Top Colleges in Uttar Pradesh 2026: Rankings, Fees, Admissions, Courses & Placements
Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, has over 8,300+ colleges across various disciplines, including premier institutions like IIT Kanpur, IIM Lucknow, and King George's Medical University (KGMU). The average total fees for professional courses range from a low of ₹60,000 in government colleges to over ₹25 Lakh in top private universities. Admission is primarily based on highly competitive national entrance exams (JEE Advanced, CAT, NEET, CUET) and state-level counselling. Graduates from these top colleges in Uttar Pradesh can command median salaries between ₹7 LPA and over ₹32 LPA, offering exceptional Return on Investment (ROI).
Best Colleges in Uttar Pradesh (Quick List):
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IIT Kanpur: Consistently ranked among the top 5 Engineering colleges nationally, known for rigorous academics and high placements.
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IIM Lucknow: A top-tier public management institution with a stellar placement record and international reputation.
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IIT BHU, Varanasi: Offers strong Engineering programs within the sprawling campus and culture of Banaras Hindu University.
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King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow: The most prestigious government Medical college in the state.
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IIIT Allahabad: Famous for its Computer Science and IT programs, boasting one of the highest average packages in the country.
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Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh: A historic central university offering diverse courses with very low fees and excellent ROI.
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Amity University, Noida: A leading private university known for modern infrastructure, industry focus, and high student intake.
Top Colleges in Uttar Pradesh (2026)
The following colleges are counted among the best in Uttar Pradesh, based on NIRF 2025 rankings, placements, faculty–student ratio, and their overall academic reputation.
| College / Institute | Ownership | Total Fees | Top Courses | NIRF 2025 Ranking (Overall / Category) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIT Kanpur | Government (Central) | ₹8.5 Lakh – ₹10 Lakh | B.Tech, M.Tech, Ph.D. | #5 (Overall); #4 (Engineering) |
| IIM Lucknow | Government (Central) | ₹19 Lakh – ₹26 Lakh | MBA, PGP | #5 (Management) |
| IIT BHU, Varanasi | Government (Central) | ₹8.5 Lakh – ₹10 Lakh | B.Tech, M.Tech, Ph.D. | #10 (Engineering) |
| King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow | Government (State) | ₹40,000 – ₹2 Lakh | MBBS, MD, MS | #50 (University category 2025) |
| Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) | Government (Central) | ₹66,000 – ₹7.5 Lakh | B.Tech, MBBS, BA-LLB | #34 (Engineering) |
| Amity University, Noida | Private | ₹6 Lakh – ₹25 Lakh | B.Tech, MBA, Law | #37 (Engineering) |
| MNNIT Allahabad | Government (Central) | ₹6.5 Lakh – ₹7 Lakh | B.Tech, M.Tech | #62 (Engineering) |
Top Government Colleges in Uttar Pradesh
Government colleges and universities in UP, especially the centrally-funded institutes, are highly sought after due to their low fees, high-quality education, and impressive ROI.
| College Name | Total Fees | Exams Accepted |
| IIT Kanpur | ₹8.5 Lakh – ₹10 Lakh | JEE Advanced, GATE |
| IIM Lucknow | ₹19 Lakh – ₹26 Lakh | CAT |
| IIT BHU, Varanasi | ₹8.5 Lakh – ₹10 Lakh | JEE Advanced, GATE |
| King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow | ₹40,000 – ₹2 Lakh | NEET UG/PG |
| IIIT Allahabad | ₹7 Lakh – ₹8.5 Lakh | JEE Main, GATE, CUET-PG |
| Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) | ₹66,000 – ₹7.5 Lakh | AMU Entrance Exam, NEET, JEE Main |
| MNNIT Allahabad | ₹6.5 Lakh – ₹7 Lakh | JEE Main, GATE |
| Dr. RML National Law University (RMLNLU) | ₹6 Lakh – ₹8 Lakh | CLAT |
Top Private Colleges in Uttar Pradesh
The NCR region (Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad) is home to many top private universities known for industry-aligned programs and placements.
