Azim Premji University (APU) is a private not-for-profit university founded in 2010 by Azim Premji, Chairman of Wipro Limited, through the Azim Premji Foundation. The university is recognised by the UGC under Section 2(f) and Section 12(B), and holds the highest NAAC A++ accreditation. Its stated mission is education for social change, preparing graduates for meaningful careers in development, education, policy, and research.
As per NIRF 2024, Azim Premji University is ranked in the 151-200 band in the Universities category.
APU operates three campuses: the 100-acre Bengaluru campus in Sarjapura Road, a 50-acre Bhopal campus, and a 150-acre Ranchi campus. Together these campuses house 2,500+ student residential seats and serve 3,200+ enrolled students drawn from 29 states across India.
- BA (Hons) in Economics, English, History, Media Communication, Philosophy-Politics-Economics (PPE), and Social Science (4 years each)
- B.Sc (Hons) in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Information Technology, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology (4 years each)
- MA in Development Studies, Early Childhood Development, Economics, and Education (2 years each)
- M.Sc in Climate Change and Sustainability (2 years)
- MBA in Development Management (2 years)
- MPH (Master of Public Health), 2 years
- PG Diploma programmes in Development Leadership, Early Childhood Education, and Educational Assessment
Total fees for the 4-year BA (Hons) and B.Sc (Hons) programmes are INR 18,83,200, inclusive of tuition and residential charges. MA and M.Sc programmes range from INR 4,66,700 to INR 7,30,700 for two years.
APU offers variable fee waivers covering tuition, hostel, and food, awarded on the basis of family income and merit. A large proportion of enrolled students receive partial or full financial support.
APU has over 140 partner organisations supporting graduate career placements across the education, development, public health, and policy sectors.
- Azim Premji University Admission Dates 2027
- Azim Premji University Courses and Fees
- Azim Premji University Admission Process
- Azim Premji University Career Outcomes
- Azim Premji University Rankings
- Azim Premji University Scholarships
- Azim Premji University Campus and Infrastructure
- Azim Premji University vs Ashoka University vs O.P. Jindal Global University
- Azim Premji University FAQs
Azim Premji University Admission Dates 2027
Admissions for the 2027-28 academic session follow APU’s two-round calendar. Round 1 applications typically open in October and close in November, while Round 2 offers a second window in February. The entrance test and personal interview follow each round before final offers are made.
| Event | Round 1 (Tentative 2027-28) | Round 2 (Tentative 2027-28) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Deadline | November 2026 | February 2027 |
| APU Entrance Test | December 2026 | March 2027 |
| Personal Interviews | January 2027 | April 2027 |
| Admission Offers | February 2027 | May 2027 |
| Session Commencement | July 2027 | |
The table below covers the accepted entrance tests across APU’s programme families.
| Programme Family | Entrance Tests Accepted | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons) - Humanities and Social Sciences | APU Entrance Test, CUET UG, SAT | 4 years |
| B.Sc (Hons) - Sciences | APU Entrance Test, CUET UG, JEE Main, SAT | 4 years |
| MA / M.Sc / MPH / MBA | APU NET, CUET PG, GRE, GATE (for science programmes) | 2 years |
| PG Diploma | APU application and interview | 1 year |
Azim Premji University Courses and Fees
APU offers 28 programmes across liberal arts, sciences, education, development, and public health. The 4-year UG programme fees below include tuition and the annual residential charge of INR 80,000 per year.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees (Tuition + Hostel) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons) - Economics, English, History, Media Communication, PPE, Social Science | 4 years | 10+2 from recognised board + APU Entrance Test / CUET UG / SAT | INR 18,83,200 |
| B.Sc (Hons) - Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, IT, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology | 4 years | 10+2 with relevant subjects + APU Entrance Test / CUET UG / JEE Main | INR 18,83,200 |
| MA (Development Studies, Early Childhood Development, Education) | 2 years | Bachelor’s degree + APU NET / CUET PG | INR 4,66,700 |
| MA (Economics) / M.Sc (Climate Change and Sustainability) | 2 years | Bachelor’s degree in relevant stream + APU NET | INR 7,30,700 |
| MBA (Development Management) | 2 years | Bachelor’s degree + APU NET / work experience preferred | INR 3,25,000 |
| MPH (Master of Public Health) | 2 years | Bachelor’s degree in health or social sciences + APU NET | INR 4,66,800 |
| PG Diploma (Development Leadership, Early Childhood Education, Educational Assessment) | 1 year | Bachelor’s degree + APU interview | INR 76,500 to INR 1,04,000 |
The PPE (Philosophy-Politics-Economics) programme is a flagship interdisciplinary degree combining all three disciplines within the BA (Hons) framework. The MBA in Development Management is the only MBA in India structured specifically for careers in the non-profit and development sector.
