Top 10 Universities in India 2026-27 (Based on NIRF Ranking)

Q: Which are the Top 5 Colleges in India?

The names of the top 5 Colleges in India that offer the best higher education are:- Indian Institute of Science Jawaharlal Nehru University Jamia Millia Islamia Jadavpur University Banaras Hindu University

Q: Name the Top 10 Central Universities in India.

The top 10 Central Universities in India are as follows. Jawaharlal Nehru University Banaras Hindu University The University of Hyderabad Delhi University Jamia Millia Islamia Aligarh Muslim University Assam's Tezpur University North-Eastern Hill University Mahatma Gandhi Central University Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University

Q: Name the top government/ public universities in India.

The Top 10 Government/ Public Universities in India are:- University of Delhi Aligarh Muslim University Anna University Calcutta University Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai Panjab University, Chandigarh National Law University, Delhi King George’s Medical University, Lucknow Delhi Technological University The University of Mumbai

India, one of the world’s biggest democracies and a country noted for its cultural variety, is home to several prestigious universities renowned for providing top-notch education in a wide range of subject areas. The Indian educational landscape has evolved significantly from its Vedic roots to a modern, grading-based system.

Through this blog, we provide you with a corrected and updated list of the Top 10 universities in India, along with their top courses, fees, entrance exams, and placement statistics. Institutes like the Indian Institute of Science and Jawaharlal Nehru University continue to dominate the rankings.

Note: Rankings below are based on the official NIRF 2025 University Rankings. These institutions are the top contenders for the 2026-27 academic session admission cycle.

Which Exam for Which University? A Visual Guide for 2026-27

Table of Contents

List of Top 10 Universities in India (NIRF 2025)

Here is the list of the top 10 Universities in India based on the NIRF 2025 University Category.

Rank	University Name	Location	Entrance Exams	Avg. Fees/Year (Approx.)
1	Indian Institute of Science (IISc)	Bengaluru	JEE Adv, GATE, NEET, IISER	₹30k – ₹2 Lakhs
2	Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)	Delhi	CUET-UG, CUET-PG	Very Low (Subsidized)
3	Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)	Manipal	MET, NEET	High (₹3 Lakhs+)
4	Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI)	Delhi	JMI Entrance, CUET, JEE Main	Moderate
5	University of Delhi (DU)	Delhi	CUET (Mandatory)	Low – Moderate
6	Banaras Hindu University (BHU)	Varanasi	CUET-UG, CUET-PG	Affordable
7	BITS Pilani	Pilani	BITSAT	High (₹5 Lakhs+)
8	Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham	Coimbatore	AEEE, JEE Main	High
9	Jadavpur University	Kolkata	WBJEE	Very Low
10	Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)	Aligarh	AMUEE, CUET, NEET	Affordable

Overview of the Top 10 Universities in India 2026-27

1. Indian Institute of Science (IISc)

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore has topped the NIRF Ranking consistently (Rank 1 in 2025), making it India’s premier institute for advanced scientific and technology research. The institute offers Science courses through divisions including Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, and Interdisciplinary Research.

Entrance Exams: JEE Advanced, JEE Main, NEET, IISER Aptitude Test, GATE (for PG).
Placement Stats (ROI): The Highest Package in the recent drive stood at approx INR 86 LPA, with an Average Package of INR 28 LPA.

Top Courses & Fees:

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.): INR 30,200 (1st Year)
Master of Management: INR 2,66,500
B.Tech (Maths & Computing): INR 2,20,200

2. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)

JNU is a top choice for students interested in Humanities and Social Sciences. Ranked 2nd by NIRF 2025, it is designated as a ‘Centre of Excellence’ by the UGC. It is famous for its politically active campus and affordable education.

Entrance Exams: CUET-PG, CUET-UG, CAT (for MBA).
Placement Stats (ROI): Median PG package is approx INR 9.5 LPA. Engineering highest package reached INR 33 LPA.

Top Courses & Fees:

M.A. / M.Sc.: INR 432 (Tuition Only)
MCA: INR 432 (Tuition Only) | Total Approx: INR 2,000
MBA: INR 12,00,000 (Total)

3. Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)

Formerly Manipal University, MAHE is a deemed university in Karnataka (Rank 3 in NIRF 2025). It has campuses in Mangalore, Bangalore, and Dubai. It is a giant in private medical and engineering education.

Entrance Exams: MET (Manipal Entrance Test), NEET.
Placement Stats (ROI): Highest Package recorded was INR 51.03 LPA.

