Top 20 colleges in India Latest List 2023

Top 20 colleges in India are about those institutions that are considered as considered to be fine abodes for higher learning. These institutions are for those who wish to pursue higher education. The top 20 colleges are located across India and offer various courses.

While some of these top 20 colleges in India are known for offering certain specific courses, many of them offer programmes that belong to other streams. For example, IIT Madras which is one of the top 20 colleges in India is known for offering engineering courses, students can even join there to study courses related to arts and humanities and management.

1. AIIMS New Delhi

The institution is popularly known as All India Institute of Medical Sciences and is considered a hub for medical education and quality medical service.

This institute has occupied prime position among the top 20 colleges in India. Students across the country aspire to become a part of this institution to study medicine.

All-India Institute of Medical Sciences was established in 1956 as an institution of national importance by an Act of Parliament with the objects to develop patterns of teaching in Undergraduate and Post-graduate medical education in all its branches so as to demonstrate a high standard of medical education in India.

The institution to bring together in one place educational facilities of the highest order for the training of personnel in all important branches of health activity and to attain self-sufficiency in post-graduate medical education.

More information about this educational institution is available at ‘https://www.aiims.edu/en.html’

2. Christian Medical College Vellore

CMC is located in Vellore in Tamil Nadu and is a known name for medical services and also education.

Needless to say, its excellent services to the field of teaching and medical service have earned this institution a position in list of top 20 colleges in India.

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This Institute includes a network of primary, secondary and tertiary care hospitals in and around Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.

The institute, constituent college is affiliated with the Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Medical University.

Founded in 1900 by an American missionary, Dr Ida S. Scudder, CMC Vellore has brought many significant achievements to India.

More information about CMC Vellore can be obtained on its official website ‘https://www.cmch-vellore.edu/’

3. Lady Hardinge Medical College

This institution is said to be one of the oldest in the national capital.

The college which began its innings in 1916 saw many achievements as the time moved ahead.

Lady Hardinge the wife of the then Viceroy was the first to take initiative for starting a medical college for women, as the lack of separate medical college for women made it almost impossible for Indian women to study medicine.

The foundation stone of this institution was laid by Lady Hardinge on 17 March 1914.

On the suggestion of Queen Mary the college and the hospital was named after Lady Hardinge to perpetuate the memory of its founder.

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The college and hospital was formally opened by Lord Hardinge the then Viceroy of India on 17th February 1916.

Since 1950, the college has been affiliated to University of Delhi. Post-graduate courses were started in 1954 in affiliation with Punjab University and later on with University of Delhi in 1956.

Undoubtedly, this is one among the top 20 colleges in India. The website to know more about this college is ‘http://lhmc-hosp.gov.in/index.php’

4. School of Planning & Architecture New Delhi

The School of Planning and Architecture had a modest beginning in 1941 as a Department of Architecture of Delhi Polytechnic.

It was later affiliated to the University of Delhi and integrated with the School of Town and Country Planning which was established in 1955 by the Government of India to provide facilities for rural, urban and regional planning.

On integration, the School was renamed as School of Planning and Architecture in 1959.

Recognizing the specialized nature of the fields in which the School had attained eminence, in 1979, the Government of India, through the then Ministry of Education and Culture, conferred on the School of Planning and Architecture the status of “Deemed to be a University”.

With this new status, the School had broadened its horizon by introducing new academic and extension programmes and promoting research and consultancy activities.

It was recognized as “An Institute of National Importance under an Act of Parliament” in 2015.

This one among the top 20 colleges in India is a place for high quality of education.

Architecture is offered at undergraduate level as Bachelor of Architecture. The course at postgraduation is MArch with specialisation in Urban designing.

MArch is offered with specialisation of Landscape Architecture. Website ‘http://spa.ac.in/Home.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f’

5. School of Planning and Architecture Bhopal

SPA Bhopal is one of the top 20 colleges in India. It is a public government autonomous college that is also an institute of National Importance.

The establishment year of the college was 2008. They offer B.Arch, B.Plan, M.Plan, and M.Arch courses in architecture.

As part of the school’s charter and mission, Architecture Department of the School is providing a vibrant design culture, ensuring its graduates are not only valued by the architectural practice, but are also able to make critical contribution to the future of the profession.

The school has put efforts in the development of open studio culture, in which students at all levels can learn from each other, how innovative ideas are generated and developed as well as developing an in-depth practical knowledge through independent and original research. The website to know more is ‘http://spabhopal.ac.in/’

6. Women’s Christian College

The institution is also popularly known as WCC and is one of the high worth institutions situated in Chennai in Tamil Nadu. The college is centrally located which can be easily reached through any means of transport.

