Private Universities
Private universities are also UGC approved institutes. However, such universities do not run on central or state funds. They can grant degrees but cannot have off-campus colleges or affiliate an institution/college. “They can establish off-campus centre(s) within the concerned State after their existence of five years and with the prior approval of the University Grants Commission,” states the UGC website. Unlike state and central universities which have a ‘Chancellor’ as the head, a private university is always headed by ‘President’ or ‘Chairperson’.

Salient features

  • Conduct their own admission procedure
  • Can decide their own syllabus
  • Conduct their own exams
  • Can grant degrees to the students

State Universities
As the name suggests, state universities are established, run and funded by the state government. State universities are usually established by a local legislative assembly act. According to a UGC consolidated list, there are 359 state universities in the country. State Universities can confer/grant their own degrees to the students.

Salient features

  • Conduct their own admission process
  • Grant degrees to the students
  • Conducts their own exams
  • Can decide their own syllabus

Central Universities
A central university is established by an Act of Parliament and are under the direct purview of the Department of Higher Education (DHE) under Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). As of February 2017, there are 47 Central universities in our country.

Salient features

  • Conduct their own admission process
  • Can decide their own syllabus
  • Conduct their own exams
  • Grant degrees to the students

What is the difference between Private and Deemed University?

    Is Autonomous University government or private?

      Ankit
      There is not much difference between a Private and a Deemed University. Both are recognised by the UGC. However, a Deemed university enjoys autonomy in administration while a Private university has to adhere to UGC rules and regulations in conduction classes, exams, syllabus and admission process.

        Ankit
        Autonomous universities are financially supported by the government but they are independent to decide their courses, syllabus, fees, appointments and admission process.

          rewatisachdeva
          The Private universities need to adhere to UGC rules and regulations for operations. The UGC regularly sends committees to inspect Private universities.