Which City is Known as the “Educational Hub of India” and Why?

Oct 1, 2025, 13:31 IST

Pune, often known as the “Oxford of the East,” has earned the title of Educational Hub of India, due to the existence of the top-ranked universities, a wide variety of courses, and an international student community.

Which City is Known as Educational Hub of India?

Educational Hub of India:- India is often known as the “land of Knowledge,” with several universities and colleges spread across the country. However, there is one city which stands out as the genuine educational hub of India. This educational hub in India attracts students from all over the country and from around the world. This city also has rightfully earned the title of “Oxford of the East.” This city is named for its historic institutions, active student culture, modern universities, and a wide range of employment opportunities.

Let’s look at which city is called the educational hub of India, and why it has earned this reputation and the title, and what makes it such an attraction for the students.

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Which City is Called the Educational Hub of India, and Why?

The city, which is called the Educational Hub of India, is Pune, Maharashtra.

Over the years, Pune has grown into one of India’s leading centres for offering higher education. With over 200+ colleges and 20+ universities, Pune offers a wide range of courses in engineering, medical, management, arts, film, law and even defence. Its academic achievements, diverse surroundings, and affordability have made it India's most student-friendly city.

Coming to the history of education in Pune, it started early in the 19th century with the establishment of the missionary schools and expanded significantly with the development of organisations such as the Maharashtra Education Society in 1860. Presently, Pune is famous as a major educational hub in India, offering a wide range of courses with a mix of traditional and modern educational institutions that attract students from all over the world.

Below is the list of some of the oldest colleges and universities that were established in Pune and gave it the title of educational hub of India:

Institution name	Establishment Year	History
Deccan College Post Graduate and Research Institute	1821	The Bombay Presidency Government established the Sanskrit Pathshala in 1821, at the initiative of its Governor, Mountstuart Elphinstone. This college has grown from strength to strength and has emerged as a leading institute in the field of higher education and research. It was renamed the Poona College in 1851, and then Deccan College in October 1864.
College of Engineering Pune	1854	Now known as COEP Technological University (COEPT Tech), it was founded in the British era, long before any formal degree offering universities took root in India. College of Engineering Pune is the third oldest engineering college in the country, and indeed in Asia, after College of Engineering, Guindy, and IIT Roorkee, with a history of 170 years.
Fergusson College	1885	The founders of Fergusson College founded the New English School in Pune in 1880 and the Deccan Education Society (DES) in 1884. The foundation stone for Fergusson College’s main building was laid in 1892, and it was finished in 1895.
Armed Forces Medical College	1948	The Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, is the leading medical college in India, and is the first medical college established by the country’s armed forces in Asia. The college offers training for medical, dentistry, nursing and paramedical professionals.
Savitribai Phule Pune University	1949	Established in 1949, the university has grown to become one of the country’s major research and teaching institutions. Previously known as the University of Poona, it was formed under the Poona University Act, which was passed by the Bombay Legislature in 1948.
Film and Television Institute of India	1960	Established by the Government of India in 1960 on the premises of the former Prabhat studios in Pune. Prabhat Studios was a pioneer in the movie industry, moving to Pune from Kolhapur in 1933. The archaic studios of the time, which served as the production grounds for Prabhat’s films, still existent and in use at FTII. The historic Prabhat studios have now become a heritage site, and FTII students continue to work at the world’s modest operational film shooting studios.
Symbiosis International University	1971	Symbiosis is a network of academic institutions that includes various universities, schools and centres that offer high-quality education. Symbiosis is home to over 40,000 Indian and International students on campus.
NDA (National Defence Academy)	1954	NDA was established in 1954; however, the inauguration ceremony took place on January 16, 1955. This academy is the joint services of the Indian Armed Forces, where students from the Army, Navy and Air Force train together.

Oldest Colleges in Pune

Why is Pune called the Educational Hub of India?

The city of Pune is regarded as the educational hub of India, also earning the title of the “Oxford of the East” for its presence of prestigious and historical universities, colleges and research organisations, such as the College of Engineering Pune and Savitribai Phule Pune University. The city attracts a great number of national and international students who are drawn to the rigorous academic programs and a balanced environment that combines traditions with modernity.

Pune has a rich history, top universities, globally recognised, offering various employment opportunities and a thriving student culture, which makes it an educational hub of India.

How Does Pune Compare with the International Educational Hubs?

Pune is frequently compared with the popular international educational cities, such as Oxford in the United Kingdom, Boston in the United States, and Melbourne in Australia. While Pune is also renowned for its affordability, it distinguishes itself from the pricey yet prestigious educational hubs like Oxford and Melbourne through its unique blend of affordability, numerous options for universities and colleges for students to seek admission to, and its lively student culture. The Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), a public university with hundreds of associated colleges that offer undergraduate and graduate programs, serves as the foundation of Pune's system. This is reinforced by various private institutions, deemed universities, and specialised institutes.

Since Pune has earned the title of “Oxford of the East,” let’s draw a comparison between the renowned Oxford in the UK and Pune in India:-

Key Aspects	Pune	Oxford
Monikers	Oxford of the East	City of Dreaming Spires
Structure	Pune is known as the Oxford of the East because of the numerous colleges and universities established in the city, lively student culture, and affordability. Pune’s system is bases itself on Savitribai Phule Pune University, a public university that offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses.	Comprises 36 Colleges and three societies, which are the core elements of the University. Comprises 4 permanent halls that were established by various Christian denominations
Programs Offered	With the presence of numerous colleges and universities, Pune offers a wide range of academic programs, which are as follows:- Engineering, Management, IT and Law, Arts, etc.	There are four academic divisions, which are as follows:- Humanities, Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, and Social Sciences

What are the Career and Placement Opportunities Available?

Pune’s standing as a leading education hub of India is closely linked with its prowess as an important source of jobs and placement opportunities. The city is an important starting point for graduates since it is strategically located at the heart of major industries and academic institutions.

The thriving atmosphere of the city is dominated by the global IT behemoths and significant automobile manufacturers like:-

Infosys
Wipro
TCS
Accenture
Tata Motors
Mercedes-Benz
Bajaj Auto

This results in a growing need for qualified workers. This industry ecosystem directly supports strong placement drives and numerous internship opportunities in specific tech parks such as Hinjewadi and Magarpatta.

Now that we know which city is known as the educational hub of India, test your knowledge by answering a few questions given below:-🤔

Which renowned defence training academy, which is an outstanding joint-service training institute for cadets of the Indian Armed Forces, is located in Pune?

AFMC

Which of the following colleges was established in Pune in the year 1885?

St. Stephen’s College

Savitribai Phule College

Armed Forces Medical College

Fregusson College

Which Indian city is also known by the title “Oxford of the East”?

Ahmedabad

Mumbai

Pune

Hyderabad