Central universities in India represent a pivotal component of the nation’s higher education system, characterized by their establishment under an Act of Parliament and primarily governed by the Ministry of Education’s Department of Higher Education. Unlike state universities that are administered by state governments, central universities receive funding from the central government, which allows them to have generally better facilities, attract renowned faculty, and conduct advanced research.
Historical Context and Establishment
Banaras Hindu University, established in 1916, was the first central university in India. This marked a significant step in the development of higher education in India, providing a model that combined traditional and modern educational ideals. Central universities were created to serve as focal points of learning, research, and teaching across India, reflecting the country’s diverse cultural and educational needs.
The legal framework for these institutions is primarily defined by the Central Universities Act of 2009, which was implemented to manage and expand the objectives, powers, and governance of central universities. This act also led to the establishment of 12 new central universities, broadening the educational landscape of India.
Role of the University Grants Commission
The University Grants Commission (UGC) plays a crucial role in the recognition and regulation of central universities. Founded under the University Grants Commission Act of 1956, the UGC ensures that higher education standards are maintained across all universities in India. It also provides funding and ensures that education delivered at these universities meets national and international standards. Besides UGC, 15 Professional Councils regulate various aspects of higher education such as medical, engineering, and law education, ensuring specialized accreditation and coordination.
Geographical Spread
As of June 2023, there are 56 central universities spread across the length and breadth of India. Delhi, the capital territory, hosts the highest number, totaling seven. These institutions are strategically placed to cater to regional educational demands and to promote higher education in less developed areas of the country.
List of Central Universities by State and Union Territory
Here is a detailed list of central universities by state and union territory:
| State/Union Territory | Number of Central Universities |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | 3 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 1 |
| Assam | 2 |
| Bihar | 4 |
| Chhattisgarh | 1 |
| Delhi | 7 |
| Gujarat | 2 |
| Haryana | 1 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 1 |
| Jammu and Kashmir | 2 |
| Jharkhand | 1 |
| Karnataka | 1 |
| Kerala | 1 |
| Ladakh | 1 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 2 |
| Maharashtra | 1 |
| Manipur | 3 |
| Meghalaya | 1 |
| Mizoram | 1 |
| Nagaland | 1 |
| Odisha | 1 |
| Puducherry | 1 |
| Punjab | 1 |
| Rajasthan | 1 |
| Sikkim | 1 |
| Tamil Nadu | 2 |
| Telangana | 3 |
| Tripura | 1 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 6 |
| Uttarakhand | 1 |
| West Bengal | 1 |
| Total | 56 |
Complete List of Central Universities in India
| University | State | Centralized | Established |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh | Andhra Pradesh | 2019 | 2019 |
| Central University of Andhra Pradesh | Andhra Pradesh | 2019 | 2019 |
| National Sanskrit University | Andhra Pradesh | 2020 | 1956 |
| Rajiv Gandhi University | Arunachal Pradesh | 2007 | 1985 |
| Assam University | Assam | 1994 | 1994 |
| Tezpur University | Assam | 1994 | 1994 |
| Central University of South Bihar | Bihar | 2009 | 2009 |
| Mahatma Gandhi Central University | Bihar | 2016 | 2016 |
| Nalanda University | Bihar | 2010 | 2010 |
| Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agriculture University | Bihar | 2016 | 1905 |
| Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya | Chhattisgarh | 2009 | 1983 |
| Central Sanskrit University | Delhi | 2020 | 1970 |
| Indira Gandhi National Open University | Delhi | 1985 | 1985 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | Delhi | 1988 | 1920 |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University | Delhi | 1969 | 1969 |
| Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University | Delhi | 2020 | 1962 |