It is also one of the finest women’s colleges in India. Study in a college like this enhances the esteem of the students. This is also a college with historic importance and its innings commenced in 1915. And attained autonomous status in 1982.

WCC won many awards in its journey towards excellence and is a home to courses not only in basic sciences but also to most advanced courses like biotechnology.

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Among the popular subjects of science are chemistry, physics, plant biology and plant biotechnology. The college also offers courses in other streams also.

This college is rightly positioned as one of the top 20 colleges in India as the institution strikes a perfect balance between academics and extra curricular activities. The website to know more about the college is ‘https://wcc.edu.in/’

7. Cummins College of Engineering for Women

Another college in our list of top 20 colleges in India is Cummins College of Engineering for Women. This college is the first all-women engineering college in India. They have only one stream that is engineering & under that, they offer nine courses.

The institution is also known as CCEW and it comes under the umbrella of its parent institution, Maharshi Karve Stree Shikshan Samstha (MKSSS). It is recognized for its rigor in academics and dedicated faculty, successful alumnae being its outcome.

8. Miranda House

Take the name of reputed institutions in India this college would not escape attention. This is also one among top 20 colleges in India.

The music course at undergraduate level is offered here as BA Hons Music. The postgraduate course in Music is offered as MA Music. That is not the only programme offered here.

At the undergraduate level, courses offered are Bengali, Hindi, Economics, Geography, Political Science and much more. The postgraduate courses available here are English, Economics, Sanskrit, Bengali, Mathematics and much more.

Miranda House has a rich legacy. Established at dawn of independence it provided a unique opportunity to young women for quality higher education.

They set for themselves high goals and ideals. They worked for a new society in which women would enjoy equal opportunity with men in professional and public fields.

Miranda House has a special place among the women’s colleges of the University of Delhi. Its location in the heart of the University Campus, and its close interaction with the various Departments of the University and other campus colleges gives it a unique advantage. The Website to know more is ‘https://www.mirandahouse.ac.in/index.php’

9. Sarojini Naidu Vanita Maha Vidyalaya

The beginnings for this well-known institution were humble and as the time moved ahead it witnessed great deal of growth.

It started as a tiny tutorial college, known as UWCA (University Women’s Cultural Association) college in 1957 was handed over in 1961 to the Osmania Graduates’ Association (OGA).

It was renamed as Vanita Maha Vidyalaya and was affiliated to Osmania University with PUC in 1962. In 1964 affiliation was obtained for UG courses in Arts and Science and the college adopted the Motto ‘Vidya Vinayena Shobhate’ (Humility adds Lustre to Education).

Apart from the regular courses in B.A., B.Sc., and B.Com., over a period of time, Self-financed courses in Microbiology, Computer Science, Electronics, Biochemistry and Nutrition in B.Sc., and B.Com. Computers were introduced.

In 1969 the noted freedom fighter – Khan Abdul Gafar Khan popularly known as ‘Frontier Gandhi’ laid the foundation stone for the main building of the college.

To consolidate its Mission to empower women through education and a tribute to the Poet, Orator, Freedom Fighter ‘Sarojini Naidu’, the college was renamed as Sarojini Naidu Vanita Maha Vidyalaya in 1971.

The programmes offered here quite popular across the country. This is also one among the top 20 colleges in India. The website to know more is ‘http://www.snvanita.org/index.php’

10. Bishop Cotton Women’s Christian Law College

This college offers 5 year BA LLB and 3 year LLB courses. The Bishop Cotton Women’s Christian Law College is a pioneer in introducing legal education exclusively for women to instill values for meeting the needs of justice in the society.

College was inaugurated on 14 July 2002 and is recognised by the Government of Karnataka, affiliated to Bangalore University till 2008-09 and from 2009-10 affiliated to Karnataka State Law University and approved by the Bar Council of India.

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The College is managed by the Board of Management of Karnataka Central Diocese of Church of South India. The infrastructure in this educational institution is commendable.

It is provided with a well equipped library, a classically designed moot court hall, a posh Auditorium, a self contained staff room, spacious class rooms and a computer lab.

This is also one of the top 20 colleges in India. The website to know more is ‘https://www.bcwclc.com/’

11. MOP Vaishnav College For Women

Sri Vallabhacharya Vidya Sabha, the prominent managing body of D.G Vaishnav College, in its silver jubilee year, collaborated with Dewan Bahadur M. O. Parthasarathy Iyengar Charities for the establishment of this women’s college in 1992.

