State Universities in India are institutions of higher education established and funded by the respective state governments. Unlike central universities, which are created by an act of Parliament and funded by the central government, state universities are set up through legislation passed by a state legislature and primarily cater to the educational needs of the state’s population. They play a vital role in expanding access to higher education and promoting regional development.
State universities offer a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across diverse fields, including sciences, humanities, social sciences, engineering, management, law, and medicine. Many of these universities also focus on research, innovation, and community engagement, contributing to the socio-economic development of their regions. Most state universities are recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), ensuring academic standards and the authority to confer degrees.
These universities often have numerous affiliated colleges spread across districts within the state, allowing students from smaller towns and rural areas to access higher education. Many state universities are also gaining recognition for their contributions to research, entrepreneurship, and skill development. By fostering local talent, promoting cultural heritage, and emphasizing inclusive education, state universities remain a cornerstone of India’s higher education system, balancing regional priorities with national and global academic standards.
1. Assam Agricultural University (AAU)
Assam Agricultural University (AAU) Jorhat was established in 1969 and offers Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Doctoral (PhD) programmes in Agriculture and various allied disciplines. The university comprises six affiliated colleges spread across the state.
Key Highlights of Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhat
Industry Collaborations:
AAU has partnered with several national and international organisations to enhance research, education, and training opportunities for students and faculty. Prominent collaborators include HarvestPlus, ICRISAT, ICAR-NRRI, CSMP-IRRI, and others.
Training and Placement Cell:
The university has an active placement cell that facilitates recruitment drives and internships. Top recruiters include the Food Corporation of India (FCI), State Bank of India (SBI), and Tata Rallis.
Academic Excellence:
Located in Jorhat, Assam, AAU is renowned for its flagship B.Sc. (Agriculture) and M.Sc. (Agriculture) programmes. The Jorhat Agricultural College plays a vital role in advancing agricultural research, crop improvement, horticulture, and livestock production. The university is ICAR-accredited and ranked 36th in the NIRF 2024 rankings under the Agriculture and Allied Sectors category.
Social Initiatives:
Recently, AAU launched the Cloth Bank Initiative, distributing clothes to over 200 beneficiaries, reflecting the university’s commitment to social responsibility and community welfare.
Centre of Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL):
The university houses a dedicated CETL aimed at improving the quality of teaching and learning. It conducts workshops, seminars, and training programmes focused on multidisciplinary skill development for both students and faculty.
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2. Assam Rajiv Gandhi University of Co-operative Management (ARGUCOM),
Assam Rajiv Gandhi University of Co-operative Management (ARGUCOM), located in Assam, was established in 2010. The university offers Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes across diverse disciplines, including Business and Management Studies, Information Technology and Software, Law, Banking, Finance, and Insurance.
ARGUCOM offers more than five academic programmes, including MBA/PGDM, MCA, BBA, LL.M., and M.Com, all conducted in full-time mode. The university’s total student intake capacity is 120.
The course fees at ARGUCOM range approximately between INR 45,000 and INR 1,50,000, depending on the programme.
3. Assam Science and Technology University
The Assam Science and Technology University (ASTU) was established by the Government of Assam under the Assam Science and Technology University Act, 2009. Its primary objective is to promote education and research in science, technology, and various professional disciplines across Assam. ASTU serves as the premier and only technical university in the North-Eastern Region of India.
The university oversees the academic regulation of all undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, and several professional courses in science and management. It also offers its own postgraduate program in Energy Engineering.
Since its establishment, ASTU has been committed to delivering high-quality teaching and research in cutting-edge areas of science and technology. The university continuously updates its curricula, fosters an environment conducive to international-standard research, and strives to bridge the region’s ancient wisdom with modern technological advancements.
4. Assam Skill University (ASU)
The Assam Skill University (ASU) was established through the Assam Skill University Act, passed by the Assam Legislative Assembly in September 2020.
ASU envisions emerging as a leading institution known for its high academic standards and world-class infrastructure. Its vision includes:
- Building a premier institution with a modern, state-of-the-art campus equipped with advanced technologies and facilities.
- Integrating skill development and training with higher education while promoting applied research, innovation, and entrepreneurship education.
- Enhancing the skill base to improve industrial productivity and global competitiveness across Assam and the North Eastern Region.
ASU aims to cater to the educational and training needs of students, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, higher education providers, and industries in Assam and neighboring countries that share similar skill development challenges and long-standing regional ties.
A city campus has been established at Birubari, Guwahati, within the ITI-Guwahati premises, where academic sessions for the year 2024–25 have already commenced. The main campus, located at Mangaldai in Darrang district, will become operational in the 2025–26 academic session. Strategically situated about 74 kilometers east of Guwahati and within 25 kilometers of National Highway 27, the Mangaldai campus benefits from excellent connectivity through air, water, rail, and road networks—linking it efficiently to other major cities in Assam as well as neighboring states and countries.
