka |
| 15 | Central University of Kashmir | Jammu and Kashmir |
| 16 | Central University of Kerala | Kerala |
| 17 | Central University of Odisha | Odisha |
| 18 | Central University of Punjab | Punjab |
| 19 | Central University of Rajasthan | Rajasthan |
| 20 | Central University of South Bihar | Bihar |
| 21 | Central University of Tamil Nadu | Tamil Nadu |
| 22 | Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya | Madhya Pradesh |
| 23 | Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University | Bihar |
| 24 | English & Foreign Languages University | Telangana |
| 25 | Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya | Gujarat |
| 26 | Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya | Chhattisgarh |
| 27 | Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University | Uttarakhand |
| 28 | Indian Maritime University | Tamil Nadu |
| 29 | Indira Gandhi National Open University | Delhi |
| 30 | Jamia Millia Islamia | Delhi |
| 31 | Jawaharlal Nehru University | Delhi |
| 32 | Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya | Maharashtra |
| 33 | Mahatma Gandhi Central University | Bihar |
| 34 | Manipur University | Manipur |
| 35 | Maulana Azad National Urdu University | Telangana |
| 36 | Mizoram University | Mizoram |
| 37 | Nagaland University | Nagaland |
| 38 | Nalanda University | Bihar |
| 39 | National Sanskrit University (previously Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth) | Andhra Pradesh |
| 40 | National Sports University | Manipur |
| 41 | North Eastern Hill University | Meghalaya |
| 42 | Pondicherry University | Puducherry |
| 43 | Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University | Uttar Pradesh |
| 44 | Rajiv Gandhi University | Arunachal Pradesh |
| 45 | Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University | Uttar Pradesh |
| 46 | Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University | Telangana |
| 47 | Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University | Delhi |
| 48 | Sikkim University | Sikkim |
| 49 | Sindhu Central University | Ladakh |
| 50 | South Asian University | Delhi |
| 51 | Tezpur University | Assam |
| 52 | The Indira Gandhi National Tribal University | Madhya Pradesh |
| 53 | Tripura University | Tripura |
| 54 | University of Allahabad | Uttar Pradesh |
| 55 | University of Delhi | Delhi |
| 56 | University of Hyderabad | Telangana |
| 57 | Visva Bharati | West Bengal |
Note: Please verify their current status, admission guidelines, and detailed course information via the official UGC website before applying.
How to Check if a University is UGC Approved
Always make sure your chosen university is approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to keep your degree valid and accepted.
1. Check the Official UGC Website
Visit www.ugc.ac.in and go to the “Universities” section. Look for your university’s name under the list of UGC approved central universities, state universities, or other relevant lists. Confirm the name and location match exactly.
2. For Distance & Online Programs
Visit the UGC-DEB portal (deb.ugc.ac.in) to check if your program is approved for online or distance learning. Remember, both the university and your specific course must be listed. New rules require students to generate a unique DEB-ID for their ODL/OL degree to be valid.
3. Cross-check on the University’s Official Website
Look for UGC approval details under “About Us” or “Accreditations”. Always double-check this with the UGC site.
4. Contact UGC Directly if Unsure
If you are still in doubt, reach out to UGC with your university and course details for confirmation.
Important: If you find that a university or its course is not UGC approved, that’s a big red flag. Such degrees may not be valid for government jobs, higher studies, or scholarships. Always choose a recognized university to protect your future.
Central Universities Offering Distance or Online Education
Some institutions from the list of central universities in India offer UGC-DEB approved online or distance programs to help students pursue higher education remotely.
- IGNOU – Largest open university with over 200 programs
- Jamia Millia Islamia – Offers online diploma and degree programs
- University of Delhi (DU-SOL) – Offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs
Admission Process in Central Universities
The admission process for most Central Universities in India, which are included in the list of central universities in India approved by the UGC, is standardized and managed at the national level. Here is how it works:
1. Entrance Exam Requirement
- Most undergraduate and postgraduate admissions are done through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
- For professional courses, exams like JEE (Engineering) and NEET (Medical) are applicable.
2. Online Application
- Students must apply online through the official CUET portal or the university’s admission website.
- During registration, students choose their preferred universities and courses.
3. Merit List and Counselling
- After the entrance exam results, universities release merit lists based on scores and seat availability.
- Qualified candidates are invited for counselling and document verification.
4. Final Admission
- Once documents are verified and the fee is paid, the seat is confirmed.
- Some universities may also conduct interviews for research or special programs.
Also read our blog on Top Engineering Colleges in India After 12th
Benefits of Studying at a Central University
Central Universities offer several advantages that make them a preferred choice for students across India. If you look at the list of Central Universities in India, you’ll find institutions known for affordable education and national recognition. Given below are the benefits:-
- Affordable Fees: Central Universities are funded by the Government of India, making the courses more affordable compared to private institutions.
- UGC Recognition: All Central Universities are approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC), ensuring the degree is valid across India and abroad.
- National-Level Faculty: These universities have experienced and highly qualified professors from all over the country.
- Wide Course Choices: Students can choose from a variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs in multiple streams.
- Better Placement Support: Many Central Universities have strong placement cells and offer good job opportunities in government and private sectors.
- Access to Scholarships: Students can apply for central government scholarships like NSP, Post-Matric Scholarships, and UGC fellowships.
- Cultural Diversity: Students from different states study together, promoting unity and cultural understanding.
- Research and Development: Central Universities often get government funding for research projects, helping students to pursue innovations and higher studies.
- Modern Infrastructure: From libraries and labs to hostels and sports facilities, students get access to well-developed campuses.
- Global Recognition: Degrees from Central Universities are respected internationally, opening doors to study or work abroad.
Conclusion
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