Chandigarh University
A fast-rising private university near Chandigarh that admits through its own scholarship test, CUCET.
- Students
- 35,000
- International
- 7%
- of students
- Tuition
- ₹72,000
- From · 2026-27
- Founded
- 2012
About CU
Chandigarh University (CU) was established in 2012 by the Chandigarh University Act of the Punjab State Legislature. It grew out of the Chandigarh Group of Colleges, founded at Landran in 2001, and its main campus is at Gharuan on the Chandigarh-Ludhiana Highway in Mohali district. It also runs an Uttar Pradesh campus.
CU is organised into institutes, among them the University Institute of Engineering, University Institute of Business, University Institute of Computing, University Institute of Pharma Sciences, University Institute of Architecture, University Institute of Legal Studies and University Institute of Media Studies. It says it has more than 35,000 students, including over 2,500 international students from more than 68 countries, and more than 530 partner institutions worldwide.
The university has climbed quickly in rankings, from 800th in the QS World University Rankings 2023 to joint 526th in 2027, and is 19th among Indian universities in NIRF 2025. Admission to most programmes is by 10+2 marks, with its own entrance and scholarship test, CUCET, compulsory for engineering, MBA and some other programmes. It suits students who want a large, career-focused private campus with many specialisations, industry-linked programmes and scholarship-driven pricing.
Why students choose CU
CUCET scores convert directly into tuition scholarships: in Phase I of CUCET 2026, 90.01 to 100 marks earned a 100% scholarship and 80 to 90 marks a 50% scholarship.
Its B.E. range runs from core branches to specialised Computer Science tracks in AI, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Data Science and Full Stack Development.
CU ranks 15th for Pharmacy, 14th for Architecture and 31st for Engineering among Indian institutions in NIRF 2025.
The university reports more than 10,000 placement offers for the 2024-25 batch, with a highest international package of Rs 1.7 crore.
Admissions
2027-28 intake (CUCET 2027 not yet announced; 2026-27 rules shown)
Selectivity
CU does not publish an acceptance rate. Admission depends on 10+2 marks meeting each programme's minimum (for example 60% with Physics and Mathematics for B.E., 50% for BBA) and, for some programmes, clearing CUCET, which requires at least 30 marks out of 100.
Typical entry requirements
| 10+2 (B.E. Computer Science and Engineering) | Physics and Mathematics compulsory plus one of Chemistry, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Biology, Informatics Practices or IT, with at least 60% aggregate |
|---|---|
| 10+2 (B.Pharm) | At least 60%, with English and Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics or Biology |
| 10+2 (BBA Hons.) | At least 50% aggregate in any stream |
| CUCET | 30 to 39.99 marks makes a candidate eligible; 40 or more earns a scholarship |
Deadlines
- CUCET 2026 Phase I (2026 cycle, past) Non-binding PassedOctober 2025 - June 2026
Higher scholarship slabs (100% for 90.01+ marks, 50% for 80-90).
- CUCET 2026 Phase II registration (2026 cycle) Non-binding Passed30 September 2026
Phase II runs from July 2026 until admissions close, with lower slabs (100% for 90.01+, 40% for 80-90).
These are 2026-27 intake dates. CUCET 2027 has not been announced; in the 2026 cycle Phase I ran from October 2025, so applicants for 2027 entry should watch the CUCET portal from October 2026. Applying in Phase I gives access to higher scholarship slabs.
How to apply
Sign up on the CUCET portal with basic details, apply for CUCET and choose an exam date, then submit an application for admission once the result is announced, claiming any merit scholarship. International students apply online through the CU international admissions portal (international.cuchd.in).
What admissions looks for
- 10+2 results that meet the programme minimum, such as 60% with Physics and Mathematics for engineering.
- A CUCET score of at least 30 out of 100 where CUCET is compulsory; higher scores unlock bigger scholarships.
- Strong national test scores (CUET, JEE Main, NATA, CAT, MAT, CMAT), which qualify for alternative scholarships.
- Sports and cultural achievement, which have their own scholarship and admission policies.
Tips for applying to CU
- 1 Take CUCET in Phase I if you can: the same score earns a larger scholarship than in Phase II (e.g. 50% vs 40% for 80-90 marks).
- 2 Keep your CGPA at 7.5 or above with no E, F or I grades: CUCET and CUET scholarships are renewed yearly only if you do.
- 3 Compare specialisations carefully: B.E. CSE with AI costs Rs 1,85,500 per semester, while standard B.E. CSE is Rs 1,53,000.
- 4 Hostel fees rise each year for your batch (Rs 2,000 a year for domestic and Rs 4,000 for international students) because of food inflation, so budget for it.
