List of Top Universities in Uttar Pradesh 2026: NIRF Ranks & Fees

Looking for the top universities in Uttar Pradesh for 2026? UP is home to some of India's best-known institutions, including IIT Kanpur, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), IIT (BHU) Varanasi and several strong medical, management and private universities. This guide lists 15 of them using the latest official NIRF India Rankings, along with courses, admission routes and approximate fees.

The NIRF 2026 results had not been officially published at the time of writing, so every rank below is from NIRF 2025, released by the Ministry of Education on 4 September 2025. We name the category for each rank (Overall, University, Engineering, Medical or Management), because one institute can hold very different positions in different lists.

Top 15 universities in Uttar Pradesh at a glance (2026)

The table below is arranged by each institute's strongest NIRF 2025 result. Institutes that do not appear in the Overall list are placed according to their category rank.

Best universities and institutes in Uttar Pradesh: detailed profiles

1. IIT Kanpur

IIT Kanpur is the highest-ranked institute in Uttar Pradesh and one of the top five in India. It has a very strong research culture, especially in aerospace, computer science, materials and electrical engineering. Students rate its placements and startup ecosystem highly.

• Established: 1959
• Type: Institute of National Importance (IIT)
• NIRF 2025: Overall rank 5; Engineering rank 4
• Popular courses: B.Tech, BS, M.Tech, MSc, MBA, PhD
• Admission via: JEE Advanced + JoSAA counselling (B.Tech); GATE, JAM, CAT for PG
• Approx. fees: about ₹2–2.5 lakh per year for B.Tech (2025-26), with fee waivers for eligible low-income and reserved-category students

2. Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi

BHU is one of Asia's largest residential universities, with a huge campus covering almost every discipline, from Sanskrit and music to medicine and agriculture. It is the top-ranked university in Uttar Pradesh in the NIRF University list. Fees are low because it is a central university.

• Established: 1916
• Type: Central University
• NIRF 2025: Overall 10; University 6; Medical 6 (Institute of Medical Sciences)
• Popular courses: BA, B.Sc, B.Com, MBBS, BDS, B.Sc Agriculture, MBA, LLB
• Admission via: CUET-UG / CUET-PG, NEET-UG for MBBS/BDS
• Approx. fees: from a few thousand rupees a year for most UG courses; higher for professional and self-financed programmes (check the official prospectus)

3. Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh

AMU began as the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College and became a university in 1920. It is known for law, engineering (Zakir Husain College of Engineering and Technology), medicine and humanities. AMU holds a NAAC A+ grade, valid until May 2027 according to the university.

• Established: 1875 as MAO College; university status in 1920
• Type: Central University
• NIRF 2025: Overall 19; University 10; Engineering 34
• Popular courses: B.Tech, BA LLB, MBBS, BA, B.Sc, MBA
• Admission via: AMU's own admission tests for many courses; JEE Main/NEET-based routes for some programmes (check each year's admission guide)
• Approx. fees: low to moderate; most UG courses are well below ₹50,000 a year

4. IIT (BHU) Varanasi

IIT (BHU) grew out of the Banaras Engineering College founded in 1919 and was converted into an IIT in 2012. It is located inside the BHU campus and is especially strong in mining, metallurgy, ceramic and chemical engineering.

• Established: 1919 (as BENCO); IIT status in 2012
• Type: Institute of National Importance
• NIRF 2025: Engineering 10; Overall 31
• Popular courses: B.Tech, Integrated Dual Degree (IDD), M.Tech, PhD
• Admission via: JEE Advanced + JoSAA
• Approx. fees: about ₹2–2.5 lakh per year for B.Tech, similar to other IITs

5. Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow

SGPGIMS is the top-ranked medical institute in Uttar Pradesh. It is a postgraduate and super-speciality centre, so it is a goal for doctors after MBBS rather than for Class 12 students. It also runs some nursing and paramedical courses.

• Established: 1983
• Type: Autonomous institute under a UP state Act
• NIRF 2025: Medical 5
• Popular courses: MD, DM, MCh, B.Sc Nursing, paramedical programmes
• Admission via: NEET-PG, NEET-SS and institute entrance tests
• Approx. fees: government-subsidised; check the institute's admission notice

6. IIM Lucknow

IIM Lucknow is Uttar Pradesh's leading business school. Its flagship two-year MBA attracts top CAT scorers, and it also runs an agribusiness MBA and executive programmes, including at its Noida campus.

• Established: 1984
• Type: Institute of National Importance
• NIRF 2025: Management 5
• Popular courses: MBA, MBA-ABM, executive MBA, PhD
• Admission via: CAT, followed by IIM Lucknow's shortlisting and interview
• Approx. fees: roughly ₹20–22 lakh for the full two-year MBA (verify the current fee on the official site)

7. King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow

KGMU is one of the oldest and most respected medical schools in North India. It moved up sharply in NIRF 2025, rising from 19th to 8th in the Medical category. MBBS seats here are among the most competitive in UP state counselling.

