Our Top University Partners in India: Overview

Building a successful career begins with the right education. At upGrad, we work with and partner with some of India’s top universities to make quality learning accessible. Our partners include OP Jindal Global University, IMT Ghaziabad, BIMTECH, and technology leaders like IIIT Bangalore.

Together, we offer programs in management, technology, design, arts, and humanities, so you can find a course that matches your goals. Whether you want to upskill, change careers, or grow in your current job, upGrad links you to universities that blend strong academics with real-world relevance.

To know more, continue reading about our partnered universities:-

1. IIIT Bangalore

- IIIT Bangalore in collaboration with upGrad provides courses such as:

* Executive Diploma in Machine Learning and AI
* Executive Diploma in Generative AI for Leaders
* Executive PG Certification in AI-Powered full stack development.

- IIIT Bangalore ranked 81 in 2024, 74 in 2023 and 2022 as well, according to the NIRF.

- Most Opted Course at IIIT Bangalore: B.Tech and Integrated M.Tech programs in Computer Science

- Exams through Admission: JEE, GATE, CAT, CEED

2. BIMTECH

- BIMTECH in collaboration with upGrad provides courses such as:

* Post Graduate Diploma in Management - Online PGDM Courses (BIMTECH)

- BIMTECH ranked 64 in 2024, 48 in 2023, and 56 in 2022, according to the NIRF.

- Most Opted Course at BIMTECH: Post Graduate Diploma in Management and PGDM in International Business (PGDM-IB)

- Exam through Admission: CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, GMAT

3. IIM Kozhikode

- IIM Kozhikode in collaboration with upGrad provides courses such as:

* HR Analytics Course Certification from IIM-K
* Professional Certificate Program in General Management from IIM-K
* Professional Certificate Program in Marketing and Sales Management from IIM-K

- IIM Kozhikode ranked 3 in both 2024 and 2023, and 5 in 2022 according to the NIRF.

- Most Opted Course at IIM Kozhikode: Post Graduate Program in Management

- Exam through Admission: CAT, GRE, EMAT, GMAT

4. IMT Ghaziabad

- IMT Ghaziabad in collaboration with upGrad provides courses such as:

* Advanced General Management Program

- IMT Ghaziabad ranked 35 in 2024, 38 in 2023, and 44 in 2022 according to the NIRF.

- Most Opted Course at IMT Ghaziabad: Post Graduate Diploma in Management Marketing, Post Graduate Diploma in Management Finance.

- Exam through Admission: CAT, GMAT, XAT

5. MICA

- MICA in collaboration with upGrad provides courses such as:

* Advanced Certificate in Digital Marketing and Communication

- MICA ranked 32 in 2024, 37 in 2023, and 42 in 2022 according to the NIRF.

- Most Opted Course at MICA: Post Graduate Diploma in Management – Communications, Post Graduate Diploma in Management.

- Exam through Admission: CAT, XAT, GMAT, MICAT

6. OP Jindal Global University

- OP Jindal Global University in collaboration with upGrad provides courses such as:

* MBA from O.P.Jindal Global University
* MBA in Business & Law from O.P.Jindal Global University
* MBA (with Career Acceleration Program by upGrad)

- The No.1 Private University in India by the QS World University Rankings 2023, for the third year in a row.

- Most Opted Course at OP Jindal Global University: B.B.A. + MBA Integrated Program, B.Com. (Hons.)

- Exam through Admission: JSAT / LSAT-India / CLAT/ SAT / ACT / NMAT/CAT/MAT/XAT/CMAT/ATMA

Take the next step toward your academic and professional journey with confidence.

Browse our Partnered Universities in India

Leading Engineering Universities Nationwide: Overview

India hosts some of the world’s most prestigious engineering institutions. These universities are known for world-class education, cutting-edge research, and global recognition.

Leading universities for engineering include:

  • Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
  • National Institutes of Technology (NITs)
  • Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs)

For undergraduate programs like B.Tech, aspirants must clear the JEE Main (for NITs, IIITs, and other central institutes) and JEE Advanced (for IITs). For postgraduate programs such as M.Tech, admissions are primarily through the GATE exam. Doctoral admissions often involve national-level tests, institute-specific criteria, and interviews.

