The higher education system in India include both private and public universities. Public universities in India are supported by the Government of India and the state governments, while List of private universities in India are mostly supported by various bodies and societies. Universities in India are recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), which draws its power from the University Grants Commission Act, 1956. In addition, 15 Professional Councils are established, controlling different aspects of accreditation and coordination. List of Private universities in India are regulated under the UGC (Establishment and Maintenance of Standards in Private Universities) Regulations, 2003. Per the UGC act and these regulations, private universities are established by an act of a local legislative assembly and listed by the UGC in the Gazette upon receiving the act. As confirmed by ruling of the Supreme Court of India, recognition by the UGC is required for the university to operate. Also per the 2003 regulations, the UGC sends committees to inspect the private universities and publishes their inspection report.
The UGC publishes and regularly updates the lists of private universities in India. As of 31 March 2019, the UGC list of private universities in India lists 334 universities, although as of July 2019 only 333 are actually established. The earliest date of notification is that of Sikkim Manipal University, 11 October 1995. The earliest inspection report is that of Nirma University of Science and Technology, from 15 May 2004. Private universities were established in 24 of the 29 states of India and in none of the union territories.
Other types of universities controlled by the UGC include:
Central universities, or Union universities are established by Act of Parliament and are under the purview of the Department of Higher Education in the Union Human Resource Development Ministry.
State universities are run by the state government of each of the states and territories of India, and are usually established by a local legislative assembly act.
Deemed university, or "Deemed-to-be-University", is a status of autonomy granted by the Department of Higher Education on the advice of the UGC, under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956.
List of Private universities in India
Private universities of Andhra Pradesh
| University | Location | Established | Specialization |
| Centurion University of Technology and Management, Andhra Pradesh | Visakhapatnam | 2017 | Technology, Management |
| Krea University | Sri City | 2018 | Liberal arts |
| SRM University, Andhra Pradesh | Amaravati | 2017 | General |
| Saveetha Amaravati University | Amaravati | 2018 | Health sciences |
| VIT-AP University | Amaravati | 2017 | Technology, Management |
Private universities of Arunachal Pradesh
| University | Location | Established | Specialization |
| Apex Professional University | Pasighat | 2013 | General |
| Arunachal University of Studies | Namsai | 2012 | General |
| Arunodaya University | Itanagar | 2014 | General |
| Himalayan University | Itanagar | 2013 | General |
| Indira Gandhi Technological and Medical Sciences University | Ziro | 2012 | General |
| North East Frontier Technical University | Aalo | 2014 | General |
| Venkateshwara Open University | Naharlagun | 2012 | General |
Private universities of Assam
| University | Location | Established | Specialization |
| Assam Don Bosco University | Guwahati | 2009 | General |
| Assam Down Town University | Guwahati | 2010 | General |
| Kaziranga University | Jorhat | 2012 | General |
| Krishnaguru Adhyatmik Vishvavidyalaya | Sarthebari | 2017 | General |
| Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya | Nagaon | 2013 | Humanities |
| Royal Global University | Guwahati | 2013 | General |
Private universities of Bihar
| University | Location | Established | Specialization |
| Al-Karim University | Katihar | 2018 | Medicine |
| Amity University, Patna | Patna | 2017 | General |
| Dr. C.V. Raman University, Bihar | Bhagwanpur | 2018 | General |
| Gopal Narayan Singh University | Jamuhar | 2018 | General |
