Azim Premji University: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Bengaluru Campus Life

About Azim Premji University Bangalore

Azim Premji University, Bengaluru is a not-for-profit, private university established in 2010 in Bengaluru, Karnataka, with a dedicated focus on education and social sectors. Promoted by the Azim Premji Foundation and backed by philanthropic endowment, the university functions as an autonomous institution with a residential campus on the Sarjapur–Attibele Road on the outskirts of the city. It positions itself as a multidisciplinary space aimed at fostering a just, equitable and sustainable society.

The university is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and diploma programmes in education, development, economics, sciences, public policy and related fields. From 2025 admissions onward, the Bengaluru campus has added new programmes such as BSc (Hons) in Psychology, MSc in Climate Science and Sustainability, and MA in Early Childhood Care and Education, alongside existing flagship degrees in Education and Development. The 90-acre campus hosts a vibrant academic and research ecosystem with strong emphasis on social impact, scholarships and field engagement.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

Azim Premji University Bengaluru runs a centralised admission cycle for all UG and PG programmes through its own National Entrance Test (NET), with options to use valid CUET-UG, JEE Main or SAT scores for UG programmes. For the 2026 intake, applications for both UG and PG programmes close in mid-November 2025, NET is held in December 2025, followed by interviews in January 2026 and classes starting in July 2026.

Admission Process

Azim Premji University offers admission to its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes through its National Entrance Test (NET), or via external test scores such as CUET (UG/PG), JEE Main, and SAT. Shortlisted candidates are called for a personal online interview as part of the final selection.

Undergraduate Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Visit the official Azim Premji University admissions page and click “Apply Now” for UG programmes.
2. Fill the online application form with personal, academic, and contact details.
3. Pay the application fee of ₹500 online to complete the form submission.
4. Choose one of the two admission paths: appear for the Azim Premji University National Entrance Test (NET) or apply with valid CUET (UG), JEE Main, or SAT scores.
5. Wait for shortlisting; if selected, appear for the personal online interview the schedule.

Postgraduate Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Go to the official postgraduate admissions page and click “Apply Now” for PG programmes.
2. Register and fill the online application form with personal and academic details.
3. Pay the application fee of ₹500 online to submit the form.
4. Choose to appear for the Azim Premji University National Entrance Test (NET) or apply with valid CUET (PG) or other accepted external test scores.
5. After shortlisting, attend the personal online interview the scheduled dates.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets and certificates
• Graduation mark sheets and degree (for PG applicants)
• Valid entrance test scorecard (CUET, JEE Main, SAT, CAT, MAT, etc.)
• Income certificate (if family income is below ₹2.5 lakh per annum)
• Last three years’ income tax returns (if family income exceeds ₹2.5 lakh per annum)
• Bank statements of parents or contributing family members (last one year)
• Salary slips and Form 16 (if applicable)
• Medical documents (if applicable for disability-based reservation)

Placements 2025

Azim Premji University’s 2025 placements reflect its focus on the social and development sector, with over 90% of placed students joining NGOs, research institutions, policy bodies, and CSR units. The placement process for the 2025 graduating batch concluded with 226 students placed through 168 organisations.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

NGOs / Social Sector: Azim Premji Foundation, Pratham, Teach for India, Catalyst Management Services (CMS), India Health Action Trust (IHAT), Biome Solutions, Gram Vikas, BAIF, Bachpan Bachao Andolan, Odisha Tribal Development Society (OTDS), Sarojini Damodaran Foundation, Amar Seva Sangam, Avantha Foundation, Thermax Social Initiative Foundation, Thinklabs Technosolutions Pvt. Ltd., Aurinko Academy, Bosch CSR, Cipla Foundation, SBI Global, JK Papers

Schools / Education: The Galaxy School, The Heritage School, The ANT, The Samhita Academy, The Teacher Foundation, iDiscoveri Education Private Limited, The Glocal University

Policy / Research: Research think tanks, policy research institutions, quasi-government institutions

Rankings & Accreditations

Azim Premji University, Bangalore is ranked #4 among private universities in India by IIRF 2025. It is recognized as a leading private university focused on social sciences, education and development.

