Top 10 University in India: Rankings, Curriculum, Infrastructure, and Placements

Introduction

Choosing the right university is a pivotal decision that can significantly influence a student’s academic and professional future. Our pick of top 10 University in India represent the pinnacle of higher education, offering unmatched opportunities for learning, research, and career advancement. These institutions are renowned for their rigorous academic standards, distinguished faculty, and cutting-edge facilities, which collectively foster an environment conducive to intellectual growth and innovation.

Selecting a top university can open doors to prestigious internships, research opportunities, and a robust alumni network that can provide valuable career connections and mentorship. Furthermore, these universities often have strong industry ties and collaborations, enhancing their students’ exposure to real-world challenges and opportunities. Graduates from these institutions typically enjoy higher employability rates and better career prospects, thanks to the high-quality education and training they receive.

Moreover, the reputation of a top university can also contribute to a student’s personal development and confidence, shaping them into well-rounded professionals. Thus, opting for one of the top 10 University in India is not merely a choice of an academic institution but a strategic step towards a successful and fulfilling career.

Read our comprehensive guide to determine which of our list of top 10 University in India is the best for your goals. For the best global universities in India, read more here.

Also Read: How To Prepare For Personal Interview?

Top 10 University in India: NIRF Ranking Factors

• Educational Courses and Curricula

• Financial Resources and Utilization

• Student Services

• Research Contributions

• Infrastructural Facilities

• Faculty Profiles

• Faculty to Student Ratio

• University Student Strength (including doctoral scholars)

• Placement Services

After a comprehensive evaluation of these parameters, NIRF assigns a score to each university, creating a list of the top 10 university in India. Our list is based on the 2023 rankings; our selection of the top 10 university in India comprise seven public and three private sector universities, out of over 1000 universities in the country.

Top 10 University in India: How Does NIRF Ranking Work?

The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is an initiative by the Government of India to rank higher education institutions in the country. The rankings are based on a set of parameters that evaluate various aspects of an institution’s performance. The NIRF ranking process involves the following key steps:

1. Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR): This considers aspects like student strength, faculty-student ratio, faculty qualifications and experience, infrastructure, and learning resources.

2. Research and Professional Practice (RP): This evaluates research publications, patents, consultancy projects, sponsored research, and professional collaborations.

3. Graduation Outcomes (GO): This looks at student placement rates, median salary packages, higher studies pursued by graduates, and entrepreneurship ventures.

4. Outreach and Inclusivity (OI): This assesses the institution’s efforts towards inclusivity for students from diverse backgrounds, scholarships, student support services, and contributions to the community.

5. Perception (PR): This considers the reputation of the institution among peers (faculty and students) and employers.

It’s important to note that NIRF rankings aim to provide a comprehensive view of an institution’s performance, considering both quantitative and qualitative aspects. The rankings are updated annually, and the process is designed to be transparent and fair.

Also Read: 7 Life-Changing Tips To Know How To Achieve Success In Life

Top 10 University in India: What is Distance Education?

Distance education, also known as distance learning or online education, refers to a mode of learning where students and instructors are physically separated, and instruction is delivered through various forms of technology. In distance education, we replace or supplement traditional face-to-face classroom interactions with virtual means.

The Key Features of Distance Education Include:

1. Geographical Separation:

Students and instructors are not required to be in the same physical location. They can be situated in different cities, countries, or even continents.

2. Technological Delivery:

Instruction is facilitated through technology, often utilizing the Internet. This can include online courses, video lectures, discussion forums, email communication, and other digital means.

3. Flexibility:

Distance education provides flexibility in terms of when and where learning takes place. Students can access course materials and participate in activities at times that suit their schedules.

4. Self-Paced Learning:

Many distance education programs allow students to progress through the material at their own pace. This flexibility is especially beneficial for individuals with work or family commitments.

5. Diverse Formats:

Distance education can take various forms, such as fully online programs, hybrid courses (combining online and in-person components), video conferencing, and correspondence courses.