| College Name | Total Fees | Exams Accepted |
| Amity University, Noida | ₹6 Lakh – ₹25 Lakh | Amity JEE, NEET, CAT/MAT, CUET |
| Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT), Noida | ₹9 Lakh – ₹16 Lakh | JEE Main |
| Shiv Nadar University (SNU), Greater Noida | ₹14 Lakh – ₹25 Lakh | SNU Scholastic Aptitude Test (SNUSAT) |
| IMT Ghaziabad | ₹21 Lakh – ₹31 Lakh | CAT, XAT, GMAT |
| Galgotias University (GU), Greater Noida | ₹4 Lakh – ₹10 Lakh | CUET, JEE Main, University Entrance |
| Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), Gr. Noida | ₹14 Lakh – ₹16 Lakh | CAT, XAT, CMAT |
Fees for Colleges in Uttar Pradesh
The fee structure across UP colleges is highly diverse, ranging from nearly free at certain government institutions to significant amounts at autonomous private universities.
| College | Total Fees | Hostel Fees |
| IIT Kanpur (B.Tech) | ₹10 Lakh | ₹30,000 – ₹60,000 |
| KGMU Lucknow (MBBS) | ₹1.8 Lakh – ₹2.5 Lakh | ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 |
| Amity University, Noida (B.Tech) | ₹16 Lakh | ₹90,000 – ₹1,80,000 |
| MNNIT Allahabad (B.Tech) | ₹6.5 Lakh | ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 |
| IMT Ghaziabad (PGDM) | ₹21 Lakh | ₹1,20,000 – ₹1,80,000 |
Colleges in Uttar Pradesh With Low Fees
For students prioritizing affordability without sacrificing quality, the following institutions, primarily government-funded, offer the best value with low fees.
| College Name | Total Fees (Range) | Ownership |
| Dayalbagh Educational Institute (DEI), Agra | ₹11,000 – ₹1.5 Lakh | Government (Deemed) |
| KGMU, Lucknow (MBBS) | ₹1.8 Lakh – ₹2.5 Lakh | Government (State) |
| University of Lucknow | ₹10,000 – ₹4 Lakh | Government (State) |
| Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) | ₹66,000 – ₹7.5 Lakh | Government (Central) |
| BHU, Varanasi (Arts/Science) | ₹10,000 – ₹3 Lakh | Government (Central) |
| Harcourt Butler Technical University (HBTU), Kanpur | ₹5.25 Lakh – ₹7 Lakh | Government (State) |
Eligibility for All Courses in Uttar Pradesh
Meeting the basic eligibility criteria is mandatory before attempting the competitive entrance exams for UP colleges.
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Age:
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No upper age limit for most UG courses (B.Tech, BBA, B.Sc., etc.).
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Minimum age of 17 years by December 31st of the admission year is mandatory for NEET (MBBS/BDS).
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Education (UG Courses):
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Must have passed the 10+2 (Intermediate) examination from a recognized board.
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For Engineering, candidates must have Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
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For Medical, candidates must have Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB).
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Minimum Marks:
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Generally, a minimum of 45% (General) or 40% (Reserved Categories) in the qualifying 10+2 exam is required for State/AKTU colleges.
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For IITs, NITs, and IIITs, candidates must meet the 75% minimum aggregate criteria in Class 12 or be in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards.
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Entrance Exam Requirement:
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A valid score/rank in the respective national (JEE Main, NEET) or state (CUET, University-specific) entrance examination is necessary for merit-based admission.
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Admission Process for UP Colleges
Admission to top colleges in Uttar Pradesh is highly competitive, relying heavily on national-level entrance exams for the majority of seats, followed by a centralized counselling process.
Step-by-Step Admission
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1. Entrance Exam & Score: The candidate appears for the relevant entrance exam (e.g., JEE Main/Advanced, NEET, CAT, CUET).
