State university 

State Universities in India 

The Indian higher education sphere is significantly shaped by the existence of the state universities. These are established and funded by the government authorities of the state, and therefore focus on the local population, providing them with a stab at different programs and research. This is followed up with an analysis of the history, role, aggregate amount and the best-performing state universities around India.

History of State Universities in India

The advent of these state universities in India is a phenomenon that can be attributed to the period following the independence, with the intention of broadening the scope for higher education, thereby giving students across India irrespective of their social class. Extremely wealthy or very poor classes would also be able to attain this education. What these set of universities also did was expand and provide education within the geographical boundaries of the region. Along with that came further universities such as the University of Madras and the University of Calcutta during the colonial era alongside the Bombay University, thus laying the groundwork for state-funded education in the future.

Through these steps, the fragmentation between regions concerning education was eventually bridged, with each state having its own representatives. Rural and remote areas could also benefit as many people had their homes in capitals or urban settings. Thus, a state-operated education system became integral to the Indian education system in the 21st century.

Role of State Universities in India

Accessibility and Inclusion

Such universities particularly cater for the needs of those students who would not otherwise afford to pursue their studies. They target the economically weaker communities through the use of fee waivers, scholarships and reservation policies.

Regional Development

Such universities also assist in the development of a region economically since they harbor curricula that meet the local market, strive to develop local skills and conduct research in the socio-economic and environmental challenges of the region.

Academic and Research Excellence

Apart from nurturing undergraduate students, a large number of state universities are involved in research and innovations in different disciplines that are backed by funding from both central and state governments.

Cultural and Linguistic Preservation

By setting up educational departments and undertaking various programs, state universities promote local languages, arts and cultures which protects the country’s vast heritage.

Capacity Building

Teaching, training civil servants, professionals and other relevant personnel’s, the state universities enhance greatly the nations’ human resources.



TOP 10 State Universities 


Anna University, Tamil Nadu

Though it is chiefly famed for engineering, achieving academic accomplishments and innovation is their forte as well, which they pursue hand in hand while fostering academic collaborations with other institutions. With an infrastructure and research output of the highest level, it positions itself as an innovative hub for engineers and technologists.

Jadavpur University, West Bengal

Wanting to pursue multidisciplinary research as well as seek quality education in the engineering domain, science or even arts, you need to look no further. It has a considerable strength in emphasis for innovation, implantation of critical thinking in students and socio-economic contributions to the society.

Savitribai Phule Pune University, Maharashtra

Ranked among the top 50 in the nation for research and academic performance, it has a wide array of courses to offer in sciences, arts and commerce. Its extensive infrastructure consists of state of the art resources and a multitude of colleges are located on the sprawling campus.

University of Calcutta, West Bengal

Being one of the oldest university’s in east India, it has been one of the firsts for higher education and research, it being the case, the university has been able to create a number of nobel laureates while also managing to maintain top institutes in the fields of science, humanities and commerce.

Panjab University, Chandigarh

This particular Panjab university is known for being a multifaceted institution that has been able to boost the field of arts, law, science, in spite of their lack of focus on a specific field. The university encourages innovation, research, and provides a stronger focus for the benefit of the nation and regional development.

Osmania University, Telangana

It has been historically a univesity that has had a lot of courses to offer ranging from arts, engineering, science, law and has been quite inclusive to cover a wide array of students, all the while concentrating on avoiding elitism therefore aiding in the development of the education system in that region.

Andhra University, Andhra Pradesh  

The university has earned a reputation of being tough in its academics and offers a wide range of programs in science, engineering, and humanities. It stresses on research and development as well as innovation, and encourages the overall development of the students.  

Bharathiar University, Tamil Nadu   

This is a key university with an emphasis on research and innovation and further development of skills. The institution runs many courses and branches out across disciplines while also offering an array of programs with a view of constituents of practicing industry to enhance employability.  

University of Kerala, Kerala   

The institution is known for its high academic standards, more so in the cultural aspect and therefore offers a variety of programs. The university heads up to support regional growth and development and research, especially social science and environmental studies.  

Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Kerala   

CUSAT focuses on engineering, technology, demand, and applied research and hence believes and supports new inventions and industry-based research. It has smooth operations with other organizations both within the country and those outside of it.

List of State Universities in India