5. Assam Women’s University (AWU),
Assam Women’s University (AWU), located in Jorhat, Assam, is dedicated to providing quality higher education exclusively for women. The university offers full-time degree programs across various disciplines, with a total of 12 courses spanning two key specializations — English and Travel & Tourism Management.
AWU offers a diverse range of programs, including MBA/PGDM, MCA, M.A., M.Lib.I.Sc., and MHMTT, catering to different academic and professional aspirations. The university’s curriculum covers multiple streams such as Information Technology & Software, Business & Management Studies, Mass Communication & Media, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Hospitality & Travel.
Committed to fostering academic excellence and holistic development, Assam Women’s University provides all essential facilities and a supportive learning environment to help students achieve their educational and career goals.
6. Bhattadev University
Bhattadev University, Bajali, represents the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream of the people of the greater Bajali Sub-Division. The university officially came into existence on 24th June 2019, following the appointment of Prof. Birinchi Kr. Das was its first Vice-Chancellor. It was established under the Bhattadev University Act, 2017, which received the assent of the Governor of Assam on 16th October 2017.
The university evolved from the illustrious Bajali College, an institution with a legacy of over six decades, widely recognized as one of Assam’s premier centers of higher education. Bhattadev University is named in honor of Baikunthanath Bhagavat Bhattacharya, popularly known as Bhattadev, revered as the Father of Assamese Prose. His exceptional scholarship in Sanskrit grammar and literature, along with his profound understanding of the Shrimadbhagavata Purana, earned him the title Bhagavat Bhattacharya.
The foundation of Bajali College was laid through the collective vision and dedication of the people of Bajali, particularly the local agrarian community, who contributed from their modest earnings—often by selling rice paddy—to establish the institution. Under the dynamic leadership of Kameswar Das, a distinguished scholar who secured first class first in his M.Sc. from Calcutta University, Bajali College steadily advanced toward academic excellence.
Founded in 1955, the college soon became one of the leading institutions for science education in Assam. It was also among the pioneers in introducing postgraduate programs, offering M.A./M.Sc. courses in Geography and Zoology as early as the 1980s, the Department of Geography being the second oldest postgraduate department in Assam after Gauhati University.
In recognition of its consistent pursuit of academic distinction, Bajali College was accredited with an “A” Grade by NAAC in its second accreditation cycle in 2016. This legacy of excellence continues under Bhattadev University, which remains committed to advancing higher education and research in the region.
7. Birangana Sati Sadhani Rajyik Vishwavidyalaya
Birangana Sati Sadhani Rajyik Vishwavidyalaya was established by the Government of Assam under the Birangana Sati Sadhani Rajyik Vishwavidyalaya Act, 2020. Prof. Jyoti Prasad Saikia has been appointed as the university’s first Vice-Chancellor. The university has been allotted land at Rangajan, under the Morongi Revenue Circle of Golaghat District, while the Vice-Chancellor’s office is currently functioning from the Golaghat Engineering College premises.
The vision and mission of the university focus on developing global citizens through a holistic learning process, while striving to become a center of multidisciplinary research and academic excellence that benefits all stakeholders.
The university’s mandate is to meet the educational aspirations of a diverse group of learners through doctoral research programs, postgraduate diplomas, and certificate courses. These academic offerings are designed in alignment with the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary learning approaches.
A key objective of the university is to be research-centric, dedicating approximately 60% of its focus to research activities and 40% to academic instruction. This emphasis on research reflects the NEP’s vision of enhancing universities’ contributions to knowledge creation and innovation.
8. Bodoland University
Bodoland University is a state university established under the Bodoland University Act, 2009, passed by the Assam Legislative Assembly on 28th February 2009. It is one of the fastest-growing universities in Lower Assam and serves as the only institution of higher education in the western part of the state, dedicated to fostering comprehensive regional development.
The university is committed to promoting academic growth and research in Lower Assam, particularly within the Bodoland Territorial Autonomous Districts (BTAD) region. It offers opportunities for higher education to the local population while also catering to students from neighboring Indian states and nearby countries such as Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
Bodoland University currently comprises 17 postgraduate departments, 48 affiliated degree colleges, 4 District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs), and 3 B.Ed. colleges. The university follows the Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS) as per UGC guidelines, ensuring flexibility and academic rigor.
In addition to its regular programs, the university offers specialized courses such as a Diploma in Bamboo Technology, a Post Graduate Diploma in Human Rights and Education (PGDHRE), and several certificate programs designed to enhance professional and vocational skills.
The Padmashri Modaram Brahma Central Library serves as a hub of knowledge, offering extensive academic resources and modern facilities. The university campus also houses a Health Centre, Technology Incubation Centre, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Cell, bus services, and hostel accommodations for students and research scholars — all contributing to a holistic and supportive learning environment.