Other Rankings

Accreditations

• NAAC: A+ Grade (Valid till 2027)

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Azim Premji University, Bengaluru offers need-based scholarships covering partial to full tuition and accommodation costs for undergraduate and postgraduate students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Students must apply separately for financial assistance, and decisions are based on demonstrated financial need and admission to a programme at the university.

Institute Scholarships

Comparison

Azim Premji University Bangalore is compared with Ashoka University and Shiv Nadar University as they are leading private, not-for-profit universities in India focused on liberal education, social sciences, and holistic development, often considered together by students seeking high-quality, purpose-driven undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Key Strengths

• Azim Premji University Bangalore: Strong focus on social sciences, education, and public policy with a mission-driven, not-for-profit model and deep engagement in societal transformation.
• Ashoka University: High national ranking, strong liberal arts curriculum, extensive research output, and strong industry and global academic linkages.
• Shiv Nadar University: Strong engineering and technology base with interdisciplinary programmes, good industry placements, and a well-established research culture.

Campus & Infrastructure

Azim Premji University’s Bengaluru campus is a fully residential green campus on Sarjapur–Attibele Road on the city’s outskirts, spread over about 100–110 acres with 2.6 million sq ft of built-up space in its first phase. It houses academic blocks, a large central library, student residences and extensive indoor and outdoor sports and cultural spaces.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: 1,04,000+ books; 6,900+ online journals; 14,000+ e-newspapers; 14,000+ e-books; 19 databases; access to 58,817 e-journals
• Labs: 5+ discipline-specific labs for Physics, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and other subjects (user reviews)
• Classrooms: 5 academic blocks with technology-enabled classrooms and seminar halls (user reviews)

Hostel

Other Facilities

• Indoor sports complex with indoor stadium and gym (user reviews)
• Outdoor playfields including football ground, cricket ground, basketball, volleyball and frisbee ground (user reviews and facility lists)
• Open-air amphitheatre and auditorium for events and performances (university campus page and facility descriptions)
• Gulbanoo Premji Library building with 43,837 sq ft of dedicated library space

Frequently Asked Questions

What entrance tests does Azim Premji University accept for UG admissions?

UG admission is based on the Azim Premji University National Entrance Test (NET) or external scores like CUET-UG, SAT and JEE Main for BSc programmes. Shortlisted candidates are then called for a personal interview as the final selection stage.

What is the basic eligibility for undergraduate programmes at Azim Premji University Bangalore?

For most UG programmes, students must have passed Class 12 with at least 50% aggregate from a recognised board and be within 21 years of age as on 31 July of the admission year. IB and Cambridge A-Level students must meet specified credit and subject requirements.

How does the application process for UG courses at Azim Premji University work?

Candidates apply online through the university website, fill the form, upload documents and pay the application fee (₹500 for recent cycles). After submission, they write the National Entrance Test or submit eligible external scores, and shortlisted candidates attend an interview.

What is the approximate total fee for a 4-year BA programme at Azim Premji University?

For the 4-year BA (2025 cycle), the academic fee listed across all years ranges roughly from ₹3.4 lakh to ₹14.7 lakh depending on programme and need-based fee waivers. The university uses a differential fee model linked to the family’s income rather than a single flat fee.

Does Azim Premji University offer financial aid or scholarships for UG students?

The university runs a strong need-based financial aid system covering tuition, hostel and food, with support levels decided from income documents like bank statements, income certificates, and IT returns. Many students receive partial or substantial fee waivers based on verified family income.

Are education loans commonly used by Azim Premji University students?

Most students with higher financial need are encouraged towards institutional need-based aid rather than commercial loans. Some families still opt for bank education loans, but the university’s financial support system is designed to minimise dependence on high-interest borrowing.

