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

Looking for the top universities in Uttarakhand for 2026? The state is home to IIT Roorkee, AIIMS Rishikesh, IIM Kashipur and India's first agricultural university at Pantnagar, along with strong private universities in Dehradun such as UPES and Graphic Era. This guide lists the 12 best options, with their official NIRF 2025 ranks, popular courses, admission routes and approximate fees.

Uttarakhand is small, but it punches well above its weight in higher education. Students come from across India to study engineering in Roorkee, medicine in Rishikesh, agriculture in Pantnagar and management, law and technology in Dehradun. The hill campuses also offer a calmer, more affordable lifestyle than most metro cities.

All ranks below are taken from the NIRF India Rankings 2025 (released by the Ministry of Education on 4 September 2025), which is the latest edition we could verify on the official portal at the time of writing.

Top 12 universities in Uttarakhand 2026 at a glance

The table lists each institute's best NIRF 2025 result. Many institutes appear in several NIRF categories, so we show the most relevant one. "Not ranked" means the institute did not appear in the published NIRF 2025 rank lists or rank bands.

Best universities in Uttarakhand: institute-wise details

1. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee

IIT Roorkee began in 1847 as the College of Civil Engineering (later Thomason College) and became the seventh IIT in 2001. It is the clear leader in the state and one of the top five or six engineering schools in India, with strong placements and a big research footprint.

• Established: 1847 (IIT status in 2001)
• Type: Institute of National Importance (Central)
• NIRF 2025: Overall 7, Engineering 6, Research 8, Management 22, Architecture & Planning 1
• Popular courses: B.Tech (CSE, Electrical, Civil, Mechanical, Chemical and more), B.Arch, integrated M.Tech/M.Sc, MBA, PhD
• Admission via: JEE Advanced + JoSAA counselling (B.Tech); JEE Main Paper 2 + AAT route for B.Arch; GATE, JAM, CAT for PG
• Approx. fees: B.Tech tuition about ₹1 lakh per semester (2025-26), plus hostel and other charges; full or partial waivers for SC/ST, PwD and low-income families

2. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Rishikesh

AIIMS Rishikesh is one of the six new AIIMS set up under the PMSSY scheme and started academic work in 2012. It is the top medical institute in Uttarakhand, with a large teaching hospital and very low fees.

• Established: 2012
• Type: Institute of National Importance (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare)
• NIRF 2025: Medical 13, Overall 78
• Popular courses: MBBS (about 125 seats), B.Sc Nursing, paramedical courses, MD/MS, DM/MCh
• Admission via: NEET UG and MCC counselling for MBBS; INI-CET for PG; AIIMS nursing entrance for B.Sc Nursing
• Approx. fees: nominal, only a few thousand rupees for the full MBBS course; check the official prospectus

3. UPES, Dehradun

UPES (earlier the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies) was set up in 2003 and has grown into a multi-discipline private university. It is now the top-ranked university in the state in the NIRF University list and has a well-known law school.

• Established: 2003
• Type: Private state university
• NIRF 2025: University 45, Overall 64, Engineering 43, Management 36, Law 18, Research 45
• NAAC: Grade A (2021 cycle; check the latest status)
• Popular courses: B.Tech (CSE, aerospace, petroleum), BBA, MBA, BA LLB, B.Des, B.Sc
• Admission via: UPESEAT/UPES own process, JEE Main scores, CLAT/LSAT for law, CAT/MAT for MBA
• Approx. fees: about ₹3.5–5 lakh per year for B.Tech (2025-26); varies by programme and scholarship

4. Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun

Graphic Era started as an engineering institute in 1993 and became a deemed university in 2008. It is known for B.Tech programmes, an active placement cell and a steady climb in the NIRF lists.

• Established: 1993 (deemed university since 2008)
• Type: Private deemed university
• NIRF 2025: University 48, Overall 72, Engineering 52, Management 52
• NAAC: A+ (2022)
• Popular courses: B.Tech, BCA, BBA, MBA, B.Sc, B.Pharm, M.Tech, PhD
• Admission via: JEE Main scores or the university's own process; merit in Class 12 for many UG courses
• Approx. fees: about ₹2.5–3.5 lakh per year for B.Tech CSE (2025-26); check the official fee page

5. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kashipur

IIM Kashipur was established in 2011 in the Udham Singh Nagar district. It is the only IIM in the state and is a good option for CAT takers who want a newer IIM with a strong analytics focus.

