India has a rich and diverse history of education that dates back centuries. It is home to some of the world’s oldest universities that have been instrumental in shaping the country’s intellectual and academic landscape. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 20 oldest universities in India, their history, and their current standing in the global academic arena.
Top 20 oldest universities in India with established year and address
| S No | University | Established | Address |
| 1 | Senate of Serampore College (University) | 1818 | 10 William Carey Road, Mac House Complex, 712201, Serampore |
| 2 | University of Calcutta | 1857 | 87, 1, College St, Calcutta University, College Square, Kolkata, West Bengal 700073 |
| 3 | University of Mumbai | 1857 | Mahatma Gandhi Road, Mantralaya, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400032 |
| 4 | University of Madras | 1857 | Navalar Nagar, Chepauk, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005 |
| 5 | Aligarh Muslim University | 1875 | Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh 202001 |
| 6 | Panjab University, Chandigarh | 1882 | Sector 14, Chandigarh, 160014 |
| 7 | Allahabad University | 1887 | Senate House, University Road, Old Katra, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211002 |
| 8 | Banaras Hindu University | 1916 | Ajagara, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005 |
| 9 | University of Mysore | 1916 | Crawford Hall, VISHWAVIDYANILAYA KARYA SOUDHA, K.G Koppal, Saraswathipuram, Mysuru, Karnataka 570005 |
| 10 | Patna University | 1917 | Ashok Rajpath Rd, near Patna College, Patna University Campus, Patna, Bihar 800005 |
| 11 | Osmania University | 1918 | Amberpet, Hyderabad, Telangana |
| 12 | Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth | 1921 | 8XCQ+FRV, Station Road, Maldahiya Crossing, Maldahiya, Kashi Vidyapith, Chetganj, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221002 |
| 13 | University of Lucknow | 1921 | Babuganj, Hasanganj, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226007 |
| 14 | Visva-Bharati University | 1921 | MMJM+83G, PO Santiniketan, Bolpur, West Bengal 731235 |
| 15 | University of Delhi | 1922 | Benito Juarez Marg, South Campus, South Moti Bagh, New Delhi, Delhi 110021 |
| 16 | Nagpur University | 1923 | 42XQ+4RW, Amravati Rd, Gokulpeth, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440033 |
| 17 | Andhra University | 1926 | Junction, Andhra University South Campus, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530003 |
| 18 | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University (Agra University) | 1927 | Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Paliwal Park , Agra (U.P.) 282004 |
| 19 | Annamalai University | 1929 | Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu 608002 |
| 20 | University of Roorkee / Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee | 1847 / 1949 | Roorkee – Haridwar Highway, Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667 |
1. Senate of Serampore College (University) – 1818
The Senate of Serampore College, also known as Serampore College, is the oldest university in India. It was founded in 1818 by William Carey, a Christian missionary, and has a rich history of providing theological education. The university is located in Serampore, West Bengal, and offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in theology, philosophy, and other related subjects.
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2. University of Calcutta – 1857
The University of Calcutta, also known as Calcutta University, was established in 1857 in Kolkata, West Bengal. It is one of the oldest universities in India and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various disciplines such as arts, science, commerce, law, and engineering. The university has a strong reputation for academic excellence and is consistently ranked among the top universities in India.
What is the rank of Calcutta university in Times higher Education?
Times higher Education Ranking (World University Rankings 2023) for University of Calcutta is between 1001–1200th.
3. University of Mumbai – 1857
The University of Mumbai, also known as Mumbai University, was established in 1857 and is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is one of the oldest universities in India and offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various disciplines such as arts, science, commerce, law, and management. The university has a rich history and is known for its academic excellence and research capabilities.
What is the rank of University of Mumbai in Times higher Education?
Times higher Education Ranking (World University Rankings 2023) for University of Mumbai is between 1201–1500th
4. University of Madras – 1857
The University of Madras, located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest and premier universities in India. It was established in 1857 and is accredited with an ‘A’ grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
The university has several affiliated colleges across the state of Tamil Nadu, offering education to students in both traditional and modern fields of study. The university has a diverse student body from different parts of India and the world, making it a hub for cultural exchange and learning.
What is the rank of University of Madras in Times higher Education?
