Central universities in India

A central university is created by an Act of Parliament. The central government funds it, and the President of India is its Visitor. Admission to most undergraduate courses in central universities is through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET).

Because they are few and well funded, seats are in demand across the country. Fees are usually low compared with private universities.

What "UGC status" means

• 2(f): the university is on the UGC's list under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act.
• 12B: it has also been declared fit to receive central grants under Section 12B.
• Section-III: it is a deemed to be university, declared under Section 3 of the Act.

These are the UGC's own labels, shown as on its website. They say that the university is recognised. They do not rate its quality.

Questions people ask

Source and date. The lists are those published on the website of the University Grants Commission (ugc.gov.in), read on 11 November 2026. A university can be added, renamed or removed at any time. Before you take admission or pay a fee, check the institution yourself on ugc.gov.in. This is not a government site.

Other kinds