Best Central University in India 2023 [Top 10 Updated]
by Maivizhi A | Updated Mar 30, 2023
Best Central University in India 2023
Central Universities are institutions established by an act of parliament and fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Higher Education in the Ministry of Education. These universities are categorized as being under the purview of the Union Government, as the Ministry of Education allocates funds to them through the UGC. India has an international education index of 131/191 and is home to a total of 54 central universities. Out of these universities, 40 are funded through the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education (MoE), while the remaining nine enjoy autonomous status and are directly funded by the Government of India (GoI). All states in India, except Goa, have at least one central university. In this article, Careers360 provides a list of institutions established under the Central Universities Act, which hold a special status among the other universities in India.
India has a total of 54 central universities, with Allahabad University being the oldest, established in 1887, and the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh being the youngest, established in 2019. With the exception of Goa, at least one central university has been established in each state/union territory of India.
Top 10 Central Universities in India 2023
Here is the list of the Top 10 Central Universities in India 2023 with their location.
1
Jawaharlal Nehru University
New Delhi
2
Banaras Hindu University
Uttar Pradesh
3
Jamia Millia Islamia
New Delhi
4
University of Hyderabad
Telangana
5
Aligarh Muslim University
Uttar Pradesh
6
University of Delhi
New Delhi
7
Tezpur University
Assam
8
Pondicherry University
Pondicherry
9
North-Eastern Hill University
Meghalaya
10
Visva Bharati University
West Bengal
S.No
Central Universities
Location
Let us see each University in detail.
1. Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is a public central university located in New Delhi, India. It was established in 1969 and named after India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. The university has been consistently ranked among the top universities in India and is known for its strong emphasis on research and its liberal and progressive academic environment. JNU offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in a wide range of disciplines including social sciences, humanities, languages, engineering, and science. The university is particularly renowned for its programs in international studies, politics, and economics.
The campus of JNU is spread over 1,000 acres and includes a number of academic and research facilities, as well as student housing, sports facilities, and other amenities. The university has a diverse student population from all over India and many other countries, with a strong focus on social justice, equality, and democratic values. JNU has a unique admission process called the JNU Entrance Examination (JNUEE), which tests the knowledge and aptitude of students rather than just their memorization skills. This process is aimed at identifying students who have a strong academic background and potential for research. Over the years, JNU has produced many prominent scholars, researchers, and leaders in various fields. The university has also been at the forefront of various social and political movements in India, making it a hub of intellectual and cultural activity in the country.
2. Banaras Hindu University, Uttar Pradesh
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is a public central university located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was founded in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya and is one of the largest residential universities in Asia, with over 30,000 students. BHU offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in a wide range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, science, engineering, medicine, and agriculture. It has over 140 departments and is known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation.
The university has a sprawling campus spread over 1,300 acres and includes a number of academic and research facilities, as well as student housing, sports facilities, and other amenities. The campus has many historical buildings and temples, including the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple. BHU is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with many festivals and events held throughout the year, including the annual cultural festival called "Spandan" and the "International Yoga Festival". Over the years, BHU has produced many prominent scholars, scientists, and leaders in various fields. It has been ranked among the top universities in India and is known for its strong academic reputation and tradition of excellence.
3. Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
Jamia Millia Islamia is a public central university located in New Delhi, India. It was established in 1920 by freedom fighters and educationists, including Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar, Hakim Ajmal Khan, and Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari. The university was declared a central university by an act of Parliament in 1988. Jamia Millia Islamia offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in a wide range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, engineering, technology, law, and education. It has 9 faculties, 39 departments, and over 20,000 students. The university has a sprawling campus spread over 1,200 acres and includes a number of academic and research facilities, as well as student housing, sports facilities, and other amenities. The campus has many historic buildings, including the iconic Mughal-style red sandstone building that houses the university's administrative offices.
Jamia Millia Islamia is known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation. It has several research centers and collaborations with national and international institutions, including the Central European University, Budapest, Hungary, and the University of Tehran, Iran.