Times Higher Education Ranking (World University Rankings 2023) for University of Madras is between 541-550.
5. Aligarh Muslim University – 1875
The Aligarh Muslim University is one of the oldest university and it was established in 1875 in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh.
AMU has a diverse student body, with students from different parts of India and the world. The university has a rich history of producing notable alumni in various fields, including politics, literature, science, and sports. Some of the notable alumni of AMU include former Vice President of India, Hamid Ansari, former Indian Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, and legendary cricketer, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi.
What is the rank of Aligarh Muslim University in Times higher Education?
Times Higher Education Ranking (World University Rankings 2023) for Aligarh Muslim University is between 1001-1200.
6. Panjab University, Chandigarh – 1882
Panjab University (PU) is a public collegiate university located in Chandigarh, India. It was established in 1882 as the University of Punjab in Lahore (now in Pakistan) and later moved to Chandigarh in 1956. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in India, with a strong focus on research and innovation.
PU has a diverse student body, with students from different parts of India and the world. The university has a strong research focus and has collaborations with several national and international institutions. The university is known for its contributions to the fields of science and technology, social sciences, and humanities.
Panjab University has a beautiful campus, spread over an area of 550 acres, and is home to several research centers, museums, and auditoriums.
What is the rank of Panjab University, Chandigarh in Times higher Education?
Times higher Education Ranking (World University Rankings 2023) for Panjab University, Chandigarh is between 801–1000th.
7. Allahabad University – 1887
Allahabad University is a public central university located in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was established in 1887 and is one of the oldest universities in India. The university has a rich history and has produced several notable alumni, including former Prime Ministers of India, Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.
The university has several affiliated colleges across the state of Uttar Pradesh, offering education to students in both traditional and modern fields of study. Allahabad University has a diverse student body from different parts of India and the world, making it a hub for cultural exchange and learning.
The university has a beautiful campus, spread over an area of 4.86 square kilometers, and is home to several research centers, museums, and auditoriums.
What is the rank of Allahabad University in Times higher Education?
Times higher Education Ranking (World University Rankings 2023) for Allahabad University is 401-450.
8. Banaras Hindu University – 1916
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is a public central university located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was established in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, a renowned Indian educationist, social reformer, and freedom fighter. The university is one of the oldest and largest residential universities in Asia, with a sprawling campus spread over an area of 1300 acres.
BHU has a diverse student body, with students from different parts of India and the world. The university has a rich history of producing notable alumni in various fields, including politics, literature, science, and sports. Some of the notable alumni of BHU include former Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi, and legendary Indian classical vocalist, Girija Devi.
BHU has a strong focus on research and innovation, and has collaborations with several national and international institutions. The university is known for its contributions to the fields of science and technology, medicine, social sciences, and humanities.
What is the rank of Banaras Hindu University in Times higher Education?
Times Higher Education Ranking (World University Rankings 2023) for Banaras Hindu University is between 601–800th.
9. University of Mysore – 1916
Established in 1916, the University of Mysore is located in Mysuru, Karnataka. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country, known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various fields of study, including arts, science, commerce, law, management, and education.
What is the rank of University of Mysore in Times higher Education?
The University of Mysore is ranked between 1201-1500th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023.
10. Patna University – 1917
Patna University is a public university located in Patna, Bihar, India. It was established in 1917 and is one of the oldest universities in India. The university has a rich history and has produced several notable alumni in various fields, including politics, literature, science, and sports.
The university is also known for its research and innovation activities in various fields.
The university has a diverse student body from different parts of India and the world, making it a hub for cultural exchange and learning. Patna University has a number of affiliated colleges across the state of Bihar, offering education to students in both traditional and modern fields of study.
11. Osmania University – 1918
Established in 1918, Osmania University is located in Hyderabad, Telangana. It is one of the premier institutions of higher education in the country, with a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and research innovation. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs in various fields, including arts, science, commerce, law, engineering, and technology.
What is the rank of Osmania University in Times Higher Education?
Osmania University is ranked between 1201-1500th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023.
12. Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth – 1921
Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth (MGKV) is one of the oldest university in India. It is a public university located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was established in 1921 and is named after Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. The university has a rich history and has produced several notable alumni in various fields.
MGKV has a number of affiliated colleges across the state of Uttar Pradesh, offering education to students in both traditional and modern fields of study.