Following are the best IITs and NITs in India according to the ranks provided by the NIRF:

Best IITs in India

  • IIT Bombay – known for Computer Science, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering.
  • IIT Delhi – strong in Computer Science, Civil, and Mechanical Engineering.
  • IIT Madras – top-ranked in NIRF; excels in Electrical, Mechanical, and Chemical Engineering.
  • IIT Kanpur – highly reputed for Computer Science, Aerospace, and Electrical Engineering.
  • IIT Kharagpur – oldest IIT, famous for Civil, Mechanical, and Metallurgical Engineering.

Best NITs in India

  • NIT Trichy (Tiruchirappalli) – leading NIT, strong in Mechanical and Computer Science.
  • NIT Surathkal (Karnataka) – reputed for Civil and Computer Science.
  • NIT Warangal (Telangana) – popular for Electronics and Communication, and Computer Science.
  • NIT Rourkela (Odisha) – recognized for Metallurgical, Electrical, and Computer Science.
  • NIT Calicut (Kerala) – strong in Architecture, Electrical, and Computer Science.

To gain a successful admission which for aspiring engineers, choosing the right specialization is crucial, following are the most sought-after engineering courses:

Most Sought-After Engineering Courses

  • Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) – most competitive and in-demand globally.
  • Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) – key for telecom, IoT, and chip design.
  • Mechanical Engineering – evergreen branch with wide applications in industries.
  • Electrical Engineering – crucial for power systems, automation, and electronics.
  • Civil Engineering – high demand in infrastructure and construction sectors.

India’s Top Engineering Universities

Explore India’s Best Management Universities: Overview

India’s leading management universities have built a global reputation for shaping business leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. Consistently ranked in the NIRF, these universities are known for excellence in teaching, research, and placements.

Leading institutions include:

1. Indian Institute of Management (IIM)
2. IIT Department of Management Studies (IIT DMS)

Admission to these institutions is highly competitive, requiring candidates to clear the CAT entrance exam. This rigorous process ensures that only the most talented individuals are selected, further enhancing the reputation of these B-schools.

The Following are the best IIMs and IITs in India according to the ranks provided by the NIRF, and to know more in detail, please visit the university pages listed below:

Best IIMs in India:

1. IIM Ahmedabad: Ranked No. 1 in India for management by NIRF 2024. Master’s programs in Management and Agri-Business Management (PGP and FABM)

2. IIM Bangalore: Ranked No. 2 in India by NIRF 2024. Strong in Analytics and offers niche programs like PGPSEM (Software Enterprise Management) and PGPPM for public policy.

3. IIM Kozhikode: Ranked No. 3 in India by NIRF 2024. Focuses on streams like Finance and Liberal Studies Management (LSM) alongside PGP.

4. IIM Delhi: Ranked No.4 in India by NIRF 2024. IIM Delhi offers the flagship PGP along with Public Policy/Management programs.

5. IIM Calcutta: Ranked No.5 in India by NIRF 2024. Known for Management and Business Analytics (PGDBA, in collaboration with ISI & IIT Kharagpur).

To gain a successful admission for an aspiring management program, choosing the right specialization is crucial, and the NIRF Ranking of 2024.

Best IITs in India:

1. IIT Delhi (DoMS): Offers a broad-spectrum MBA (General) with functional specializations in Finance, Marketing, Operations, IT, HR, plus a specialized MBA in Telecommunication Systems Management.

2. IIT Bombay (SJMOS): Offers MBA, Executive MBA, PhD; covers areas like Accounting & Finance, Strategy, HR & OB, IT, Marketing, Operations & Technology Management.

3. IIT Madras (DoMS): Offers MBA, Executive MBA, MS (by Research), and PhD in diverse areas including Finance, Operations, HR & OB, Marketing, Systems & IT, Technology Management, General Management, and Strategic/Quantitative fields.

4. IIT Roorkee (DoMS): MBA and PhD offerings with majors in Finance, Marketing, HR, Operations, Information Systems, and General Management.

Top Open Universities in India: Overview

The Open Universities in India offers flexible, affordable, and accessible education for learners who seek to grow knowledge through distance learning. To provide credibility, these universities are recognized by the University Grant Commission- Distance Education Bureau (UGG-DEB). 

Who Benefits from Open Universities? 

  • Open universities are significantly helpful for working professionals who seek to upskill for new opportunities while working.  
  • Homemakers who wish to pursue or continue their education at their own pace.  
  • They assist students in remote or rural areas where access to traditional universities is limited.  