• Established: 2011
• Type: Institute of National Importance
• NIRF 2025: Management 23
• Popular courses: MBA (PGP), MBA Analytics, executive MBA, PhD
• Admission via: CAT followed by the IIM's own shortlisting and interviews
• Approx. fees: roughly ₹18–22 lakh for the two-year MBA; confirm on the IIM website

6. G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT), Pantnagar

Founded in 1960, Pantnagar University was the first agricultural university of independent India and played a key role in the Green Revolution. It remains one of the best places in the country for agriculture, veterinary science and agricultural engineering.

• Established: 1960
• Type: State agricultural university
• NIRF 2025: Agriculture & Allied Sectors 9; State Public Universities 44; University band 101–150
• Popular courses: B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture, B.V.Sc & AH, B.Tech (Agricultural Engg and others), M.Sc, PhD
• Admission via: university entrance test / ICAR AIEEA (now via CUET-ICAR) for some seats; JEE Main for B.Tech
• Approx. fees: moderate government fees; check the latest admission bulletin on the official site

7. Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna (HNB) Garhwal University

HNB Garhwal University was founded in 1973 and became a central university in 2009. Its main campus is at Srinagar (Garhwal), with more campuses at Pauri and Tehri. It is a sensible, low-cost choice for BA, B.Sc and B.Com as well as postgraduate study.

• Established: 1973 (central university since 2009)
• Type: Central university
• NIRF 2025: Not ranked in the published lists
• Popular courses: BA, B.Sc, B.Com, B.Tech (SOET), MA, M.Sc, MBA, PhD
• Admission via: CUET UG for undergraduate courses, CUET PG for most PG courses
• Approx. fees: low, typically a few thousand to around ₹20,000 per year for UG arts and science courses

8. National Institute of Technology (NIT) Uttarakhand

NIT Uttarakhand was set up in 2009 and admitted its first batch in 2010. It currently runs from a temporary campus at Srinagar (Garhwal), while its permanent campus is being built at Sumari.

• Established: 2009
• Type: Institute of National Importance
• NIRF 2025: Engineering rank band 151–200
• Popular courses: B.Tech in CSE, ECE, EEE, Mechanical and Civil; M.Tech, PhD
• Admission via: JEE Main + JoSAA/CSAB counselling (50% home-state quota)
• Approx. fees: similar to other NITs, about ₹1.25–1.5 lakh per year tuition, with waivers for eligible students

9. Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU), Dehradun

SRHU at Jolly Grant was formally set up in 2013 and is attached to the large Himalayan Hospital. It is a popular private choice for medical, nursing and allied health courses.

• Established: 2013
• Type: Private university
• NIRF 2025: University band 101–150; Overall band 151–200
• NAAC: A+ (2024)
• Popular courses: MBBS, B.Sc Nursing, BPT, B.Tech, MBA, biosciences
• Admission via: NEET UG for MBBS (state/management quota counselling); university process for other courses
• Approx. fees: private medical fees are high; check the latest state counselling fee notice

10. Kumaun University, Nainital

Kumaun University was established in 1973 and is the main public university of the Kumaon region. Its campuses at Nainital and Bhimtal offer arts, science, commerce, pharmacy and management at low cost.

• Established: 1973
• Type: State public university
• NIRF 2025: Pharmacy 73
• Popular courses: BA, B.Sc, B.Com, B.Pharm, MBA, MCA, M.Sc, PhD
• Admission via: merit/entrance as per the university's admission notice; B.Pharm through the university or state process
• Approx. fees: low; state university fees are among the most affordable in the region

11. Uttaranchal University, Dehradun

Uttaranchal University was established in 2013 and is best known for its law college and pharmacy school. It offers a wide range of UG and PG courses close to the city.

• Established: 2013
• Type: Private state university
• NIRF 2025: Pharmacy 75; Engineering band 201–300
• Popular courses: BA LLB, B.Pharm, B.Tech, BBA, MBA, B.Sc Agriculture
• Admission via: university entrance/merit; CLAT or university test for law
• Approx. fees: about ₹1–2.5 lakh per year depending on the course; check the official website

12. DIT University, Dehradun

DIT University grew out of the Dehradun Institute of Technology (founded 1998) and sits in the foothills of Mussoorie. It is a well-regarded private option for engineering, pharmacy and architecture.

