List of Top Universities in Maharashtra 2026: NIRF Ranks & Fees

Looking for the top universities in Maharashtra for 2026? This guide covers 15 of the state's strongest universities and institutes, from IIT Bombay and Homi Bhabha National Institute to Symbiosis, ICT Mumbai and Savitribai Phule Pune University. For each one we give the verified NIRF 2025 rank, the type of institution, the main courses and how admission works.

Maharashtra has more top-ranked institutions than almost any other state. Mumbai and Pune lead, but Nagpur and Wardha also have nationally ranked campuses. The NIRF 2026 results had not been officially confirmed when we checked in October 2026, so every rank below comes from the latest verified edition, NIRF 2025 (released 4 September 2025).

Top 15 universities in Maharashtra 2026 at a glance

NIRF ranks institutes in separate categories, such as University, Engineering, Management and Overall. IITs, NITs and IIMs do not appear in the University list, so we give each institute its most relevant category. Our order is a guide, not an official combined rank.

Best universities and institutes in Maharashtra: profiles

1. IIT Bombay, Mumbai

IIT Bombay, in Powai, is the highest-ranked institute in Maharashtra and one of the best in India. It is the first choice for most top JEE Advanced rankers, especially for computer science and electrical engineering. Its research and placements are among India's best.

• Established: 1958
• Type: Institute of National Importance (Central)
• NIRF 2025: Overall rank 3, Engineering rank 3
• Popular courses: B.Tech, Dual Degree, M.Tech, M.Sc, MBA, PhD
• Admission via: JEE Advanced + JoSAA (B.Tech), GATE (M.Tech), JAM (M.Sc), CAT (MBA)
• Approx. fees: B.Tech tuition about ₹2–2.5 lakh per year (2025-26), with fee waivers for eligible students. See iitb.ac.in

2. Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai

HBNI is a research-focused deemed university under the Department of Atomic Energy. It awards degrees through constituent units such as BARC, TIFR-linked centres and NISER. It suits research-minded students rather than typical undergraduates.

• Established: 2005
• Type: Deemed-to-be University (Government, DAE)
• NIRF 2025: University rank 12, Overall rank 20
• Popular courses: PhD, M.Tech/M.Sc (Engg) via BARC Training School, integrated M.Sc (via NISER)
• Admission via: Unit-wise interviews, BARC OCES/DGFS selection, NEST (for NISER)
• Approx. fees: Research scholars usually receive fellowships. See hbni.ac.in

3. Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune

Symbiosis International (SIU) is the highest-ranked private university in Maharashtra. Its institutes are spread across Pune, with more campuses in other cities. It is popular for management, law, mass communication and design, and its business school SIBM Pune is among the best-known MBA schools in India.

• Established: Deemed university status 2002 (Symbiosis society founded 1971)
• Type: Private Deemed-to-be University
• NIRF 2025: University rank 24, Overall rank 40, Engineering rank 46
• Popular courses: BBA, BA LLB, B.Tech, MBA, mass communication, design
• Admission via: Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET) for UG, SNAP for MBA, JEE Main/SITEEE for B.Tech
• Approx. fees: Roughly ₹3–8 lakh per year depending on the programme. See siu.edu.in

4. IIM Mumbai

IIM Mumbai was formerly NITIE, a well-known school for industrial engineering and operations. It became an IIM in 2023 and held 6th place in the NIRF Management ranking for the second year running. Its MBA is strong in operations, supply chain and analytics.

• Established: 1963 (as NITIE)
• Type: Institute of National Importance
• NIRF 2025: Management rank 6
• Popular courses: MBA, MBA (Operations & Supply Chain), MBA (Sustainability Management), PhD
• Admission via: CAT, followed by interview rounds
• Approx. fees: About ₹21–25 lakh for the full two-year MBA (approx., check the institute website)

5. Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai

ICT, in Matunga, began as UDCT and is India's leading institute for chemical engineering and chemical technology. It is a state-funded deemed university with relatively low fees for Maharashtra students.

• Established: 1933 (deemed university since 2008)
• Type: State-funded Deemed-to-be University
• NIRF 2025: University rank 40, Engineering rank 41, Overall rank 64
• Popular courses: B.Tech Chemical Engineering, B.Tech in Dyes, Food, Oils and Polymers, B.Pharm, M.Tech, PhD
• Admission via: MHT CET (Maharashtra seats) and JEE Main (All India seats)
• Approx. fees: Much lower than private universities; check the current fee structure on the ICT website

6. Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune

Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, in Pimpri, is a private deemed university best known for its medical college and hospital. It is one of the most popular private options in the state for MBBS and BDS students. It is separate from the Navi Mumbai D. Y. Patil university.

• Established: Deemed university status 2003
• Type: Private Deemed-to-be University
• NIRF 2025: University rank 41, Overall rank 71
• Popular courses: MBBS, BDS, MD/MS, nursing, physiotherapy, biotechnology
• Admission via: NEET UG/PG with MCC deemed-university counselling
• Approx. fees: MBBS fees at private deemed universities are high, often over ₹20 lakh per year. Check the official fee notice

7. Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), Nagpur

VNIT is the only NIT in Maharashtra and the top engineering choice in Vidarbha. It has a large campus, solid placements in core and IT branches and a well-regarded architecture department.