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2. Registration: Candidates register for the respective counseling body or university admission portal (e.g., JoSAA/CSAB for IITs/NITs/IIITs, UPTAC for state government/private colleges, or MCC for Medical seats).
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3. Choice Filling: Based on their entrance rank, candidates select their preferred courses and colleges.
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4. Seat Allotment: Seats are allocated based on rank, category, and choices filled.
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5. Document Verification & Fee Payment: The final step involves in-person document verification and payment of the admission fee to confirm the seat.
Entrance Exams for All Courses in Uttar Pradesh
A few key exams govern the majority of admissions into government and private colleges across all streams in UP.
| Exam Name | Conducting Body | Accepted By / Relevance |
| JEE Advanced | One of the IITs | Mandatory for B.Tech admission into IIT Kanpur and IIT BHU. |
| JEE Main | National Testing Agency (NTA) | For B.Tech admission to NITs, IIITs, HBTU, and all colleges under UPTAC counselling. |
| NEET UG | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Mandatory for admission to MBBS and BDS programs (KGMU, AIIMS Gorakhpur, etc.). |
| CUET (UG/PG) | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Increasingly used for UG/PG admission into Central and State Universities (BHU, AMU, AKTU colleges). |
| CAT | IIMs | Essential for MBA/PGDM admission into IIM Lucknow and other top private B-schools (IMT Ghaziabad, BIMTECH). |
| CLAT | Consortium of NLUs | Mandatory for BA LLB and LLM at Dr. RML National Law University and other premier Law colleges. |
Colleges in Uttar Pradesh Without Entrance Exam
While top government and technical institutions mandate entrance exams, a few reputed private colleges and universities in UP offer merit-based admission or use their own basic tests combined with an interview, simplifying the process for students with strong 10+2 scores.
| College Name | Admission Mode | Total Fees (Range) |
| Amity University, Noida | 10+2 Merit / Amity JEE | ₹6 Lakh – ₹25 Lakh |
| Galgotias University | 10+2 Merit / CUET / Interview | ₹4 Lakh – ₹10 Lakh |
| Integral University, Lucknow | Merit-based / University Entrance | ₹3 Lakh – ₹15 Lakh |
| Sharda University, Greater Noida | Merit-based / University Entrance | ₹4 Lakh – ₹18 Lakh |
| SRM University, Ghaziabad | 10+2 Merit / University Entrance | ₹3 Lakh – ₹8 Lakh |
Placements for UP Colleges (ROI)
The top engineering and management colleges in UP offer an exceptionally high return on investment, with average salaries significantly outweighing the total course fees.
| College | Average Package (Approx.) | Highest Package (Approx.) | Top Recruiters |
| IIT Kanpur | ₹28 LPA | ₹1.9 Cr (International) | Microsoft, Google, Intel, Ola, Uber |
| IIM Lucknow | ₹32.3 LPA | ₹1.15 Cr (International) | BCG, McKinsey, Accenture, Amazon |
| IIIT Allahabad | ₹25.78 LPA | ₹1.21 Cr | Apple, Goldman Sachs, Oracle, Samsung |
| MNNIT Allahabad | ₹13 LPA | ₹52 LPA | Adobe, Sprinklr, Flipkart, Deloitte |
| Amity University, Noida | ₹6.5 LPA | ₹61.75 LPA | IBM, Wipro, Capgemini, TCS, Cognizant |
| JIIT, Noida | ₹11.49 LPA | ₹82.89 LPA | Google, Atlassian, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley |
Top Recruiters for UP Graduates
Graduates from top colleges in Uttar Pradesh are recruited by leading global and national firms across diverse sectors, largely driven by the proximity to the NCR hub.
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IT/Software & Analytics:
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Microsoft, Google, Oracle, Amazon, Apple, IBM, Flipkart, Adobe, Samsung, TCS, Wipro, Infosys, Accenture.