How are placements for MA and other postgraduate programmes at Azim Premji University?

Placement outcomes focus strongly on social sector roles in NGOs, development organisations, schools and policy institutions. Typical offers cluster in education, public health, development consulting and research, with many graduates joining the Azim Premji Foundation and partner organisations.

Does Azim Premji University have corporate placements with high salary packages like typical MBA colleges?

The university is not designed as a high-CTC corporate placement campus. Career outcomes prioritise meaningful work in education and development, where salaries are moderate compared to traditional MBA or engineering colleges but aligned with social sector scales.

Are internships mandatory for UG students at Azim Premji University?

Field engagement is integral: UG programmes include structured field practice, internships, and rural or community immersion components built into the curriculum. Students spend defined periods working with schools, NGOs, or community organisations as credit-bearing requirements.

How intensive is the coursework at Azim Premji University for BA/BSc students?

The curriculum includes core courses, major-specific papers, common foundational courses, and field practice, with continuous assessment instead of only end-semester exams. Students typically handle readings, writing assignments, projects and discussions that demand strong engagement through the semester.

What kind of faculty profile does Azim Premji University have?

Faculty include academics and practitioners from education, economics, development, public policy, health and sciences, many with PhDs from leading Indian and international universities and significant field experience in NGOs, public systems and schools.

How strong are the science labs and research facilities for BSc students?

BSc students access dedicated labs for physics, biology and related areas with modern equipment, supported by lab technicians. Labs stay available beyond class hours for projects subject to permission, and students engage in guided research or independent studies along with coursework.

Is hostel compulsory for first-year students at Azim Premji University Bangalore?

Most full-time UG and PG students opt for university residences located close to the campus, but staying in the hostel is not strictly compulsory for all programmes. Priority in residences is given to outstation students and those from outside Bengaluru.

How are the hostels and food quality at Azim Premji University?

Residences are high-rise buildings with shared rooms, common rooms, study spaces and 24x7 Wi‑Fi. The mess typically serves four meals a day with both vegetarian and non‑vegetarian options, covering North and South Indian cuisines; students rate hygiene as good, though menu repetition is common.

What kind of clubs, fests and extracurricular activities are there on campus?

Campus life includes clubs for drama, music, debates, films, reading, sports and community engagement. Students participate in academic forums, cultural evenings, film screenings and sports tournaments; the calendar has multiple festivals and student-led events through the year rather than a single giant fest.

Is ragging or harassment a concern at Azim Premji University residences?

The university maintains explicit zero-tolerance policies on ragging, discrimination and harassment, with clear reporting mechanisms and resident mentors living in hostels. Residential spaces are described as safe and inclusive, with structured discussions on issues such as gender and substance use.

How convenient is the commute to the Azim Premji University campus within Bengaluru?

The Bengaluru campus is connected by city buses and metro-linked routes, and the university runs shuttle services between campus and some residence locations. Many students use a mix of BMTC buses, metro and university transport instead of private vehicles.

Is there any dress code at Azim Premji University?

The university does not enforce a formal dress code like uniforms. Students generally follow informal, comfortable clothing consistent with a diverse, co-educational campus, with expectations of basic decorum during classes, field visits and formal events.

How does Azim Premji University compare with conventional BA colleges in Bengaluru?

Compared to typical BA colleges, APU emphasises interdisciplinary liberal education, intensive reading and writing, fieldwork and strong social-sector orientation. Class sizes are relatively small, faculty–student interaction is high, and placements target development and education rather than mainstream corporate roles.

Is Azim Premji University worth it in terms of ROI for someone focused on social sector work?

For students committed to education, development and public policy careers, the combination of rigorous academics, extensive field exposure, strong social-sector networks and substantial need-based financial aid offers strong non-monetary and reasonable financial returns relative to typical social sector salary levels.