Azim Premji University Admission Process
APU uses its own entrance examination for both UG and PG admissions, supplemented by accepted external test scores. Admission decisions are based on both test performance and a personal interview.
UG Admission (BA Hons and B.Sc Hons)
- Eligibility: 10+2 from any recognised board with no minimum marks requirement (APU admits on the basis of test and interview performance)
- Accepted tests: APU Entrance Test, CUET UG, JEE Main (for science streams), SAT
- Selection: Shortlisted candidates appear for a personal interview before final admission
- No subject-stream restrictions at 10+2 for BA (Hons) programmes
APU’s selection process emphasises intellectual curiosity, writing ability, and social awareness over marks-based cutoffs. Candidates from rural backgrounds, first-generation learners, and those with demonstrated social engagement are actively encouraged.
PG Admission (MA, M.Sc, MBA, MPH)
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university in a relevant discipline
- Accepted tests: APU NET (APU’s own national eligibility test), CUET PG, GRE, GATE (for science-based PG)
- Selection: Written test score followed by a personal interview
- MBA Development Management additionally looks for relevant work experience in the development or social sector
PG Diploma Admission
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
- Practising teachers and development-sector professionals are specifically targeted
- Selection through an APU application form and personal interview
Azim Premji University Career Outcomes
APU graduates pursue careers in education, development organisations, public health, policy research, civil services, and academia. The university has 140+ partner organisations that actively recruit APU graduates. Over 6,300 alumni are currently working across the social and development sectors in India and internationally.
| Career Pathway | Typical Roles | Employers / Sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Development Sector | Programme Associate, Research Analyst, Project Officer | NGOs, Foundations, Government schemes, UN agencies |
| Education | Teacher, Curriculum Developer, Education Policy Analyst | Government schools, EdTech, Education NGOs |
| Public Health | Health Programme Officer, Epidemiologist, Policy Researcher | Public health bodies, research institutes, MoPHW |
| Policy and Research | Research Fellow, Policy Analyst, Think Tank Associate | Policy foundations, government think tanks, academia |
| Civil Services | IAS, IPS, State services | Government of India, State governments |
APU actively supports the Social Enterprise Cell and the National Social Enterprise Idea Challenge for students interested in building their own social ventures. A number of APU alumni have founded or co-founded organisations in education and rural development.
Azim Premji University Rankings
Azim Premji University holds the NAAC A++ grade, the highest accreditation tier in India. It features in the NIRF 2024 Universities category in the 151-200 band. The ranking reflects APU’s young age relative to established public universities that also appear in this category.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2024 Rank |
|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Universities | 151-200 band |
Azim Premji University Scholarships
APU operates one of India’s most comprehensive university-level scholarship programmes. Variable fee waivers cover tuition, hostel, and food costs, awarded based on family income and academic merit. Students from low-income backgrounds can receive up to 100% fee waiver.
| Scholarship Type | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Need-Based Fee Waiver | Demonstrated family financial need (income-linked slabs) | Partial to full waiver on tuition, hostel, and food costs |
| Merit-cum-Need Waiver | Strong APU Entrance Test performance combined with financial need | Variable tuition and hostel coverage |
| Special Circumstances Grant | First-generation college students and rural candidates | Additional support reviewed case by case |
Fee waiver applications are submitted alongside the admission application. APU’s financial aid office reviews each case individually. A large proportion of enrolled students at APU receive some form of financial support.
