Top 10 NIRF-Ranked State Public Universities in India 2025
Choosing the right university can shape your entire future. The NIRF Ranking 2025 makes this decision easier by highlighting India’s best institutions. Among them, state public universities stand out for offering affordable, high-quality education. Backed by the Ministry of Education, NIRF’s transparent process is why students trust it to guide their academic choices.
What is NIRF Ranking?
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is an initiative by the Ministry of Education to evaluate and rank Indian universities every year. It assesses institutions using key parameters such as Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR), Research & Professional Practice (RPC), Graduation Outcomes (GO), Outreach & Inclusivity (OI), and Perception.
For state public universities, NIRF is especially important as it highlights their academic quality, research contributions, and role in delivering affordable education. These rankings help students and parents make informed decisions when choosing a university.
Importance of State Public Universities in India
State public universities make higher education accessible and affordable for millions of students, especially from middle and lower-income backgrounds. With government funding and scholarships, they reduce financial barriers and ensure equal opportunities. These universities also play a major role in regional development by promoting local talent, supporting research, and addressing community needs.
Methodology for Selecting Top 10 Universities
The list is prepared using the NIRF Ranking 2025 under the University Category. Only state public universities are included, while central, deemed, and private universities are excluded. The criteria focus on NIRF scores, academic quality, research strength, accessibility, and overall student outcomes to ensure the most reliable top 10 selection.
List of Top 10 NIRF-Ranked State Public Universities in India 2025
Below are the top 10 state public universities ranked under NIRF 2025 (University Category). Each university stands out for its academic excellence, research, and student outcomes.
Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal (Total Score: 76.08)
Jadavpur University is one of India’s leading state universities, renowned for its excellence in engineering, science, and arts. It is consistently ranked among the top universities for research and innovation.
- Popular Courses: B.Tech, M.Tech, Arts, Science, Management.
- Admissions & Fees: Admission via entrance exams/state merit; fees remain affordable.
- Highlights: Strong research base, high graduation outcomes (92.99), and excellent perception score (79.22).
Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu (Total Score: 76.06)
Anna University is a premier technical university in Tamil Nadu, recognized globally for its engineering, architecture, and management programs. It is known for its strong academic foundation and innovation in technology.
- Popular Courses: Engineering, Architecture, Management, Computer Science.
- Admissions & Fees: Admission through TNEA/TANCET/merit-based; moderate fees with scholarships.
- Highlights: Perfect Perception score (100) and strong research profile (79.59).
Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (Total Score: 68.91)
Andhra University, established in 1926, is a prestigious coastal university with a strong academic legacy in Andhra Pradesh. It is known for its commitment to research, education, and regional development.
- Popular Courses: Arts, Science, Engineering, Law, Pharmacy.
- Admissions & Fees: Entrance test/merit-based admissions; affordable fee structure.
- Highlights: Excellent Graduation Outcomes (91.57) and high inclusivity (82.19).
University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala (Total Score: 67.93)
Established in 1937, the University of Kerala is one of the oldest and most respected universities in Kerala. Known for its multidisciplinary programs, it offers a diverse range of courses across arts, science, commerce, and technology.
- Popular Courses: Humanities, Science, Commerce, Management.
- Admissions & Fees: Admissions via merit/entrance; low tuition fees.
- Highlights: Strong Graduation Outcomes (100) and good inclusivity score (69.12).
Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Cochin, Kerala (Total Score: 66.24)
CUSAT is a leading university in Kerala, recognized for its science, engineering, and technology-focused programs. It offers a unique blend of technical education and research, particularly in marine sciences and engineering.
- Popular Courses: B.Tech, M.Tech, Marine Sciences, Law.
- Admissions & Fees: CUSAT-CAT entrance exam, government-subsidized fees.
- Highlights: Balanced performance in research (59.32) and graduation outcomes (79.62).
Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana (Total Score: 65.64)
Osmania University is one of the top-ranked universities in Telangana, offering a wide range of academic programs across multiple disciplines, from arts to engineering and management.
- Popular Courses: Arts, Commerce, Science, Engineering, Management.
- Admissions & Fees: State-level entrance/merit; highly affordable.
- Highlights: Strong Graduation Outcomes (91.92) and wide outreach.
University of Kashmir, Srinagar, J&K (Total Score: 65.17)
The University of Kashmir is a leading institution in northern India, known for its academic excellence and cultural influence. It has been a key contributor to education in the region.
- Popular Courses: Arts, Law, Science, Business, Education.
- Admissions & Fees: Merit/entrance-based admission; subsidized fees.
- Highlights: High Teaching & Learning score (81.55) and consistent research profile.
Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam (Total Score: 64.24)
Gauhati University is a pioneer institution in Northeast India, known for its strong academic reputation and contribution to the region’s educational development.
