Which Indian State has the Highest Number of Universities?

Karnataka has the highest number of universities in India, with a total of 43. This extensive network of universities provides diverse educational opportunities and plays a significant role in the state’s academic and research landscape, contributing substantially to higher education.

Akansha Arora Published On September 17th, 2024

India’s higher education system is vast, with numerous universities across its states. Among these, some states are notable for their significant number of universities. Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka are prominent in this regard, each contributing extensively to the country’s educational infrastructure. This article examines which Indian state leads in the number of universities and explores the factors driving this distinction.

Total Number of Universities in India

India boasts a total of 1,078 universities, according to the University Grants Commission (UGC). This total includes:

464 State Universities
128 Deemed-to-be Universities
54 Central Universities
432 Private Universities
398 Universities under Section 12-B of the UGC Act

Top-5 Indian States with Highest Number of Universities

Here are the top 5 states in India with the highest number of universities:

Karnataka
West Bengal
Uttar Pradesh
Maharashtra
Andhra Pradesh

Indian State with the Highest Number of Universities

Second Largest State with Highest Number of Universities

West Bengal ranks as the second-largest state in India by the number of universities, with a total of 38. The state’s universities are pivotal in fostering academic growth and research, attracting students from across India and beyond, and significantly enhancing the educational infrastructure of the region.

Third Largest State in terms of Highest Number of Universities

Uttar Pradesh is the third-largest state in India by the number of universities, with a total of 36. This includes several central universities, making it a key player in the country’s higher education sector. The state’s universities contribute significantly to academic research and provide extensive educational opportunities for students.