| K. K. University | Nalanda | 2017 | General |
| Mata Gujri University | Kishanganj | 2019 | Medicine |
| Sandip University, Sijoul | Madhubani | 2017 | General |
Private universities of Chhattisgarh
| University | Location | Established | Specialization |
| AAFT University of Media and Arts | Raipur | 2018 | Film, Media and Arts |
| Amity University, Raipur | Raipur | 2014 | General |
| Dr. C.V. Raman University | Kota | 2006 | General |
| ICFAI University, Raipur | Raipur | 2011 | Management |
| ISBM University | Chhura | 2016 | General |
| ITM University, Raipur | Naya Raipur | 2012 | General |
| Kalinga University | Raipur | 2012 | General |
| Maharishi University of Management and Technology | Bilaspur | 2002 | Technology, Management |
| MATS University | Raipur | 2006 | General |
| O.P. Jindal University | Raigarh | 2014 | Technology, Management |
| Shri Rawatpura Sarkar University | Raipur | 2018 | General |
Private universities of Gujarat
| University | Location | Established | Specialization |
| Ahmedabad University | Ahmedabad | 2009 | General |
| Anant National University | Ahmedabad | 2016 | Architecture, Planning |
| Atmiya University | Rajkot | 2018 | Technology, Management |
| AURO University | Surat | 2011 | General |
| C. U. Shah University | Wadhwan | 2013 | General |
| CEPT University | Ahmedabad | 2005 | Architecture, Planning |
| Charotar University of Science and Technology | Changa | 2009 | Technology, Management |
| Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology | Gandhinagar | 2003 | Technology |
| Ganpat University | Mehsana | 2005 | General |
| Gujarat Maritime University | Gandhinagar | 2017 | Maritime |
| Gokul Global University | Siddhpur | 2018 | General |
| GLS University | Ahmedabad | 2015 | General |
| GSFC University | Vadodara | 2014 | Engineering |
| Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar | Gandhinagar | 2015 | Public health |
| Indrashil University | Ahmedabad | 2017 | Engineering, Sciences |
| Indus University | Ahmedabad | 2012 | General |
| Institute of Advanced Research | Gandhinagar | 2011 | General |
| ITM Vocational University | Waghodia | 2014 | General |
| Kadi Sarva Vishwavidyalaya | Gandhinagar | 2007 | General |
| Karnavati University | Gandhinagar | 2017 | General |
| Lakulish Yoga University | Gandhinagar | 2013 | Yoga |
| Marwadi University | Rajkot | 2016 | General |
| Navrachana University | Vadodara | 2009 | General |
| Nirma University | Ahmedabad | 2003 | Technology |
| P P Savani University | Kosamba | 2017 | General |
| Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University | Gandhinagar | 2007 | Energy |
| Parul University | Vadodara | 2015 | General |
| Plastindia International University | Vapi | 2016 | Plastics engineering |
| Rai University | Ahmedabad | 2012 | General |
| RK University | Rajkot | 2011 | General |
| Sabarmati University | Ahmedabad | 2009 | General |
| Sankalchand Patel University | Visnagar | 2016 | General |
| Swarnim Startup & Innovation University | Gandhinagar | 2017 | General |
| TeamLease Skills University | Vadodara | 2013 | General |
| Uka Tarsadia University | Bardoli | 2011 | General |
Private universities of Haryana
| University | Location | Established | Specialization |
| Al-Falah University | Faridabad | 2014 | General |
| Amity University, Gurgaon | Pachgaon | 2010 | General |
| Ansal University | Gurgaon | 2012 | General |
| Apeejay Stya University | Sohna | 2010 | General |
| Ashoka University | Sonepat | 2014 | General |
| Baba Mast Nath University | Rohtak | 2012 | General |
| BML Munjal University | Sidhrawali | 2014 | Technology, Management |
| GD Goenka University | Gurgaon | 2013 | General |
| IILM University | Gurgaon | 2018 | Management |
| Jagan Nath University, NCR | Jhajjar | 2013 | General |
| K.R. Mangalam University | Gurgaon | 2013 | General |
| Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Sadopur | Ambala | 2010 | General |
| Manav Rachna University | Faridabad | 2014 | Technology, Management |
| MVN University | Palwal | 2012 | General |
| NIILM University | Kaithal | 2011 | Technology, Management |
| O. P. Jindal Global University | Sonipat | 2009 | General |