6. Multimedia Learning Resources:

Multimedia resources, such as videos, interactive simulations, digital textbooks, and other online materials, are frequently used to deliver educational content.

Distance education has become increasingly popular due to advancements in technology and the growing demand for flexible learning options. It provides opportunities for individuals who may not have access to traditional on-campus education, allowing them to pursue academic goals while accommodating other responsibilities in their lives.

Using NIRF rankings, this list includes the required information about the top 10 universities in India, from courses to campus life. Find details related to the entrance exams required to apply for the courses below.

The Ministry of Education in the Indian Government uses the NIRF as a methodology. It ranks universities based on their overall performance. The university placements, research facilities, intake, projects, financial resources, etc., are taken into account. The universities are given a cumulative score and ranked based on it. Choosing the right college for yourself can be difficult, so make sure to utilize our resources to pick the university that aligns with your interests.

Also Read: Practical Steps to Overcome Laziness and Procrastination

Top 10 University in India: NIRF 2024 Rankings

NIRF released University rankings on 12th August 2024. A list of the top 10 university in India based on the NIRF 2024 ranking are given below along with their states and positions.

Name of University	City	State	Score	Ranking
Indian Institute of Technology Madras	Chennai	Tamil Nadu	86.42	1
Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru	Bengaluru	Karnataka	83.28	2
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay	Mumbai	Maharashtra	81.37	3
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi	New Delhi	Delhi	80.31	4
Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur	Kanpur	Uttar Pradesh	77.56	5
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur	Kharagpur	West Bengal	74.77	6
All India Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi	New Delhi	Delhi	74.27	7
Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee	Roorkee	Uttarakhand	71.52	8
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati	Guwahati	Assam	69.04	9
Jawaharlal Nehru University	New Delhi	Delhi	68.53	10

Top 10 University in India: Courses and Campus Insight

Read below to decide from our selection of the top 10 university in India in detail. Understand their courses, fees, entrance exams, and campus life details below.

1. Indian Institute of Science

The number 2 university in India is the Indian Institute of Science (IIS), based in Karnataka. IIS is a public college that holds the second rank in NIRF 2024.

• Courses Offered: It has numerous courses such as general management, astronomy, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer science engineering, electrical engineering, and more. They offer programs at all levels – PhD, Integrated PhD, M. Tech./M. Des., M. Tech (research) and B.SC. (research). Through GATE scores, applicants can apply for PG courses. B.SC. (research) is offered to students through KVPY or JEE.
• Campus Life and Facility Details: The Indian Institute of Sciences has a great campus that offers the facilities of eateries, airport taxi services, banks, baby care centers, bookshops, amenities hall, etc.
• Average Fees: The annual fees range from Rs 29,000 to Rs 35,000 depending on the programme and course. The college provides scholarships and fellowships to those in need.
• Entrance Exam: It depends upon the chosen field. One can obtain admission through JEE Main, JEE Advanced, GATE, etc.

2. Jawaharlal Nehru University

Jawaharlal Nehru University or JNU is spread across an area of 1020 acres in New Delhi. It is systematically distributed into 12 Schools, 55 centers, 6 Special centers, Language and Science labs, an art library, seminar rooms, and advanced auditoriums.

• Courses Offered: JNU is well known for its humanities courses. It has programs for undergraduate, postgraduate, and postgraduate diplomas. The university has multiple schools that offer their respective courses in science, humanities, and languages. Some of its schools include School of Arts & Aesthetics, School of Biotechnology, School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, School of Computer and Systems Sciences, School of Engineering, etc. Applicants can apply for undergraduate programs using CUET-UG scores, while they need CUET-PG scores to apply for postgraduate programs.
• Campus Life and Facility Details: Jawaharlal Nehru University’s campus comes with various facilities like a hostel, wi-fi, laboratories, libraries, canteen, swimming pool, etc.
• Average Fees: The average annual fee is Rs 2 lakh; it varies according to courses and programs.
• Entrance Exam: The entrance exam for admission here is CUET.