• Established: 1905 as King George's Medical College; university status in 2002
• Type: State University
• NIRF 2025: Medical 8; University 50; Overall 83
• Popular courses: MBBS, BDS, B.Sc Nursing, MD/MS, paramedical courses
• Admission via: NEET-UG through UP state counselling; NEET-PG for PG seats
• Approx. fees: low (government rates); check the UP DGME counselling brochure

8. Amity University, Noida

Amity University Uttar Pradesh in Noida is the highest-ranked private university in the state in NIRF 2025. It offers a very wide range of programmes and has a large campus close to Delhi.

• Established: 2005
• Type: Private State University
• NIRF 2025: University 22; Overall 37; Engineering 37
• Popular courses: B.Tech, BBA, BA LLB, B.Sc Biotechnology, MBA, journalism
• Admission via: university application process, with merit, JEE Main or CUET scores and interviews depending on the course
• Approx. fees: about ₹3–4.5 lakh per year for B.Tech (varies by branch)

9. Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow

BBAU is a central university with a modern campus in Lucknow. It has improved steadily in NIRF and is now in the national top 40 universities. It is an affordable choice for science, social science and research degrees.

• Established: 1996
• Type: Central University
• NIRF 2025: University 37; Overall 69
• Popular courses: B.Sc, BA, B.Tech, M.Sc, MBA, PhD
• Admission via: CUET-UG / CUET-PG
• Approx. fees: low; check the official admission notice

10. Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida

Shiv Nadar University is a research-focused private university that has been granted Institution of Eminence status. It is known for an interdisciplinary curriculum, small class sizes and strong engineering and science departments.

• Established: 2011
• Type: Private, Institution of Eminence (deemed to be university)
• NIRF 2025: University 57; Overall 85
• Popular courses: B.Tech, B.Sc (Research), BA, BMS, MBA
• Admission via: university's own process using its entrance test, JEE Main, SAT or academic merit
• Approx. fees: several lakh per year; need-based and merit scholarships are available (check the official site)

11. Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology (MMMUT), Gorakhpur

MMMUT is the best-ranked state technical university in Uttar Pradesh. It started as an engineering college in 1962 and became a university in 2013. It offers good value for engineering students from eastern UP.

• Established: 1962 (college); university in 2013
• Type: State Technical University
• NIRF 2025: Engineering 60; University 68; Overall 99
• Popular courses: B.Tech, M.Tech, MBA, MCA
• Admission via: JEE Main score-based counselling (check the current year's notice)
• Approx. fees: moderate, roughly ₹1–1.5 lakh per year

12. Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT), Prayagraj

MNNIT Allahabad is one of the older NITs and is popular for computer science and electronics. Its B.Tech seats are filled through JoSAA, and it is a strong option for JEE Main rank holders who want a national institute in UP.

• Established: 1961; NIT status in 2002
• Type: Institute of National Importance (NIT)
• NIRF 2025: Engineering 62
• Popular courses: B.Tech, M.Tech, MCA, MBA
• Admission via: JEE Main + JoSAA/CSAB
• Approx. fees: about ₹1.5–1.8 lakh per year for B.Tech, with waivers for eligible students

13. Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology (RGIPT), Amethi

RGIPT is a specialised Institute of National Importance focused on the energy sector. Its petroleum, chemical and computer science programmes have useful links with oil and gas companies.

• Established: 2007
• Type: Institute of National Importance
• NIRF 2025: Engineering 78
• Popular courses: B.Tech Petroleum, Chemical, CSE; MBA; PhD
• Admission via: JEE Advanced + JoSAA for B.Tech
• Approx. fees: similar to IIT/NIT levels; check the official site

14. Sharda University, Greater Noida

Sharda University is a large private university with an international student body and its own medical college and hospital. It has been in the NIRF University top 100 for several years.

• Established: 2009
• Type: Private State University
• NIRF 2025: University 87
• Popular courses: B.Tech, MBBS, BDS, BBA, law, nursing
• Admission via: university entrance/merit, JEE Main, NEET-UG for medical seats
• Approx. fees: varies widely by course; check the official fee structure

15. University of Lucknow

Lucknow University is one of the oldest state universities in UP. In 2022 it became the first state university in UP to earn a NAAC A++ grade, and it has stayed in the NIRF University top 100 for two years in a row.