• Established: 1998 (as DIT)
• Type: Private university
• NIRF 2025: Pharmacy 83
• Popular courses: B.Tech, B.Pharm, B.Arch, BBA, MBA, B.Sc
• Admission via: JEE Main scores, Class 12 merit or the university's own test; NATA/JEE Paper 2 for B.Arch
• Approx. fees: about ₹2–3 lakh per year for B.Tech (2025-26)

How admission works at top universities in Uttarakhand

Most good institutes in Uttarakhand fill seats through national entrance exams, so your exam choice decides which colleges you can target. Here is the usual path:

1. Pick your stream early: Engineering (JEE Main / JEE Advanced), Medical (NEET UG), Law (CLAT), Design/Architecture (NATA, JEE Paper 2), or general UG courses (CUET UG).
2. Register for the exam: JEE Main and NEET registrations usually open between November and March. CUET UG forms normally open in February–March.
3. Write the exam and check your rank: IIT Roorkee needs a JEE Advanced rank; NIT Uttarakhand and many state seats use JEE Main ranks.
4. Join counselling: JoSAA/CSAB for IITs and NITs, MCC for AIIMS and all-India medical seats, and the Uttarakhand state counselling for state-quota MBBS and engineering seats.
5. Apply directly to private universities: UPES, Graphic Era, DIT, SRHU and Uttaranchal University run their own application windows, often accepting JEE Main or Class 12 marks.
6. Report with documents: Keep your Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, category/domicile certificates, income certificate and ID proof ready.

How to choose the right college in Uttarakhand

A high NIRF rank is a good starting point, but it should not be the only factor. Match the college to your course, budget and career plan.

• Course first, brand second: GBPUAT is excellent for agriculture but not the place for law; UPES is strong in law but cannot match IIT Roorkee for core engineering.
• Look at the right NIRF list: Use the Engineering list for B.Tech, Medical for MBBS, Pharmacy for B.Pharm and so on.
• Check placement reports: Ask for the median package, not just the highest package, and the share of students placed.
• Compare the total cost: Add hostel, mess, transport and exam fees to tuition. Government institutes are often a fraction of the cost of private ones.
• Think about location: Dehradun and Roorkee are well connected; hill campuses such as Srinagar (Garhwal) and Nainital are quieter but more remote.

Scholarships and funding for students in Uttarakhand

Good education in Uttarakhand does not have to be expensive. Several scholarships can reduce your fees significantly:

• AISEE scholarship: The All India Scholarship Entrance Examination helps Class 12 and college students win fee support at participating colleges. See the details of the AISEE scholarship in India.
• National Scholarship Portal (NSP): Central schemes such as the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships and post-matric scholarships for SC, ST, OBC and minority students are applied for online.
• Uttarakhand state scholarships: The state social welfare department runs post-matric scholarships for eligible students who are domiciled in Uttarakhand.
• Institute fee waivers: IITs and NITs offer full or partial tuition waivers for SC/ST, PwD and low-income families, and private universities give merit scholarships based on JEE or Class 12 scores.

If you plan to study B.Tech, read our guide to scholarships for engineering students. MBBS and nursing aspirants can check scholarships for medical students.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the No. 1 university in Uttarakhand?

IIT Roorkee is the top institute in Uttarakhand, with NIRF 2025 Overall rank 7 and Engineering rank 6. Among institutions listed in the NIRF University category, UPES Dehradun ranks highest at 45, followed by Graphic Era at 48.

Which is the best government university in Uttarakhand?

For technical education, IIT Roorkee and NIT Uttarakhand lead. For medicine, AIIMS Rishikesh is the best. Among regular universities, GBPUAT Pantnagar (State Public Universities rank 44, Agriculture rank 9) is the highest-ranked state university, while HNB Garhwal University is the state's central university.

Is NIRF 2026 out for Uttarakhand colleges?

At the time of writing, we could not confirm an official NIRF 2026 release on nirfindia.org, so this guide uses NIRF 2025. Check the official portal for the newest edition when it is published.

Which is the best private university in Uttarakhand?

UPES and Graphic Era (Deemed to be University) are the best-ranked private universities, both in the NIRF 2025 University top 50. Swami Rama Himalayan University is a strong private choice for medical and health sciences.

How can I get admission to AIIMS Rishikesh for MBBS?

You must qualify NEET UG and get a high enough All India rank to win a seat through MCC counselling. AIIMS seats are among the most competitive in the country because the fees are very low.

Can I get admission to HNB Garhwal University without CUET?

For most undergraduate programmes, HNB Garhwal University admits students through CUET UG because it is a central university. A few courses may have separate rules, so check the university's admission notice for the current year.

Are scholarships available for students at Uttarakhand universities?

Yes. Students can apply for NSP schemes, Uttarakhand state post-matric scholarships, institute fee waivers and merit awards, as well as private scholarships such as AISEE.

Conclusion: choosing among the top universities in Uttarakhand

The top universities in Uttarakhand cover almost every career path, from engineering at IIT Roorkee and NIT Uttarakhand to medicine at AIIMS Rishikesh, agriculture at Pantnagar and law and business at UPES and Graphic Era. Use the NIRF 2025 ranks as a guide, match them with your course and budget, and verify fees on official websites.

Your next step: decide your target entrance exam for 2026, build a shortlist of five colleges and apply for scholarships early so that cost never stands between you and the right campus.