3. Jamia Millia Islamia

Jamia Millia Islamia is in the top 15 universities in India. It was established in 1920. It is a central university located in Delhi. JMI was accredited with an A grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

• Courses Offered: JMI has a wide range of courses like BA(Hons) Arabic, BA(Hons) Mass Media, B.F.A., BCom (Hons), and more. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and doctoral programs. In total, there are 256 courses and 41 degrees offered.
• Campus Life and Facility Details: The university campus is well equipped with a gymnasium, computer center, library, hospital, reading room, auditorium, wi-fi, etc.
• Average Fees: Based on the choice of program and course, the annual fee ranges from Rs 5000 to Rs 1 lakh.
• Entrance Exam: To apply for the courses students have to take CUET, JMI entrance test, or JEE Mains depending on the course requirement.

4. Jadavpur University

Jadavpur University is located in West Bengal. It has two campuses: 58 acres in Jadavpur and 26 acres near Salt Lake. It was accredited an A grade by NAAC with a CGPA of 3.68.

• Courses Offered: Like other universities, it offers undergrad, postgrad, diploma, and doctoral programs. It is well known for B Tech., B. Pharm, B. Arch., etc. In total, there are around 126 different courses and 24 degrees at Jadavpur University.
• Campus Life and Facility Details: The campus facilities at Jadavpur University include a hostel, sports arenas, IT infrastructure, library, etc.
• Average Fees: The fee for undergraduate courses is typically around ₹2,000, while for some specialized courses, it is higher.
• Entrance Exam: Most courses require WBJEE scores for admission. Some courses also take JEE main scores.

5. Banaras Hindu University

BHU is an internationally recognized university based in Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the leading universities in India, well-known for its research-related courses. It has 6 centres of advanced studies, 10 departments under the Special Assistance Programme, and a large number of specialised research centres. The main campus is spread over 1300 acres and is the largest residential university in India.

• Courses Offered: BHU provides both bachelor’s and master’s programs. These applications require CUET UG and CUET PG scores respectively. Some of their courses include B. Ed., B.SC. Industrial Microbiology, M.C.A, and M. Com.
• Campus Life and Facility Details: Campus facilities include a common room with TV, computer room, library, mini common kitchen, sports facilities, wi-fi, etc.
• Average Fees: The annual fee for masters’ courses is on average Rs 60,000. The bachelor courses are a little lower, around Rs 25,000.
• Entrance Exam: The entrance exam for admission to BHU is BHU UET, BHU PET, OR CUET.

6. Manipal Academy of Higher Education

The next university in our list of the top 10 Universities in India is Manipal Academy of Higher Education. It is more commonly known as Manipal University and is located in Karnataka. It has campuses in Mangalore and Bangalore, with off-campus in Dubai and Malaysia. The main campus size is 844 acres.

• Courses Offered: These campuses offer medical, architecture, nursing, dentistry, management, etc. They provide undergraduate and postgraduate programs. In total, there are 525 courses and 25 degrees offered.
• Campus Life and Facility Details: Manipal’s state-of-the-art campus facility includes wi-fi, night cafeterias, solar panels, caretakers and housekeeping, gyms, libraries, etc.
• Average Fees: The annual fee for B. Tech. courses range from Rs 2 lakhs to Rs 4 lakhs, while other master courses range from Rs 3 lakhs to Rs 17 lakhs. Fees vary depending on the specific course and campus.
• Entrance Exam: To apply for these courses you will have to take the MET.

7. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

One of the top 10 university in India is Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, located in Tamil Nadu. Among our list of top 10 university in India, NIRF ranks it in the top 15. The campuses of the university are located in Amritapuri, Amaravati, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Kochi, and Mysore.

• Courses Offered: It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral courses. Students can go for studies in the fields of management, sciences, social sciences, mass communication, medicine, etc. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is famous for being the best research institution in India.
• Campus Life and Facility Details: The campus facilities include indoor game rooms, a modern equipped gymnasium, a guest house, a hostel, a central library, etc.
• Average Fees: The annual fee for undergraduate courses is on average Rs 2 lakhs.
• Entrance Exam: The entrance exam for admission to Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is the Amrita Entrance Examination.