• Established: 1920
• Type: State University
• NIRF 2025: University 98
• Popular courses: BA, B.Sc, B.Com, BBA, LLB, MA, M.Sc
• Admission via: university's own entrance or merit process (check the annual admission notice)
• Approx. fees: low; among the most affordable on this list

How admission works at top universities in UP

Each type of institute uses a different entrance route. Here is the usual order for a Class 12 student:

1. Choose your stream and target exam. For engineering, take JEE Main; JEE Advanced is required for IIT Kanpur, IIT (BHU) and RGIPT. For MBBS/BDS, take NEET-UG. For most central university UG courses (BHU, BBAU), take CUET-UG.
2. Register on time. JEE Main and NEET registrations usually open between November and February, and CUET registrations open around February to March. Watch the NTA and institute websites.
3. Write university-specific tests if needed. AMU, Lucknow University and many private universities such as Amity, Shiv Nadar and Sharda have their own application processes or tests.
4. Take part in counselling. IITs and NITs use JoSAA. State medical seats such as KGMU go through UP NEET counselling. CUET-based universities publish their own merit lists.
5. Verify documents and pay the seat fee. Keep your Class 10/12 mark sheets, category and domicile certificates, and income certificate ready. You will need them for fee waivers and scholarships.

Practising with mock tests helps with every exam on this list. You can try the AISEE free test series to check your preparation level.

How to choose the right college in Uttar Pradesh

A high NIRF rank is a useful starting point, but the best college for you depends on your course, budget and career goals.

• Look at the right ranking category. For B.Tech, compare Engineering ranks. For MBBS, compare Medical ranks. The University rank reflects the whole institution, not a single department.
• Compare total cost, not just tuition. Add hostel, mess, exam and other fees. Central universities such as BHU, AMU and BBAU are often far cheaper than private universities.
• Check placements by branch. Average packages vary a lot between departments. Read the official placement report instead of relying only on the highest package.
• Consider location. Noida and Greater Noida give easy access to Delhi-NCR internships. Lucknow, Varanasi and Prayagraj are lower-cost student cities.
• Confirm approvals. Check UGC recognition on the UGC website, plus AICTE or NMC approval for engineering and medical courses.

Scholarships and funding for students in Uttar Pradesh

Good scholarships can make even a high-fee university affordable. Here are the main options to look at:

• National Scholarship Portal (NSP): central schemes such as the Central Sector Scheme for college students and post-matric scholarships for SC/ST/OBC and minority students.
• UP state scholarships: the UP Scholarship (pre-matric and post-matric) and fee reimbursement schemes on the state portal, for eligible income and category groups.
• Institute fee waivers: IITs and NITs offer full or partial tuition waivers based on family income, and many private universities offer merit scholarships based on Class 12 or entrance scores.
• AISEE scholarship: The All India Scholarship Entrance Examination helps Class 12 and college students fund engineering, medical and other courses. Read more in our guide to scholarships for college students.

For more options after Class 12, see our list of scholarships after 12th in India.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the No. 1 university in Uttar Pradesh?

Banaras Hindu University is the top-ranked university in UP in the NIRF 2025 University category, at rank 6. If you count all institutes, IIT Kanpur is the highest-ranked in the state, at NIRF 2025 Overall rank 5.

Which are the best government universities in UP?

The leading government options are BHU, AMU and BBAU (central universities), KGMU and the University of Lucknow (state universities), and national institutes such as IIT Kanpur, IIT (BHU), MNNIT and IIM Lucknow.

Which is the best private university in Uttar Pradesh?

Amity University, Noida, is the highest-ranked private university in UP, at NIRF 2025 University rank 22. It is followed by Shiv Nadar University (57) and Sharda University (87).

Is NIRF 2026 ranking out?

At the time of writing, the official NIRF 2026 results had not been confirmed, so this guide uses NIRF 2025 (released on 4 September 2025). Check nirfindia.org for the latest edition.

Which is the best medical college in Uttar Pradesh?

In NIRF 2025 Medical rankings, SGPGIMS Lucknow is 5th, BHU (IMS) is 6th and KGMU Lucknow is 8th. For MBBS, BHU and KGMU are the top choices. SGPGIMS mainly offers postgraduate and super-speciality courses.

Can I get admission in BHU without CUET?

For most undergraduate courses at BHU, CUET-UG is required. MBBS and BDS admissions are through NEET-UG, and a few special courses may have separate tests, so check the BHU admission bulletin each year.

Conclusion: choosing among the top universities in Uttar Pradesh

The top universities in Uttar Pradesh offer something for every student, from IIT Kanpur and IIT (BHU) for engineering, to BHU and AMU for broad, affordable education, to KGMU and SGPGIMS for medicine and Amity or Shiv Nadar for private options. Use the NIRF 2025 ranks as a guide, then compare fees, placements and admission routes for your own course.

Your next step: pick your target entrance exam for 2026, make a shortlist, and plan how to fund your studies. Check the AISEE scholarship exam dates so you don't miss the chance to reduce your fees.