India has one of the largest higher education systems in the world, after China and the United States. It is also home to some of the oldest education institutes globally – Nalanda University, founded in the fifth century, is one of the oldest universities in the world and was reopened in 2010.

India’s higher education system is regulated by the University Grants Commission (UGC) a centralised agency. However, there is a great deal of diversity within the system, with universities and colleges offering different programs, curricula, and teaching methods. This gives students a range of options to choose from, depending on their interests and goals.

If you’re considering studying in India, you’re sure to feel at home in this diverse and vibrant country thanks to its warm and welcoming people. There’s something for everyone in India, from the majestic Himalayan mountains to the bustling cities of Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bengaluru. You can sample the unique local cuisine, watch a Bollywood movie, or trek through the desert.

Before committing to study in India, make sure you check the latest foreign travel advice at GOV.UK.

Indian universities
The Indian higher education system is one of the largest in the world with 49,964 institutions. The five main types of higher education institution are:

Central universities – There are currently 54 institutions controlled by central government.
State universities – Most of India’s universities (459) are governed by one of the country’s regions.
Deemed-to-be universities – Central government has declared 127 high-performing institutions as having a status equal to universities.
Institutes of National Importance (INI) – Funded by central government, there are 167 INIs. These include the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) and the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM).
Private universities – There are currently 407 privately established and funded institutions.
Read more about the structure of India’s higher education system at the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) – University and Higher Education.

You can also find out about the different university types by exploring the subcategories at the University Grants Commission – Central Universities.

Despite India possessing one of the world’s largest higher education systems, only 11 universities appear in the top 500 of the QS World University Rankings 2024, with 45 featuring overall:

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (149th)
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (197th)
Indian Institute of Science (225th)
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (271st)
Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (278th)
Indian Institute of Technology Madras (285th)
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (364th)
Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (369th)
University of Delhi (407th)
Anna University (427th)
Indian Institute of Technology Indore (454th).
As the pattern with these institutions suggests, India is renowned for its excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects, but it is also rapidly gaining a reputation for quality programs in business management, medicine, and the arts.

Bogus universities are not uncommon in India. To avoid being scammed, check if the university you’re considering is accredited by the University Grants Commission – Fake Universities.

Degree courses in India
The Indian academic year is split into two semesters (autumn and spring) and typically runs from July to April/May.

Bachelors programs in India are like those in the UK in terms of structure and assessment. For example, they typically last for three years, with some programs, such as those in STEM and law, lasting for four or five years.

Popular courses include:

Bachelor of Architecture
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelor of Engineering
Bachelor of Journalism
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Medicine
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Technology.
Search Bachelors degrees at Study In India – Choose your discipline.

Masters degrees
Taught Masters degrees usually last for one or two years, with research programmes lasting three. Courses in IT, medicine and business are commonplace, with the Master of Business Administration (MBA) becoming a popular degree due to the good employment prospects it offers.

All Masters courses are taught in English, as it is one of the two official languages of India, and is widely used in education.

Masters degrees in India are broadly similar in structure to those in the UK, with typical assessment methods including essays, exams and a dissertation.

Search Masters degrees at Study In India – Choose your discipline.