8. Vellore Institute of Technology

The University Grants Commission Act (UGC) founded the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) in 1984. VIT is located in Tamil Nadu. It currently stands in 8th place among the top 10 university in India. High placements and packages put it in front of other universities.

• Courses Offered: VIT is an engineering college that provides undergraduate, postgraduate, integrated, and research courses. In total, it has 120 courses and 20 degrees.
• Campus Life and Facility Details: The campus facilities include a gymnasium, libraries, playground, auditorium, etc.
• Average Fees: The annual fee ranges from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh for different management and engineering courses. Fees vary based on the specific program and campus.
• Entrance Exam: VITMEE is specifically for M.Tech programs, while VITEEE is for B.Tech admissions.

9. Aligarh Muslim University

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan established Aligarh Muslim University as the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India, in 1875. NIRF ranks it at 19th position among our list of the top 10 university in India.

• Courses Offered: Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) offers a diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. The university comprises 13 faculties, including Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering & Technology, and Law, with numerous departments under each faculty.
• Campus Life and Facility Details: The university offers a library, sports facilities, hostels, medical facilities, a cafeteria, Wi-Fi and IT Services, Student Clubs, and Societies.
• Average Fees: The average fees are as follows:
  1. Undergraduate Programs: BA (Hons.) approx. ₹1.75 lakhs; B.Sc (Hons.) approx. ₹3.60 lakhs; MBBS approx. ₹2.15 crores; BDS approx. ₹94 lakhs. 2. Postgraduate Programs: MA approx. ₹25,960; M.Sc approx. ₹17,960; MBA approx. ₹5.87 lakhs; M.Tech approx. ₹8.57 lakhs. 3. Ph.D. Programs: Approx. ₹27,855
• Entrance Exam: JEE Main, NEET, GATE, UGC-NET.

10. University of Hyderabad

The last and one of the most prominent universities on our list of the top 10 Universities in India is the University of Hyderabad. It is based in Telangana. The university is known for its postgraduate and research courses.

• Courses Offered: It offers numerous undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Students can apply to any one of these under the College of Integrated Studies, School of Computer and Information Sciences, SN School of Arts & Communication, School of Humanities, School of Social Sciences, School of Economics, School of Life Sciences, etc. In total, there are 126 courses and 13 degrees offered.
• Campus Life and Facility Details: The campus facilities include a central library, seminar halls, auditorium, library, wi-fi, etc.
• Average Fees: According to the course chosen, the annual fee ranges from Rs 4000 to Rs 60,000.
• Entrance Exam: To apply, CUET UG or CUET PG has to be given depending on the program.

Top 10 University in India: Conclusion

Choosing your college is a crucial step in your life. It not only paves the way for your future career but also provides you with multiple opportunities for personal growth. Now that you are familiar with the top 10 universities in India, you have a solid foundation to start planning your academic journey. Consider your interests, preferences, and career aspirations while making your decision. Reflect on what subjects and activities you enjoy, and think about the kind of job you envision for yourself in the future. Use this information to guide you in choosing the right university and program that align with your goals and passions.

The top 10 universities of India set the bar for excellence in teaching, exposure, placements, and more. They are the best and leading universities in their respective courses. Remember that college is only what you make of it, so be sure to seize every opportunity for higher learning and in-depth knowledge. Engage actively in your classes, participate in extracurricular activities, and seek out internships and research opportunities to maximize your college experience and prepare yourself for your future career.

Use our guide of Top 10 University in India to evaluate numerous career choices and choose the right career path for yourself. Dive into our guide on Career Advice.

Top 10 University in India: FAQs

Other Related Reads

• Best Engineering Colleges in Kolkata: Rankings, Admission Process, and Campus Life
• Best MBA Colleges in Chennai: Rankings, Admission Process, and Campus Life
• Top MBA Colleges in the USA in 2023