• Established: 1960 (Institute of National Importance since 2007)
• Type: National Institute of Technology (Central)
• NIRF 2025: Engineering rank 44, Overall rank 86
• Popular courses: B.Tech, B.Arch, M.Tech, MBA, PhD
• Admission via: JEE Main + JoSAA (B.Tech), JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch), GATE (M.Tech)
• Approx. fees: Similar to other NITs, about ₹1.25–1.5 lakh per year tuition, with income-based waivers

8. Adani Institute of Higher Education and Research (formerly Datta Meghe IHER), Wardha

This multidisciplinary deemed university at Sawangi (Meghe), near Nagpur, was ranked in NIRF 2025 under its earlier name, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DMIHER). It has since been renamed after the Adani Foundation became its sponsoring trust. It is strongest in medicine and health sciences, with a large teaching hospital.

• Established: Deemed university status 2005
• Type: Private Deemed-to-be University
• NIRF 2025: University rank 49, Overall rank 84 (as DMIHER)
• Popular courses: MBBS, BDS, nursing, Ayurveda, physiotherapy, MD/MS
• Admission via: NEET UG/PG
• Approx. fees: Check the official website, as fees for medical courses change every year

9. SVKM's NMIMS, Mumbai

NMIMS has its main campus in Vile Parle and is known mainly for its business school. It has since added engineering, pharmacy, law, commerce and design schools.

• Established: 1981 (deemed university since 2003)
• Type: Private Deemed-to-be University
• NIRF 2025: University rank 52, Management rank 24, Overall rank 95
• Popular courses: MBA, BBA, B.Com, B.Tech (MPSTME), law, pharmacy
• Admission via: NMAT (MBA), NPAT (UG), NMIMS-CET/JEE Main (B.Tech)
• Approx. fees: UG programmes roughly ₹3–5 lakh per year, and the MBA costs much more. Check NMIMS for current fees

10. University of Mumbai

The University of Mumbai is one of India's oldest universities. Its historic Fort campus and Kalina campus host many departments, and hundreds of colleges across the region are affiliated with it.

• Established: 1857
• Type: State Public University
• NIRF 2025: University rank 54, Overall rank 92
• Popular courses: BA, B.Sc, B.Com, BMS, LLB, M.A., M.Sc, MBA
• Admission via: Merit-based admission to affiliated colleges, MAH CETs for professional courses, and departmental entrance tests
• Approx. fees: Low at government and aided colleges. Self-financed courses cost more

11. Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU)

SPPU, on Ganeshkhind Road in Pune, is one of the most respected state universities in India. Its departments are strong in physics, chemistry, computer science, management and the social sciences.

• Established: 1949
• Type: State Public University
• NIRF 2025: University rank 56, Overall rank 91
• Popular courses: M.Sc, M.A., MCA, MBA, B.Tech (through affiliated colleges), PhD
• Admission via: SPPU department entrance tests, MHT CET/MAH CETs for affiliated professional colleges
• Approx. fees: Generally affordable for department programmes. Check the SPPU admissions portal

12. Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed University), Pune

Bharati Vidyapeeth runs a large group of colleges in Pune, Navi Mumbai, Sangli, Kolhapur and Delhi. Its medical, dental, law and engineering colleges are the best known.

• Established: 1964 (deemed university since 1996)
• Type: Private Deemed-to-be University
• NIRF 2025: University rank 59
• Popular courses: MBBS, BDS, B.Tech, BA LLB, MBA, pharmacy
• Admission via: NEET (medical/dental), BVP CET and other university tests for most other courses
• Approx. fees: These vary widely by course, so check the official prospectus

13. Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai

TISS, in Deonar, is India's best-known institute for social work, human resource management and development studies.

• Established: 1936 (deemed university since 1964)
• Type: Deemed-to-be University (government-funded)
• NIRF 2025: University rank 72
• Popular courses: MA Social Work, MA HRM & LR, public health, development studies, PhD
• Admission via: CUET PG for most master's programmes, followed by TISS selection rounds
• Approx. fees: Moderate compared with private universities. Check the TISS admissions page

14. COEP Technological University, Pune

COEP, founded in 1854, is one of Asia's oldest engineering colleges. It became a state technological university in 2022. Within Maharashtra it is the top choice for MHT CET toppers, after the national-level IITs and NITs.

• Established: 1854 (technological university since 2022)
• Type: State Technological University
• NIRF 2025: Engineering rank 90
• Popular courses: B.Tech (Computer, E&TC, Mechanical, Civil), M.Tech, MBA
• Admission via: MHT CET (state quota) and JEE Main (All India quota) through state CAP rounds
• Approx. fees: About ₹1–1.5 lakh per year (approx.), with large concessions for eligible Maharashtra category students

15. MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), Pune

MIT-WPU, in Kothrud, is a state private university that grew out of the MIT Pune group of colleges. It offers a wide mix of engineering, management, pharmacy, design and liberal arts programmes.

