Updated on 24 October 2026. Choosing where to study after Class 12 shapes your career, your network and your outlook. Among India’s many options, central universities stand out. Here is what they are and the main reasons students choose them.
What is a central university?
A central university is set up by an Act of Parliament and funded by the Union government, mainly through the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission (UGC). Most are governed by the Central Universities Act, 2009, or their own Acts. As of June 2023, the UGC’s list included 56 central universities, among them Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Banaras Hindu University, Aligarh Muslim University, Jamia Millia Islamia and the University of Hyderabad.
7 benefits of studying at a central university
1. Better funding
Because they are funded by the Centre, central universities usually have more stable budgets for labs, libraries, hostels and scholarships than many state institutions.
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2. Affordable fees
Central funding keeps tuition fees at most central universities relatively low, especially for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Hostel and mess charges are also usually modest.
3. Autonomy
Central universities design their own courses, conduct their own exams and award their own degrees. This lets them start new programmes and update syllabi without waiting on an affiliating body.
4. Experienced faculty
Faculty are recruited through national-level selection, so many departments have experienced researchers and teachers drawn from across the country.
5. A national classroom
Students come from every state, and often from abroad. Living and studying with people from different backgrounds is an education in itself.
6. Research and exposure
Many central universities run research centres, host national seminars and have tie-ups with institutions in India and overseas, giving students early exposure to research.
7. Campus life
Active students’ unions, debating societies, cultural festivals and sports facilities are part of the experience at many central universities, and help students build skills beyond the classroom.
How to get admission
Since 2022, most undergraduate admissions to central universities have gone through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG), conducted by the National Testing Agency. Some universities also hold their own tests for specific courses. Aligarh Muslim University, for example, runs its own entrance tests for B.Tech, BA LLB and several other courses; see this AMU admission guide.
Source: Central universities of India.
Frequently asked questions
How many central universities are there in India?
The UGC’s list included 56 central universities as of June 2023.
Is CUET compulsory for central universities?
Most central universities admit undergraduate students through CUET-UG. Some courses at some universities have their own entrance tests.
Are central university fees low?
Fees at most central universities are lower than at private universities because they are funded by the Union government.
Which are the best-known central universities?
Delhi University, JNU, BHU, AMU, Jamia Millia Islamia and the University of Hyderabad are among the best known.
Who funds central universities?
The Union government, mainly through the Ministry of Education and the UGC.