Top Courses & Fees:

B.Tech: INR 18.62 Lakhs (Total)
MBBS: INR 70 Lakhs+
BBA: INR 6.22 Lakhs

4. Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI)

Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) is a central university in Delhi, accredited with an “A++” Grade by NAAC. It secured the 4th Rank in the NIRF 2025 University category. It offers top-tier courses in Mass Communication, Law, and Engineering.

Entrance Exams: JMI Entrance Exam, CUET, JEE Main (for B.Tech).
Placement Stats (ROI): Highest Package touched INR 59.91 LPA (B.Tech). MBA Highest: INR 24 LPA.

Top Courses & Fees:

B.Tech: INR 16,150 (1st Year)
MBA: INR 23,000 – 1.05 Lakhs
BDS: INR 31,100

5. University of Delhi (DU)

Delhi University (DU) makes a strong entry at Rank 5 (NIRF 2025). It is the most popular university in India for undergraduate courses, comprising prestigious colleges like Miranda House, Hindu College, and SRCC.

Entrance Exams: CUET (Common University Entrance Test) is mandatory.
Placement Stats (ROI): Top colleges like LSR and SRCC see packages up to INR 49 LPA with an average of INR 12-14 LPA.

Top Courses & Fees:

B.Com (Hons): INR 10,000 – 30,000
B.A. (Hons) Economics: INR 12,000 – 25,000
B.Sc.: INR 15,000 – 40,000

6. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

BHU in Varanasi is Asia’s largest residential university, spanning 1,300 acres. Ranked 6th by NIRF 2025, it is a hub for traditional and modern learning, including Ayurveda, Science, and Performing Arts.

Entrance Exams: CUET-UG, CUET-PG.
Campus Highlights: Huge residential campus with its own airstrip, temple, and museum.
Placement Stats (ROI): Highest Package (MBA) INR 20 LPA; PG Medical up to INR 23.5 LPA.

Top Courses & Fees:

B.Sc. (Hons): INR 3,000 – 10,000
B.Pharm (Ayurveda): INR 10,369
MBBS: INR 13,410

7. BITS Pilani

Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, enters the top list at Rank 7 (NIRF 2025). It is India’s most prestigious private technical university, known for its zero-attendance policy and startup culture.

Entrance Exams: BITSAT.
Placement Stats (ROI): Incredible ROI with Highest Package of INR 60.75 LPA and Average Package approx INR 30 LPA.

Top Courses & Fees:

B.E. (Hons): INR 5-6 Lakhs (Per Year)
MBA: INR 5 Lakhs (Per Year)
B.Pharm: INR 5 Lakhs (Per Year)

8. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

Headquartered in Coimbatore, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is a multi-campus, multi-disciplinary research academia ranked 8th by NIRF 2025. It is accredited A++ by NAAC and is known for its focus on value-based education.

Entrance Exams: AEEE, JEE Main, NEET.
Placement Stats (ROI): Highest CTC offered was INR 56 LPA.

Top Courses & Fees:

B.Tech: INR 3.5 Lakhs (1st Year)
MBA: INR 5.35 Lakhs

9. Jadavpur University

Located in Kolkata, Jadavpur University (Rank 9, NIRF 2025) is renowned for its Return on Investment (ROI). It offers world-class Engineering and Arts education at minimal costs.

Entrance Exams: WBJEE (for Engineering).
Placement Stats (ROI): Highest International Package: INR 1.4 Crores. Highest Domestic: INR 57 LPA.

Top Courses & Fees:

B.E. / B.Tech: INR 10,000 – 20,000 (Total Course Fee)
M.Pharm: INR 2 Lakhs

10. Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) secures the 10th Rank in NIRF 2025. It is a historic central university offering courses ranging from Medicine to Theology and Engineering.

Entrance Exams: AMUEE, CUET, NEET.
Campus Highlights: Fully residential university with a rich cultural heritage.
Placement Stats (ROI): Highest Package INR 21 LPA; Average package ranges between INR 6-9 LPA.

Top Courses & Fees:

B.Tech: INR 2.69 Lakhs (4 Years)
MBBS: INR 45,690
B.Ed.: INR 9,775

Watch: Top 10 Universities in India & How to Apply

Hoping this blog has helped you! Now, you just need to decide which top university you have to choose to pursue your higher education in India. The universities listed above will make your decision much easier. For more information like this, visit “SpinOnEducation.” A perfect place for getting information related to colleges, universities, exams, scholarships and so on.