List of 10 Oldest Universities in India: Check the Courses Offered

Sep 26, 2025, 18:19 IST

The 10 oldest Indian universities that are still in existence today, that offers best courses and helping to mold the country's future leaders are listed below. Keep reading more about 10 oldest Indian universities.

Oldest Universities in India: India is hosts some of the oldest universities in the world, many of which helped in establishing the foundation for India's contemporary higher education system. These oldest universities were formed during the British colonial era, although some of the oldest universities in India existed before India got its independence. These oldest universities continue to impart knowledge, creativity, and culture while retaining a tradition of academic excellence.

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 that established the groundwork for modern institutions which were ancient centers of education, which are as follows:-

Nalanda University
Taxshisla University

Some universities built and developed during British rule, such as the University of Calcutta and the Banaras Hindu University, continue to impact higher education in India and are among the most sought-after institutions. Many prominent universities, like the University of Madras, the University of Delhi, and the University of Mumbai, have also contributed significantly to intellectual success.

This article will discuss the list of 10 oldest universities in India that are still running today, and the courses that they offer.

Also, check:-

List of Top Oldest Universities in India

Whenever the list of the oldest universities in India is discussed, there is one university that stands out. Established in the year 1818, the Senate of Serampore College is the oldest university in India, and was established by the 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:-

Alumni of OlDEST UNIversities of India

(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	Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.) Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) Bachelor of Missiology (B.Miss.) Bachelor of Bible Translation Studies (B.B.T.S) Bachelor of Christian Studies (B.C.S.) Master of Theology (M.Th.) Master of Christian Studies (M.C.S.) Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy (M.C.P.)
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee	1847	B.Arch. B.Des. B. Tech. Polymer Science & Engineering B. Tech. Computer Science & Engineering B. Tech. Mechanical Engineering B. Tech. Data Science and Artificial Intelligence M.Sc. in Chemistry M.Sc. in Physics M.Sc. in Applied Mathematics
University of Calcutta	1857	B.Tech. in Electronics & Communication Engineering B.Tech. in Chemical Technology B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering B.Tech. in Information Technology B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering B.Tech. in Instrumentation Engineering B.Tech. in Polymer Science & Technology B.Tech. in Jute & Fibre Technology M.A., M.A./M.Sc. in Ancient Indian History & Culture M.A., M.A./M.Sc. Economics
University of Mumbai	1857	B.A. in Statistics B.Sc. in Life Sciences B.Sc. in Computer Science B.Sc. in Chemistry B.Sc. in Biology B.A or B.Sc. in Mathematics B.Sc. in Data Science M.A. in History M.A. in English Studies M.A. Geography and Geospatial Technology
University of Madras	1857	B.A. in Criminology and Police Administration B.A. in Economics B.A. in English B.A. in Public Administration M.A. Ancient History and Archaeology M.Sc. Criminology and Criminal Justice Science M. A. Sociology M.A. Defence and Strategic Studies M.A. Defence and Strategic Studies
University of Allahabad	1887	B.Sc. in Geography Bachelor of Performing Arts Bachelor of Arts in Ancient History, Culture and Archaeology Bachelor of Fine Arts M.A. in Anthropology Bachelor of Science in Anthropology Bachelor of Arts in Arabic M.A. in Education M.A. in Geography M.A. in Psychology
Aligarh Muslim University	1875	B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture B.Tech. or B.E. in Applied Chemistry B.Tech in Materials Science and Engineering Materials B. Tech. Civil Engineering M. Tech in Geotechnical Engineering and Earthquake Engineering M.Tech in Environmental Engineering
Panjab University	1882	B.A.BEd BCom LLB BA in Education BA in Economics B.E. in Chemical Engineering B.E. in Computer Science and Engineering B.E. in Food Technology B.E. in Information Technology M.A. in Disaster Management MA in Defence and National Security Studies M.A. in Economics
Banaras Hindu University	1916	Bachelor of Vocation in Agribusiness & Entrepreneurship Bachelor of Dental Science Bachelor of Vocation in Tourism & Hospitality Management Bachelor of Vocation in Retail Management Bachelor of Vocation in Logistics Management Bachelor of Vocation in Hospitality and Tourism Management B.A. LLB. (Hons.) LL.B. (HONS.) Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry Master of Arts in AIHC & Arch Master of Arts in Museology Master of Science in Bioinformatics Master of Vocation in Fashion Technology & Apparel Design Master of Vocation in Logistics Management
University of Mysore	1916	M.A. in Ancient History & Archaeology, M.A. in Journalism & Mass Communication M.A. in Economics M.A. in English M.A. in Political Science M.A. in Public Administration Master of Social Work M. SC. Applied Geology M.Sc. in Human Development and Family Studies M.Sc. in Mathematics M.Sc. in Microbiology

What is the Admission Process and Entrance Exams Required for Admission?

Admission to India's oldest universities is more than just filling out a formal application; it is about ensuring a place in institutions that have formed the country's educational and cultural history, as well as produced great leaders and academicians. Most of India's oldest universities admit students based on their grades in national-level exams, such as,

CUET (Common University Entrance Test)

However, some universities and institutes still conduct their own entrance exams for some special fields, like:

Research Program

Medicine

Those students who seek admission to professional degrees mentioned above are required to qualify for some special exams as follows:

JEE exam for Engineering
CLAT exam for Law
NEET exam for Medical
NTA exam for Humanities, Social Science, Languages, etc.

Entrance Exams required to qualify for the

While some institutions may admit students through national-level entrance exams, others admit students to specific courses based on merit, with Class 12th final exam or graduation grades playing a vital role. Securing a spot at one of India's oldest colleges not only provides an excellent education, but also exposes students to an atmosphere that has historically produced leaders, independence fighters, scientists, and Nobel laureates.

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	It was granted University Status in 1829.
Senate Serampore College	It was founded to provide arts and science education to students of all races, castes, and nationalities.
University of Calcutta	It was the first university east of Suez to teach European Classics, English Literature, European and Indian Philosophy, and Occidental and Oriental History.
University of Calcutta	It was the first university to have admitted lady students, and the first two graduates of the University were:- Chandramukhi Basu and Kadambani Ganguly
Banaras Hindu University	It was founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in 1916
Banaras Hindu University	This university comprises 6 institutes, 144 departments, 14 faculties, 4 interdisciplinary centres, and 3 constituent schools.

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:-

NIRF Rankings

Times Higher Education

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