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9. Cotton University
Cotton University is a public state university situated in Guwahati, Assam, India. Originally founded as Cotton College in 1901 by Sir Henry Stedman Cotton, the then Chief Commissioner of the British province of Assam, the institution has a rich legacy in higher education. In 2017, through an Act passed by the Assam Legislative Assembly, Cotton College and Cotton College State University were merged to form Cotton University.
The university has earned recognition among India’s leading institutions, ranking in the 150–200 band in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in May 2020.
10. Dibrugarh University
Dibrugarh University, the easternmost university in India, was established in 1965 under the provisions of the Dibrugarh University Act, 1965, enacted by the Assam Legislative Assembly. It is a premier institution driven by research and innovation, serving as a vital center for shaping the socio-cultural and intellectual landscape of Northeast India. The University fosters a wide range of academic and creative pursuits that encourage critical thinking, theorizing, and reflection.
As a center of educational excellence, Dibrugarh University strives to integrate multidisciplinary approaches, merging diverse theoretical perspectives with practical knowledge. It bridges cultural diversity with academic inquiry and connects region-specific issues to global perspectives. The University maintains a strong and productive interface between academia and industry, enhancing its research and educational impact.
With robust international collaborations and dynamic teaching and research programs, Dibrugarh University offers transformative learning experiences that equip students to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to society. The University has 177 affiliated colleges and institutes spread across nine districts of Assam. It is a proud member of the Association of Indian Universities and is recognized by academic institutions across India and abroad.
11. Gauhati University (GU)
Gauhati University (GU) is one of the leading institutions of higher education in Northeast India and a highly sought-after destination for postgraduate studies. Recognized for its academic excellence, GU holds an NAAC A+ grade and has consistently ranked among the top institutions in the country according to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). In the NIRF 2024 rankings, GU secured the top position among all universities in Northeast India. The university is also noted for its wide-ranging and diversified academic programs, making it unique among higher education institutions in the region.
Gauhati University has been honored with the prestigious NSS Award for 2019-20, presented to the Vice Chancellor and the NSS Programme Coordinator by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 24th September 2021. GU was one of only two universities in the entire country to receive this recognition, highlighting its commitment to social responsibility and student engagement.
12. Jagannath Barooah College
Jagannath Barooah College is a distinguished institution of higher education located in Jorhat, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historic significance in the upper Brahmaputra Valley of Assam. Established in 1930, the college played a pivotal role in the development of modern education in colonial Assam. Over its 94-year legacy, J.B. College has evolved into a center of academic excellence, aligning its vision and mission with the broader objectives of higher education in India. The institution has made significant contributions to nation-building by fostering global competencies, continuously upgrading teaching and learning methods, and implementing innovative programs and policies to fulfill the aspirations of its stakeholders.
The college was reaccredited by NAAC in 2011 with an “A” grade in recognition of its outstanding performance in higher education. It was also granted autonomous status by the UGC starting from the 2016-17 academic session. Additionally, J.B. College has been honored with Star College status by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, reflecting its excellence in science education and research.
13. Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU)
Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU), the only State Open University in Northeast India, was established under the KKHSOU Act, 2005, enacted by the Government of Assam and published in the Assam Gazette (Extraordinary) on 29th September 2005. The university received recognition from the former Distance Education Council (DEC), now the Distance Education Bureau (UGC), New Delhi, through letter no. DEC/Misc/07/5957 dated 3rd October 2007. Later, the University Grants Commission (UGC), in its letter dated 18th March 2009 (Ref. F.9-13/2008(CPP-I)), empowered KKHSOU to confer degrees under Section 22 of the UGC Act, 1956.
Established as the 14th Open University in India alongside IGNOU, KKHSOU has its headquarters at Patgaon, Rani, Guwahati. The university began its journey under the leadership of Prof. Srinath Baruah, former Professor of Economics at Gauhati University, who served as its founding Vice-Chancellor.
14. Kumar Bhaskar Varma Sanskrit and Ancient Studies University (KBVSASU)
Kumar Bhaskar Varma Sanskrit and Ancient Studies University (KBVSASU), Assam, was established in 2011 to provide quality education in the fields of Humanities and Social Sciences. Recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), the university offers a range of programs in Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education.
KBVSASU provides Integrated MA, MA, PG Diploma, and certificate courses across various specializations and is supported by a team of 31 highly qualified faculty members. Spread over 33 acres, the campus offers essential facilities such as a library and a cafeteria. In addition, the university actively organizes workshops and seminars to enrich the academic and professional development of both students and faculty.
15. Madhabdev University
16. Majuli University of Culture
17. Nowgong College
18. National Law University and Judicial Academy
19. North Lakhimpur College
20. Rabindranath Tagore University
21. Sibsagar University
22. Sri Sri Aniruddhadeva Sports University
23. Srimanta Sankaradeva University of Health Sciences
24. Gurucharan College
How many State Universities are in Assam List?
In 2025, there are at least 24 state universities in Assam, according to the University Grants Commission (UGC) official website.