Aryabhatta Knowledge University: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Patna Campus Life

About Aryabhatta Knowledge University - [AKU] Patna

Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU), established in 2008, is a government state university located in Patna, Bihar. It was founded to oversee and develop professional education in Bihar, including engineering, medical, management, and allied disciplines, affiliating over 100 colleges across the state.

AKU is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and accredited with a NAAC B++ grade. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs through its affiliated institutions, with a focus on professional courses such as engineering, nursing, pharmacy, and management. The university has been granted autonomous status by UGC in 2025 and continues to enhance its academic and research capabilities.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU), Patna conducts admissions for various undergraduate and postgraduate programs through entrance exams like NEET for medical courses, JEE Main for engineering, BCECE for pharmacy and other courses, and its own entrance tests for education programs. The admission cycle includes application submission, entrance exams, and counselling processes conducted online via the official university portal.

Admission Process

Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU), Patna admits students through merit-based selection and entrance exams such as JEE Main for engineering, NEET UG/PG for medical courses, CAT/MAT for management, and a Ph.D. Admission Test (PAT) for doctoral programs. Applications are submitted online followed by document verification and counseling.

Undergraduate (BTech, MBBS, BCA) Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Visit the official AKU admission portal and register online for the desired program.
2. Fill out the application form with accurate personal and academic details.
3. Upload required documents such as mark sheets, identity proof, and entrance exam scorecards.
4. Pay the application fee through the available online payment modes.
5. Participate in the relevant entrance exam or submit qualifying exam scores (e.g., JEE Main for BTech, NEET UG for MBBS).
6. Register for and attend the counseling session conducted by AKU or the respective state authority (e.g., BCECE Board for medical courses).
7. Complete document verification and pay the admission fee to confirm enrollment.

Postgraduate (MBA, MD/MS, M.Tech) Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Register online on the AKU admission portal for the postgraduate program.
2. Complete the application form and upload graduation mark sheets and entrance exam scorecards (CAT/MAT for MBA, NEET PG for MD/MS, GATE for M.Tech).
3. Pay the application fee online.
4. Appear for the required entrance exam if not already qualified.
5. Participate in counseling organized by AKU or the designated authority.
6. Submit verified documents and pay the program fee to finalize admission.

Ph.D. Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Apply online for the Ph.D. Admission Test (PAT) through the AKU official website within the specified dates (e.g., June 2 to July 2, 2025).
2. Upload necessary documents including master's degree certificate and other required certificates.
3. Pay the PAT application fee online.
4. Appear for the PAT examination conducted by AKU.
5. Check the merit list and participate in the interview or counseling if applicable.
6. Complete document verification and pay the admission fee to enroll in the Ph.D. program.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• 10th and 12th Mark Sheets
• Graduation/Postgraduation Mark Sheets and Degree Certificates
• Entrance Exam Scorecards (JEE Main, NEET UG/PG, CAT/MAT, PAT)
• Proof of Identity (Aadhar Card, Passport, etc.)
• Passport-size Photographs
• Category Certificate (if applicable)
• Transfer Certificate (TC) and Migration Certificate (if applicable)
• Character Certificate
• Work Experience Certificate (for some PG courses, if applicable)

Cutoff 2025

The cutoff ranks for Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU), Patna, for engineering admissions through JEE Main and Bihar UGEAC counselling show a wide range, reflecting the university's diverse affiliated colleges and courses. The closing ranks for B.Tech courses vary significantly, with general category ranks extending beyond 50,000 in later rounds, indicating moderate competition. Medical courses under NEET have much tighter cutoffs, typically within a few thousand ranks.

Placements 2025

Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU), Patna a placement rate of approximately 70-75% in 2025, with an average salary package around ₹4.5 LPA and the highest package reaching ₹20-22 LPA. Major recruiters included TCS, Wipro, IBM, Collabera, and Okaya, primarily hiring for IT, sales, and web development roles.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

IT: TCS, Wipro, IBM, Collabera, Prism

Consulting: Deloitte, Accenture

Core: Okaya, HCL Technologies

Branch-wise Placement

Rankings & Accreditations

Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU), Patna, holds a moderate national ranking with a position of #548 in India overall and ranks #86 in education category nationally in 2025. It is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and has a presence in various ranking frameworks, though it does not appear in the top tiers of NIRF or global rankings.

NIRF 2025

Other Rankings

Accreditations

• NAAC: Accredited (Grade not specified)
• UGC: Recognized

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU), Patna offers various scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and reserved category status to support students in reducing their educational expenses. Additionally, students can avail government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal and Bihar state schemes, while some affiliated colleges provide merit and attendance-based scholarships.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• Max Weber Foundation: Scholarships based on financial need and academic merit, including fee waivers and grants.
• Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarships: Awarded to meritorious students with financial need.
• INSPIRE Scholarship: For science students demonstrating academic excellence.
• Hong Kong Fellowship Scheme, SJTU Scholarships, Malaysia International Scholarships: Available for eligible students based on merit and financial need.

Comparison

Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU) Patna is compared with Patna University and Magadh University as they are prominent public state universities in Bihar offering diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with similar governance and regional influence in higher education.

Key Strengths

• Aryabhatta Knowledge University - [AKU] Patna: Focus on professional and technical education with strong affiliations to engineering, medical, and management colleges in Bihar.
• Patna University: Oldest university in Bihar with a broad spectrum of traditional and modern courses and a strong research culture.
• Magadh University: Large affiliating university with extensive reach in Bihar, offering diverse programs and significant student enrollment.