Costs & financial aid
2026-27 · figures in INR
CUCET scholarships range from 10% to 100% of tuition depending on the score and phase, and CUET scholarships give 10% to 50% of the semester fee (for up to 10% of seats per course). Other schemes cover wards of defence personnel, sports and cultural achievers, meritorious students from Ladakh and EWS girls from Chandigarh (Kalpana Chawla Scholarship). Scholarships must be renewed each year with a 7.5 CGPA.
- 1,700+ (university figure)
- Students who received a 100% CUCET scholarship
- 26,000+ (university figure)
- Students who received a 50% CUCET scholarship
- Rs 250 crore (Rs 200 crore Punjab campus, Rs 50 crore Lucknow campus)
- CUCET 2026 scholarship pool
Academics
Academic calendar: Semesters
B.E. (Hons.) Computer Science and Engineering (AI and Machine Learning)
CU's most expensive B.E. track at Rs 1,85,500 per semester, one of several CSE specialisations alongside Cloud Computing, Cyber Security and Data Science.
B.E. Aerospace Engineering
A less common branch, with exchange options at IPSA in France and SPbPU in Russia listed by the international office.
Bachelor of Pharmacy
CU's pharmacy division ranks 15th in India in NIRF 2025.
Bachelor of Architecture
Ranked 14th among Indian architecture institutions in NIRF 2025, with scholarships based on NATA or JEE (Main) scores.
B.Com (Hons.) Applied Finance and Analytics with Grant Thornton
An industry-collaborated commerce degree, with an optional ACCA certification track.
Research
- CU ranked 34th in India in the NIRF 2025 Research category.
- The university reports 24,000+ research publications and 5,900+ patents filed.
- It lists 30 industry-sponsored advanced labs and 200+ departmental research groups.
Schools & faculties
- University Institute of Engineering
- University Institute of Business
- University Institute of Computing
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences
- University Institute of Biotechnology
- University Institute of Architecture
- University Institute of Liberal Arts and Humanities
- University Institute of Legal Studies
- University Institute of Media Studies
- University Institute of Sciences
- University Institute of Allied Health Sciences
- University Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management
The university reports more than 10,000 placement offers for the 2024-25 batch, a highest international package of Rs 1.7 crore and a highest national package of Rs 59.9 lakh per annum.
Student life
Most students live on the Gharuan campus, where hostels, food courts, banking, a dispensary, shops and sports facilities sit within one complex. The university fields teams in All India Inter-University Championships, where it reports four overall sports championship trophies, and runs cultural events such as the CU-RHYTHMS International Folklore Festival and an annual AI Fest. Department clubs and professional societies organise workshops and competitions, and students from more than 68 countries give the campus an international mix.
- Four overall sports championship trophies at All India Inter-University Championships (university figure).
- CU-RHYTHMS International Folklore Festival and AI Fest 2026.
- Students from all Indian states and 68+ countries.
- Semester exchange options with partner universities in Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Housing. Separate boys' and girls' hostels on campus, from 5-seater non-AC rooms (Rs 1,20,000 a year) to single AC rooms (Rs 2,20,000).
Location
The main campus is at Gharuan on the Chandigarh-Ludhiana Highway in Mohali district, Punjab, in the Chandigarh Capital Region. The campus is largely self-contained, with hostels, food courts, banking, shops and sports facilities, and students head to Mohali and Chandigarh for city life.
Nearest airport: Chandigarh International Airport (IXC)
Notable alumni
- AS Arshdeep SinghIndia international cricketer
- PK Palak KohliPara-badminton player
- MS Maninder SinghHockey player
Frequently asked questions
What is Chandigarh University's QS ranking?
Chandigarh University is joint 526th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, up from 575th in 2026. It is 19th among Indian universities in NIRF 2025.
Is CUCET compulsory for admission to Chandigarh University?
It is compulsory at the Punjab campus for B.E., MBA, integrated law and several health programmes. For other programmes it is optional but is the main route to merit scholarships.
What is the B.Tech/B.E. fee at Chandigarh University?
For 2026-27, B.E. Computer Science and Engineering costs Rs 1,53,000 per semester (Rs 3,06,000 a year), and specialised CSE tracks cost up to Rs 1,85,500 per semester, before any CUCET scholarship.
How much scholarship can I get through CUCET?
In CUCET 2026 Phase I, 90.01-100 marks earned 100%, 80-90 marks 50%, down to 15% for 40-49.99 marks. Phase II slabs are lower, and scholarships need a 7.5 CGPA to renew.
Does Chandigarh University accept international students?
Yes. It reports 2,500+ international students from 68+ countries. International applicants apply online through the international admissions portal, and hostel fees for them range from US$1,950 to US$3,530 a year.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
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