Azim Premji University Campus and Infrastructure
The main 100-acre Bengaluru campus is located on Sarjapura Road, well connected by road from the city centre. Additional campuses in Bhopal (50 acres) and Ranchi (150 acres) host selected PG and certificate programmes.
The Bengaluru campus houses the main academic blocks, library, student centre, and over 2,500 residential seats in boys and girls hostels. The university runs over 100 student clubs and co-curricular programmes, ranging from social enterprise cells to performing arts groups. Faculty strength stands at 270+.
APU’s design as a residential university means most students live on campus, which shapes the community-led learning culture. The hostel fee is capped at INR 80,000 per year, included in the programme fee stated above.
Azim Premji University vs Ashoka University vs O.P. Jindal Global University
Aspirants choosing between leading private liberal arts universities in India often compare APU with Ashoka University in Sonipat and O.P. Jindal Global University in Sonipat. All three are UGC-recognised private universities offering programmes in humanities, social sciences, and liberal arts.
| Parameter | Azim Premji University | Ashoka University | O.P. Jindal Global University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Bengaluru (+ Bhopal, Ranchi) | Sonipat, Haryana | Sonipat, Haryana |
| Established | 2010 | 2014 | 2009 |
| NAAC | A++ | A | A++ |
| Primary Focus | Social change, development, education | Liberal arts and sciences | Law, policy, governance, global affairs |
| UG Fee (4 years, approx) | INR 18.83 Lakhs (incl. hostel) | INR 25 to 35 Lakhs | INR 20 to 30 Lakhs |
| Scholarship | Need-based, up to 100% waiver | Need and merit based | Merit based |
| NIRF 2024 | 151-200 (Universities) | Not in top 200 | Not in top 200 |
APU is the strongest choice for students with a clear orientation toward social impact, development work, or teaching careers. Ashoka University attracts students interested in a broad liberal arts curriculum with strong faculty from international academic backgrounds. Jindal appeals to aspirants with interest in law, policy, and international relations within its multiple schools.
Azim Premji University FAQs
Ques. Is Azim Premji University a government or private university?
Ans. Azim Premji University is a private not-for-profit university established in 2010 by the Azim Premji Foundation. It is UGC-recognised under Section 2(f) and 12(B) and holds NAAC A++ accreditation. It is not a government university, but its not-for-profit structure means all surpluses are reinvested into the institution and its scholarship fund.
Ques. What is the total fee for BA (Hons) at Azim Premji University?
Ans. The total fee for the 4-year BA (Hons) programme at APU is INR 18,83,200, inclusive of tuition and the annual hostel fee of INR 80,000. Tuition itself rises incrementally each year, from INR 3,57,300 in Year 1 to INR 4,25,600 in Year 4. Need-based fee waivers are available and can cover up to 100% of this cost for eligible students.
Ques. What is the admission process for Azim Premji University UG programmes?
Ans. APU selects UG students through its own entrance test and a personal interview. It also accepts CUET UG, JEE Main, and SAT scores. There are two rounds each year. Round 1 applications typically close in November, with the test in December and interviews in January. APU does not rely on 10+2 marks as the primary selection criterion.
Ques. What kind of jobs do Azim Premji University graduates get?
Ans. APU graduates primarily work in education, development organisations, public health, policy research, and civil services. The university has 140+ partner organisations that recruit graduates. Many alumni join NGOs, government programmes, think tanks, or pursue research and doctoral study. APU is not a placement-driven institution in the conventional campus-recruitment sense.
Ques. Does Azim Premji University have a hostel?