Campus & Infrastructure

Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU) Patna is situated in Mithapur, Patna, Bihar, spread over approximately 7.6 to 8 acres. The campus features multiple modern buildings including academic, administrative, examination, and library blocks, equipped with advanced facilities to support diverse academic and research activities.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: Extensive collection with e-library facilities, updated databases, and access to renowned authors and research materials
• Labs: 10 laboratories per academic floor equipped with modern tools and apparatus for various departments including nanoscience, geography, economics, mass communication, and river studies
• Classrooms: 20+ spacious smart classrooms with digital projectors, smart boards, sound systems, and ergonomic seating

Hostel

Other Facilities

• Auditorium for seminars and cultural events
• Sports facilities including cricket ground, football field, basketball court, volleyball court, badminton court, and swimming pool
• Wi-Fi enabled campus including library and hostels
• Guesthouse and quarters for scholars and staff
• Security with CCTV surveillance and round-the-clock guards in hostels
• Mess and canteen facilities with hygienic food
• Health and medical services on campus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility criteria for admission to professional courses at Aryabhatta Knowledge University?

Admission to professional courses under AKU requires candidates to meet the eligibility set by the university and affiliated colleges, typically including passing relevant entrance exams and meeting minimum academic qualifications AICTE norms.

Which entrance exams are accepted for admission to AKU-affiliated engineering colleges?

AKU-affiliated engineering colleges generally accept scores from state-level or national-level engineering entrance exams such as JEE Main or Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination (BCECE), depending on the specific course and college.

What is the fee structure for B.Tech courses at Aryabhatta Knowledge University?

The B.Tech fee at AKU-affiliated colleges varies but typically ranges between ₹70,000 to ₹1,20,000 per year, depending on the college and specialization.

Are scholarships available for students at Aryabhatta Knowledge University?

AKU students can avail scholarships offered by the Bihar government and central government schemes based on merit and economic criteria; some affiliated colleges also provide merit-based scholarships.

What are the placement statistics and average salary packages for AKU graduates?

Placement rates vary by affiliated college, but many report 60-70% placement with average packages ranging from ₹2.5 to ₹4 lakh per annum; top recruiters include local and regional companies in IT, management, and engineering sectors.

Does Aryabhatta Knowledge University facilitate internships for its students?

AKU encourages internships through its affiliated colleges, with many students securing internships in local industries and businesses, especially in management, engineering, and allied professional fields.

What specializations are offered under the management programs at AKU?

AKU offers management programs with specializations such as Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, and Operations through its affiliated institutes and the Patliputra School of Economics.

How qualified is the faculty at Aryabhatta Knowledge University and its affiliated colleges?

The faculty at AKU and its affiliated colleges generally hold master's and doctoral degrees in their respective fields, with many having industry experience and research publications.

What research opportunities are available at Aryabhatta Knowledge University?

AKU has dedicated centers like the Centre for Geographical Studies and Centre for River Studies that offer research opportunities, especially in regional development, environmental studies, and economics.

What hostel facilities are available for students at AKU Patna campus?

AKU provides separate hostels for boys and girls within the campus, with around 15 rooms for boys and 16 for girls, equipped with attached washrooms, CCTV security, Wi-Fi, and mess facilities.

How is the food quality in the AKU hostel mess and campus canteen?

The hostel mess serves basic meals with average quality, while the campus canteen is known for better and more hygienic food options.

Are there sports and gym facilities available on the AKU campus?

Yes, AKU has well-maintained sports facilities including cricket, football, volleyball, badminton courts, and a gymnasium to promote student fitness and extracurricular activities.

Is there Wi-Fi connectivity available throughout the AKU campus and hostels?

The entire AKU campus, including hostels and classrooms, is Wi-Fi enabled, providing students with consistent internet access for academic and personal use.

What is the daily commute like for students attending AKU in Patna?

AKU is located in Mithapur, Patna, with good connectivity via local buses, auto-rickshaws, and private transport; many students prefer staying in campus hostels to avoid daily commute hassles.

Are part-time job opportunities available for students studying at AKU?

Part-time job opportunities are limited but available in Patna city; students often find internships or tutoring roles, though AKU primarily focuses on full-time academic programs.

Is there a dress code or uniform requirement for students at Aryabhatta Knowledge University?

AKU does not enforce a strict dress code university-wide, but some affiliated colleges may have their own uniform policies, especially for professional courses like nursing or education.

How does Aryabhatta Knowledge University compare with other state universities in Bihar?

AKU is recognized for its focus on professional and technical education with AICTE approval, offering a wider range of vocational and professional courses compared to some other Bihar state universities.

What is the return on investment (ROI) for courses offered by AKU?

Given moderate tuition fees and decent placement packages averaging ₹2.5-4 lakh per annum, AKU courses offer a reasonable ROI, especially in engineering, management, and allied health fields.

Does Aryabhatta Knowledge University have an active alumni network?

AKU has a registered alumni association that organizes meetings and contributes to university development, helping graduates stay connected and support current students.

Are there cultural or technical festivals organized at AKU?

AKU and its affiliated colleges organize annual cultural and technical fests that include competitions, seminars, and workshops to encourage student participation and skill development.