Uttar Pradesh’s state assembly has approved the creation of two new state universities. The legislation, passed during the budget session, will establish institutions in Bhadohi and Shahjahanpur . This move expands higher education access in the state.
New Universities Approved
The Uttar Pradesh State Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Uttar Pradesh State Universities (Second Amendment) Bill, 2026 received assembly approval. These bills pave the way for the new universities.
Bhadohi University Details
The Kashi Naresh Postgraduate College in Gyanpur, Bhadohi, will become a state university. This new institution is expected to affiliate 23 nearby colleges. Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay presented the bills. He stated the government aims to expand access to higher education in rural and underserved areas.
Shahjahanpur University Details
Swami Sukhdevanand University will be established in Shahjahanpur. This university will be formed by upgrading educational units of the Mumukshu Ashram Trust. It is expected to affiliate approximately 60 colleges. The trust transferred its assets to the state government for this purpose.
Government Objectives
The UP government’s goal is to widen participation in higher education. Officials stated the aim is to use education for social mobility and regional development. The initiative intends to provide local youth with educational opportunities. It also aims to strengthen district-level academic infrastructure.
Minister Upadhyay highlighted the objective of creating an academic hub in the Purvanchal region through the Bhadohi university. This will unify 23 colleges under one structure. He also noted the Shahjahanpur university is expected to create local education and employment opportunities.
State Higher Education Landscape
Uttar Pradesh currently has 42 state public universities. It also has 50 state private universities, according to University Grants Commission records. The addition of these two new institutions will increase the total number of state public universities to 44.
Government Vision
The government’s higher education policy supports balanced and decentralized expansion of universities. Reforms focus on increasing institution numbers and improving quality. Efforts also aim to encourage research, promote skill-based education, and strengthen academic collaboration.
The state government’s statement indicated an initiative to establish a university in every district. This aims to improve higher education access statewide.