Private Universities in India: How to Choose and Apply
Private universities in India: how to choose
This guide lists well-known private universities in India by field (liberal arts, business and law, engineering and technology, design and media, health sciences) with the courses they offer and how admission works. Global Careers helps students decide which of them fit and prepare the applications.
Choose a private university for the course, the faculty, what its graduates go on to do, and the cost. Fees, entrance tests and deadlines change every year, so confirm them on each university’s website before you apply. For our admissions guidance, see Study in India.
Six questions to ask about any private university
- Is it recognised? Check that the university appears on the list of the University Grants Commission, and that professional courses have the approval they need.
- Who teaches the undergraduates? Look at the faculty of the department, not the names on the advisory board.
- What do its graduates do? Ask for the placement and higher-study record of the course, not of the university as a whole.
- What does it cost in total? Add tuition, hostel, food and travel for every year of the degree.
- What are the scholarship terms? Find out what marks the student must keep to hold the scholarship after the first year.
- Does it suit this student? A flexible, discussion-based degree suits some students and not others. Visit the campus if you can.
Liberal arts, business and law
| University | Where | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Ashoka University | Sonipat, Haryana | Liberal arts and sciences, economics, computer science, psychology |
| FLAME University | Pune | Liberal education, business, communication, psychology |
| Krea University | Sri City, Andhra Pradesh | Interwoven arts and sciences, economics, data science |
| O.P. Jindal Global University | Sonipat, Haryana | Law, business, international affairs, liberal arts |
| NMIMS | Mumbai | Business, law, data science |
| Symbiosis International University | Pune | Business, law, liberal arts, design |
| Christ University | Bengaluru | Business, psychology, law |
| Azim Premji University | Bengaluru | Humanities, social sciences, sciences, education |
| Ahmedabad University | Ahmedabad | Interdisciplinary degrees in arts, sciences, management and engineering |
Engineering and technology
| University | Where | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| BITS Pilani | Pilani, Goa and Hyderabad | Engineering and sciences |
| Plaksha University | Mohali | Computer science and AI, robotics, data science |
| Shiv Nadar University | Delhi NCR | Engineering, sciences, management |
| Manipal Institute of Technology | Manipal | Engineering |
| IIIT Hyderabad | Hyderabad | Computer science and electronics, with research |
| VIT | Vellore | Engineering |
| SRM Institute of Science and Technology | Chennai | Engineering, medicine |
| PES University | Bengaluru | Engineering, computer science |
| Pandit Deendayal Energy University | Gandhinagar | Energy, engineering, management |
| RV University | Bengaluru | Computer science, design, liberal arts |
Design, film and media
| University | Where | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology | Bengaluru | Design, art, media |
| Anant National University | Ahmedabad | Design, architecture, sustainability |
| ATLAS SkillTech University | Mumbai | Design, business, technology |
| Annapurna College of Film and Media | Hyderabad | Film, animation, media |
| Vidyashilp University | Bengaluru | Design, business, data science |
This is not a complete list, and it is not a ranking. Other good universities exist, and the right one depends on the student and the course.
How admission works
- The application. Most of these universities have their own online form and ask for marks from Class 10 onwards.
- A test. Many set their own aptitude test. Several accept SAT, CUET or JEE scores in its place.
- Essays and an interview. Universities that read the whole application ask the student to write about themselves and then meet them.
- Rounds. Several universities admit in rounds that begin in the autumn of Class 12, months before the board exams. Scholarships are more plentiful in the early rounds.
Tests, fees and deadlines change every year. Confirm them on each university’s admissions page. For the exams themselves, see entrance exams in India.
Frequently asked questions
A degree is valid when the university is established by law and recognised by the University Grants Commission. Check the UGC list, and for professional courses check the approval of the relevant council.
Start in the first half of Class 12. Several universities open their first round between September and November, and the early rounds carry more scholarships.
Many do, on merit, on need or both. Read the conditions: some scholarships continue only if the student keeps a minimum grade.
We help the student choose the course, shortlist universities that fit, prepare the profile and the essays, and get ready for the interviews. See Study in India and profile building.
Call +91 99250 33239 or +91 95105 33239, or send a message from the contact page. Our office is at S-8, 3rd Floor, Central Plaza, opposite St. Thomas School, New Citylight, Surat 395007. Students outside Surat work with us online.
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