India has always been an education hub, with colleges for academic and non-academic disciplines. Ever year the jostle for college admissions takes students to different cities. Ever wondered which are the top 10 college Cities which attract the maximum students and what are the magnets behind the student preference for these cities?
Pune
Once called ‘The Oxford of the East’ by Jawaharlal Nehru, Pune is an education hub. Pune scores on its employment opportunities, pleasant climate and is known to be one of the safest cities in India. The vibrant student and young professionals make Pune very liveable and a youth hub. The vibe is very cosmopolitan, and Hindi is understood by all, making Pune one of the top cities for MBA, and Under-graduation courses.
- Pros: Affordable cost of living, with plenty of cafes, pubs, bars and nightclubs, many food joints are open post-midnight which makes it very convenient for the student community.
- Cons:The Public transport is substandard and makes travelling a nightmare unless you own your own vehicle.
Pune Top Picks-
| College | Website | Location |
| Symbiosis Institute | https://www.sibm.edu/ | Symbiosis Knowledge Village, Mulshi, Pune |
| Film and television Institute of India | http://www.ftiindia.com/ | Law College Road, Pune |
| Ness Wadia College of Commerce | http://www.nesswadiacollege.edu.in/ | 19 Late Prin. V.K. Joag Path, Pune |
| Fergusson College | http://www.fergusson.edu/ | F.C Road Pune |
| ILS Law College | https://ilslaw.edu/ | Law College Road, Pune |
| Bharati Vidyapeeth | http://bvuniversity.edu.in/ | LBS Road, Pune |
| AFMC | http://www.afmc.nic.in/ | Solapur Road, Pune |
Delhi
Delhi is the abode to premier colleges having the craziest cut-offs in the subcontinent. With its satellite towns of Noida and Gurugram collectively known as NCR, Delhi is one of the fastest growing metropolitans in the world. The University of Delhi is the pick of the brightest of students topping the board exams year on year. Public Transport is comprehensive, Metros run on time making students travel easy. What more? Books and other reading materials are sold at low-cost as most of the publishing houses are in Delhi-NCR. On the social side, Delhi has a vibrant nightlife with numerous pubs, bars and clubs that remain open until 1 am. Markets are plenty suiting to every pocket.
- Pros: Progressive and a relaxed city with rich art, literature and a culture scene and a start-up hub.
- Cons: Safety is a big concern, the city is been into news for its crimes against women
Delhi Top Picks-
| College | Website | Location |
| IIFT | http://tedu.iift.ac.in/iift/index.php | Qutab Industrial Area Delhi |
| IIT Delhi | http://www.iitd.ac.in/ | Hauz Khas, Delhi |
| University of Delhi | http://www.du.ac.in/du/ | South Moti Bagh, New Delhi |
| IGNOU | http://www.ignou.ac.in/ | NEB Sarai, Delhi |
| NLU Delhi | http://nludelhi.ac.in/ | Dwarka, Delhi |
Bengaluru
The tech capital has been a student magnet too. Bengaluru is blessed with a cool and pleasant climate all the year round and is home to most of the Indian tech brands. The city is abuzz with tech-savvy youngsters, making it one of the most bankable locations for foreign tech giants. Bengaluru hosts huge number of music and cultural festivals which have been frequented by the student community.
- Pros: Called as the start-up capital, Bengaluru offers huge opportunities in career progression.
- Cons: The cost of living is high and you would have to pay a considerable amount for living. Reserve Bank of India’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) rates Bengaluru as the costliest Indian city to live in!
Bengaluru Top Picks-
| College | Website | Location |
| NLSIU | https://www.nls.ac.in/ | Nagarbhavi, Bengaluru |
| Christ University | https://christuniversity.in/ | Hosur Road Bengaluru |
| IISc | http://www.iisc.ac.in/ | CV Raman Rd, Bengaluru |
| Mount Carmel College | http://www.mountcarmelcollegeblr.co.in/ | Palace Road, Fatima Nagar, Bengaluru |
| St. Joseph’s College | http://www.sjc.ac.in/ | Lal Bagh Main Road, Bengaluru |
| IIM | http://iimb.ac.in/ | Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru |
| Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Health Sciences | http://www.rguhs.ac.in/ | Jayanagar, Bengaluru |
Mumbai
For those looking for media and commerce studies, Mumbai is the place to be. The financial capital of India, also is home to the showbiz industry, attracting youth for studies and work opportunities. Its hangout spots and picturesque beaches are hugely popular among the young students. Closer to Pune, Mumbai attracts weekend course takers too. On the entrainment and social part Mumbai is an insomniac city, the city that never sleeps. Mumbai is busy, cosmopolitan, progressive and open-minded with a vibrant nightlife, restaurants and famous street food.
