India is home to several prestigious universities that offer high-quality education across various disciplines. Among these are central universities, which are public institutions established by the Indian government to provide higher education to students from all over the country. The top 10 central universities in India are known for their excellent academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and renowned faculty members. Every year, thousands of students across India and the world aspire to enroll in these universities, as they offer an exceptional learning experience and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Do you know?
A record whopping number of 9.14 Lakh students registered for CUET 2022 for admissions into the top central universities.
The selection process for these universities is highly competitive, and only the most talented and deserving students secure a place in their programs. In this blog, we will explore the top 10 central universities in India based on their overall reputation. From their inception, these universities have remained at the forefront of education in India and have produced some of the country’s most notable leaders, scholars, and thinkers. Let’s dive into the world of these prestigious institutions and discover what makes them stand out in the Indian higher education landscape.
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What all is covered in this post?
In this blog post, we shall be looking at the top 10 central universities in India and their relevant details in order to ease your journey to be in one of the finest institutions in the country.

What are Central Universities?
Central universities are educational institutions that are established and funded by the central government of a country. These universities are usually created with the objective of providing high-quality education and research opportunities in various fields of study, including arts, science, engineering, law, medicine, and more. Central universities have a significant role in the development of a country’s education sector, as they often offer specialized courses and programs that are not available in other universities.
Why choose Central Universities?
There are several benefits to choosing a central university for higher education. Here are some of the potential benefits of choosing a central university:
- High-quality education: Central universities are known for their high academic standards and world-class faculty, providing students with an excellent education.
- Wide range of courses: Central universities offer a wide range of courses across various disciplines, providing students with plenty of options to choose from.
- Cutting-edge research opportunities: These universities often have well-equipped research facilities and offer opportunities for students to participate in cutting-edge research projects.
- Strong industry partnerships: Central universities often have partnerships with leading industries, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and exposure to real-world scenarios.
- Financial assistance: Central universities often provide financial assistance in the form of scholarships, grants, and fellowships, making education more affordable and accessible for deserving students.
- A greater degree of autonomy: Compared to other government-funded universities, central universities have greater autonomy, giving them more flexibility in designing their academic programs and research agendas.
- Diverse student body: Central universities attract students from all over the country, providing a diverse and multicultural learning environment that enriches the educational experience.
List of the Top 10 Central Universities in India
Now that you already know what are central universities and why should one opt for a central university, it is high time you should be looking at the names of the top 10 central universities in India based on their latest NIRF Rankings.
Name of the University | NIRF Rankings |
Indian Institute of Science | 01 |
Jawaharlal Nehru University | 02 |
Jamia Millia Islamia | 03 |
Jadavpur University | 04 |
Banaras Hindu University | 05 |
Manipal Academy of Higher Education-Manipal | 06 |
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | 07 |
Vellore Institute of Technology | 08 |
Aligarh Muslim University | 09 |
University of Hyderabad | 10 |
About the Top 10 Central Universities in India
In this section, we will be looking at the top 10 central universities in India in detail.
Indian Institute of Science
Over the last 111 years, IISc has become India’s premier institute for advanced scientific and technological research and education. IISc’s reputation and pre-eminence ensure that it attracts the best young faculty members trained in the best laboratories around the world.
Key Details
Established Year | 1909 |
Location | Bangalore, Karnataka |
Campus | Urban, 440 Acres |
NIRF Rank | 01 |
NIRF Score | 83.16 |
Programs Offered | IISc Bangalore offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various disciplines such as science, engineering, design, and management. Some of the popular programs include BSc, MSc, MTech, and Ph.D. |
Affiliations | Association of Commonwealth Universities University Grants Commission Association of Indian Universities |
Jawaharlal Nehru University
Another name in the list of the top 10 central universities in India is Jawaharlal Nehru University. JNU is the foremost university in India and a world-renowned center for teaching and research.
Key Details
Established Year | 1969 |
Location | New Delhi, India |
Campus | Urban, 1019 Acres |
NIRF Rank | 02 |
NIRF Score | 68.92 |
Programs Offered | JNU offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various disciplines such as social sciences, humanities, science, and engineering. Some of the popular programs include BA, MA, MSc, MPhil, PhD, and BTech. |
Affiliations | University Grants Commission Association of Indian Universities |
Jamila Millia Islamia
Jamia Millia Islamia is a renowned public central university in India known for its academic excellence and social commitment.
Key Details
Established Year | 1920 |
Location | New Delhi, India |
Campus | Urban, 254 Acres |
NIRF Rank | 03 |
NIRF Score | 67.73 |
Programs Offered | JMI offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in fields such as engineering, humanities, social sciences, law, and education. Some of the popular programs include BA, MA, MSc, MBA, MTech, and PhD. |
Affiliations | University Grants Commission Association of Indian Universities National Assessment and Accreditation Council National Board of Accreditations Association of Common University |
Jadavpur University
The fourth name in the list of the top 10 central universities in India is Jadavpur University. Jadavpur University is a premier public research university in India known for its multidisciplinary approach to education and research.