| PDM University | Bahadurgarh | 2016 | General |
| Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University | Gurgaon | 2013 | General |
| SRM University, Haryana | Sonepat | 2013 | General |
| Starex University | Gurgaon | 2016 | General |
| The NorthCap University | Gurgaon | 2009 | Technology, Management |
| World University of Design | Sonipat | 2018 | Design, Management |
Private universities of Himachal Pradesh
| University | Location | Established | Specialization |
| Abhilashi University | Mandi | 2015 | General |
| Alakh Prakash Goyal University | Shimla | 2012 | General |
| Arni University | Kangra | 2009 | General |
| Baddi University of Emerging Sciences and Technologies | Baddi | 2009 | Technology |
| Bahra University | Waknaghat | 2011 | General |
| Career Point University, Hamirpur | Bhoranj | 2012 | General |
| Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh | Solan | 2009 | Technology, Applied Science |
| Eternal University | Baru Sahib | 2008 | General |
| ICFAI University, Himachal Pradesh | Solan | 2011 | Technology, Management |
| IEC University | Solan | 2012 | General |
| Indus International University | Haroli | 2010 | General |
| Jaypee University of Information Technology | Waknaghat | 2002 | Information Technology |
| Maharaja Agrasen University | Solan | 2013 | General |
| Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Solan | Solan | 2010 | General |
| Manav Bharti University | Solan | 2009 | General |
| Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences | Solan | 2009 | Biotechnology |
| Sri Sai University | Palampur | 2011 | General |
Private universities of Jharkhand
| University | Location | Established | Specialization |
| AISECT University, Jharkhand | Hazaribagh | 2016 | General |
| Amity University, Jharkhand | Ranchi | 2016 | General |
| Arka Jain University | Jamshedpur | 2017 | General |
| Capital University, Jharkhand | Koderma | 2018 | General |
| ICFAI University, Jharkhand | Ranchi | 2008 | Management |
| Jharkhand Rai University | Ranchi | 2012 | General |
| Netaji Subhas University | Jamshedpur | 2018 | Management |
| Pragyan International University | Ranchi | 2016 | General |
| Radha Govind University | Ramgarh | 2018 | General |
| Sai Nath University | Ranchi | 2012 | General |
| Sarala Birla University | Ranchi | 2017 | General |
| Usha Martin University | Ranchi | 2014 | General |
| YBN University | Ranchi | 2017 | General |
Private universities of Karnataka
| University | Location | Established | Specialization |
| Adichunchanagiri University | Mandya | 2018 | General |
| Alliance University | Bangalore | 2010 | Management |
| Azim Premji University | Bangalore | 2010 | General |
| CMR University | Bangalore | 2013 | General |
| Dayananda Sagar University | Bangalore | 2014 | General |
| Garden City University | Bangalore | 2013 | General |
| Institute of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology | Bangalore | 2013 | Health Sciences |
| JSS Science and Technology University | Mysore | 2016 | Science and Technology |
| Khaja Bandanawaz University | Kalaburagi | 2018 | General |
| KLE Technological University | Hubli | 2015 | Technology |
| M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences | Bangalore | 2013 | General |
| PES University | Bangalore | 2013 | General |
| Rai Technology University | Bangalore | 2014 | General |
| REVA University | Bangalore | 2013 | General |
| Presidency University | Bangalore | 2013 | Technology, Management |
| Sharnbasva University | Kalaburagi | 2017 | General |
| Srinivas University | Mangalore | 2015 | General |
Private universities of Madhya Pradesh
| University | Location | Established | Specialization |
| AKS University | Satna | 2011 | Agricultural, Technology |
| Amity University, Gwalior | Gwalior | 2010 | General |
| Avantika University | Ujjain | 2017 | Technology, Design |
| Bhabha University | Bhopal | 2018 | General |
| Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam University | Indore | 2016 | General |
| Dr. C.V. Raman University, Khandwa | Khandwa | 2018 | General |
| G.H. Raisoni University | Chhindwara | 2016 | General |
