Central Universities play a major role in shaping higher education in India, offering diverse UG admissions through CUET and other entrance routes. These Central Universities are known for strong academic structure, research culture, and national-level exposure for students.
Through CUET, students get equal opportunity to enter top institutions like JNU, BHU, and the University of Hyderabad. The system ensures transparency but also creates competition among aspirants.
The Central Government funds many of these institutions, which prioritize research and innovation. Choosing central universities gives students better resources, faculty support, and broader career pathways in multiple disciplines across the country.
Central universities participating in CUET UG 2026
Central Universities in India participating in CUET UG 2026 provide a wide range of UG admissions across arts, science, commerce, engineering, and professional courses to students from all over the country through the National Testing Agency’s CUET system.
| University Name | State | City | Major Courses Offered |
| Aligarh Muslim University | Uttar Pradesh | Aligarh | BA, BSc, BCom, BTech, Law |
| Assam University | Assam | Silchar | BA, BSc, BCom, BBA |
| Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University | Uttar Pradesh | Lucknow | BA, BSc, BCom, BBA |
| Banaras Hindu University | Uttar Pradesh | Varanasi | BA, BSc, BCom, BTech, Medicine |
| Central Sanskrit University | Delhi | New Delhi | BA (Sanskrit), MA, Research |
| Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh | Andhra Pradesh | Vizianagaram | BA, BSc, BBA |
| Central University of Andhra Pradesh | Andhra Pradesh | Anantapur | BA, BSc, BBA |
| Central University of Gujarat | Gujarat | Gandhinagar | BA, BSc, BCom, BBA |
| Central University of Haryana | Haryana | Mahendragarh | BA, BSc, BCom |
| Central University of Himachal Pradesh | Himachal Pradesh | Dharamshala | BA, BSc, BCom |
| Central University of Jammu | Jammu & Kashmir | Jammu | BA, BSc, BCom |
| Central University of Jharkhand | Jharkhand | Ranchi | BA, BSc, BCom |
| Central University of Karnataka | Karnataka | Gulbarga | BA, BSc, BCom |
| Central University of Kashmir | Jammu & Kashmir | Srinagar | BA, BSc, BCom |
| Central University of Kerala | Kerala | Kasaragod | BA, BSc, BCom |
| Central University of Odisha | Odisha | Koraput | BA, BSc, BCom |
| Central University of Punjab | Punjab | Bathinda | BA, BSc, BCom |
| Central University of Rajasthan | Rajasthan | Ajmer | BA, BSc, BBA |
| Central University of South Bihar | Bihar | Gaya | BA, BSc, BCom |
| Central University of Tamil Nadu | Tamil Nadu | Thiruvarur | BA, BSc, BBA |
| Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya | Madhya Pradesh | Sagar | BA, BSc, BCom |
| Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya | Chhattisgarh | Bilaspur | BA, BSc, BCom |
| Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University | Uttarakhand | Srinagar | BA, BSc, BCom |
| Indira Gandhi National Tribal University | Madhya Pradesh | Amarkantak | BA, BSc, BCom |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | Delhi | New Delhi | BA, BSc, BBA |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University | Delhi | New Delhi | BA, BSc, Social Sciences |
| Mahatma Gandhi Central University | Bihar | Motihari | BA, BSc, BCom |
| Manipur University | Manipur | Imphal | BA, BSc, BBA |
| Maulana Azad National Urdu University | Telangana | Hyderabad | BA, BSc, BCom |
| Mizoram University | Mizoram | Aizawl | BA, BSc, BCom |
| Nagaland University | Nagaland | Lumami | BA, BSc, BCom |
| North-Eastern Hill University | Meghalaya | Shillong | BA, BSc, BCom |
| Pondicherry University | Puducherry | Puducherry | BA, BSc, BBA |
| Rajiv Gandhi University | Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar | BA, BSc, BBA |
| Sikkim University | Sikkim | Gangtok | BA, BSc, BCom |
| Tezpur University | Assam | Tezpur | BA, BSc, BTech |
| The English and Foreign Languages University | Telangana | Hyderabad | BA (English), Linguistics |
| Tripura University | Tripura | Agartala | BA, BSc, BCom |
| University of Allahabad | Uttar Pradesh | Allahabad | BA, BSc, BCom |
| University of Delhi | Delhi | New Delhi | BA, BSc, BCom |
| University of Hyderabad | Telangana | Hyderabad | BA, BSc, BCom |
| Visva-Bharati University | West Bengal | Santiniketan | BA, BSc, BFA |
Complete list of CUET participating central universities 2026
Central Universities in India participating in CUET UG 2026 feature an affordable tuition spectrum and wide course availability, making UG Admissions accessible under CUET and NTA guidelines, while representing diverse state options for students seeking quality Higher Education and Research & Innovation.