Ans. Yes, APU is a primarily residential university. All three campuses (Bengaluru, Bhopal, Ranchi) have student hostels. The Bengaluru campus alone has 2,500+ residential seats. The hostel fee is INR 80,000 per year and is included in the total programme fee quoted.
Ques. Is Azim Premji University good for an MBA in development management?
Ans. APU’s MBA in Development Management is the only MBA in India structured specifically for the development and social sector. It is suited for candidates who want to lead non-profit organisations, social enterprises, or government programmes. The total fee for the 2-year MBA is INR 3,25,000, which is significantly lower than most private B-school MBAs.
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Azim Premji University does not offer an MSc Nursing course. According to its official postgraduate programmes list, the university offers: MA in Education, MA in Development, MA in Economics, MSc in Climate Change & Sustainability, Master of Public Health, and Executive MBA, but no nursing-specialised MSc
Yes, Azim Premji University has a campus placement system. Their placement team works with students and faculty to connect graduates with over 300+ organisations in the social and development sectors. About 90% of students go into social-sector roles, and 168 organisations participated in placements in 2025. The average package for postgraduate students was about INR 30,000-35,000/month, according to their careers page.
To register for admission at Azim Premji University (APU), go to their official Admissions page and click on “Apply Now” for your chosen programme (UG/PG). Fill out the online application form with personal and educational details, pay the INR 500 application fee, and submit. Depending on your programme, you will either take APU’s National Entrance Test or upload external test scores (like CUET/SAT for UG, CUET-PG/CAT for PG). Shortlisted candidates will then be interviewed (online or on campus). After registering, use the applicant portal to check updates, raise queries, and track your application.
Over 120-300 organisations visit annually, spanning NGOs, government, CSR, policy think-tanks, schools, research institutes, MNCs, and social enterprises. Around 90% of students secure roles in the social sector, and 70-80% take up work in disadvantaged or rural areas.
Azim Premji University does not currently offer a B.Sc. program in Forensic Science. Their undergraduate offerings include four-year B.Sc. (Honours) degrees in disciplines such as Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science and Sustainability, Information Science, Physics, and Psychology.
The choice of the "better" course at Azim Premji University (APU) depends on your interests, career goals, and the areas you are passionate about. APU is renowned for its programs in the social sciences, humanities, and education, with a strong focus on social impact and development.
There are various universities in India. You can check here for the List of Top Universities in India Based on the 2024 Ranking
Azim Premji University (APU) does not disclose a specific passing percentage for its programs online. For detailed information you can visit or contact the college for the detailed information about the course.
Yes, Azim Premji University admissions are open. However, the admissions are open only for PG Diploma courses. The UG and PG admissions are not yet open. The last date has also not been released. The application form can be filled on the official website of the university.
You can check out the various scholarship offered by the college at the page APU Bangalore Scholarship.
The entrance exam for APU Bangalore will be held in March 10th 2024.
Click on the below link to get the list of top B.Sc. Genetics colleges in India
Link: B.Sc. Genetics Colleges in India
The eligibility criteria of MPH is to complete BPH from a recognised institute and have at least 2 years of work experience after graduation.
The registration for APU Bangalore has already begun by October 2023 and the exam will be held in mid-December 2023.
To know more on the college, courses and their fee structure at the page APU Bangalore Courses & fees.
No, Azim Premji University, Bangalore does not offer a BA LLB course. Check here for the Azim Premji University Courses and Fees.
Azim Premji University does not offer B.Sc. Biology to the students.
Some of the top Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Agriculture colleges in India that you can apply to are Kalasalingam Academy Of Research And Education, Ramkrishna Bajaj College of Agriculture, Dolphin PG Institute Of BioMedical & Natural Sciences, etc.
The registration process for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics has started for the 2023 – 2026 academic session and the last date to apply for the course is 9th march, 2023. You can get admission to the course on the basis of entrance test conducted by the university.
You need to visit Azim Premji University’s official website and apply for B.Ed and then appear for University entrance test. Meanwhile, the selection will be done after counselling. For further info, you can contact: 089718 89988.