Different kinds of Universities in India

Different types of Universities

Definition of University

According to university grants commission act 1956 University defined as a university established or incorporated by or under a central act, a provincial act or a state act and includes such institutions as may, in consultation with the university concerned, be recognised by Commission in accordance with regulations made in this behalf under this act.

Role of Universities

1) Universities are the institutions of higher learning offering the undergraduate, post graduate degrees in various fields.

2)To conduct the wide variety of research which enhance the knowledge, technology science and academic progress.

3)To disseminate the knowledge through teaching, lecturing, publications etc

4) Universities are act as a social and cultural hub among students and facilities.

5) Universities develop the leadership, policy making, decision making skills among students that leads to positive impact on society.

Structure of Universities

Universities have hierarchical structure with various level of administration.

1)The chancellor

The president or chancellor of the University is top executive officer responsible for strategic direction of university.

2)Board of trustees

Board of trustees are the governing body responsible for overall governance and decision making.

3) Academic team

It includes deans and department heads who manage the academic programs.

4) Faculties

Professors, lecturers, and researchers who teach, conduct research, and contribute to academic knowledge.

5) Students

Students are enrolled in various degree programs.

In india the University grants commission  classified the universities as follows

1) Central Universities

2)State Universities

3)Deemed Universities

4) Private Universities

1) Central or Union Universities

Central Universities are special kind of Universities established by an act of parliament and funded by central government which are under the preview of department of higher education. These are recognised by University grants commission allows them to achieve high academic standards. 

The president of India is a visitor of all central Universities. As of June 2023 university grants commission lists 56 universities as centrally managed. Jawaharlal Nehru University, Tezpur University, University of Delhi are some examples for central Universities.

2)State Universities

The state Universities are established under provincial act and managed by state governments of respective states under the guidelines issued by University grants commission. These Universities offers the wide range of academic programs such as undergraduate, graduate and professional degree courses. Ugc listed 476 Universities as state Universities. 

Example: University of Banglore, Karnataka university, Mysore university etc.

3) Deemed Universities

Deemed Universities are also known as Deemed to be Universities are the institutions of higher education which are granted the status of University through university grants  commission act 1956. These are in autonomous in nature having the authority to design the course content, exam pattern and syllabus by their own. There are total 125 deemed Universities are listed by UGC, some of which includes Christ University, Jain University, Manipal academy of higher education etc.

4) Private Universities

Private universities are not established and funded by central government but they are managed by private bodies such as individuals, trusts or corporations. These Universities have also grants recognition by University grants commission like state and central Universities, having the autonomy to design the course contents, fees, admission criteria etc. Total number of private universities are 430 some of which are Amity University, VIT, Azim premji University etc.