Academic Programs Offered:  

The programs in the Open Universities are provided across various disciplines like Arts, Science, Commerce, Management, and other interdisciplinary fields at different levels like- 

  • Undergraduate (UG) Degrees 
  • Postgraduate (PG) Degrees 
  • Diploma and Certificate Courses 

Ph.D. Programs (Offered in regular/part-time mode as per UGC norms) 

Top Ranked Open Universities in India – NIRF 2024 
So if you are wondering which is the best Open University in India, then the well-known and reputed one is Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).  The open universities in India are ranked officially, but only the top three are part of the NIRF ranking 2024. Refer to the table below to check out the other two notable ones.  

Open University NIRF Ranking 2024 

University Name  

City 

State 

Rank 

IGNOU 

New Delhi 

Delhi 

Netaji Subash Open University (NSOU) 

Kolkata 

West Bengal 

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU) 

Ahmedabad 

Gujarat 

Key Distance Education Bureau (DEB) Stats:  

  • As of 2025, there are 15 recognized Open Universities in India, comprising 1 National Open University (IGNOU) and 14 State Open Universities.   
  • Over 200 dual-mode universities now offer distance learning programs. 
  • Around 25% of higher education students in India study through distance learning. 
  • There are about 250 Open Distance Learning institutions, including central, state, deemed, and private universities. 

To know more about the top open universities in India in depth, check out the lists given below, where you can visit the pages of each university for detailed analysis.  

What Our Learners Have To Say About Us

FAQs for Universities

1Which is the best University in India for an MBA?

India has many universities that offer MBA and other management programs to suit different career goals. The NIRF Rankings place IIM Ahmedabad at the top for management studies, showing its strong reputation. NIRF is a respected national ranking body, which adds to the credibility of these institutions. In addition to leading public institutes, well-known private universities also help shape management careers. Universities like IMS Ghaziabad, IIIT Bangalore, MICA and BIMTECH, all partnered with upGrad, offer students global curricula, industry experience, and good placement opportunities. These are great options for anyone interested in management.

2What is the admission process for Indian universities?

A typical admission journey looks like this: 

  1. Choose program & check eligibility on university websites. 
  1. Register for entrance exam—most central/state universities use CUET, while professional programs may rely on JEE for Undergraduate Engineering, NEET for Medical Sciences, CAT for Management, GATE Postgraduate Engineering Courses. 
  1. Appear for exam with required subject combinations. 
  1. Apply to universities through their admission portals, using CUET score or other exam credentials. 
  1. Counseling or Merit-based seat allocation—for example, DU uses CSAS after CUET. 
  1. Document verification & fee payment—seals your admission. 

3Which Indian University Is the Best for a B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering (CSE)?

According to the latest NIRF Engineering Rankings (2024), the top university for B.Tech in CSE is IIT Madras, followed closely by IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay. Specifically, for CSE programs, rankings are: 

  • IIT Madras 
  • IIT Delhi 
  • IIT Bombay 
  • IIT Kanpur 
  • IIT Kharagpur  

Why IIT Madras stands out: 

  • It holds the #1 spot in both overall NIRF engineering ranks and CSE-specific quality  
  • The CSE department is known for exceptional placements:  

Median CTC: ₹₹25.60 LPA, Average CTC: ₹₹27.67 LPA. Check out IIT Madras Placements 

4Which are the oldest Universities in India?

The oldest modern, state-sanctioned universities in India are the University of Calcutta, the University of Mumbai, and the University of Madras, all of which were founded in 1857. These institutions were modeled after the University of London and were initially created as affiliating and examining bodies with no teaching functions of their own. The University of Allahabad, established in 1887, is the fourth-oldest modern university in the country. A unique case is Presidency University in Kolkata, which was founded as Hindu College in 1817, making it the oldest institution of higher learning in Asia in the modern sense, although it was not granted university status until 2010.  

5Which are the NAAC A++ grade Universities in India?

NAAC’s A++ rating (CGPA 3.51–4.00) signifies excellence in academics, infrastructure, research, governance and student services. Institutions awarded this grade serve as flagships of quality higher education. Some of the Universities are:   

  • IISc Bengaluru 
  • Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) 
  • University of Hyderabad 
  • Kristu Jayanti University (Bengaluru) — CGPA 3.78 A++ accreditation in 2025   
  • Banasthali Vidyapith (Rajasthan) — A++ re-accredited in 2020  

These universities score high on NAAC’s multi-dimensional accreditation, reflecting advanced teaching practices, rich research output, effective governance and strong student outcomes. For a complete, up-to-date roster, visit NAAC’s website or individual institutional accreditation announcements.