| ITM University, Gwalior | Gwalior | 2011 | General |
| Jagran Lakecity University | Bhopal | 2013 | General |
| Jaypee University of Engineering and Technology | Guna | 2010 | Technology |
| LNCT University | Bhopal | 2015 | General |
| Mandsaur University | Mandsaur | 2016 | General |
| Oriental University | Indore | 2011 | General |
| People's University | Bhopal | 2011 | Healthcare |
| Rabindranath Tagore University | Bhopal | 2010 | General |
| RKDF University | Bhopal | 2011 | Science, Technology |
| Sage University | Indore | 2017 | General |
| Sri Satya Sai University of Technology & Medical Sciences | Madhya Pradesh | 2014 | Medicine |
Private universities of Maharashtra
| University | Location | Established | Specialization |
| Ajeenkya DY Patil University | Pune | 2015 | General |
| Amity University, Mumbai | Mumbai | 2014 | General |
| MIT - World Peace University | Pune | 2017 | General |
| FLAME University | Pune | 2015 | General |
| Sandip University, Nashik | Nashik | 2015 | General |
| Sanjay Ghodawat University | Kolhapur | 2017 | General |
| Spicer Adventist University | Pune | 2014 | General |
| Symbiosis Skills and Open University | Pune | 2017 | General |
| Vishwakarma University | Pune | 2017 | General |
Private universities of Meghalaya
| University | Location | Established | Specialization |
| CMJ University | Shillong | 2009 | General |
| Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India University, Meghalaya | Tura | 2009 | Management |
| Mahatma Gandhi University | Nongpoh | 2011 | Management |
| Martin Luther Christian University | Shillong | 2005 | General |
| Techno Global University | Shillong | 2008 | Technology |
| University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM) | Ri-Bhoi | 2008 | Technology, Management |
| University of Technology and Management | Shillong | 2011 | Technology, Management |
| William Carey University | Shillong | 2005 | General |
Private universities of Mizoram
| University | Location | Established | Specialization |
| Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India University, Mizoram | Aizawl | 2006 | Management |
Private universities of Nagaland
| University | Location | Established | Specialization |
| The Global Open University Nagaland | Dimapur | 2006 | Distance education |
| Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India University, Nagaland | Dimapur | 2009 | Management |
| St. Joseph University | Dimapur | 2016 | Technology, Management |
Private universities of Odisha
| University | Location | Established | Specialization |
| Centurion University of Technology and Management | Bhubaneswar | 2010 | Technology, Management |
| Sri Sri University | Cuttack | 2009 | Humanities, Social Sciences |
| Xavier University | Bhubaneswar | 2013 | Technology, Management |
Private universities of Punjab
| University | Location | Established | Specialization |
| Desh Bhagat University | Mandi Gobindgarh | 2012 | General |
| Chitkara University, Punjab | Rajpura | 2010 | General |
| Chandigarh University | Gharuan | 2012 | General |
| Lovely Professional University | Phagwara | 2006 | General |
| RIMT University | Mandi Gobindgarh | 2015 | General |
| Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University | Fatehgarh Sahib | 2008 | General |
Private universities of Rajasthan
| University | Location | Established | Specialization |
| Amity University, Jaipur | Jaipur | 2008 | General |
| RNB Global University | Bikaner | 2015 | General |
| University of Engineering & Management (UEM), Jaipur | Jaipur | 2012 | General |
| Bhagwant University | Ajmer | 2008 | Technology |
| Dr. K.N.Modi University | Newai | 2010 | Technology |
| Homoeopathy University | Jaipur | 2010 | Homoeopathy |
| ICFAI University, Jaipur | Jaipur | 2011 | Management |
| Jagannath University | Jaipur | 2008 | General |
| Jaipur National University | Jaipur | 2007 | General |
| Vivekananda Global University | Jaipur | 2012 | General |
| Jayoti Vidyapeeth Women's University | Jaipur | 2008 | Women's only |
| Jodhpur National University | Jodhpur | 2008 | General |
| JK Lakshmipat University | Jaipur | 2011 | Technology, Management |
