Education in India has a rich and ancient history. The fifth-century Nalanda University, one of the world’s greatest universities, is located in India. These centuries-old colleges still stand strong and inspire future generations to study. This article will explore the Top 10 Oldest Universities in India that have survived and contributed to the country’s education system.

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Top 10 Oldest Universities in India

1. Senate of Serampore University

It is the oldest educational institution in India and the first on the Top 10 Oldest Universities in India.to get official recognition as a university. A liberal arts education should be available to people of all backgrounds, thus this school was established with that goal in mind. 52 colleges in India are now associated with it, making it the only source of theological and divinity education in the country.

Serampore College in West Bengal is India’s oldest continuously operating university. The Senate of Serampore College originated as a result of the passage of the Serampore College Act-1918.

The first university in India was founded by Christian missionaries Joshua Marshman, William Carey, and William Ward, together known as the Serampore Three. Their mission was to provide a high-quality liberal arts education to all students, regardless of their race, religion, or socioeconomic background. In addition to its role as a University, the college also serves as an educational institution.

Both of these aspects of college life are necessary and useful. Serampore College was the first to get the honorific “oldest university in India” when it was thus designated by King Frederick VI of Denmark.

2. University of Madras 

The University of Madras, in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is the country’s founding and second on the list of Top 10 Oldest Universities in India. The incorporation of this institution was made possible by a law issued by the Legislative Council of India.

This university got a perfect score from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), making it one of the most prestigious schools in all of South India. More than 233 degree and certificate courses are currently available to students throughout the university’s 87 departments and 19 schools.

The scientific and social sciences, the humanities, business, and medicine are just a few of the many fields covered by these curricula. It also has connections to 109 universities and colleges.

3. University of Calcutta

The University Grants Commission of India has designated it a “University with Potential for Excellence” and “Centre with Potential for Excellence In Particular Area.” and on third rank in the Top 10 Oldest Universities in India. Sir James Thomason, the lieutenant governor, established it. The Thomason College of Civil Engineering was renamed in 1854 to honour its founder. Officially a university since 1949. It became IIT Roorkee, the seventh IIT, in 2001.

The oldest institution in India awards Bachelor of Science degrees in 10 engineering and architecture subfields and Postgraduate Science degrees in 55 engineerings, applied science, architecture, and planning subfields. PhD students have resources in all Institute departments and research centres. The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is conducted throughout India to admit students to the Institute’s B.Tech. and B.Arch. degrees.

4. University of Mumbai

Next on the Top 10 Oldest Universities in India and the most prestigious university is the University of Mumbai. The University of Bombay was renamed “University of Mumbai” by the Government of Maharashtra and published in the Government Gazette on September 4, 1996. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) gave the University 5 stars in 2001 and an “A” grade in April 2012.

The Oldest University comprises 56 Departments, 12 specialised Centres, 781 Affiliated Colleges, 2 major Campuses, 2 satellite Campuses, 2 Model Colleges, and the “School of Engineering and Applied Sciences” at Kalyan as its Engineering College. It covers about 600 kilometres from Thane to Sindhudurg, making it the biggest.

5. University of Punjab

Chandigarh, India’s University of the Punjab Sixth on the list of Top 10 Oldest Universities in India is Chandigarh’s Panjab University. This university has about seventy teaching and research departments and institutes, with around fifteen of those departments dedicated solely to classroom instruction. This covers more than 550 acres of the Chandigarh campus. Furthermore, it is connected to 188 colleges throughout the eight districts of the state of Punjab and the union territory of Chandigarh.

6. Allahabad University

For over a century, the University of Allahabad has been a top Indian university. The sixth-oldest Indian university on the Top 10 Oldest Universities in India. was founded on September 23, 1887. Sir William Muir, Lt. Governor of United Provinces, conceived a big Central College at Allahabad (now Prayagraj) that became a University. His Excellency Lord Northbrook placed the foundation stone of Muir Central College (named after him) on December 9, 1873, at his request. Sir William Muir stated: “The establishment of a central college at Allahabad (now Prayagraj) has been my earnest desire

Shortly after arriving here, it was found that the chief people of the place wanted a better education at Allahabad (now Prayagraj), and being deeply impressed with the same conviction show their sincerity and earnestness by contributing to the work, the very reason for the foundation of the oldest university.

