India, a land of ancient wisdom and knowledge, has been home to some of the oldest universities in the world. These institutions have played a pivotal role in shaping the intellectual landscape of the nation. In this article, we delve into the rich history and academic excellence of the top 10 oldest universities in India.
India boasts a rich legacy of academic institutions, with some dating back centuries. Nalanda and Takshashila, ancient centers of learning, paved the way for modern universities. Banaras Hindu University and the University of Calcutta, established during British rule, continue to shape education. Institutions like the University of Mumbai, University of Madras, and the University of Delhi have been key players, fostering academic excellence. Today, these venerable establishments stand as beacons of knowledge, influencing India’s intellectual landscape.
Established in 1818 and granted university status in 1829, Senate of Serampore College holds the distinction of being India’s oldest university. Founded by Christian missionaries William Carey, Joshua Marshman, and William Ward, its mission to educate in Christianity and science endures. True to its origins, the university offers diverse courses in theology, psychotherapy, missiology, Christian Studies, and more at the graduate, master, and PhD levels, maintaining its commitment to shaping minds for over two centuries.
Senate of Serampore College (University), located in Serampore, Kolkata, is the oldest university in India, followed by Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, University of Calcutta, and University of Mumbai.
Here is the list of top-10 oldest universities in India:
| OLDEST UNIVERSITIES IN INDIA | |||
| Rank | University | Location | Establishment |
| 1. | Senate of Serampore College (University) | Serampore, Kolkata | 1818 |
| 2. | Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee | Roorkee, Uttarakhand | 1847 |
| 3. | University of Calcutta | Kolkata, West Bengal | 1857 |
| 4. | University of Mumbai | Mumbai, Maharashtra | 1857 |
| 5. | University of Madras | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | 1857 |
| 6. | Aligarh Muslim University | Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh | 1875 |
| 7. | Panjab University | Chandigarh, Punjab | 1882 |
| 8. | University of Allahabad | Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh | 1887 |
| 9. | Banaras Hindu University | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | 1916 |
| 10. | University of Mysore | Mysore, Karnataka | 1916 |
Location: Serampore, Kolkata
Establishment: 1818
Founded in 1818 and attaining university status in 1829, the Senate of Serampore College stands as India’s oldest university. Established by Christian missionaries William Carey, Joshua Marshman, and William Ward, its enduring mission is to educate in Christianity and Science. Maintaining its foundational essence, the university offers graduate, master, and PhD courses in theology, psychotherapy, missiology, Christian Studies, Bible translation, and worship & music, solidifying its legacy in India’s educational landscape.
Location: Roorkee, Uttarakhand
Establishment: 1847
IIT Roorkee, established in 1847, the second oldest university in India, strives for global excellence in education and sustainable societal impact through innovative science and technology research. Renowned for setting trends in engineering, science, and technology, it provides Bachelor’s Degrees in 10 disciplines and Architecture, along with Postgraduate Degrees in 55 engineering disciplines.
Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
Establishment: 1857
The University of Calcutta, established in 1857, holds the distinction of being the third oldest university in India. Originating from the suggestion of the Court of Directors of the East India Company, it initially followed the University of London’s curriculum. Over time, the university adapted and expanded its departments, encompassing fields like agriculture, arts, law, commerce, social welfare, business management, technology, and engineering.
Senate of Serampore College (University), located in Serampore, Kolkata, is the oldest university in India.
The University of Takshashila is even older. Dating back to the 10th Century BCE, the university was particularly renowned for science, especially medicine, and the arts, but both religious and secular subjects were taught.
IIT Roorkee, established in 1847, the second oldest university in India, strives for global excellence in education and sustainable societal impact through innovative science and technology research.
The top-5 oldest universities in India are: Senate of Serampore College (University), Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, University of Calcutta, University of Mumbai and University of Madras.
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