MGKV has a beautiful campus, with several historic buildings and landmarks. The university is known for its contributions to the fields of literature, culture, and social sciences.
13. University of Lucknow – 1921
The University of Lucknow is a public university located in the city of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was established in 1920 and is one of the oldest universities in India. The university has a rich history and has produced several notable alumni in various fields.
The university is also known for its research and innovation activities in various fields.
The university has a diverse student body from different parts of India and the world, making it a hub for cultural exchange and learning. The University of Lucknow has a number of affiliated colleges across the state of Uttar Pradesh, offering education to students in both traditional and modern fields of study.
What is the rank of University of Lucknow in Times Higher Education?
The University of Lucknow is ranked between 1201-1500th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023.
14. Visva-Bharati University – 1921
Visva-Bharati University is one of the oldest university in India and it is located in Santiniketan, West Bengal. The university was established by Rabindranath Tagore, the famous poet, and Nobel laureate, who envisioned a center of learning that would promote the integration of Eastern and Western cultures.
The university has a diverse student body from different parts of India and the world, making it a hub for cultural exchange and learning. Visva-Bharati University has a number of affiliated colleges across the state of West Bengal, offering education to students in both traditional and modern fields of study.
15. University of Delhi – 1922
Founded in 1922, the University of Delhi is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in India. The University of Delhi has a beautiful and sprawling campus, with several historic buildings and landmarks. The university is known for its contributions to the fields of literature, culture, and social sciences.
The university has a number of research centers and institutes, including the Center for Science Education and Communication and the Center for Women’s Development Studies. The University of Delhi is also known for its library, which houses a vast collection of books, journals, and manuscripts.
What is the rank of University of Delhi in Times Higher Education?
Times Higher Education Ranking (World University Rankings 2023) for University of Delhi is between 1001–1200th.
16. Nagpur University – 1923
Nagpur University, also known as Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, is a public university located in Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. It was established in 1923 and is one of the oldest universities in India. The university has a rich history and has produced several notable alumni in various fields.
Nagpur University has a beautiful campus, with several historic buildings and landmarks. The university is known for its contributions to the fields of literature, culture, and social sciences.
The university has a number of research centers and institutes, including the Center for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy and the Center for Women’s Studies and Development. Nagpur University is also known for its library, which houses a vast collection of books, journals, and manuscripts.
17. Andhra University – 1926
Andhra University is a public university located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. It was established in 1926 and is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in India. The university has a rich history and has produced several notable alumni in various fields.
The university has a number of research centers and institutes, including the Center for Studies on Bay of Bengal and the Center for Women’s Studies. Andhra University is also known for its library, which houses a vast collection of books, journals, and manuscripts.
What is the rank of Andhra University in Times Higher Education?
Times Higher Education Ranking (World University Rankings 2023) for Andhra University is 1201–1500th.
18. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University (Agra University) – 1927
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University (Agra University) (1927) Founded in 1927, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University (formerly known as Agra University) is located in the city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University is one of the oldest universities in India. The university has a rich history and has produced several notable alumni in various fields.
The university has a diverse student body from different parts of India and the world, making it a hub for cultural exchange and learning. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University has a number of affiliated colleges across the state of Uttar Pradesh, offering education to students in both traditional and modern fields of study.
19. Annamalai University 1929
Annamalai University is a public university located in Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India. It was established in 1929 and is one of the oldest universities in India. The university has a rich history and has produced several notable alumni in various fields.
Annamalai University offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral courses in a wide range of disciplines, including Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, Law, and Medicine. The university is also known for its research and innovation activities in various fields.
What is the rank of Annamalai University in Times Higher Education?
Times Higher Education Ranking (World University Rankings 2023) for Annamalai University is 1501+.
20. University of Roorkee / Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee – 1847 / 1949
University of Roorkee / Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (1847 / 1949) The University of Roorkee (now the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee) was founded in 1847, making it the oldest university in India.
IIT Roorkee is a highly respected institution of higher learning in India, with a rich history of academic excellence and a commitment to providing quality education to its students.
What is the rank of University of Roorkee / Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee in Times Higher Education?
Times Higher Education Ranking (World University Rankings 2023) for University of Roorkee / Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee is 1501+.
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