| University Name | State | City | Estimated Fee Range |
| Aligarh Muslim University | Uttar Pradesh | Aligarh | ₹7,000 – ₹30,000 p.a. (approx) |
| Assam University | Assam | Silchar | ₹5,000 – ₹25,000 p.a. |
| Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University | Uttar Pradesh | Lucknow | ₹8,000 – ₹30,000 p.a. (approx) |
| Banaras Hindu University | Uttar Pradesh | Varanasi | ₹3,000 – ₹10,000 p.a. (approx) |
| Central Sanskrit University | Delhi | New Delhi | ₹3,000 – ₹25,000 p.a. (approx) |
| Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh | Andhra Pradesh | Vizianagaram | ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 p.a. |
| Central University of Andhra Pradesh | Andhra Pradesh | Anantapur | ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 p.a. |
| Central University of Gujarat | Gujarat | Gandhinagar | ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 p.a. |
| Central University of Haryana | Haryana | Mahendragarh | ₹5,000 – ₹18,000 p.a. |
| Central University of Himachal Pradesh | Himachal Pradesh | Dharamshala | ₹5,000 – ₹18,000 p.a. |
| Central University of Jammu | Jammu & Kashmir | Jammu | ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 p.a. |
| Central University of Jharkhand | Jharkhand | Ranchi | ₹5,000 – ₹22,000 p.a. |
| Central University of Karnataka | Karnataka | Gulbarga | ₹5,000 – ₹22,000 p.a. |
| Central University of Kashmir | Jammu & Kashmir | Srinagar | ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 p.a. |
| Central University of Kerala | Kerala | Kasaragod | ₹5,000 – ₹22,000 p.a. |
| Central University of Odisha | Odisha | Koraput | ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 p.a. |
| Central University of Punjab | Punjab | Bathinda | ₹8,000 – ₹30,000 p.a. (approx) |
| Central University of Rajasthan | Rajasthan | Ajmer | ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 p.a. |
| Central University of South Bihar | Bihar | Gaya | ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 p.a. |
| Central University of Tamil Nadu | Tamil Nadu | Thiruvarur | ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 p.a. |
| Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya | Madhya Pradesh | Sagar | ₹5,000 – ₹22,000 p.a. |
| Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya | Chhattisgarh | Bilaspur | ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 p.a. |
| Indira Gandhi National Tribal University | Madhya Pradesh | Amarkantak | ₹5,000 – ₹22,000 p.a. |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | Delhi | New Delhi | ₹7,000 – ₹30,000 p.a. (approx) |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University | Delhi | New Delhi | ₹5,000 – ₹12,000 p.a. (approx) |
| Mahatma Gandhi Central University | Bihar | Motihari | ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 p.a. |
| Manipur University | Manipur | Imphal | ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 p.a. |
| Maulana Azad National Urdu University | Telangana | Hyderabad | ₹5,000 – ₹22,000 p.a. |
| Mizoram University | Mizoram | Aizawl | ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 p.a. |
| Nagaland University | Nagaland | Lumami | ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 p.a. |
| North-Eastern Hill University | Meghalaya | Shillong | ₹5,000 – ₹22,000 p.a. |
| Pondicherry University | Puducherry | Puducherry | ₹8,000 – ₹30,000 p.a. (approx) |
| Rajiv Gandhi University | Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar | ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 p.a. |
| Sikkim University | Sikkim | Gangtok | ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 p.a. |
| South Asian University | Delhi | New Delhi | ₹10,000 – ₹35,000 p.a. |
| Tezpur University | Assam | Tezpur | ₹7,000 – ₹25,000 p.a. (approx) |
| The English and Foreign Languages University | Telangana | Hyderabad | ₹5,000 – ₹25,000 p.a. |
| Tripura University | Tripura | Agartala | ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 p.a. |
| University of Allahabad | Uttar Pradesh | Prayagraj | ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 p.a. |
| University of Delhi | Delhi | New Delhi | ₹8,000 – ₹60,000 p.a. |
| University of Hyderabad | Telangana | Hyderabad | ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 p.a. (approx) |
| Visva-Bharati University | West Bengal | Santiniketan | ₹5,000 – ₹22,000 p.a. |
Read More: CUET 2026 Syllabus and Complete Subject-wise Topics
Top central universities with research and academic excellence 2026
Central Universities in India with strong research reputations and academic excellence combine quality teaching, robust UG admissions, and active research & innovation, making them sought after under CUET-UG while attracting students nationally for diverse courses and career pathways.
