“The Uttar Pradesh government has approved multiple new private universities, including KD University in Mathura, Vidya University in Meerut, and others in Ayodhya, Ghaziabad, Barabanki, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, and Unnao. Aimed at enhancing educational quality and accessibility, these institutions align with the 2024 Higher Education Promotion Policy, fostering employment and global academic collaboration.”
UP’s Push for Educational Excellence with New Universities
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has greenlit the establishment of several private universities to transform the state into a higher education hub. Under the Uttar Pradesh Higher Education Promotion Policy, 2024, two private universities—KD University in Mathura and Vidya University in Meerut—were approved in October 2024. KD University, backed by the Rajiv Memorial Academic Welfare Society, will operate on over 50 acres, while Vidya University, managed by Vidya Bal Mandali, will span 42.755 acres in Meerut. These institutions aim to provide quality education locally, reducing the need for students to seek opportunities outside the state. Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay emphasized that the policy encourages private investment to meet growing educational demands, with incentives like stamp duty exemptions and capital subsidies for sponsoring bodies. Universities ranked in the top 50 nationally will receive additional benefits.
In December 2024, the state assembly passed bills to establish three more private universities: Vidya Vishwavidyalaya in Meerut, Vivek Vishwavidyalaya in Bijnor, and Chandigarh Vishwavidyalaya in Unnao. These moves are part of a broader strategy to allow foreign universities to set up campuses, enhancing global academic exposure. Upadhyay noted that these reforms will elevate Uttar Pradesh’s educational stature nationally and internationally, making quality education accessible and affordable.
In 2025, further approvals included Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ramayan University in Ayodhya, focusing on Vedic sciences and Indian philosophy, and Ajay Kumar Garg University in Ghaziabad, emphasizing engineering education. Bodhisattva University in Barabanki and Vedanta University in Muzaffarnagar also received clearances, with the latter managed by the Lala Fatehchand Charitable Trust on 23.33 acres. These universities are expected to commence operations soon, pending final regulatory approvals.
The Higher Education Incentive Policy 2024 offers fiscal benefits, including stamp duty exemptions (50% for investments up to ₹50 crore, 30% for ₹50-150 crore, and 20% for over ₹150 crore) and capital subsidies (15-17% based on investment size). Foreign institutions ranked in the global top 500 and top NIRF-ranked Indian universities qualify for full stamp duty exemptions and 20% capital subsidies capped at ₹100 crore. These incentives aim to attract prestigious institutions to underserved districts, fostering equitable educational development.
The state’s strategic placement of universities reflects its vision. Ayodhya’s culturally significant Ramayan University and Ghaziabad’s industry-aligned Ajay Kumar Garg University cater to diverse academic needs. The policy also supports employment generation, with direct and indirect job opportunities for youth in both rural and urban areas. As of 2025, Uttar Pradesh hosts 104 universities, including 48 private, 42 state, 6 central, and 8 deemed universities, making it a key player in India’s higher education landscape.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports and official statements from the Uttar Pradesh government and media sources like India Today, Hindustan Times, and NDTV. Information is accurate as of September 2025, but readers are advised to verify details with official sources for the latest updates.