The establishment of this college was a dream realisation and the result of the determination and sustained efforts of the two trusts.

Both these organisations have eminent industrialists, administrators and people committed to the cause of women’s education.

Since its inception, the college has been committed to attracting and supporting top calibre women students providing them the right arenas for higher education.

South India has no shortage of institutions that provide high quality education. There are various courses that are offered here.

This is also one among the top 20 colleges in India. The website to know more is ‘https://mopvc.edu.in/school-of-communication-and-media-studies/’

12. Indian Institute of Mass Communication

The Indian Institute of Mass Communication which is also popularly known as IIMC was established under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India on 17 August 1965.

This is currently one of the premier institutions of its kind in the country providing quality training in journalism and undertaking meaningful research in the field of Media and Mass Communication.

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IIMC is Asia’s first Institute to have a dedicated Communication Research Department conducting research, analysis and impact assessment studies for various Ministries and Government Departments.

The research focuses primarily on government campaigns, impact analyses, feedback etc., providing quality inputs for strategizing government campaigns and communication programmes for their effective and wider reach.

This is also one among the top 20 colleges in India. The website to know more is ‘http://iimc.nic.in/index.aspx’

13. Amrita School of Arts and Sciences

Amrita School of Arts and Sciences located in the sprawling and serene Brahmasthanam Temple Complex, with rich biodiversity, on the main NH-17, is leaping towards boundless glory and fame.

The campus with most modern infrastructure, faculty and administrative set up has excellent landscape abundant with trees and gardens.

School offers Ph.D., M.Phil., six post graduate, four integrated U.G. – P.G. and five under graduate programmes under various departments.

Amrita School of Arts and Sciences (Kochi) functions as a regular college in the Kochi Campus of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and is approved by UGC and Ministry of Education of Government of India.

This is also among the top 20 colleges in India. The website to know more about the institution is ‘https://www.amrita.edu/asas/kochi/dept_vm_com.html’

14. National Institute of Mass Communication and Journalism

This institution which is also known as NIMC is located in Gujarat. The course offered here is Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC). Postgraduate Diploma course in journalism and mass communication is also offered here.

This institute has the recognition of being among the top 20 colleges in India for undergraduate.

And this is also one of the institutes that should be the among the preferred colleges to study mass communication.

The determination to serve the nation by nurturing young generations through advance journalistic fervour led to NIMCJ set up by Vishwa Samvad Education Foundation (trust registered under The Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950).

NIMCJ is recognized by Gujarat University. It harnesses the power of communication through advance learning, research & innovation, primarily in journalism, communication and knowledge management in Asia.

This not only empowers students but also makes them responsible contributors in society.

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Media education at the institute emphasizes on values which are deeply rooted in Indian culture.

In brief, the institution provides a pedagogy which is flexible, innovative and experiential, encourages professional responsibility and in which the personal bond between a teacher and student is respected and nourished.

It is not only sensitive to social-development needs but also to responsive to secular values and human rights.

In an interdependent world, the institute provides a special place for young graduates to discover the world of media and bond with human race globally through effective communication.

It transforms a student into an individual who truly knows ‘how to live and contribute globally to not only human beings but also nation’. The website to know more is ‘https://www.nimcj.org/’

15. IIT Madras

This institute located in Chennai in Tamil Nadu has occupied the prime position in the world of engineering education.

IIT Madras was established in 1959 by the Government of India as an ‘Institute of National Importance.’

The activities of the Institute in various fields of Science and Technology are carried out in 16 academic departments and several advanced interdisciplinary research academic centres.

The Institute offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes leading to B.Tech., M.Sc., M.B.A., M.Tech., M.S., and Ph.D., degrees in a variety of specialisations.

IIT Madras is a residential institute with more than 580 faculty and 9,500 students.

Students from 18 countries are enrolled here. IIT Madras fosters an active entrepreneurial culture with strong curricular support and through the IITM Incubation Cell.

This institute has been ranked No 1 for the second consecutive year in overall category of NIRF ranking.

The official website to give more information about IIT Madras is ‘https://www.iitm.ac.in/’

16. IIT Delhi

This premier institute too is among the top 20 colleges in India.

Located in the national capital, it offers courses in Applied Mechanics, Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Chemical engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Design, Electrical Engineering and many other fields.

