Difference Between Autonomous, Deemed, Private, State and Central University

India has numerous universities offering professional courses to its citizens. Do you ever get confused between autonomous or deemed university meaning? In this blog, we will discuss different types of universities in India. University Grants Commission (UGC) is the governing body that grants recognition to universities to function legally in India. Always check if your chosen university has relevant approvals before getting admission. 

What Is A University?

A university is an educational institution where students get higher education. A university has several colleges under its administration and they offer undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral degrees to students. 

Autonomous Colleges

Autonomous colleges are affiliated with a parent university but they have academic autonomy. They are free to use the expertise of university departments to frame a curriculum. Autonomous Colleges have the freedom to:

• Plan their curriculum 
• Plan teaching methods
• Plan examination and evaluation system
• Introduce innovative academic programs 
• Issue provisional or migration certificates 
• Introduce new courses, subject to minimum hours requirement

Note: After course completion, the degree is awarded in the name of the parent university. 

There are 1222 Autonomous Colleges in India as per the UGC data until August 2024. Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) are Autonomous Colleges. 

Here is a list of a few top names:

Central University 

Central University is a public university established by Act of Parliament and funded by the Central Government. They come under the Department of Higher Education. These universities can:

• Plan their curriculum 
• Plan their admission process
• Award degrees to students 

As per the UGC website, there are 56 Central Universities in India currently. Some of the renowned Central Universities in India are:

1. Indira Gandhi National Open University, Delhi
2. Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi 
3. Sikkim University, Sikkim
4. Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
5. Nalanda University, Bihar
6. Banaras Hindu University
7. University of Delhi, Delhi
8. Central University of Gujarat
9. Central University of Bihar
10. Central University of Haryana

Deemed University 

Deemed University or Deemed-to-be-university is an accreditation granted by the Ministry of Education. They can be public or private universities. These universities have the freedom to:

• Plan the syllabus
• Plan the courses 
• Decide the admission process
• Decide the fees
• Can award degrees or diplomas to students

As per the UGC Website, there are 130 Deemed Universities in India. Some of the renowned ones are:

1. Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Anantapur
2. Birla Institute of Technology, Ranchi
3. Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad
4. Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal
5. Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 
6. Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune
7. Dr. DY Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune
8. Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani 
9. Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore
10. National School of Drama, Delhi

State University 

State University is established and funded by the State government. They follow the guidelines set by the State government. They have the freedom to:

• Conduct their exams
• Award degrees to students
• Plan the syllabus 
• Plan their admission process 

There are 489 State Universities in India currently as per the UGC list. Here is a list of a few renowned State Universities:

Private University 

Private Universities have UGC approval, but they are not funded by the Central or State government. They need to follow UGC guidelines for operation but they have the freedom to:

• Conduct their admission process 
• Award degrees to students
• Plan their syllabus
• Plan the exam process 

As per the latest UGC list, there are 496 Private Universities in India. Here is a list of a few renowned Private Universities:

Conclusion

Amity University Online is one of the best private universities in India that offers undergraduate as well as postgraduate courses online. We have a range of courses to suit everyone's requirements. We have the relevant accreditations and approvals from governing bodies. Our courses are recognized by employers globally, thus giving you the freedom to work worldwide. You should choose us for your higher education because:

• We are the first Indian university to have UGC approval for Online Degrees and Learning Platforms. 
• Our degrees are approved by the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE).
• Our online MBA is ranked in QS Asia-Pacific Top 10.
• National Institute of Ranking Framework (NIRF) - We are ranked 32nd.
• We are India's first private university to be a member of the Digital Education Council. 
• We have received the WES accreditation in Canada.
• We are recognized by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

We offer the most affordable and effective courses to enhance your professional journey. Check our website and get enrolled in a course of your choice.

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