Top Universities in India 2024, NIRF Ranking, Fees, Admission, Exams

Over time, India has established numerous quality higher education institutes to meet the rising demand from youth seeking academic and professional qualifications. Many Indian universities have earned outstanding reputations nationally and globally. Students worldwide consider India a prime destination for education, attracted by its cultural diversity, technical advances, extensive course options, world-class labs and affordable living costs. Indian universities are largely classified as private (self-financed) or public (government-funded). Factors like strong faculty, placements, and infrastructure determine an institute’s merit. The IITs and IIMs are recognized as centres of excellence. Selecting the best Indian university for higher studies is undoubtedly challenging and to aid students in making an informed decision for their future, we have provided all essential details on leading institutes across the country.

Top Universities in India: Highlights 2024

India boasts a vibrant higher education landscape with many universities consistently ranked among the global elite. Below is an outline of premier Indian colleges detailing their key strengths and offerings to students:

Particulars	Parameters
No. of Colleges	171 Colleges
Additional Info	The colleges offer diverse specializations, including Agriculture, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, etc. Various entrance exams are accepted for admission, such as CUET, ICAR AIEEA, CUET PG, IIT JAM, KCET, AP PGCET, CCMN, etc.
Annual Fees	INR 1-2 lakh: 26 colleges INR 2-3 lakh: 14 colleges INR 3-5 lakh: 24 colleges INR > 5 lakh: 17 colleges

Why study in top Universities of India?

There are several reasons why you might consider studying at a top university in India:

• Academic Reputation: Top universities tend to have strong academic programs with well-regarded faculty. This can lead to a better quality of education and a more respected degree.

• Research Opportunities: Top universities are often heavily involved in research, which can provide students with opportunities to participate in cutting-edge projects and gain valuable experience.

• Career Prospects: A degree from a top university can open doors to better job opportunities, both in India and abroad. Top companies often recruit heavily from these universities.

• Networking: Top universities attract ambitious and talented students from all over India. Studying at a top university can help you build a strong network of contacts that can be beneficial throughout your career.

• Infrastructure and Facilities: Top universities typically have excellent infrastructure and facilities, such as libraries, laboratories, and computer centres. This can provide students with a stimulating learning environment.

Eligibility Criteria

Below are the key eligibility criteria students require to qualify for undergraduate programs at leading central universities in India:

• Passed 12th standard in science stream from a recognized board
• Secured minimum 50% aggregate marks in 12th exams for general category applicants (45% for SC/ST candidates)
• For BTech programs, minimum scores needed are 45% for general category (40% for reserved category)

Top-10 Universities in India based on NIRF Ranking

The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) was established in 2015 by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (now Ministry of Education).

The objective is to rank higher education institutes in India using a defined methodology assessing:

• Research and professional practice
• Graduation outcomes
• Teaching quality
• Resources
• Perception and outreach
• Inclusivity

The parameters were identified by a NIRF core committee under the Ministry of Education. This methodology allows standardized comparison of institutes to determine annual NIRF rankings. Here is the list of top-10 universities in India based on NIRF ranking mentioned below:

NIRF Rank	University	State	Fees
1	Indian Institute of Science	Bangalore	INR 48,000
2	Jawaharlal Nehru University	Delhi	INR 432
3	Jamia Millia Islamia	New Delhi	INR 24,000
4	Jadavpur University	West Bengal	INR 10k to 20k
5	Banaras Hindu University	Uttar Pradesh	INR 35,464
6	Manipal Academy of Higher Education	Karnataka	INR 4.01 Lakh
7	Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham	Tamil Nadu	INR 10 L – 24 L
8	Vellore Institute of Technology	Tamil Nadu	INR 3.75 lakh
9	Aligarh Muslim University	Uttar Pradesh	INR 17395
10	University of Hyderabad	Telangana	INR 37,250

Top Universities in India 2024 – Placement Wise

A key aspect for students evaluating a university is its placement and job outcomes. Irrespective of academic quality or reputation, institutes unable to provide good job offers to graduates are subpar choices. Ultimately, higher education is an investment towards employment and career-building. The true test of a top tier Indian institute lies in students’ post-study work profiles.

Below we have ranked the top 5 Indian universities based on the strength of their placement facilities and graduate employment records:

University	Placement Ratings	Top Recruiters
IIT Delhi	4.6	American Express, Citi Bank, Google, Dunzo, AMD, Amazon
IIT Madras	4.5	Dell, Citi Bank, Axis Bank, Elgi Equipments, Flipkart
IIT Bombay	4.4	Sysmex, Strand, Honeywell, ITC Limited, Citi Bank
IIT Kharagpur	4.4	Uber, Barclays, ICICI Bank, Myntra, Zomato
IIT Kanpur	4.4	HSBC, Havells, Reliance Jio, Rocket Fuel, Infosys

Best Private Universities in India

While some students secure admission into government institutes, most are unable to get into public universities given the intense competition. In such cases, private colleges serve as quality alternatives.

Numerous private universities in India provide excellent infrastructure and education on par with public institutes. Some like VIT Vellore and MAHE Manipal are ranked even higher across many parameters.

Below we have listed premier private Indian universities that have built outstanding reputations comparable to any leading government university:

NIRF Ranking	Private Universities	Total Tuition Fee	Additional Information
6	Manipal Academy of Higher Education	INR 2.76 lakh	Focuses on life sciences education, offering specialized programs in biology and related fields.
8	Vellore Institute of Technology	INR 3.75 lakh	Known for its emphasis on technology and engineering education, with a strong reputation for research.
13	Saveetha University	INR 5 lakh	Particularly recognized for medical and technical education, providing comprehensive courses in healthcare.
15	Siksha O Anusandhan	INR 7.20 lakh	Offers a diverse range of programs, known for its emphasis on academic excellence and industry-oriented courses.
16	Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology	INR 5.95 lakh	Renowned for its multidisciplinary approach, providing education in various fields, including engineering and management.

