Types of Universities in India: Deemed, State, Private, Central

Here are the 4 different Types of Universities in India

In India, the higher education system consists of both private and government (Public) universities. Public universities act under the rulings administered by the Government of India and the state governments whereas private universities operate under different authorized educational bodies and societies.

The University Grants Commission (UGC), the highest academic authority, acknowledges and grants the ‘universal’ position to various universities. The UGC draws its energy from the University Grants Commission Act, 1956. Along with the UGC, 15 Professional Committees are also appointed, in charge of various factors of accreditation and coordination.

Central University

Central University aka Union University is established by an Act of Parliament and is under the purview of the Department of Higher Education (DHE) in the Ministry of studies.

The UGC records 54 central universities such as Indira Gandhi National Open University, Rajiv Gandhi University, University of Delhi, etc.

State University

A State University acts under the directions issued by the government of a respective state. It is set by a local legislative assembly act.

On November 22, 2021, the UGC has recorded 441 state universities, including the oldest ones such as the University of Madras, the University of Mumbai, and the University of Calcutta functional since their establishment back in 1857. Institutes affiliated with such state universities commonly deliver a range of undergraduate (UG) as well as post-graduate (PG) programs.

Deemed University

The nomenclature ‘Deemed’ typically builds confusion in the common people’s minds. Deemed University is a university that acquires an autonomous status granted by the Department of Higher Education (DHE) with the guidance and consent of the UGC (Section 3 of the UGC Act).

On November 30, 2021, the UGC recorded 126 Deemed Universities including the Indian Institute of Science, being the 1st university in the list that was awarded deemed back on 12 May 1958.

Deemed Universities include Gandhi Indian Agricultural Research Institute (Delhi), Institute of Technology and Management (Andhra Pradesh), International Institute of Information Technology (Karnataka), Gujarat Vidyapith (Gujarat), Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (Maharashtra), and the like.

Read more: What is Deemed University as per UGC?

Private University

A private university is authorized by the University Grant Commission (UGC). It is permitted to grant degrees but not entitled to have off-campus affiliated academies.

On November 22, 2021, the UGC documented 397 private universities including Ahmedabad University (Gujarat), Assam Don Bosco University (Assam), Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India University (Jharkhand), Maharishi Markandeshwar University (Haryana), etc.

Autonomous Colleges

Alongside these universities, there are other academic organizations (with no affiliated institutes), not officially named ‘universities’ but are entitled to award degrees. They can be called ‘autonomous colleges’ under the command of the Department of Higher Education.

These institutes include the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), the Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIIT), the National Institutes of Technology (NIT), the diverse units of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, the Indian Institutes of Science Education, and Research, the Indian Institutes of Management (though these honor diplomas and not degrees) and other autonomous academies.

As of 2022, India had a total of 23 IITs, 31 NITs, 27 Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTI), and 26 IIITs.

In total, there are 1018 universities in the nation with Rajasthan having the most universities (85), Tamil Nadu having the most Deemed Universities (28), West Bengal and Karnataka having the most state universities (34), and Delhi having central universities (7).

Difference between Deemed, Private and Autonomous Institutes

Let us have a look at the major differences and similarities between different types of universities in India:

Total Number of Universities in India by State & Type

You can refer the following table that mentions the details about universities in India as of November 2024:

As we have discussed in this blog, there are different types of universities available to students in India. It is very important for students to know about the university they wish to get into.

This blog will surely help you to know more about the ‘university’ concept and will help you to choose the best university one as per your convenience and wish.

Choose wisely.