4. University of Hyderabad, Telangana
The University of Hyderabad is a public research university located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. It was established in 1974 as a Central University, primarily devoted to postgraduate studies and research in the fields of science, technology, humanities, and social sciences. The University of Hyderabad has been consistently ranked as one of the top universities in India by various ranking agencies. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including 5-year integrated master's degree programs, master's degree programs, MPhil programs, PhD programs, and postdoctoral research. The university has 12 schools of study and over 40 departments, offering programs in various fields such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, life sciences, social sciences, humanities, management studies, and computer science. The University of Hyderabad has a highly qualified and experienced faculty consisting of over 400 professors, associate professors, and assistant professors. The faculty members are actively involved in research and have published numerous research papers and articles in reputed national and international journals.
The university has a vibrant student community with students from all over India and from various countries around the world. The students are actively involved in extracurricular activities such as sports, cultural events, and social service. The university has a number of student clubs and organizations that cater to different interests and hobbies.
5. Aligarh Muslim University, Uttar Pradesh
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is a public central university located in the city of Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was established in 1875 by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan as the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College and was later converted into a university in 1920. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in India. AMU offers over 300 courses in various disciplines including science, arts, humanities, engineering, management, law, medicine, and social sciences. It has 13 faculties and more than 100 departments, centers, and institutions, providing education to over 30,000 students. The university also has several off-campus centers located in different parts of the country. The campus of AMU is spread over 467.6 hectares and is home to several notable landmarks such as the Maulana Azad Library, one of the largest university libraries in Asia, the Kennedy Auditorium, the Victoria Gate, and the Strachey Hall. The university also has several museums, including the Sir Syed Academy Museum, the Archaeology Museum, and the Numismatics Museum.
6. University of Delhi, Delhi
The University of Delhi is a premier public university located in the heart of Delhi, the capital city of India. It was founded in 1922 and is one of the largest universities in India. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in a wide range of disciplines, including science, commerce, arts, engineering, law, medicine, and management. The University of Delhi has a rich history and has produced many notable alumni, including politicians, business leaders, scientists, writers, and artists. The university has also been at the forefront of social and political movements in India, and has been a center of intellectual activity and debate.
The university is spread across several campuses in Delhi, with the North Campus being the largest and most well-known. The North Campus is home to many of the university's faculties and departments, as well as its iconic landmarks, such as the India Gate, the Rashtrapati Bhawan, and the Parliament House. The University of Delhi is known for its academic excellence and research facilities. It has been consistently ranked among the top universities in India and has also been recognized globally for its academic and research contributions.
7. Tezpur University, Assam
Tezpur University is a central university located in Tezpur, Assam, India. It was established in 1994 by an Act of Parliament with a focus on teaching and research in the field of science and technology. The university is known for its strong academic programs, research activities, and social outreach. The campus is spread over 262 acres and is situated near the bank of the Brahmaputra river. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various disciplines including engineering, science, humanities, and social sciences.
Tezpur University is recognized as a center of excellence by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. It is also accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with an 'A' grade. The university has various research centers and facilities such as the Center for Energy, the Center for Polymer Science and Technology, the Center for Disaster Management, and the Center for Brahmaputra Studies. It also has collaborations with various national and international universities and organizations for research and academic exchange programs.
8. Pondicherry University, Pondicherry
Pondicherry University is a central university located in Kalapet, Pondicherry, India. It was established in 1985 through an Act of Parliament with a goal to provide higher education in the fields of science, arts, and management. The university has 15 schools and 37 departments, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various fields, including science, humanities, social sciences, engineering, technology, and management. The medium of instruction is English. Pondicherry University has a strong focus on research and development and offers several research programs in various disciplines. The university has collaborations with several national and international institutions for research and academic purposes. It also has a large library with a vast collection of books, journals, and other reference material.
The campus of Pondicherry University is spread over 780 acres of land and is equipped with modern facilities such as computer labs, Wi-Fi connectivity, sports facilities, auditoriums, and hostels for students. The university also has a vibrant student community, with several student clubs and societies organizing various cultural, sports, and academic events throughout the year.
9. North-Eastern Hill University, Meghalaya
North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) is a public central university located in the state of Meghalaya in Northeast India. It was established in 1973 and has two campuses, one in Shillong and the other in Tura. The university is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is accredited with an "A" grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). NEHU offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various fields, including Arts, Science, Commerce, Management, Engineering, Law, Education, and Social Sciences. The university has 10 schools of study, which include the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Education, School of Management, School of Engineering and Technology, School of Economics, School of Law, School of Physical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, School of Social Sciences, and School of Human and Environmental Sciences.