| University Name | State | Fee Range | Major Courses Offered |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | Delhi | ₹8,810 – ₹5,51,000 p.a. (approx) | BA, BSc, Social Sciences, Languages |
| University of Delhi (DU) | Delhi | ₹3,60,00 – ₹73,985 p.a. (approx) | BA, BSc, BCom, Commerce & Science |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Uttar Pradesh | ₹1,700 – ₹7,23,000 p.a. (approx) | BA, BSc, BTech, Medicine |
| Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) | Delhi | ₹5,700 – ₹4,28,000 p.a. (approx) | BA, BBA, BSc, Professional Courses |
| University of Hyderabad (UoH) | Telangana | ₹43,300 – ₹3,39,000 p.a. (approx) | BA, BSc, Data Science & Sciences |
| Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) | Uttar Pradesh | ₹800 – ₹16,00,000 p.a. (approx) | BA, BSc, BTech, Law |
| Pondicherry University | Puducherry | ₹23,600 – ₹2,72,000 p.a. (approx) | BA, BSc, BBA, Professional Courses |
| Central University of Punjab | Punjab | ₹20,000 – ₹85,000 p.a. (approx) | BA, BSc, BCom, Business Studies |
| Central University of Rajasthan | Rajasthan | ₹9,000 – ₹16,000 p.a. (approx) | BA, BSc, BBA, Commerce & Science |
| Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University | Bihar | ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 p.a. (approx) | Agricultural Sciences, Biological Sciences |
Role of central universities in shaping India’s education landscape 2026
Central Universities in India drive higher education standards through inclusive UG admissions, strong research & innovation, and national-level Entrance Test systems like CUET, enabling academic mobility, regional balance, and development of skilled graduates who contribute to knowledge growth and socioeconomic progress.
- DIVERSITY: Students from different states, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds study together, promoting national integration and equal academic exposure.
- ACCESSIBILITY: Government funding keeps fees affordable, allowing wider participation in quality higher education.
- RESEARCH & INNOVATION: These universities support advanced research, labs, and interdisciplinary projects that strengthen India’s knowledge economy.
- QUALITY EDUCATION: Standardized curriculum, expert faculty, and regulated systems ensure consistent academic standards.
- NATIONAL INTEGRATION: Campuses become hubs where regional differences blend, encouraging unity through education.
- SKILL DEVELOPMENT: Programs are aligned with industry, preparing students for employment and entrepreneurship.
- ACADEMIC MOBILITY: Entrance test systems like CUET allow students nationwide to access top institutions fairly.
- SOCIAL EQUITY: Reservation policies and outreach programs support underrepresented communities.
Conclusion
Central Universities in India remain a cornerstone of higher education, offering structured UG admissions and strong research & innovation across disciplines. These Central Universities in India provide opportunities that are accessible, affordable, and nationally recognized, helping students build academic and professional pathways.
Through CUET and transparent entrance test systems, Central Universities in India ensure fairness but also create intense competition among aspirants. Their role in diversity, knowledge growth, and social mobility makes them essential institutions for the country’s long-term educational and developmental progress.
FAQs
1. What makes central universities different from other universities?
Central Universities in India are established by an Act of Parliament and receive government funding, ensuring standardized higher education, affordable fees, and strong research & innovation compared to many state or private institutions.
2. How do students get admission into central universities?
Admissions to Central Universities in India are mainly conducted through national entrance test systems like CUET, which provide transparent UG admissions and equal opportunities for students across different states.
3. Are central universities good for research opportunities?
Yes, Central Universities in India are known for advanced research & innovation, well-equipped laboratories, and academic collaborations that support students in developing strong research and analytical skills.
4. Why are central universities considered affordable?
Because central universities in India receive government funding, tuition fees remain lower than at private universities, making quality higher education accessible to a larger number of students.
5. Do central universities offer courses in multiple disciplines?
Central universities in India provide diverse programs in arts, science, commerce, technology, and professional fields, helping students pursue multidisciplinary learning under one academic system.