- Popular Courses: Arts, Commerce, Science, Management, Law.
- Admissions & Fees: Entrance test/merit-based admissions; affordable fees.
- Highlights: High Graduation Outcomes (94.60) and inclusivity (67.08).
Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (Total Score: 64.09)
Bharathiar University is known for its strong arts, science, and management programs, with a focus on research excellence and academic innovation.
- Popular Courses: MBA, Science, Arts, Commerce.
- Admissions & Fees: Entrance/merit-based admissions; moderate fees.
- Highlights: Balanced performance across research (56.96) and student outcomes.
Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra (Total Score: 63.58)
A prestigious university in Maharashtra, Savitribai Phule Pune University, offers global collaborations and high academic standards.
- Popular Courses: Arts, Science, Management, Engineering, Commerce.
- Admissions & Fees: Admission through entrance/merit; reasonable fees.
- Highlights: Strong Graduation Outcomes (84.27) and good perception score (56.35).
University Name | Location | State | TLR | RPC | GO | OI | Perception | Total Score |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jadavpur University | Kolkata | West Bengal | 77.17 | 70.10 | 92.99 | 53.76 | 79.22 | 76.08 |
Anna University | Chennai | Tamil Nadu | 75.40 | 79.59 | 71.94 | 51.66 | 100.00 | 76.06 |
Andhra University, Visakhapatnam | Visakhapatnam | Andhra Pradesh | 78.85 | 44.73 | 91.57 | 82.19 | 53.05 | 68.91 |
Kerala University | Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala | 74.88 | 47.75 | 100.00 | 69.12 | 42.37 | 67.93 |
Cochin University of Science and Technology | Cochin | Kerala | 75.30 | 59.32 | 79.62 | 61.76 | 37.47 | 66.24 |
Osmania University | Hyderabad | Telangana | 78.29 | 42.88 | 91.92 | 61.57 | 47.50 | 65.64 |
University of Kashmir | Srinagar | Jammu and Kashmir | 81.55 | 48.77 | 84.30 | 50.90 | 41.23 | 65.17 |
Gauhati University | Guwahati | Assam | 75.68 | 39.32 | 94.60 | 67.08 | 41.03 | 64.24 |
Bharathiar University | Coimbatore | Tamil Nadu | 65.39 | 56.96 | 81.03 | 53.66 | 58.04 | 64.09 |
Savitribai Phule Pune University | Pune | Maharashtra | 64.94 | 54.64 | 84.27 | 52.24 | 56.35 | 63.58 |
Career Opportunities After Graduating from These Universities
Graduates from top NIRF-ranked universities enjoy diverse career opportunities in both the public and private sectors, along with research and higher studies options.
Placement Trends
Most NIRF-ranked universities have strong placement cells that connect students with top companies in sectors like IT, engineering, management, and education. Companies such as Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and Wipro frequently recruit from these universities.
Government Jobs
Graduates can also pursue careers in government organizations, public sector undertakings (PSUs), or appear for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and banking exams.
Private Sector
In the private sector, opportunities exist in industries such as finance, consulting, technology, and healthcare. Graduates often secure roles as software developers, data analysts, managers, and entrepreneurs.
Research & Higher Studies
For those interested in research, universities like Jadavpur University and Anna University provide opportunities for M.Tech or Ph.D. programs. Many students opt to pursue MBA or MS programs in top global universities.
Salary Expectations
- Government Jobs: ₹4-8 LPA for entry-level positions, with higher pay for senior roles.
- Private Sector: ₹5-12 LPA for entry-level roles in tech and management.
- Research/Academia: ₹6-10 LPA, depending on the field and institution.
Related Article: Top 10 NIRF-Ranked Research Institutions in India 2025
How to Choose the Best University for You?
When selecting a university, consider these key factors:
- Location: Choose a university that is easily accessible and offers a suitable living environment. Consider proximity to home, climate, and living costs.
- Fees: Compare the fee structure across universities. Look for scholarships or financial aid options to manage costs effectively.
- Faculty: Research the faculty strength and expertise in your desired field. Universities with experienced professors and strong academic staff often provide better learning opportunities.
- NIRF Score: A high NIRF ranking often indicates strong academic performance, good resources, and industry recognition.
- NAAC Accreditation: Ensure the university is NAAC-accredited, as it signifies quality education and infrastructure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Top 10 NIRF-Ranked State Public Universities in India 2025 offer a mix of affordable, high-quality education across various disciplines. These universities are not only recognized for their academic excellence but also for their commitment to research, inclusivity, and regional development.
Choosing the right university is crucial for your academic and professional growth. By carefully considering factors like fees, faculty, location, and NIRF rankings, students can make an informed decision that aligns with their goals.