| South Asian University | Delhi | 2010 | 2010 |
| University of Delhi | Delhi | 1922 | 1922 |
| Central University of Gujarat | Gujarat | 2009 | 2009 |
| Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya | Gujarat | 2018 | 2022 |
| Central University of Haryana | Haryana | 2009 | 2009 |
| Central University of Himachal Pradesh | Himachal Pradesh | 2009 | 2009 |
| Central University of Jammu | Jammu and Kashmir | 2011 | 2011 |
| Central University of Kashmir | Jammu and Kashmir | 2009 | 2009 |
| Central University of Jharkhand | Jharkhand | 2009 | 2009 |
| Central University of Karnataka | Karnataka | 2009 | 2009 |
| Central University of Kerala | Kerala | 2009 | 2009 |
| Sindhu Central University | Ladakh | 2021 | 2021 |
| Dr. Hari Singh Gour University | Madhya Pradesh | 2009 | 1946 |
| Indira Gandhi National Tribal University | Madhya Pradesh | 2007 | 2007 |
| Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya | Maharashtra | 1997 | 1997 |
| Central Agricultural University | Manipur | 1993 | 1993 |
| Manipur University | Manipur | 2005 | 1980 |
| National Sports University | Manipur | 2018 | 2018 |
| North Eastern Hill University | Meghalaya | 1973 | 1973 |
| Mizoram University | Mizoram | 2000 | 2000 |
| Nagaland University | Nagaland | 1994 | 1994 |
| Central University of Odisha | Odisha | 2009 | 2009 |
| Pondicherry University | Puducherry | 1985 | 1985 |
| Central University of Punjab | Punjab | 2009 | 2009 |
| Central University of Rajasthan | Rajasthan | 2009 | 2009 |
| Sikkim University | Sikkim | 2007 | 2007 |
| Central University of Tamil Nadu | Tamil Nadu | 2009 | 2009 |
| Indian Maritime University | Tamil Nadu | 2008 | 2008 |
| English and Foreign Languages University | Telangana | 2007 | 1958 |
| Maulana Azad National Urdu University | Telangana | 1998 | 1998 |
| University of Hyderabad | Telangana | 1974 | 1974 |
| Tripura University | Tripura | 1987 | 1987 |
| Aligarh Muslim University | Uttar Pradesh | 1920 | 1920 |
| University of Allahabad | Uttar Pradesh | 2005 | 1887 |
| Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University | Uttar Pradesh | 2009 | 1996 |
| Banaras Hindu University | Uttar Pradesh | 1916 | 1916 |
| Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University | Uttar Pradesh | 2013 | 2013 |
| Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University | Uttar Pradesh | 2014 | 2014 |
| Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University | Uttarakhand | 2009 | 1973 |
| Visva-Bharati University | West Bengal | 1921 | 1921 |
source-https://www.ugc.gov.in/oldpdf/Consolidated_CENTRAL_UNIVERSITIES_List.pdf
Notable Central Universities and Their Specializations
- University of Delhi (Delhi): Established in 1922, it is renowned for its high academic standards, diverse range of programs, and influential alumni.
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (Delhi): Known for its strong emphasis on research and a liberal approach to education, it was established in 1969.
- Banaras Hindu University (Uttar Pradesh): As the oldest central university, it offers a wide array of specialized courses and is famous for its rich cultural heritage.
- Aligarh Muslim University (Uttar Pradesh): Established in 1920, it has played a crucial role in the educational upliftment of the Muslim community and is recognized for its academic excellence in arts, science, and technology.
- Tezpur University (Assam): Founded in 1994, it focuses on employment-oriented education in the northeastern region.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While central universities in India are equipped with numerous advantages, they face challenges such as funding constraints, administrative delays, and the need for curriculum updates to keep pace with global standards. The future of these universities looks promising with increased investments in infrastructure, research, and an emphasis on innovation and technology.
In conclusion, central universities in India not only serve as beacons of higher education and research but also play a critical role in the socio-economic development of the country. Their strategic distribution across states and union territories ensures that quality higher education is accessible to a broader section of society, thus fostering national integration and development.