| Madhav University | Sirohi | 2014 | General |
| Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phoole University | Jaipur | 2009 | General |
| Manipal University Jaipur | Jaipur | 2011 | General |
| Mewar University | Chittorgarh | 2008 | General |
| NIIT University | Neemrana | 2010 | Technology, Management |
| Geetanjali University | Udaipur | 2011 | Medicine |
| NIMS University | Jaipur | 2008 | General |
| Pacific University | Udaipur | 2010 | General |
| Pratap University | Jaipur | 2011 | General |
| Raffles University | Neemrana | 2011 | General |
| Singhania University | Jhunjhunu | 2008 | General |
| Sir Padampat Singhania University | Udaipur | 2008 | Technology, Management |
| Sunrise University | Alwar | 2011 | General |
| Suresh Gyan Vihar University | Jaipur | 2008 | General |
| Shri Khushal Das University | Hanumangarh | 2018 | General |
Private universities of Sikkim
| University | Location | Established | Specialization |
| Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India University, Sikkim | Gangtok | 2004 | Management |
| Sikkim Manipal University | Gangtok | 1995 | General |
| Vinayaka Missions Sikkim University | Gangtok | 2008 | General |
Private universities of Tripura
| University | Location | Established | Specialization |
| Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India University, Tripura | Agartala | 2004 | Management |
Private universities of Uttar Pradesh
| University | Location | Established | Specialization |
| Amity University, Noida | Noida | 2005 | General |
| Babu Banarasi Das University | Lucknow | 2010 | General |
| Galgotias University | Greater Noida | 2011 | General |
| Sanskriti University | Mathura | 2016 | General |
| GLA University | Mathura | 2010 | Technology, Management |
| IFTM University | Moradabad | 2010 | Technology |
| Integral University | Lucknow | 2004 | Technology |
| Invertis University | Bareilly | 2010 | Technology |
| Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Handicapped University | Chitrakoot | 2001 | Special |
| Mangalayatan University | Aligarh | 2006 | General |
| Mohammad Ali Jauhar University | Rampur | 2006 | General |
| Sharda University | Greater Noida | 2009 | General |
| Shiv Nadar University | Greater Noida | 2011 | General |
| Shobhit University | Gangoh | 2012 | General |
| Shri Venkateshwara University | Gajraula | 2010 | Technology |
| Swami Vivekanand Subharti University | Meerut | 2008 | General |
| Teerthanker Mahaveer University | Moradabad | 2008 | General |
| IIMT University | Meerut | 2016 | General |
| The Glocal University | Saharanpur | 2012 | General |
Private universities of Uttarakhand
| University | Location | Established | Specialization |
| Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya | Haridwar | 2002 | General |
| DIT University | Dehradun | 2013 | Technology |
| Graphic Era Hill University | Dehradun | 2011 | General |
| Himalayan Garhwal University | Pauri Garhwal | 2016 | General |
| Himgiri Zee University | Dehradun | 2003 | General |
| ICFAI University, Dehradun | Dehradun | 2003 | General |
| University of Petroleum and Energy Studies | Dehradun | 2003 | Energy |
| University of Patanjali | Haridwar | 2002 | Yoga |
| Quantum University | Roorkee | 2017 | Technology, Management |
| Shri Guru Ram Rai University | Dehradun | 2017 | Medicine |
Private universities of West Bengal
| University | Location | Established | Specialization |
| Techno India University | New Town, Kolkata | 2012 | Technology, Management |
| Adamas University | Barasat | 2014 | Technology, Management |
| JIS University | Agarpara | 2014 | Technology, Management |
| Brainware University | Barasat | 2016 | Technology, Management, General |
| Seacom Skills University | Birbhum | 2014 | Technology |
| University of Engineering & Management (UEM), Kolkata | New Town, Kolkata | 2014 | Technology, Management |
| Neotia University | Sarisha | 2015 | General |
| Amity University, Kolkata | New Town, Kolkata | 2015 | General |
| St. Xavier's University, Kolkata | New Town, Kolkata | 2017 | Management, General |
| Sister Nivedita University | New Town, Kolkata | 2017 | Technology, Management |