- Pros: Well-connected transportation system with busses, autos and locals connecting the length and breadth of the city, safe city for students and office professionals.
- Cons: The distances are long, and one needs to schedule an extra hour or two just for travel to reach on time anywhere.
Mumbai Top Picks-
| College | Website | Location |
| IIT Bombay | http://www.iitb.ac.in/ | Powai, Mumbai |
| St. Xavier’s College | http://xaviers.edu/main/ | Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area, Fort, Mumbai |
| SNDT Women’s University | https://sndt.ac.in/ | Churchgate, Mumbai |
| Sir JJ School of Art | http://www.sirjjschoolofart.in/ | Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area, Fort, Mumbai |
| Mithibai College | http://www.mithibai.ac.in/ | Vile Parle West, Mumbai |
| KG Somaiya College of Management Studies and Research | https://simsr.somaiya.edu/simsr/ | Ghatkopar East, Mumbai |
| Jai Hind College | http://www.jaihindcollege.com/ | Churchgate, Mumbai |
| NMIMS | http://www.nmims.edu/ | Vile Parle, Mumbai |
Ahmedabad
The vibrant city of Ahmedabad is the favourite among the foodie students and youth professionals. There are popular restaurants with most of the food being vegetarian. The concept of night-life isn’t very popular, as Gujrat being a dry state. The roads and infrastructure facilities are good; the city is well connected to the major cities of India, making student movement convenient. The people are friendly and hospitable and the crime rates are low, making Ahmedabad a safe city for the student community.
- Pros: Ahmedabad is gastronomic paradise, there are restaurants, eateries and food stalls almost everywhere, with most of the food being vegetarian.
- Cons: Public transport is expensive and autos don’t have metres, so cheating is rampant.
Ahmedabad Top Picks-
| College | Website | Location |
| National Institute of Design | http://www.nid.edu/ | Paldi, Ahmedabad, |
| IIM A | https://www.iima.ac.in/web/iima | Vastrapur, Ahmedabad |
| MICA – The school of Ideas | https://www.mica.ac.in/ | Ghuma road, Shela, Ahmedabad |
| Nirma University | http://www.nirmauni.ac.in/ | Chandlodia, Gota, Ahmedabad |
Jaipur
The Pink City hosts the second highest educational institutes in the country with 635 institutes is next only to Bangalore (1,025 institutes). The desert state capital is home to over 25 universities. The good law and order situation and better train & bus connectivity make Jaipur an ideal city in the north, west and central India for students to pursue higher education. Jaipur being a tourist destination is home to a culturally rich history and vibrant festivals and a yummy Rajasthani cuisine that will leave you spell bound.
- Pros: Peaceful, clean, and a safe city to live in. Being close to the national capital and an educational hub, Jaipur is on every student’s list.
- Cons: Being a tourist destination, transportation costs are huge.
Jaipur Top Picks-
| College | Website | Location |
| Banasthali Vidypith | http://www.banasthali.org/ | Vanasthali, Jaipur |
| ARCH Academy of Design | https://www.archedu.org/ | Malviya Nagar, Jaipur |
| BIT Mesra | https://www.bitmesra.ac.in/BIT_Mesra?cid=5&pid=H | Malviya Nagar, Jaipur |
| Indian Institute of Crafts and Design | https://www.iicd.ac.in/ | Malviya Nagar, Jaipur |
| Institute of Rural Management | http://iirm.ac.in/ | Mansarovar, Jaipur |
| National Institute of Medical Sciences and Research | https://nimsuniversity.org/nu/ | Jaipur-Delhi Highway, Jaipur |
Hyderabad
The City of Nizams is an upcoming education destination too. With the paradigm shift of the IT industry and home to financial hubs, Hyderabad is a buzzing city to be in. Hyderabad is increasingly gaining prominence due to the migration of youth for education and jobs. While the IT pockets are cosmopolitan, the old city is still conservative. The living costs including groceries, clothing, communication and entertainment costs are lower, and rent is reasonable. What adds is the low cost of living, excellent entrainment options, and the world famous Hyderabadi biryani!