This is one of the seven old IITs in India and was established in 1961 and was formally inagurated by Professor Humayun Kabir, the then Minister of Scientific Research & Cultural Affairs.

More information is available about IIT New Delhi on its official website ‘https://home.iitd.ac.in/’

17. College of Engineering Guindy Tamil Nadu

College of Engineering (CEG) located at Guindy in Chennai is one of the oldest institutions for technical education in India.

CEG came into existence in 1794 and is also reputed to be one of the oldest technical education institution in Asia and also is the oldest technical education institution established outside Europe.

College of Engineering offers undergraduate engineering degrees in various fields.

It also offers postgraduate degrees such as MBA, MCA, M.E., M.Sc. M.Tech., M.S. by Research and Ph.D.programmes.

CEG has 16 Departments, 6 University Affiliated Centers, and 12 Research Centers where research programs are offered.

With close ties with industry, excellent research practices and multiple extra-curricular options, the institution advances the progression of the student’s quest for knowledge.

This is also one among the top 20 colleges in India. Further information about CEG Guindy is available on the official website ‘https://ceg.annauniv.edu/’

18. IIEST Shibpur

IIEST, Shibpur was erstwhile Bengal Engineering College and is the first college to become Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST) in India in 2014.

The Institute has a rich history. It is empowering the nation since 1856. Considering the year of establishment, it is the 3rd engineering college in India but considering the year of graduation it is the 2nd oldest engineering college in India.

It has 16 departments and 8 schools. It has over 250 faculty members and a student strength of over 4000.

Even this institute is among the top 20 colleges in India. And more information about this can be obtained from ‘https://www.iiests.ac.in/’

19. SRM Institute of Science and Technology

This educational institution is based at Kattankulathur in Chengalpet district of Tamil Nadu.

Its achievements in the field of education have earned a good name for the institute at national and global levels too. No wonder why, SRMIST is also among the Top 20 engineering colleges in India.

However, this noted educational institution is also offering courses in arts and science, medicine, hotel management also which have won recognition at various levels nationally and globally.

The faculty here is highly qualified and ensure students turn highly knowledged. This is also one among the top 20 colleges in India.

SRMIST has campuses in Sonipat, Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh), Sikkim. More information is available on the official website ‘https://www.srmist.edu.in/’

20. Tamil Nadu Agricultural University

The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) had its genesis from establishment of an Agricultural School at Saidapet, Madras, Tamil Nadu, as early as 1868 and it was later relocated at Coimbatore.

In 1920 it was affiliated to Madras University. TNAU assumed full responsibilities of Agricultural Education and Research and supported the State Agricultural Department by delivering research products.

Needless to say, this is one of the finest institutions in India to study courses related to agriculture. Courses are offered at undergraduate and postgraduate level. BSc Hons in Agriculture is offered here.

Undergraduate degree in Agribusiness Management and engineering courses related to agriculture are also provided at this institution.

B.S.(Agribusiness Management), B.Tech.(Agricultural Biotechnology) are also among the courses offered here. The University now has research programs at more than 32 stations, spread over in Tamil Nadu with more than 1200 scientists and teaching faculty.

This is also one among the top 20 colleges in India. The website to know more is ‘https://tnau.ac.in/’

Conclusion (Top 20 colleges in India)

The list of top 20 colleges in India has been provided above. However, students have to remember that gaining an admission in any of them may not be an easy task. For example, IIT Delhi which is one among the top 20 colleges in India has a tough system for admitting students. Students willing to study engineering in IIT Delhi have to pass JEE Mains and get a rank among the top 2.5 lakh ranks in the country.

Post passing JEE Mains, students have to apply for JEE Advanced and pass it with required score (cutoff) to gain admission. Similarly, getting an admission in AIIMS New Delhi which is also one among the top 20 colleges in India requires passing NEET exam with the required score. Qualifying for an admission in some of the top 20 colleges in India may require to pass tough entrance exams like JEE Mains, JEE Advanced or NEET.

Some of these top 20 colleges in India may have their own entrance test to admit students or any other alternative way of admitting students. The procedure to admit students into various courses could vary from one institute to another, however, students willing to take admission into these top 20 colleges in India must be ready to handle the admission process.

It may not be easy to gain an entry into these top 20 colleges in India, but students never stay away from making an attempt to gain entry into these top 20 colleges in India as a study in these highly admired institutions would brighten the career prospects. What makes these top 20 colleges in India highly admired are the high standards they follow when it comes to teaching and learning.