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Consulting & Finance:
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McKinsey & Company, BCG, Bain & Co., Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, Deloitte, EY, PwC.
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Core Engineering/Manufacturing:
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Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Tata Motors, Reliance Industries, Siemens, Bosch, GAIL (for RGIPT).
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Medical/Pharma:
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Apollo Hospitals, Medanta, Cipla, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Biocon, Serum Institute.
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Government & PSU:
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DRDO, ISRO, PSUs like ONGC, NTPC, and IOCL (recruitment through GATE and other exams).
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How to Choose the Best College in Uttar Pradesh
The sheer volume of colleges in UP requires a strategic approach to selecting the best institution for your career goals.
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Accreditation and Affiliation: Prioritize colleges with NAAC A++/A+ grades and specific course accreditation by bodies like NBA (Engineering) and MCI/NMC (Medical).
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Fees vs. ROI: Always calculate the ratio of Average CTC to Total Fees. A college with slightly higher fees but a disproportionately high average package is generally the smarter choice.
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Faculty Pedigree: Check the faculty profile for expertise, industry experience, and research publications (high H-index).
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Infrastructure and Labs: Ensure the institute has modern, well-equipped labs and a stable, high-speed campus network, which is vital for technical courses.
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Placement Transparency: Look for publicly audited placement reports, median salary data (not just the highest package), and placement percentage.
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Alumni Network: A strong, globally present alumni network often provides better mentorship and job referral opportunities.
FAQs
Q. Which is the No. 1 college in Uttar Pradesh?
IIT Kanpur is widely considered the No. 1 college in Uttar Pradesh, followed by IIM Lucknow and IIT BHU, Varanasi, based on NIRF and global rankings across all streams.
Q. What is the average fee for B.Tech in UP colleges?
The average total fee for a B.Tech program in UP is approximately ₹6.5 Lakh in top government colleges (MNNIT, IIIT) and ranges from ₹10 Lakh to ₹16 Lakh in highly-ranked private institutions.
Q. Is admission in UP based on JEE or CUET?
Admission to premier Engineering colleges (IITs, NITs, IIITs) is through JEE Main/Advanced. Many other central/state universities and private colleges now use the CUET score for UG admissions.
Q. What are the best low-fees colleges in Uttar Pradesh?
The best low-fees colleges are government institutions like Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), BHU Varanasi, University of Lucknow, and KGMU, where total course fees can be under ₹2 Lakh.
Q. Which colleges in UP have the highest placement average?
IIM Lucknow (Average ₹32.3 LPA) and IIT Kanpur (Average ₹28 LPA) report the highest average placements, followed closely by IIIT Allahabad (Average ₹25.78 LPA).
Q. Is it possible to get admission without an entrance exam in a good UP college?
Yes, several reputable private universities like Amity University and Galgotias University offer admission through a management quota or based on a high 10+2 merit score, sometimes requiring only a personal interview.
Q. What is the minimum eligibility for a UG course in UP?
The minimum eligibility is typically a passing grade (45–50%) in the 10+2 (Intermediate) examination with the relevant subject combination (PCM for Tech, PCB for Medical).
Q. Which is better: IIT BHU or IIT Kanpur?
IIT Kanpur is generally ranked higher for Core Engineering and Research. IIT BHU is highly regarded for its cultural environment and strong performance in specific branches, offering similar excellent placements.
Q. Which exams are accepted for MBA admission in UP?
CAT is the primary exam for IIM Lucknow and top private B-schools like IMT Ghaziabad. XAT, GMAT, and CMAT are also widely accepted.
Showing 1289 Colleges
IIT Kanpur is a Public University, located in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. IIT Kanpur offers 7 courses at the Masters, Bachelors, Doctorate Levels such as M.Des, BSc, BTech, MBA, MSc, MTech, PhD in multiple disciplines.
