Start your journey at India’s top central universities, known for quality education and vibrant campus life.
Looking for the best universities in India to kickstart your higher education journey? Central universities are a great place to begin. Funded and managed by the Government of India, these institutions are known for their high academic standards, diverse courses, and inclusive campuses that welcome students from all parts of the country. Whether you’re aiming for a degree in science, humanities, law, or management, central universities offer first-class education along with a rich cultural and intellectual experience. Institutions like the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University consistently rank among the top for their academic excellence, faculty expertise, and vibrant student life. In this guide, we bring you a curated list of the most popular central universities in India that continue to shape future leaders and thinkers. If quality education and a dynamic campus life are what you seek, these names deserve your attention.
Founded in 1969, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi is renowned for its distinguished faculty and strong focus on research in the social and applied sciences. In 2017, it received the prestigious "Visitor's Award for Best University" from the President of India. As per the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024, JNU secured the second position among all Indian universities and ranked tenth in the overall category.
This collegiate research-based central university is highly popular among students across the country. Established in 1922, the University of Delhi (DU) has expanded over the decades to become one of the largest and most prestigious universities in India. With 16 faculties, 86 academic departments, and 91 affiliated colleges spread throughout the capital city, DU offers a diverse and dynamic academic environment. Several of its departments—such as Chemistry, Geology, Zoology, Sociology, and History—have been recognized as Centres of Advanced Studies.
Located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is a central, collegiate, and research-focused institution established in 1916. With a student population exceeding 30,000—around 18,000 of whom live on campus—BHU holds the distinction of being the largest residential university in Asia. Recognized for its academic excellence and heritage, BHU is one of the eight public institutions designated as an Institute of Eminence by the Government of India. It is also among the 12 Indian institutions that are part of the BRICS Universities League, a consortium of top research universities from BRICS nations.
Originally founded in Aligarh, in the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh) during British India, Jamia Millia Islamia relocated to its present campus in Okhla, Delhi, in 1935. In 2020, it earned the top spot among all central universities in India, according to rankings released by the Ministry of Education. Then, in 2024, Jamia Millia Islamia was ranked third among all Indian universities by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is a collegiate, central, and research university situated in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. It was originally founded as the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in 1875. Today, AMU offers over 300 courses across a wide range of traditional and contemporary disciplines, making it one of the most diverse academic institutions in the country. Recognized as an Institute of National Importance, AMU has played a vital role in advancing education and research in India.
Situated in Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana, the University of Hyderabad was established in 1974. It currently hosts over 5,000 students and more than 400 faculty members across various disciplines. Known for its academic excellence and significant research output, the university offers a broad spectrum of postgraduate, doctoral, and integrated programs in fields such as sciences, humanities, social sciences, management, and arts through its diverse schools and departments. With competitive entrance-based admissions, strong global partnerships, and a notable alumni network, the University of Hyderabad stands as a premier institution for higher education and research in the country.