• Established: 2017 (as a university)
• Type: State Private University
• NIRF 2025: University band 151–200 (approx.), Pharmacy rank 70 (approx.)
• Popular courses: B.Tech, BBA, B.Pharm, B.Des, MBA, law
• Admission via: MIT-WPU CET, JEE Main/MHT CET scores for B.Tech
• Approx. fees: B.Tech roughly ₹3–4 lakh per year (approx.)

How admission works at top colleges in Maharashtra

Each type of institute uses a different entrance route. Most students follow these steps:

1. Pick your stream early: Engineering needs JEE Main and MHT CET, medicine needs NEET UG, and other streams use CUET UG, MAH CETs or university tests such as SET and NPAT.
2. Write the right exams: IIT Bombay needs JEE Advanced. VNIT needs JEE Main. COEP and ICT fill most seats through MHT CET. Private deemed universities usually run their own tests or accept JEE Main.
3. Register for counselling: JoSAA covers IITs and NITs. The State CET Cell runs CAP rounds for engineering, pharmacy and other professional courses. MCC and the state medical counselling body handle NEET seats.
4. Fill choices carefully: List colleges and branches in your real order of preference. Include a mix of dream, target and safe options based on last year's closing ranks.
5. Verify documents and pay fees: Keep your domicile, caste, income and non-creamy-layer certificates ready. Missing papers are a common reason for losing a Maharashtra-quota seat.

How to choose the right university in Maharashtra

A NIRF rank is a good starting point, but also weigh the course, the cost and your career goals.

• Check the category rank: For B.Tech, look at the NIRF Engineering list. For an MBA, look at the Management list. A university's overall rank can hide strong or weak departments.
• Compare government and private fees: ICT, COEP, VNIT and the state universities cost far less than private deemed universities.
• Read placement reports: Use the median salary from the institute's NIRF data file, not just the highest package quoted in adverts.
• Count living costs: Mumbai is much costlier than Pune, Nagpur or Wardha.
• Confirm approvals: Check UGC recognition on ugc.gov.in. For medicine, check NMC approval, and for engineering, check AICTE where it applies.

Scholarships and financial help for students in Maharashtra

Maharashtra students can combine central, state and private schemes to fund their studies.

• National Scholarship Portal (NSP): Central Sector Scheme, post-matric scholarships for minorities and other merit-cum-means schemes.
• MahaDBT portal: Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj fee reimbursement (EBC), post-matric scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/VJNT students, and other state schemes.
• Institute fee waivers: IITs and NITs give full or partial tuition waivers based on family income and category.
• Private and merit scholarships: Many private universities reduce fees for high entrance scores or Class 12 marks.

Students can also take the AISEE scholarship exam for college students, which offers merit-based support for engineering, medical and other courses. For a wider list of options, see our guide to scholarships after 12th in India. You can also practise with the free test series.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the No. 1 university in Maharashtra?

In the NIRF 2025 University category, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, is the top university in Maharashtra at rank 12. If institutes of national importance are included, IIT Bombay is the highest-ranked institution in the state, at Overall rank 3 and Engineering rank 3.

Which is the best state government university in Maharashtra?

The University of Mumbai (NIRF 2025 University rank 54) and Savitribai Phule Pune University (rank 56) are the two highest-ranked state public universities. ICT Mumbai, a state-funded deemed university, ranks higher at 40.

Which is the best private university in Maharashtra?

Symbiosis International, Pune, is the top private university in Maharashtra in NIRF 2025, at University rank 24. It is followed by Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune (41), the Wardha deemed university formerly called Datta Meghe IHER (49) and NMIMS, Mumbai (52).

Has the NIRF 2026 ranking been released?

When we last checked in October 2026, we could not confirm an official NIRF 2026 release with final ranks. This list uses NIRF 2025, released on 4 September 2025. Check nirfindia.org for any new edition.

Which exam is needed for engineering colleges in Maharashtra?

IIT Bombay requires JEE Advanced, and VNIT Nagpur admits through JEE Main and JoSAA. Most state and private engineering colleges, including COEP and ICT, fill their seats through MHT CET, with some All India seats offered on JEE Main scores.

Is Pune or Mumbai better for higher education?

Both cities are excellent. Mumbai has IIT Bombay, ICT, TISS, IIM Mumbai and NMIMS, but living costs are high. Pune has SPPU, Symbiosis, COEP and Bharati Vidyapeeth, and is usually cheaper for hostels and rent.

Conclusion: choosing among the top universities in Maharashtra

The top universities in Maharashtra cover every field. IIT Bombay and VNIT lead in engineering, IIM Mumbai and NMIMS in management, and HBNI and ICT in research. Symbiosis, SPPU and the University of Mumbai offer a wide range of courses. Begin by shortlisting colleges for your stream using the NIRF 2025 category ranks. Next, check the 2026 entrance exam dates and fees on the official websites, and apply for scholarships early so cost does not hold you back.