Oldest Universities in India: India has some of the oldest universities, many of which laid the groundwork for the present-day higher education system in India. These universities were established during the colonial era, while others were founded before India's independence. These universities continue to teach information, creativity, and culture while upholding a tradition of academic achievement.
Over the decades, India's oldest universities have produced some of the finest leaders, scientists, intellectuals, scholars, and artists, all of whom have contributed to the country's prosperity. From historic campuses with ageless architecture to massive libraries and globally renowned facilities, these universities are living testaments to India's educational past.
There were two universities in Ancient India which laid the foundation work for modern institutions, and they were:-
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Nalanda
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Takshashila
Some universities that were founded and established during the British administration, like the University of Calcutta and the Banaras Hindu University, continue to influence higher education in India and are the most sought-after universities. Many renowned universities like the University of Madras, the University of Delhi, and the University of Mumbai have also played an important role in nurturing intellectual achievement.
This article will discuss the list of 10 oldest universities in India that are still running today, and the courses that they offer.
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List of 10 Oldest Universities in India
Whenever the list of the oldest universities is discussed, there is one university that stands out. Established in 1818, the Senate of Serampore College is the oldest university in India, founded by Christian missionaries William Carey, Joshua Marshman & William Ward. The second-oldest university in India is the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee. established in the year 1847, and the other universities followed.
These oldest universities in India also have a long history of producing India’s finest brains in various fields like literature, science, social sciences, etc. Some of the alumni of the oldest universities of India are:-
(These pictures have been taken from the official website of the oldest universities of India,i.e., Osmania University, University of Calcutta, and University of Madras.)
Below is the list of 10 oldest universities in India that are still functioning and imparting education, shaping the future of India’s young minds, along with the courses they offer and their establishment year:-
| Universities Name | Establishment Year | Courses Offered |
| Senate of Serampore College | 1818 |
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| 1847 |
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| 1857 |
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| 1857 |
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| 1857 |
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| 1887 |
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| 1875 |
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| 1882 |
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| 1916 |
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| 1916 |
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What is the Admission Process and Entrance Exams Required for Admission?
To seek admission to India’s oldest universities is about more than just filling out a formal application; it is about securing a spot in those institutions that have shaped the country’s educational and cultural heritage, as well as produced great leaders and academicians. Most of these Oldest Universities in India offer admission to students by accepting the marks scores in the national-level exams, like,
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CUET (Common University Entrance Test)
However, some universities and institutes still conduct their own entrance exams for some special fields, like:
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Those students who seek admission to professional degrees mentioned above are required to qualify for some special exams as follows:-
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While some universities may offer admission through these national-level entrance tests, there are some universities which offer admission to certain courses on a merit basis, where the marks scored in the Class 12th final examination or graduation play an important role. Securing a seat in these oldest universities in India not only offers quality education, but also exposes students to an environment that has produced leaders, freedom fighters, scientists and Nobel laureates in the past.
Some Interesting Facts About the Oldest Universities in India
We explore India's oldest universities, ranging from Senate Serampore Colleges to the University of Mysore; however, there is a minor difference. Though they are the oldest universities in India, the list of the oldest universities in India would still fall under the category of Modern Universities, as their foundation dates primarily back to India's Colonial Era.
Beyond its historical significance and academic history, India's oldest universities are home to a plethora of fascinating facts that distinguish them from other institutions. Below are some interesting facts about the oldest universities of India:-
| Oldest Universities in India | Interesting Facts |
| Senate Serampore College |
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| University of Calcutta |
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| Banaras Hindu University |
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What are the Rankings of the Oldest Universities in India?
While age and legacy of any college, university, or institute define the prestige of India’s oldest universities, their relevance in the present day is reflected in the rankings and recognition they earn. Over the years, these colleges and institutions have consistently secured a place in the national and international rankings, such as follows:-
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NIRF Rankings
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Times Higher Education
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QS World Rankings
Below are the NIRF Rankings of 2024 of some of the Oldest Universities in India for the student to have a better understanding:-
| Oldest Universities in India | NIRF 2025 | NIRF Rankings 2024 | NIRF Rankings 2023 |
| Banaras Hindu University | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| Panjab University | 35 | 38 | 25 |
| Aligarh Muslim University | 10 | 8 | 9 |
| University of Madras | 38 | 39 | 50 |
| University of Mysore | 71 | 54 | 44 |
| University of Mumbai | 54 | 61 | 56 |
India’s oldest universities, from the Senate Serampore College to the University of Mysore, are more than just historical landmarks; they are educational institutions that have had a significant impact on the country’s educational and cultural history.
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