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7. University of Mysore

On July 27, 1916, Mysore University was founded. Karnataka’s first and seventh oldest on the Top 10 Oldest Universities in India. It is also the first university outside British India. The generous and imaginative Maharaja of the former Princely State of Mysore, His Highness Shri Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar – IV (1884-1940), and Diwan Sir M. Visvesvaraya (1860-1962) built the institution.

It was the first NAAC Five-Star University in 2000. Other campuses are at Tubinakere in Mandya, Hemagangotri near Hassan, and Chamarajanagara.85 PG Departments provide 150 Postgraduate Programmes to 1,20,000 UG, PG, M.Phil, and PhD students. 228 linked colleges, 39 Recognised Research Centres, 138 Outreach/Research Centres, 8 training centres, 23 specialised courses, 38 Foreign and 131 National cooperation.

8. Banaras Hindu University

Varanasi’s Banaras Hindu University is renowned worldwide and it ranks eighth on the Top 10 Oldest Universities in India. In 1916, nationalist leader Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya built this creative and inventive institution alongside Dr Annie Besant, who saw it as the institution of India. B.H.U. Act 1915 established Banaras Hindu University. It led the freedom struggle and is India’s top educational institution.

It has produced many great liberation warriors and architects of modern India, as well as many famous intellectuals, artists, scientists, and technicians who have advanced the country. The 1300-acre main campus of this top Central University has well-maintained roads, considerable vegetation, a temple, an airstrip, and architecturally stunning structures. During WWII, the university Air Field was used for military flight training. Barkachha, in the Mirzapur district, would host a 2700-acre university campus.

The university has 6 Institutes, 14 Faculties, 144 Departments, 4 Inter-Disciplinary Centres, a constituent college for women, and 3 Constituent Schools, covering all fields of humanities, social science, technology, medicine, science, fine arts, and performing arts. It has 6 Advanced Studies Centres, 10 Special Assistance Programme Departments, and several specialised Research Centres. The University has four city degree colleges. The university’s famous museum, Bharat Kala Bhavan, has unique treasures.

9. Osmania University

Nawab Osman Ali Khan, the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, founded Osmania University in 1917 by Farman or Royal Charter. Osmania University was named after its founder. Nawab Osman Ali Khan. It’s South India’s third-oldest and ninth rank on the Top 10 Oldest Universities in India.

Over 10 decades, it has merged all faculties. It has grown tremendously. It has contributed to academic and economic prosperity in the region and the nation. Its alumni are located globally and have achieved success in a number of professions.

To address local, national, and worldwide socioeconomic changes, the University strives to cultivate, advance, and improve its human resources. The association seeks excellence in teaching, research, and student involvement in national and local development.

Osmania University has been re-accredited as an ‘A+’ university by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council, an independent organisation under the University Grants Commission.

10. Andhra University

Andhra University is one of the oldest university and tenth on the Top 10 Oldest Universities in India. Noticing the first residential and teaching-cum-affiliating university focused on post-graduate teaching and research.

The 1926 Madras Act established Andhra University. The 97-year-old university was blessed to have Sir C.R. Reddy as its first Vice-Chancellor since his visionary initiatives paid off.

Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan became Vice-Chancellor in 1931 after Dr C. R. Reddy. University College of Arts began on July 1, 1931. First taught were Telugu language, literature, history, economics, and political science. The College of Science and Technology offered physics and chemistry honours degrees a year later. The University pioneered several scientific, arts, management, and engineering courses.

Because of this, the University has always committed to constant self-evaluation to maintain its standards and objectives. In April 2002, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) reviewed and recognised the University to provide high-quality higher education.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the Top 10 Oldest Universities in India demonstrate their long educational heritage and dedication to academic achievement. These institutions continue to inspire students and educators worldwide

. They shaped India’s intellectual and cultural character via their education system contributions. As India modernises, it’s critical to recognise and protect these ancient institutions, which are still significant to the country’s educational tradition.

Also, read Top 20 universities in India Latest List 2023

Tanu Bhatnagar

Meet Tanu Bhatnagar, an educational expert with extensive experience in teaching, research and mentoring.With a decade in... (Full bio)