Varanasi’s Emerging Education Hub: A Look at the City’s Top Colleges and Universities
Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, is one of the oldest cities in India, and it is a cultural and spiritual hub of the country. In recent years, Varanasi has emerged as an education hub in Uttar Pradesh, attracting students from all over India and even from other countries. The city has some of the best colleges and universities in the country, offering a wide range of courses in various fields.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the top colleges and universities in Varanasi, their history, courses offered, and their contribution to the city’s emergence as an education hub.
Banaras Hindu University
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is one of the most prestigious universities in India, established in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. The university has a sprawling campus of over 1300 acres, located on the banks of the river Ganges. BHU has 6 institutes, 14 faculties, and more than 140 departments, offering courses in various fields like arts, science, management, law, engineering, and medicine.
BHU is known for its excellence in research and innovation, and it has collaborations with several international universities and research institutions. The university has produced several notable alumni, including two former Indian prime ministers, Rajiv Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith
Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith (MGKVP) is a public university in Varanasi, established in 1921 by Mahatma Gandhi. The university has a campus spread over 400 acres, and it offers courses in various fields like arts, science, law, and education.
MGKVP is known for its focus on social justice and inclusivity, and it offers courses in several regional languages like Bhojpuri and Awadhi. The university has a strong emphasis on promoting traditional knowledge systems and has established a center for the study of Indian languages and culture.
Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University
The Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University (IT-BHU) is one of the oldest engineering colleges in India, established in 1919. The college was later merged with BHU in 1968, and it has since become a part of the university.
IT-BHU offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various fields of engineering and technology. The college has a strong focus on research and innovation, and it has collaborations with several international universities and research institutions. IT-BHU has produced several notable alumni, including Vinod Dham, the father of the Pentium processor.
Indian Institute of Technology (BHU)
The Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) is one of the premier engineering colleges in India, established in 2012. The college is a part of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology system, and it offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various fields of engineering and technology.
The college has a state-of-the-art campus spread over 400 acres, located in the heart of the city. IIT (BHU) has a strong focus on research and innovation, and it has collaborations with several international universities and research institutions. The college has a strong alumni network, and it has produced several notable alumni, including Raghuram Rajan, former governor of the Reserve Bank of India.
Central University of Tibetan Studies
The Central University of Tibetan Studies (CUTS) is a deemed university in Varanasi, established in 1967. The university is dedicated to the study of Tibetan language, literature, and culture, and it offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in these fields.
CUTS has a sprawling campus spread over 57 acres, and it has a rich collection of Tibetan manuscripts and rare books. The university has collaborations with several international universities and research institutions, and it has a strong focus on promoting Tibetan culture and language.
Faculty of Management Studies, Banaras Hindu University
The Faculty of Management Studies, Banaras Hindu University (FMS-BHU) is a premier business school in India, established in 1968. The school offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various fields of management, including MBA, MMS, and PGDBM.
FMS-BHU has a state-of-the-art campus located in the heart of the city, and it has collaborations with several international universities and research institutions. The school has a strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, and it has a well-established incubation center to support startups and entrepreneurs.
Other Colleges and Universities in Varanasi
Apart from the above-mentioned institutions, Varanasi has several other colleges and universities that offer quality education in various fields. Some of the notable institutions include:
- Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya: A deemed university dedicated to the study of Sanskrit language and literature.
- Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University: A distance learning university offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields.
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University: A premier medical college offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in medicine and allied sciences.
- Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Banaras Hindu University: A campus of BHU located in Barkachha, Mirzapur, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields.
Final remarks
Varanasi has emerged as an education hub in Uttar Pradesh, thanks to its top colleges and universities that offer quality education in various fields. BHU, MGKVP, IT-BHU, IIT (BHU), CUTS, and FMS-BHU are some of the premier institutions in the city that have a rich legacy and a strong focus on research and innovation. These institutions have produced several notable alumni who have contributed to the growth and development of the country. With the increasing demand for skilled professionals in various fields, Varanasi is likely to attract more students in the coming years, and it is poised to become one of the leading education hubs in the country.