6Which universities in India accept CUET scores?

CUET (Common University Entrance Test) has become the gateway to a wide range of universities. CUET is conducted for UG as well as PG Programs for many universities of India. Some of them are: 

  • All Central Universities (e.g., DU, JNU, BHU, AMU, UoH, JMI) use CUET for UG admissions. 
  • Many State, Deemed & Private Universities accept CUET—thousands of institutions in total: 
  • About 47 Central, 42 State, 23 Deemed, and 171 Private universities for UG in 2025–26 alone. 

You can consult the NTA CUET website for year-wise lists and updates.

To apply, confirm if your target university appears in the latest CUET participant list and follow their specific admission timelines and cutoff criteria.

7Which Is the Best Open University for a Distance Course?

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is known as the best open university in India for distance education. The Government of India established it, and it is recognized by UGC, AICTE, and DEC, which ensures its credibility and acceptance in various industries. 

Why choose IGNOU? 

- Offers over 200 programs in Management, Arts, Commerce, Science, and Technology. 

- Has an affordable fee structure, making quality education accessible. 

- Provides extensive study centers across India and abroad, supporting learners everywhere. 

- Features a flexible learning model with printed materials, online lectures, and e-resources. 

- Grants recognized degrees that are accepted for jobs, higher studies, and even government exams. 

Besides IGNOU, other universities like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU), Nalanda Open University, and Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU) also offer solid options. However, IGNOU remains the leader in reach, credibility, and academic resources. 

8What is the difference between Central, State, Deemed, and Private universities in India?

Understanding how Indian universities structured helps are navigate choices clearly: 

  • Central Universities: Established via an Act of Parliament and funded by the Union government. Examples: DU, JNU, BHU. 
  • State Universities: Created by state legislatures, with funding and administration by the state government. 
  • Deemed-to-be Universities: High-performing institutes granted autonomy by the UGC (Section 3). They manage their programs and fees independently. Example: Banasthali Vidyapith, Kristu Jayanti. 
  • Private Universities: Set up by private bodies under state laws, regulated by UGC. These typically have more flexible curricula but charge significantly higher fees. Each category varies in funding, autonomy, governance, fee levels, and regulatory oversight—so consider these factors when choosing. 

9Which University Should I Choose for a Bachelor’s in Design Course?

There are many reputed institutes in India that offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Design, ranging from industrial design and communication design to UX/UI and fashion. Some of the top institutes include: 

IIT Guwahati offers a B.Des through its Department of Design (DoD). You can gain admission by taking the UCEED, or Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design. This program is a great choice if you want a mix of design and technology. It features excellent labs, industry projects, and good placement opportunities. 

IIITDM Jabalpur offers both B.Des and M.Des programs. The focus is on product design, interaction design, and innovation, with a strong integration of engineering. Admission is also through UCEED. 

IIITDM Kancheepuram provides a B.Des program that emphasizes product design and digital technologies. This is a solid option for students who are interested in design with a focus on technical and manufacturing aspects. 

10What is the average fee structure for universities in India?

Fee ranges differ widely across institution types: 

Public (Central/State) Universities: 

  • UG annual fees can range from ₹5,000 to ₹25,000, depending on program and college. 
  • DU UG programs: from approx. ₹9,000; professional programs like MBA may go up to ₹60,000. 

Deemed & Private Universities: 

  • Tuition can vary between ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh per year for professional programs. 
  • Non-technical programs at well-known private institutions may still exceed ₹2 lakh per year. 

11Which are the most affordable universities in India for higher education?

There are various Central Universities that provide good quality education with affordable fees, for e.g. 

  • Delhi University (DU): Broad course options with modest fees for UG arts, science, commerce—rising slowly, but still low compared to private institutions 
  • Banaras Hindu University (BHU): Offers UG programs at low fee levels, with subsidies in hostels and common services. 
  • Other State Universities: Examples include University of Calcutta, many state university campuses where non-professional programs are highly affordable. 
  • Lower-cutoff CUET universities like Dr. RML Avadh University (Awadh UP), DDR University (Gorakhpur), Tezpur University, Pondicherry University, etc., often combine accessible fees with decent academic offerings.

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Disclaimer

1.upGrad does not grant credit; credits are granted, accepted, or transferred at the sole discretion of the relevant educational institution offering the diploma or degree. We advise you to enquire further regarding the suitability of this program for your academic, professional requirements and job prospects before .