List of Colleges in Shimla 2026: Top Colleges & Universities

Looking for the list of colleges in Shimla for 2026? Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is the state's main education hub. It is home to the state university (HPU), the oldest government medical college (IGMC), a national law university, a national research institute and several century-old degree colleges. This guide lists the top colleges and universities in and around Shimla, with NIRF 2025 status, courses, admission routes, locality and official websites.

We cover every major stream: universities, engineering, medical and dental, law, management, research, and arts, science and commerce colleges. Where an institute lies just outside city limits (Ghandal, Waknaghat, Mehli), we say so clearly.

Top 10 colleges in Shimla at a glance (2026)

The order below is our editorial pick, based on reputation, NIRF 2025 status, programme range and student demand. NIRF data is from the India Rankings 2025 published on nirfindia.org.

Universities in Shimla

Shimla has one public state university, one national law university on its outskirts and a private university at Mehli. HPU is also the affiliating university for most degree colleges in the district.

Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Summer Hill

Founded in 1970, HPU is the state's oldest and largest university. Its Summer Hill campus houses most PG departments, plus professional institutes for engineering, IT, law and management. It also runs distance programmes through ICDEOL.

• Established: 1970
• Type: State government university
• NIRF 2025: Not ranked
• Popular courses: MA, M.Sc, M.Com, MBA (HPU Business School), MCA, LLB (UILS), B.Tech (UIT, UIIT), PhD
• Admission via: HPU entrance tests or merit, as notified each year; B.Tech seats per the university's admission notice
• Approx. fees: Low for general PG courses; self-financing courses such as B.Tech and MBA cost more – check the prospectus

Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Ghandal

Set up in 2016, HPNLU is one of India's newer national law universities. It shifted to its own campus at Ghandal, on the Shimla–Bilaspur side, and has climbed steadily in the rankings.

• Established: 2016
• Type: State national law university
• NIRF 2025: Law category – rank 34
• Popular courses: BA LLB (Hons), BBA LLB (Hons), LLM, PhD
• Admission via: CLAT (UG and PG)
• Approx. fees: In line with other NLUs, with hostel charges extra – check the latest fee notice on the website

Engineering colleges in and near Shimla

Shimla city itself has university-run engineering institutes rather than large standalone colleges. Most students also consider JUIT Waknaghat, which sits on the Shimla–Solan highway. For a state-wide view, see our guide to the top engineering colleges in Himachal Pradesh.

Jaypee University of Information Technology (JUIT), Waknaghat

JUIT is a private university in Solan district, about an hour's drive from Shimla. It is known for computer science and biotechnology, and draws students from across north India.

• Established: 2002
• Type: Private state university
• NIRF 2025: Engineering – rank band 201–300
• NAAC: A+ (awarded April 2024, valid five years, as stated by the university)
• Popular courses: B.Tech CSE, IT, ECE, Biotechnology; M.Tech; PhD
• Admission via: JEE Main score and university counselling
• Approx. fees: Several lakh rupees per year for B.Tech (approx., 2025) – check the official fee notice

Medical and dental colleges in Shimla

Shimla has the state's flagship government medical college and its government dental college. Both are affiliated to Atal Medical and Research University (AMRU), Mandi, and admit through NEET.

Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla

IGMC began in 1966 as Himachal Pradesh Medical College and is the state's first government medical college. Its attached hospital is the largest referral hospital in Himachal, so students get heavy clinical exposure.

• Established: 1966
• Type: Government medical college
• NIRF 2025: Not ranked
• Popular courses: MBBS (around 120 seats, approx.), MD/MS, super-speciality courses, nursing
• Admission via: NEET UG – 15% All India Quota through MCC and 85% state quota through Himachal counselling
• Approx. fees: Low government fees – check the current prospectus

Rajiv Gandhi Government Dental College & Hospital

Often called HP Government Dental College, this is the state's government dental college, set up in 1994. It is recognised by the National Dental Commission and runs BDS and MDS programmes.

• Established: 1994
• Type: Government dental college (AMRU-affiliated)
• NIRF 2025: Not ranked
• Admission via: NEET UG (BDS), NEET MDS (postgraduate)

Law and management colleges

For law, Shimla gives you two main choices: the integrated five-year programmes at HPNLU and the three-year LLB at HPU's University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS). For management, HPU Business School is the main option in the city.

For a top-ranked MBA within the state, IIM Sirmaur (NIRF 2025 Management rank 51) admits through CAT, but it is in Paonta Sahib, not Shimla.

Research institute: Indian Institute of Advanced Study

The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) was set up in 1965 at Rashtrapati Niwas, the former Viceregal Lodge. It does not run undergraduate courses. Instead, it offers fellowships to senior scholars in humanities, social sciences and related fields.

• Established: 1965
• Type: National research institute under the Ministry of Education
• Who it suits: PhD holders and academics applying for fellowships
• Official website: iias.ac.in

Arts, science and commerce colleges in Shimla

These colleges are affiliated to HPU and admit mostly on Class 12 merit. They offer low fees and are popular with students from across the district.