BHU is a Public University, located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. BHU offers 48 courses at the Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate, Postgraduate Diploma, Certificate, Diploma Levels such as BAMS, BDS, BFA, LLB, B.Pharmacy, B.P.Ed, B.V.Sc, B.Voc, MCA, M.Ed, MFA, LLM, M.Lib.I.Sc, MPA, M.P.Ed, MBBS, BA Hons, BCom Hons, B.Ed, BSc Hons, BTech, MD, MA, MBA, Master of Chirurgiae [M.Ch], M.Com, MDS, M.Pharm, M.Phil, MSc, M.S, MTech, BNYS, D.Litt, MFM, PhD, PGD, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Performing Arts, DM, MFT, MTTM, D.Sc, LLD, Certificate, Diploma, MMus, Master of Musicology, MPM, Post Doctoral in multiple disciplines.
AMU is a Public University, located in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. AMU offers 32 courses at the Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate, Postgraduate Diploma, Diploma Levels such as B.Arch, BDS, Bachelor of Engineering, BFA, B.Lib.I.Sc, B.P.Ed, MCA, MFC, MFA, LLM, M.Lib.I.Sc, M.P.Ed, MSW, MTM, MBBS, BA Hons, BCom, B.Ed, BSc Hons, BTech, MD, MA, MBA, Master of Chirurgiae [M.Ch], M.Com, M.Phil, MSc, MTech, PGDM, MHRM, PhD, PGD, PGP, Diploma in multiple disciplines.
IIT Varanasi (BHU) is a Public College, located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. IIT Varanasi (BHU) offers 7 courses at the Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate Levels such as B.Arch, B.Pharmacy, BTech, M.Pharm, MSc, MTech, PhD in multiple disciplines.
Amity University Noida is a Private University, located in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Amity University Noida offers 49 courses at the Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate, Postgraduate Diploma, Certificate, Diploma Levels such as B.Arch, BBA, BCA, BFA, BHM, LLB, B.Pharmacy, B.P.Ed, BPT, BSW, MHA, M.Arch, MCA, M.Des, M.Ed, MFA, LLM, M.P.Ed, MPT, M.Plan, MPH, MSW, BA Hons, BCom, BDes, B.Ed, BSc Hons, BTech, MA, MBA, M.Com, M.Pharm, M.Phil, MSc, MTech, Bachelor of Occupational Therapy [BOT], B.El.Ed, B.Planning, PhD, PGD, Bachelor of Performing Arts, MTTM, BID, BStat, BPES, Certificate, Diploma, MID, MUD, LLM, MOT in multiple disciplines.
KGMU is a Public College, located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. KGMU offers 9 courses at the Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate, Postgraduate Diploma, Diploma Levels such as BDS, MHA, MBBS, MD, Master of Chirurgiae [M.Ch], M.S, PhD, PGD, DM, Diploma in multiple disciplines.
Banasthali Vidyapith is a Private College, located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Banasthali Vidyapith offers 22 courses at the Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate Levels such as BBA, BCA, B.Pharmacy, MCA, M.Des, M.Ed, LLM, MSW, BA, BCom, BDes, B.Ed, BSc, BTech, MA, MBA, M.Com, M.Pharm, M.Phil, MSc, MTech, PhD in multiple disciplines.
MNNIT Allahabad is a Public University, located in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. MNNIT Allahabad offers 6 courses at the Masters, Bachelors, Doctorate Levels such as MCA, BTech, MBA, MSc, MTech, PhD in multiple disciplines.
IIIT Allahabad is a Public University, located in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. IIIT Allahabad offers 4 courses at the Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate Levels such as BTech, MBA, MTech, PhD in multiple disciplines.
Amity University, Noida is a Private College, located in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Amity University, Noida offers 9 courses at the Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate, Diploma Levels such as BBA, B.Voc, BA Hons, BCom, BDes, BTech, MBA, MTech, PhD, Diploma in multiple disciplines.