Key Details
Established Year | 1905 |
Location | Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
Campus | Large city, 96.5 Acres |
NIRF Rank | 04 |
NIRF Score | 66.07 |
Programs Offered | Jadavpur University offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various disciplines such as engineering, arts, science, and management. Some of the popular programs include BA, BSc, B.Tech, MA, MSc, M.Tech, MBA, and PhD. |
Affiliations | University Grants Commission Association of Indian Universities National Assessment and Accreditation Council National Board of Accreditations Association of Common University |
Banaras Hindu University
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is a public central university in India known for its strong academic programs and rich cultural heritage.
Key Details
Established Year | 1916 |
Location | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
Campus | Urban, 1370 Acres |
NIRF Rank | 05 |
NIRF Score | 65.85 |
Programs Offered | BHU offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in fields such as arts, science, engineering, management, law, and medicine. Some of the popular programs include BA, BSc, B.Tech, MBA, MA, MSc, MBBS, and PhD. |
Affiliations | University Grants Commission Association of Indian Universities Indian Council of Education and Research |
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Manipal Academy of Higher Education is a private research university in India known for its focus on interdisciplinary education and research, and for its strong international partnerships.
Key Details
Established Year | 1953 |
Location | Karnataka, India |
Campus | Urban, 600 Acres |
NIRF Rank | 06 |
NIRF Score | 64.98 |
Programs Offered | MAHE offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in fields such as medicine, engineering, management, communication, humanities, and science. Some of the popular programs include MBBS, B.Tech, MBA, MA, MSc, and PhD. |
Affiliations | National Assessment and Accreditation Council |
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is a multi-campus private research university in India known for its focus on technology, research, and sustainability.
Key Details
Established Year | 2003 |
Location | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu |
Campus | Rural/Urban |
NIRF Rank | 07 |
NIRF Score | 63.67 |
Programs Offered | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various disciplines such as engineering, medicine, management, arts, and science. Some of the popular programs include B.Tech, MBBS, MBA, MA, MSc, and Ph.D. |
Affiliations | University Grants Commission All India Council for Technical Education |
Vellore Institute of Technology
VIT University, also known as Vellore Institute of Technology, is a private deemed university in India known for its focus on engineering, technology, and research.
Key Details
Established Year | 1984 |
Location | Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India |
Campus | Urban, 300 Acres |
NIRF Rank | 08 |
NIRF Score | 64.33 |
Programs Offered | VIT offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in fields such as engineering, management, law, architecture, humanities, and science. Some of the popular programs include B.Tech, MBA, M.Tech, B.Arch, and Ph.D. |
Affiliations | National Assessment and Accreditation Council University Grant Commission Association of Commonwealth Universities |
Aligarh Muslim University
The 9th name in the list of the top 10 central universities in India is Aligarh Muslim University. Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is a prestigious educational institution in India, known for its diverse academic programs and commitment to providing quality education. It has a rich history of promoting inclusive learning and fostering intellectual growth among its students.
Key Details
Established Year | 1875 |
Location | Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh |
Campus | Large City |
NIRF Rank | 09 |
NIRF Score | 63.88 |
Programs Offered | Aligarh Muslim University offers a wide range of programs in fields such as arts, sciences, engineering, medicine, law, and management. |
Affiliations | University Grants Commission (UGC) |
University of Hyderabad
The University of Hyderabad is a public research university in India known for its multidisciplinary approach towards education and research, and for its strong emphasis on social justice and equality.
Key Details
Established Year | 1974 |
Location | Hyderabad, Telangana |
Campus | Urban, 2300 Acres |
NIRF Rank | 10 |
NIRF Score | 62.09 |
Programs Offered | The University of Hyderabad offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in fields such as science, social sciences, humanities, and the arts. Some of the popular programs include BSc, MA, MSc, PhD, and integrated courses such as MSc-PhD. |
Affiliations | National Assessment and Accreditation Council University Grant Commission Association of Commonwealth Universities Association of Indian Universities |
Conclusion
Central universities play a vital role in shaping the educational landscape of India by providing high-quality education and fostering groundbreaking research. The top 10 central universities in India have established themselves as leading institutions of higher education in the country. With their strong focus on academic excellence, research, and social responsibility, these universities have produced some of the most successful and influential alumni in India and abroad.
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Top 10 Central Universities in India: FAQs
Central universities are universities that are established by an act of the Parliament of India and are funded by the government of India.
Central universities are funded by the government of India and are established by an act of Parliament, while other universities may be funded by state governments or private entities.
Central universities are known for their high academic standards and a strong focus on research, which can provide students with an excellent educational experience and prepare them for successful careers.
No, central universities welcome students from all over the world, and many of them have programs designed specifically for international students.
Central universities offer a wide range of courses in various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, engineering, technology, medicine, and more.

Sushant, an accomplished content writer at iDreamCareer, has dedicated his life to the pursuit of writing since childhood. Having earned his education at the prestigious University of Delhi, he possesses a profound understanding of both arts and science in the field of education. Leveraging his professional experience, Sushant brings a fresh perspective to analyzing emerging trends in the realms of writing and education. His youthful mindset, coupled with a positive outlook, is geared towards enlightening students through the impactful delivery of wisdom and knowledge.