List of Colleges in Amritsar 2026: Top Colleges & Universities

Looking for the list of colleges in Amritsar for 2026? Amritsar is the education hub of the Majha region of Punjab. The city has a NAAC A++ state university (Guru Nanak Dev University), an IIM, one of North India's oldest government medical colleges, a private health sciences university and several century-old arts, science and commerce colleges.

This guide lists the top colleges and universities in Amritsar stream by stream. For each one you get its type, latest NIRF status, main courses, admission route, locality and official website. We have checked every ranking against the NIRF 2025 lists, which are the latest published edition. Where an institute is not ranked, we say so plainly.

Top 10 colleges in Amritsar at a glance (2026)

The order below weighs NIRF status, accreditation, age and reputation across all streams. It is a guide, not an official ranking.

Universities in Amritsar

1. Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU)

GNDU was set up on 24 November 1969 to mark the 500th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. It is the main affiliating university for colleges in Amritsar and the wider Majha and Doaba regions. Its large campus on GT Road sits right next to Khalsa College.

• Established: 1969
• Type: State public university
• NAAC: A++ (CGPA 3.85), awarded in December 2022 for seven years
• NIRF: Not in the NIRF 2025 University top 100. It was ranked 48 in the University category in NIRF 2023.
• Popular courses: B.Tech (CSE, ECE and others), M.Sc in the sciences, MA, MBA, LLB, pharmacy, PhD
• Admission via: As laid down in the GNDU admission prospectus each year. Depending on the course, this is an entrance score (such as JEE Main for engineering), a university entrance test, or merit.
• Fees (approx.): Fees are moderate because it is a state university. Self-financing courses cost more, so check the GNDU prospectus for the course you want.

2. Sri Guru Ram Das University of Health Sciences (SGRDUHS)

SGRDUHS became a university under a 2016 Punjab Act. It grew out of Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, which opened in 1997. The university now runs the medical institute, a dental institute, a nursing college and a cancer institute on its Mehta Road campus.

• Type: Private university
• NIRF: Not ranked in NIRF 2025
• Courses: MBBS, BDS, B.Sc Nursing, MD/MS, MDS, allied health sciences
• Admission via: NEET UG/PG followed by the official counselling process

Comparing Amritsar with other cities? See our guide to the top universities in Punjab.

Management colleges in Amritsar

3. IIM Amritsar

IIM Amritsar took in its first batch of 44 students in 2015. It now has more than 700 students. After running from a temporary campus for years, it moved to its own campus at Manawala on the Amritsar–Jalandhar GT Road, about 14 km from the city centre.

• Established: 2015
• Type: Institute of National Importance (under the IIM Act)
• NIRF: NIRF 2025 – Management category rank 64 (it was 47 in 2024)
• Courses: MBA and its specialised variants, Executive MBA, PhD
• Admission via: CAT, then written ability test/personal interview
• Fees (approx.): About ₹20 lakh for the two-year MBA (2025–27 batch), including hostel. Check the official fee notice.

Medical and dental colleges in Amritsar

4. Government Medical College (GMC) Amritsar

GMC Amritsar has one of the longest histories in Indian medical education. It began as a medical school in Lahore in 1864, moved to Amritsar in 1920 and became a medical college in 1943. Today it is affiliated to Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS), Faridkot.

• Type: Government medical college (Punjab)
• NIRF: Took part in NIRF 2025 but is not in the Medical top 50
• Courses: MBBS, MD/MS, nursing and paramedical courses
• Admission via: NEET UG. 85% of seats are filled through BFUHS state counselling and 15% through MCC All India Quota counselling.
• Fees (approx.): Roughly ₹1.2–1.75 lakh a year for MBBS on the government quota (2025 estimates). Confirm in the BFUHS prospectus.

The Punjab Government Dental College & Hospital, also affiliated to BFUHS, is one of the state's oldest dental colleges. It is the main government option for BDS in the city.

Engineering colleges in Amritsar

9. Amritsar College of Engineering & Technology (ACET)

ACET opened in 2002 at Manawala and now operates as part of the Amritsar Group of Colleges. In 2014 the UGC granted it autonomous status, which lets it design its own syllabus and exams while it stays affiliated to I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University. Most students join through JEE Main or 12th-merit counselling for B.Tech.

Arts, science and commerce colleges in Amritsar

5. Khalsa College Amritsar

Leaders of the Singh Sabha movement founded Khalsa College in 1892. Its heritage main building is one of the best-known landmarks in Punjab. It is an autonomous college affiliated to GNDU, and its B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture programme is accredited by ICAR.