IMS Noida is a Private College, located in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. IMS Noida offers 7 courses at the Bachelors, Masters, Postgraduate Diploma Levels such as BBA, BCA, BJMC, LLB, MIB, MCA, BCom, PGDM in multiple disciplines.
Galgotias is a Private College, located in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Galgotias offers 1 courses at the Postgraduate Diploma Levels such as PGDM, PGD in multiple disciplines.
IMS Engineering College is a Private College, located in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. IMS Engineering College offers 4 courses at the Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate Levels such as BTech, MBA, MTech, PhD in multiple disciplines.
Shri Ram Murti Smarak College of Engineering and Technology is a Private College, located in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. Shri Ram Murti Smarak College of Engineering and Technology offers 6 courses at the Bachelors, Masters Levels such as B.Pharmacy, MCA, BTech, MBA, M.Pharm, MTech in multiple disciplines.
ABS Noida is a Private College, located in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. ABS Noida offers 1 courses at the Masters Levels such as MBA in multiple disciplines.
HBTU is a Public College, located in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. HBTU offers 5 courses at the Masters, Bachelors, Doctorate Levels such as MCA, BTech, MBA, MTech, PhD in multiple disciplines.
IIIT Delhi is a Private College, located in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh. IIIT Delhi offers 4 courses at the Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate, Postgraduate Diploma Levels such as BTech Hons, MTech, PhD, PGD in multiple disciplines.
Institute of Management Studies, BHU is a Public College, located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Institute of Management Studies, BHU offers 3 courses at the Masters, Doctorate, Postgraduate Diploma, Certificate, Diploma Levels such as MBA, PhD, PGD, Certificate, Diploma in multiple disciplines.
Jaipuria Institute of Management Noida is a Private College, located in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Jaipuria Institute of Management Noida offers 1 courses at the Postgraduate Diploma Levels such as PGDM in multiple disciplines.
PSIT Kanpur is a Private College, located in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. PSIT Kanpur offers 4 courses at the Masters, Bachelors Levels such as MCA, BTech, MBA, MTech in multiple disciplines.
ITS Ghaziabad is a Private College, located in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. ITS Ghaziabad offers 2 courses at the Masters, Postgraduate Diploma Levels such as MCA, MBA, PGDM in multiple disciplines.
Sri Ram Murti Smarak International Business School (SRMS)
Sri Ram Murti Smarak International Business School (SRMS) is a Private College, located in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. Sri Ram Murti Smarak International Business School (SRMS) offers 1 courses at the Postgraduate Diploma Levels such as PGDM, PGD in multiple disciplines.
GLA University is a Private University, located in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. GLA University offers 15 courses at the Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate, Diploma Levels such as BBA Hons, BCA, B.Pharmacy, MCA, LLM, BA Hons, BCom Hons, B.Ed, BSc Hons, BTech Hons, MBA, M.Pharm, MSc, MTech, PhD, Diploma in multiple disciplines.
IIM Lucknow is a Public College, located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. IIM Lucknow offers 2 courses at the Masters, Postgraduate Diploma, Doctorate Levels such as MBA, PGP, Fellowship Program in multiple disciplines.
Faculty of Engineering, Dayalbagh Educational Institute
Faculty of Engineering, Dayalbagh Educational Institute is a Private College, located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Faculty of Engineering, Dayalbagh Educational Institute offers 2 courses at the Bachelors, Masters Levels such as BTech, MTech in multiple disciplines.
Jaipuria Institute of Management Lucknow is a Private University, located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Jaipuria Institute of Management Lucknow offers 1 courses at the Postgraduate Diploma Levels such as PGDM in multiple disciplines.
VESIM - Vivekanand Education Society Institute of Management Studies and Research is a Private College, located in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh. VESIM - Vivekanand Education Society Institute of Management Studies and Research offers 1 courses at the Postgraduate Diploma Levels such as PGDM in multiple disciplines.
