Top 10 Cheapest Universities in India 2026: List of University, Eligibility, Fees

IEC University, Osmania University, Nirma University, Bahra University, Kaziranga University, GLS University, are a few from the list of cheapest universities in India offering both bachelors and masters degree such as BA, BBA, MA, and MBA with an average fee range of INR 50,000 to INR 2.15 lakhs, depending on degree and university. These colleges are low cost colleges with better placement opportunities.

These universities offer a range of courses to cater to your needs from diverse educational backgrounds. To be a part of these universities, you must check the official website for the admission process and eligibility criteria for the best universities in India.

List of Top 10 Cheapest Universities in India

India hosts some of the finest higher educational institutions that offer low-cost yet high-quality study programs. Check out the list of the top 10 cheapest universities in India below:

1. IEC University

Founded in 2012, India Education Centre University (IEC) is a private university based in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is the one of the cheapest universities in India to pursue higher education. The university delivers multi-disciplinary and industry-relevant education through effective teaching methodologies. Moreover, imparting value-based learning is at the core of the IEC University.

One can choose from an array of undergraduate and postgraduate courses available at IEC, including B.Tech, B.Sc, MA, M.Sc, B.Com, MBA, etc. Check out the fee structure of some of the courses offered by IEC:

2. Osmania University

Based in Hyderabad, Osmania University (OU) came into existence in the year 1918. Besides being among the top 10 cheapest universities in India, it is also the third oldest higher education institution in South India. 

More than 300,000 students pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, doctoral, and certificate programs at OU. The university is well-known for delivering education in sciences, commerce, and humanities. Let us now look at OU’s course offerings, along with their duration and fee details.

3. Nirma University

Next on the list of the top 10 cheapest universities in India is Nirma University. Founded in Ahmedabad in 2003, this private university holds NAAC accreditation and UGC recognition. There are over 44 UG, PG, diploma, integrated and doctoral courses offered by the university to 9344+ students.

At Nirma, you can learn from faculties with years of experience. Additionally, the college's placement record has also been improving every year, demonstrating excellent average salaries for graduates. The table below lists the top courses offered by Nirma University, as well as their fee information:

4. Bahra University

Bahra University is one of the finest educational institutions for students looking to pursue cheapest higher education in India. The university offers a diverse range of courses in fields like engineering, law, management, pharmaceutical sciences, and many others. It is regarded as one of the cheapest universities in India.

With top-notch teaching standards, exceptional faculty, and innovative courses, Bahra has ranked among the top universities in Himachal Pradesh. Shown below are a few of the programs provided by Bahra and their fee structure:

5. Kaziranga University

Kaziranga University (KU) is another cheapest universities in India located in Jorhat, Assam. KU is known for providing state-of-the-art education to over 3100 students. Additionally, it has made its mark in the field of research and innovation.

KU offers innovative programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in multiple disciplines, including engineering, management, and science. You might want to look at the major courses provided by KU:

6. GLS University

Founded in 2015, GLS University or Gujarat Law Society University is located at the heart of Ahmedabad city. GLS came into existence with the aim of providing a conducive learning environment for students. 

Students can avail of exceptional education at GLS by gaining admission to its high-quality programs. Find below some of the best courses available at GLS. These programs are provided in several disciplines, including science, commerce, and computer science, among others.

7. Uka Tarsadia University

Uka Tarsadia University (UTU) strives to deliver quality education to students. Situated in Surat, this prestigious university was established in 2011. With more than 9500 students, UTU is one of the fastest-growing higher education institutions in Gujarat. It is one of the famous universities that comes under the list of top 10 cheapest universities in India.

Students get full assistance from UTU’s placement cell for interview preparations. It helps students acquire relevant skills that meet the demands of the job market. If you are interested in pursuing a course at UTU, here are some of the options that you can consider:

8. ITM University

Known for its academic excellence, ITM University is one of the top 10 cheapest universities in India. ITM welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and caters to their educational needs through its exceptional programs.

One can choose from a plethora of courses offered by ITM. Courses are available in a variety of disciplines: engineering, fine arts, sciences, nursing, management, social sciences, etc. Mentioned below are the university’s top programs with duration and fee information:

9. Jamia Islamia University

A public research university, Jamia Islamia University is situated in the city of New Delhi. Since its inception in 1920, it has been dedicated to delivering quality education to its students. At present, Jamia has an enrollment of more than 2,000 students.

One can choose from a range of programs available at Jamia Islamia University. Among the subject areas are humanities, natural sciences, psychology, architecture, social sciences, fine arts, etc. Check out the key details of the study programs offered by Jamia:

10. Navrachana University

Navrachna University makes it to the list of top 10 cheapest universities in India due to its cheapest range of programs. Located in Vadodara, Gujarat, this private multi-disciplinary university started its operations in 2009.

With over 200 experienced faculty members, robust infrastructure, and great placement records, Navarachna University ranks among the top three private universities in the state of Gujarat. Explore different courses offered by Navrachana University through the table below:

Eligibility Criteria for Best Cheapest University In India

To secure admission in the best low cost university in India, you need to ensure that you meet the basic eligibility criteria, which are listed below.

• For undergraduate courses, you must have completed 10+2 with relevant subjects and qualifying marks. Postgraduate admissions often require a bachelor's degree in the relevant field.
• You must meet the specific academic qualifications relevant to the chosen course.
• Typically requires completion of 10+2 for undergraduate courses and a bachelor's degree for postgraduate courses.

Moreover, you are advised to visit the university official website to check the specific eligibility criteria for the courses you want to opt for, as it may differ and can be very particular from one course to another and as well as one university to another.

Tips to Find Cheapest University in India

To ensure you get the most cheapest education:

• Look for state university government colleges, which usually have nominal fees.
• Consider distance learning programs that often cost significantly less than on-campus options.
• Explore scholarships and fee waivers offered by central and state governments.
• Use entrance exam benefits like SC/ST scholarships or BPL quotas to reduce financial burden further.

Final Thoughts

In 2026, India has a variety of economical university options, especially through public, state, and some online colleges where local and regional students can pay incredibly low annual tuition. These universities, which range from Jadavpur University to Osmania University, as well as establishments like BHU and Jamia Millia Islamia, offer excellent academic prospects without placing a significant financial burden on students. Always check the most recent fee schedules and eligibility requirements directly with the university admissions office before submitting an application.