Centre of Excellence, Government College Sanjauli

Opened on 1 July 1969, this was the first degree college set up in Shimla. In January 2006 it became the first college in the state to be named a Centre of Excellence under a state government pilot scheme.

St. Bede's College

St. Bede's dates back to 1904, which makes it one of the oldest women's colleges in north India. It began as a teacher-training institute, is run by a Christian minority society and is affiliated to HPU.

Rajkiya Kanya Mahavidyalaya (RKMV)

RKMV is a government college for women and is described by its own website as the only government girls' college in Himachal Pradesh. It is a low-cost choice for BA, B.Sc and B.Com.

Rajiv Gandhi Government College, Chaura Maidan

Often called the Kotshera college, it is located at Chaura Maidan in central Shimla. It offers BA, B.Sc, B.Com and BCA and is affiliated to HPU.

How admission works in Shimla colleges

Each stream follows a different route. Use this order to plan your applications for 2026–27:

1. Engineering: Write JEE Main. JUIT and HPU's UIT/UIIT use JEE-linked or their own processes; IIT Mandi needs JEE Advanced, and NIT Hamirpur uses JoSAA.
2. Medical and dental: Qualify NEET UG. Apply to MCC for the 15% All India Quota and to Himachal state counselling for the 85% state quota at IGMC and the dental college.
3. Law: Take CLAT for HPNLU. For the three-year LLB at HPU, watch for the HPU entrance notice.
4. Management: Check HPU Business School's notice for accepted tests; IIM Sirmaur needs CAT.
5. BA, B.Sc, B.Com: Apply online to the college of your choice after Class 12 results. Merit lists usually come out in June–July.
6. Postgraduate: HPU conducts entrance tests or merit-based admission for most MA, M.Sc and M.Com seats.

How to choose the right college in Shimla

• Check approvals: UGC for universities, AICTE for engineering and MBA, NMC for medical, the National Dental Commission for dental and the Bar Council of India for law.
• Look at NIRF honestly: Only HPNLU has a top-50 NIRF 2025 rank in the city. Others may still be good, but ask for placement and result data.
• Hostels: Hostel seats at HPU and IGMC are limited. Private rooms in Summer Hill, Sanjauli and Chhota Shimla fill fast.
• Total cost: Government colleges are very affordable. Private universities (JUIT, AP Goyal) cost much more, so plan funding early.
• Location: Ghandal and Waknaghat are outside the city, so factor in hostel life or a longer commute.

Scholarships for students in Shimla

Many scholarships help with fees at Shimla colleges. The AISEE scholarship exam is a national test that rewards merit for students in engineering, medical and other courses.

• National Scholarship Portal (NSP): Central schemes such as post-matric scholarships for SC/ST/OBC and minority students, and the Central Sector Scheme for college students.
• Himachal state schemes: The state runs merit and need-based schemes for residents through its e-Pass/HP scholarship portal – check eligibility each year.
• Stream-wise help: See our lists of scholarships for engineering students and scholarships for medical students.
• Institute aid: JUIT, HPNLU and other universities offer merit waivers and fee concessions – ask the admissions office.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best college in Shimla?

It depends on your stream. HPU is the main university, IGMC is the top choice for MBBS, and HPNLU (NIRF 2025 Law rank 34) is the highest-ranked institute in the Shimla area.

Is there any NIRF-ranked college in Shimla?

Yes. HP National Law University at Ghandal is ranked 34 in the NIRF 2025 Law category. JUIT Waknaghat, near Shimla, is in the 201–300 band for engineering. HPU and IGMC are not in the NIRF 2025 lists.

Which engineering colleges are there in Shimla?

Inside the city, HPU runs UIT and UIIT at Summer Hill, and AP Goyal Shimla University is at Mehli. JUIT Waknaghat is about 25 km away. IIT Mandi and NIT Hamirpur are the top state options but are far from Shimla.

How can I get admission to IGMC Shimla?

You must qualify NEET UG. Then apply through MCC counselling for All India Quota seats or Himachal state counselling for state quota seats, based on your rank and domicile.

Which are the best girls' colleges in Shimla?

St. Bede's College (since 1904) and Rajkiya Kanya Mahavidyalaya (RKMV) are the two main women's colleges. Both offer BA, B.Sc and B.Com and are affiliated to HPU.

Does the Indian Institute of Advanced Study offer degree courses?

No. IIAS is a research institute that offers fellowships to scholars. It does not admit students to UG or PG degree programmes.

Where can I find contact details of Shimla colleges?

Use the official websites listed in the tables above. They carry current phone numbers, e-mail addresses and admission notices, which change often.

Conclusion: picking from the list of colleges in Shimla

This list of colleges in Shimla covers every major stream, from HPU and IGMC to HPNLU, JUIT and well-known degree colleges such as Sanjauli, St. Bede's and RKMV. Start by choosing your stream and entrance exam, then check fees, hostels and recognition on each official website. As your next step, prepare well for your entrance test and apply for scholarships early to cut the cost of your degree in 2026.