• NIRF: NIRF 2025 – College category, rank band 101–150 (up from 201–300 in 2024)
• Courses: Arts, sciences, commerce, agriculture, computer applications, PG programmes

6. BBK DAV College for Women

The DAV College Managing Committee set up BBK DAV in 1967. It is now a leading women's college in Punjab for commerce, design, fashion, computer applications and media studies, with 18 degree programmes.

7. DAV College Amritsar

DAV College opened on 1 June 1955 inside Hathi Gate in the old city. It is run by the DAV College Managing Committee, New Delhi, and is known for its strong science and commerce departments.

8. Hindu College Amritsar

Hindu College was founded in 1924 and celebrated its centenary recently. Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh studied here before moving on to higher studies.

Law and education colleges

For law, the main options are the Department of Laws at GNDU (LLB and LLM) and Khalsa College of Law, along with a few private law colleges affiliated to GNDU. Teacher-training (B.Ed) colleges include Khalsa College of Education and DAV College of Education for Women. None of these appears in the NIRF 2025 Law list. Admission is usually on merit or through the college's own entrance test under GNDU rules, so check each prospectus.

How admission works in Amritsar

1. Pick your stream and exam: MBBS/BDS need NEET UG. B.Tech needs JEE Main or 12th merit (Punjab counselling). MBA at IIM Amritsar needs CAT. Most BA/B.Sc/B.Com seats go on Class 12 merit.
2. Register for counselling: For medical seats, register with BFUHS (state quota) and MCC (All India Quota). For engineering, follow IKGPTU/Punjab counselling or the GNDU admission portal.
3. Apply to colleges directly for arts, science and commerce courses. Forms usually open in May–June after Class 12 results.
4. Check reservation and domicile rules: Punjab residents get state-quota seats in government colleges.
5. Verify documents and pay fees only on official portals before the deadline.

How to choose the right college in Amritsar

• Accreditation: Look for NAAC grades, NBA for engineering, and NMC/NDC approval for medical and dental courses.
• NIRF status: Few colleges in Amritsar are NIRF-ranked. A missing rank does not always mean low quality, because some colleges do not take part.
• Placements: Ask for the latest placement report with median packages, not just the highest offer.
• Location: GNDU, Khalsa College and the GT Road colleges sit west of the city, while DAV and Hindu College are in the old city. Plan your daily commute or hostel.

Scholarships for students in Amritsar

Students can apply on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) for central schemes such as the Central Sector Scheme and post-matric scholarships. The Punjab government's Post-Matric Scholarship for SC students covers fees at approved colleges, and many Amritsar colleges offer merit-based fee waivers.

You can also take the AISEE (All India Scholarship Entrance Examination), which gives merit scholarships to students joining participating colleges. See our guides on scholarships for engineering students, scholarships for medical students and scholarships after 12th in India.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best university in Amritsar?

Guru Nanak Dev University is the leading university in Amritsar. It holds a NAAC A++ grade and offers courses across science, engineering, law and management. It is not in the NIRF 2025 University top 100, but it was ranked 48 in NIRF 2023.

What is the NIRF 2025 rank of IIM Amritsar?

IIM Amritsar is ranked 64 in the Management category of NIRF 2025, with a score of 51.70. It was ranked 47 in 2024.

Is there an AIIMS in Amritsar?

No. The AIIMS in Punjab is in Bathinda. The top government medical college in Amritsar is Government Medical College Amritsar, and admission there is through NEET UG.

Which colleges in Amritsar are NIRF ranked?

In NIRF 2025, IIM Amritsar (Management, rank 64) and Khalsa College Amritsar (College, band 101–150) are ranked. Other Amritsar colleges do not appear in the 2025 lists.

Which is the best college in Amritsar for girls?

BBK DAV College for Women is the best-known women's college in Amritsar, especially for commerce, design, fashion and computer applications. Khalsa College for Women is another option.

How do I get MBBS admission in Amritsar?

Qualify NEET UG, then register for BFUHS counselling for Punjab state-quota seats or MCC counselling for All India Quota seats. GMC Amritsar and SGRD Institute of Medical Sciences both admit students only through NEET.

Conclusion: choosing from the list of colleges in Amritsar

This list of colleges in Amritsar covers every major stream. GNDU and Khalsa College lead for general and science education, IIM Amritsar for management, and GMC and SGRDUHS for medicine. Shortlist three to five colleges, confirm 2026 admission dates and fees on their official websites, and apply for scholarships early to cut your costs.