- Pros: Technology and start-up hub.
- Cons: Staying out late night is not advisable; the old city witnesses odd communal tensions.
Hyderabad Top Picks-
| College | Website | Location |
| Osmania University | http://www.osmania.ac.in/ | Osmania University Campus |
| Indian School of Business | http://www.isb.edu/ | Gachibowli, Hyderabad |
| English and Foreign Languages University | http://www.efluniversity.ac.in/ | Tarnaka, Hyderabad |
| Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University | http://jntuh.ac.in/ | Kukatpally, Hyderabad |
Chennai
The southern city and home to the longest beach in India, Chennai is the hub of technical education and talent. Chennai scores brownie points for its technical colleges and higher educational institutions with their economical fees structure. Restaurants that serve traditional south Indian cuisine are plenty, and you will find many which serve international cuisine too. Travelling is modest as busses are cheap. On the social side, nightlife is non-existent; with non-existent pubs or bars.
- Pros: Cost of living is less, the city is safe but petty theft (muggings, pickpocketing, etc.) occur in crowded areas.
- Cons: Autorickshaws are expensive because they do not run on metres; Hindi is not spoken by majority.
Chennai Top Picks-
| College | Website | Location |
| IIT Madras | https://www.iitm.ac.in/ | Sardar Patel Rd, Chennai |
| Loyola College | http://www.loyolacollege.edu/ | Nungambakkam, Chennai |
| Madras Institute of Technology | http://www.mitindia.edu/ | Chromepet, Chennai |
| Stella Maris College | http://stellamariscollege.edu.in/ | Chokkalingam Nagar, Teynampet, Chennai |
| Asian College of Journalism | https://www.asianmedia.org/ | Taramani, Chennai |
Kolkata
The city of joy has been an educational magnet in the eastern part of the country. The living costs in Kolkata are the lowest among all the top cities, staying options are very affordable and yummy food is available in every nook and corner. Social life exists in some pockets of the city, with some popular eateries and pubbing joints.
- Pros: Cost of living is less; the city is culturally vibrant. Kolkata is home to the largest library in India by volume, The National Library so if you like books Kolkata is the place to be!
- Cons: Majority of the population do not speak Hindi; the city is shut by 10 pm.
Kolkata Top Picks-
| College | Website | Location |
| Presidency University | http://www.presiuniv.ac.in/web/ | College Street, Kolkata |
| IIM Calcutta | https://www.iimcal.ac.in/ | Joka, Kolkata |
| Jadavpur University | http://www.jaduniv.edu.in/ | Raja S.C. Mallick Rd, Kolkata |
| Indian Statistical Institute | https://www.isical.ac.in/ | Barrackpore Trunk Road, Kolkata |
| St. Xaviers College | http://www.sxccal.edu/ | 30 Mother Teresa Sarani, Kolkata |
| Scottish Church College | http://www.scottishchurch.ac.in/ | Urquhart Square, Kolkata |
Bhubaneswar
The capital city of Odisha has evolved as one of the most well-planned cities. Bhubaneswar is the home to many universities and colleges. Bhubaneswar
is a great place to be in, especially for Engineering and MBA aspirants.
- Pros: Well-planned city with good connectivity between all parts of the city, vibrant student community.
- Cons: Prices of food, clothes, education, medical treatment are high as compared to tier II cities.
Bhubaneswar Top Picks-
| College | Website | Location |
| KIIT University | http://kiit.ac.in/ | Bajrang Vihar, Patia, Bhubaneswar |
| Utkal University | https://www.utkaluniversity.nic.in/ | Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar |
| IIT Bhubaneshwar | http://www.iitbbs.ac.in/ | Gajapati Nagar, Bhubaneswar |
| Xavier university | https://www.ximb.edu.in/ | Jayadev Vihar, Bhubaneswar |
About the Author
Kamalika Some is Editor at Exambazaar Blog which provides resources, tips & material to help you in your exam preparation.
Exambazaar is India’s largest education discovery platform which provides comprehensive information for test preparation for entrance exams, colleges, courses, universities and career options in India.