Best Central Universities in India

Central universities in India are institutions established by the government through Parliament acts. Currently, there are 54 such universities in the country. Securing admission in these central universities can be highly competitive due to limited available seats.

To aid students in making informed career choices, we have highlighted a few top central universities. Explore these institutions to find the right path for your academic and career journey.

NIRF Ranking	Public Universities	Total Tuition Fee	Additional Information
1	Indian Institute of Science	INR 48,000	A premier research institution known for its emphasis on scientific and technological education.
2	Jawaharlal Nehru University	INR 432	Jawaharlal Nehru University, renowned for its diverse academic programs and inclusive campus culture.
3	Jamia Millia Islamia	INR 24,000	A central university with a rich history, offering a wide range of courses in arts, science, and technology.
5	Banaras Hindu University	INR 35,464	Banaras Hindu University, one of the oldest universities in India, known for its cultural and historical significance.
10	University of Hyderabad	INR 37,250	University of Hyderabad, recognized for its excellence in postgraduate education and research.
11	University of Delhi	INR 11,010	University of Delhi, a prestigious institution offering diverse programs and known for its vibrant campus life.

Top Universities in India – Region Wise

Regarding availability of quality higher education, South and North India are most prominent with numerous institutes offering extensive program options in diverse domains. Cities like Chennai, Mumbai and Coimbatore attract huge numbers for science and technology courses.

Though, excellent universities exist pan-India enabling students to find well-matched programs as per interest. Below we have highlighted some of the best universities across the four regions of India:

Top Universities in South India

NIRF Ranking	University	Tution Fees	Additional Information
7	Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore	INR 10 L – 24 L	Known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation.
8	Vellore Institute of Technology	INR 3.75 lakh	Recognized for its diverse academic programs and state-of-the-art infrastructure.
18	Anna University	INR 41,000	A hub for engineering and technology education, fostering academic excellence.
53	S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology	INR 2,50,000	Offers a wide range of courses and is renowned for its focus on industry collaboration.
13	Saveetha University	INR 1,01,500	Particularly known for its programs in medical and technical disciplines.

Top Universities in North India

NIRF Ranking	University	Tution Fees	Additional Information
2	Jawaharlal Nehru University	INR 432	Known for its strong emphasis on social sciences and humanities.
3	Jamia Millia Islamia	INR 24,000	A central university with a diverse range of academic programs and cultural inclusivity.
5	Banaras Hindu University	INR 35,464	One of the oldest universities in India, celebrated for its rich cultural and historical significance.
9	Aligarh Muslim University	INR 17395	Renowned for its contributions to education, particularly in science, literature, and arts.
11	University of Delhi	INR 11,010	One of the premier institutions in India, offering a wide array of courses and vibrant campus life.

Top Universities in West India

NIRF Ranking	University	Tution Fees	Additional Information
30	Homi Bhabha National Institute	INR 90,000	A premier research institution, specializing in nuclear science and technology.
41	Institute of Chemical Technology	INR 75,000	Renowned for excellence in chemical engineering and technology education.
35	Savitribai Phule Pune University	INR 1,55,000	One of the leading universities in Pune, offering a diverse range of academic programs.
61	Birla Institute of Technology & Science	INR 571,575	Pilani Known for its emphasis on science and engineering education and innovative research.
32	Symbiosis International	INR 1,70,000	A network of institutions known for providing quality education across various disciplines.

Top Universities in East India

NIRF Ranking	University	Tution Fees	Additional Information
4	Jadavpur University	INR 10k to 20k	Known for its strong focus on arts, science, and engineering disciplines.
23	Calcutta University	INR 8,707	One of the oldest universities in India, recognized for its historical significance and academic legacy.
15	Siksha O Anusandhan	INR 7.20 lakh	A deemed university with a broad spectrum of academic programs and a strong emphasis on research.
16	Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology	INR 5.95 lakh	Renowned for its expertise in industrial and technological education, offering a diverse range of courses.
76	Mizoram University	INR 34,088	A central university in Mizoram, contributing to higher education and research in the northeastern region.

Popular Exams Accepted by Top Universities in India 2024

Below are some key national-level entrance exams accepted by top universities in India:

CUET

• All India exam conducted by NTA for UG admissions
• Computer-based test of 2 hour duration
• Previously conducted as CUCET by UGC

ICAR AIEEA

• Agriculture focused test by NTA
• Leads to BSc admissions in agricultural universities

CUET PG

• Postgraduate edition of CUET exam
• Single gateway test for PG admissions across central universities
• Provides equal opportunity to candidates nationwide

JEE Mains

• All India exam conducted by NTA for UG admissions
• Engineering Examination for universities all over India
• After Mains exam, candidates need to appear for the Advanced Examination.

NEET

• All India exam conducted by NTA for UG admissions
• Medical Examination for universities all over India
• Examination for all the public and private colleges

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What parameters are used for NIRF rankings?

The NIRF rankings consider research, teaching quality, graduate outcomes, perception and inclusiveness.

2. Name some key university entrance exams in India.

Major exams are TISSNET, AMU, Calcutta Univ, IIT JAM and CPGET.

3. Name some private liberal arts universities in India.

Prominent liberal arts universities include Ashoka University, FLAME University, KREA University and Azim Premji University.

4. Which universities offer Psychology programmes?

Leading options for Psychology programmes are University of Delhi, University of Mumbai, Jawaharlal Nehru University and Banaras Hindu University.