UP Government Approves Two New Private Universities to Strengthen Higher Education Landscape

UP Government Approves Two New Private Universities to Strengthen Higher Education Landscape

Academic News Update | July 14, 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government has taken a significant step toward expanding its higher education infrastructure by granting permission for two new private universities, marking a strategic move to enhance educational accessibility and modernization across the state.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state has officially approved the establishment of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ramayan University in Ayodhya and issued a letter of intent for the creation of Ajay Kumar Garg University in Ghaziabad [1]. This development represents the government's commitment to making education more accessible, inclusive, and modern throughout Uttar Pradesh.

Strategic Locations and Focus Areas

The selection of locations for these universities reflects careful strategic planning. The Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ramayan University will be established in Ayodhya, a city of immense cultural and religious significance, while the Ajay Kumar Garg University will be located in Ghaziabad, an industrial hub in the National Capital Region.

The Ghaziabad institution, proposed by the Indian Institute of Management and Engineering Society, will focus specifically on engineering education, aligning with the industrial character of the region. This engineering-focused approach is expected to serve the growing demand for technical education in one of India's most industrialized areas.

Regulatory Framework and Approval Process

The Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ramayan University has received full official notification and permission under the Uttar Pradesh Private Universities (Amendment) Act, 2025, enabling it to commence formal operations in accordance with established conditions and regulations. Meanwhile, the Ajay Kumar Garg University has been granted a letter of intent under Section 6 of the Uttar Pradesh Private Universities Act, 2019, representing the initial approval stage in the establishment process.

State Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay emphasized that both university proposals were approved through a time-bound process designed to improve educational quality and provide young people with access to higher education institutions at the local level. The minister highlighted the government's strategy of encouraging innovation and infrastructure development through private-sector participation.

Infrastructure and Investment Requirements

The establishment of these universities adheres to stringent infrastructure and financial requirements set by the state government. Each institution must maintain a minimum endowment fund of Rs 5 crore, secure at least 20 acres of land in an urban area, and develop a minimum of 24,000 square meters of academic infrastructure. These requirements ensure that the new universities will have adequate resources to provide quality education and modern facilities.

Vision for Educational Excellence

According to government officials, the establishment of these universities signals that "New Uttar Pradesh" is rapidly positioning itself as a frontrunner in higher education. The strategic placement of a culturally significant university in Ayodhya and an engineering-focused institution in an industrial center like Ghaziabad demonstrates the state's comprehensive approach to educational development.

Minister of State for Higher Education Rajni Tiwari, along with Principal Secretary of Higher Education M P Agrawal and Special Secretary Nidhi Srivastava, participated in the announcement, underscoring the high-level government commitment to this educational expansion initiative.

Impact on Regional Development

These new universities are expected to contribute significantly to regional development by providing local access to quality higher education, reducing the need for students to migrate to other states for their academic pursuits. The engineering focus of the Ghaziabad university particularly aligns with the region's industrial requirements, potentially creating a skilled workforce pipeline for local industries.

Minister Upadhyay expressed confidence that Uttar Pradesh is set to become a leading state in education in the coming years, with these new institutions serving as catalysts for broader educational transformation across the state.

The approval of these universities represents a broader trend of educational decentralization and private sector engagement in India's higher education landscape, offering students more choices while maintaining quality standards through regulatory oversight.

References

[1] PTI. (2025, July 4). UP govt grants permission for 2 new private universities. ET Education.