NEHU has a diverse student population from across India and also from other countries. The university has a number of facilities on campus, including a library, computer center, hostel accommodation for students, and sports facilities. The university also has a number of research centers, including the Bioinformatics Infrastructure Facility, Centre for Science Education, Centre for Professional Development in Higher Education, and the Centre for Distance Education.
10. Visva Bharati University, West Bengal
Visva Bharati University is a public central university located in Santiniketan, West Bengal, India. It was established by the renowned poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore in 1921, with the aim of promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of India while simultaneously embracing the best of modern education. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs in a wide range of disciplines such as humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, fine arts, engineering, and technology. It is organized into several faculties, including Arts, Science, Music, Fine Arts, Technology, and Agriculture.
Visva Bharati University has a unique educational philosophy, known as the "Brahmacharya Ashrama System," which emphasizes a holistic and integrated approach to education. This system is based on the concept of "Gurukul," where students live and learn together in a close-knit community, with teachers serving as mentors and guides. The university campus is spread over 1,215 acres of land and includes several academic and administrative buildings, student hostels, faculty residences, a museum, a library, a hospital, and a botanical garden. The university also has several centers and institutes dedicated to research and innovation in various fields.
Which is the Best Central University in India 2023?
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is a highly esteemed university in India, renowned for its teaching and research excellence. It has been ranked number one in India by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), receiving a Grade Point of 3.91 out of 4. Furthermore, it was ranked third among all universities in India by the National Institutional Ranking Framework in 2016 and second in 2017. JNU was honored with the Best University Award by the President of India in 2017.
Despite being a relatively young institution established by an act of Parliament in 1966, JNU has gained strength, energy, and reputation through its vision that ideas should be approached as a field for adventure, experimentation, and a constant search for knowledge, and that diversity of opinions is essential for intellectual exploration. It is a place for the intellectually curious and rigorous to grow amidst the peacefulness of a green oasis in the bustling capital city of India.
When it was founded in 1969, JNU introduced new perspectives and frontier disciplines to the Indian university system. It also established a teaching philosophy that encourages students to explore their own creativity instead of relying on pre-existing knowledge. The excellent teacher-student ratio of 1:10 and the exclusive use of internal evaluation were also innovative features in the Indian academic landscape. The university's objectives of national integration, social justice, secularism, the democratic way of life, international understanding, and a scientific approach to societal problems are very much in line with the values of India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, after whom the university is named.
JNU's educational philosophy is reflected in its academic structure, which is different from the conventional university system. The university favors broader and more inclusive Schools that encompass allied disciplines rather than narrow departmental structures. Special Centers outside of Schools and Research Clusters that cut across Schools and Centres also exist. At present, there are ten Schools and four Special Centers in JNU.
JNU was the first to offer courses in foreign languages as part of an integrated five-year MA program. Although training at the Master's level is mostly discipline-oriented, students are encouraged to take a few courses outside of their field of study. However, at the research level, disciplinary boundaries become more permeable, and students are encouraged to work in overlapping or borderline areas. This interdisciplinary approach fosters collaboration between academia and the outside world, resulting in a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge.
Conclusion
Based on the information provided, it appears that the article lists the top 10 central universities in India in 2023, along with some brief information about each of them. The universities are ranked based on various factors, such as academic excellence, research output, faculty strength, and student satisfaction. It is important to note that rankings can be subjective and can vary depending on the criteria used. Additionally, there may be other central universities in India that are not included in this list but still offer high-quality education and research opportunities.
Overall, the article provides some useful information for individuals interested in pursuing higher education in India, particularly those who are considering central universities. However, readers should conduct further research to determine which university best suits their needs and interests.
Best Central University in India 2023 - FAQs
A central university is an institution of higher education established by an act of parliament and is funded and regulated by the government of India through the Ministry of Education.
As of 2023, there are 54 central universities in India, out of which 40 are funded by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the Ministry of Education, and nine are directly funded by the Government of India.
Allahabad University is the oldest central university in India, established in 1887.
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation. BHU offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in a wide range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, science, engineering, medicine, and agriculture.
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is known for its liberal and progressive academic environment. JNU has been consistently ranked among the top universities in India and is known for its strong emphasis on research.