Central University of Kerala: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Kasaragod Campus Life

About Central University of Kerala - [CUK] Kasaragod

The Central University of Kerala (CUK), officially Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, was established in 2009 under the Central Universities Act 2009 at Tejaswini Hills, Periye, near Kanhangad in Kasaragod district, Kerala. It is a public Central University funded and administered by the Government of India. The university functions under the Ministry of Education and is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Central University of Kerala is accredited by NAAC with a B++ grade and participates in the National Institutional Ranking Framework, placed in the 101–150 rank band among Indian universities and in the 151–200 band in the Overall category in NIRF 2025. The university offers a range of UG, PG and doctoral programmes through schools in disciplines such as social sciences, language and literature, biological sciences, education and legal studies, and has been expanding its academic footprint with CUET-based admissions and increasing research activity.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

Admissions at Central University of Kerala for 2026 will be based on CUET (UG/PG), KMAT Kerala, and XAT for respective programmes. The admission cycle typically begins in early 2026 with CUET registration, followed by university-specific counselling and admission phases.

Admission Process

Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod admits students to its UG and PG programmes through CUET-UG and CUET-PG conducted by NTA, followed by online registration, rank lists and phase-wise online counselling on the university’s SAMARTH portal and official website. PhD admissions use national fellowships (UGC/CSIR NET JRF etc.) or CUCET, plus interview.

UG (BCA (Hons) with Research, B.Com (Hons) Financial Analytics with Research, B.Sc (Hons) Biology with Research) Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Register and apply for CUET-UG on the NTA portal for the relevant subject combination.
2. Appear for CUET-UG and download the scorecard.
3. Register on CU Kerala CUET UG SAMARTH portal (cukeralacuet.samarth.edu.in) within the notified dates.
4. Complete profile, academic, address and bank details; upload documents and CUET-UG score.
5. Fill choices for preferred UG programmes and submit the application with online fee payment.
6. Check provisional and final rank lists on cukerala.ac.in and portal.
7. Participate in phase-wise online counselling (seat allotment/acceptance).
8. Upload/verify certificates as instructed and pay admission fee within the deadline.
9. Report on the notified date for commencement of classes.

PG (MA/MSc/MCom/LLM/MBA/MEd/MFA and other PG programmes) Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Register and apply for CUET-PG on the NTA portal for the relevant programme.
2. Appear for CUET-PG and obtain the scorecard.
3. Register on CU Kerala CUET PG SAMARTH portal (cukeralacuet.samarth.edu.in/pg) during the PG admission window.
4. Fill online registration form, complete profile and academic details, and upload required documents.
5. Select desired PG programmes and submit choices; pay the prescribed registration fee online.
6. Check PG provisional rank list and admission schedule on cukerala.ac.in and email.
7. Confirm willingness for admission by email/portal within the stipulated time.
8. Attend online certificate verification in the allotted phase and upload documents.
9. Pay programme fee within the 48-hour payment window to secure the seat and join classes from the notified start date.

PhD Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Ensure eligibility with a relevant master’s degree and valid UGC/CSIR-NET/JRF or appear for CUCET for PhD where required.
2. Apply online through the PhD admission link on cukerala.ac.in during the notified period.
3. Submit academic details, research area preferences and upload documents and test scores.
4. Shortlisted candidates attend interview/viva-voce in the concerned department.
5. Check selection list issued by the university and receive provisional admission offer.
6. Complete document verification and pay the notified PhD registration/tuition fee.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• CUET-UG / CUET-PG / NET-JRF / CUCET scorecard (as applicable)
• SSLC/Matriculation certificate (proof of date of birth)
• 10+2 / PUC / HSC mark sheet and certificate
• All semester/year mark sheets and degree certificate of qualifying exam (UG/PG)
• Transfer Certificate from last institution attended
• Migration Certificate from previous Board/University
• Conduct/Character Certificate
• Caste/Community certificate for SC/ST/OBC (in prescribed format, if applicable)
• EWS certificate (if applicable)
• PwD certificate (if applicable)
• Aadhaar card copy
• Recent passport-size photographs

Rankings & Accreditations

Central University of Kerala (CUK), Kasaragod features in the NIRF 2025 University rank-band 101–150 and Overall rank-band 151–200, with an official NIRF-listed university rank of 106 in 2025. The university holds an A grade from NAAC.

NIRF 2025

Accreditations

• NAAC: A Grade
• NBA: Not accredited

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Central University of Kerala students receive significant financial support through central schemes on the National Scholarship Portal, Kerala state e‑grantz and Directorate of Collegiate Education schemes, and a few university-linked fellowships. A large share of enrolled students get full tuition waivers from government scholarships each year.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• Central and State Government full-fee waivers: In 2024, 725 of 1,649 CUK students received 100% tuition waivers funded by central/state schemes routed through NSP and Kerala portals, targeted to low-income and reserved-category students.
• Private Trust-sponsored full tuition scholarships: Three CUK students in 2024 received full tuition support from external Trusts based on high academic merit and financial need.

Comparison

Central University of Kerala (CUK) is best compared with other newer Central Universities such as Central University of Punjab (CUPB) and Tezpur University, which have similar governance (MoE/UGC), multidisciplinary focus, and NIRF positioning in the university category. These institutions attract students nationwide seeking affordable, research-oriented public university education.

Key Strengths

• Central University of Kerala - [CUK] Kasaragod: Low fees with NAAC A accreditation and growing NIRF presence, strong humanities and social sciences, and a quiet campus environment in North Kerala.
• Central University of Punjab, Bathinda: Strong NAAC A+ profile, better NIRF rank, and research-focused environment with good science, environmental, and pharmaceutical programmes.
• Tezpur University, Tezpur: Established Central University with NAAC A+, solid NIRF position and stronger placement outcomes, especially in science, engineering, and management-related programmes.

Campus & Infrastructure

Central University of Kerala’s main campus at Tejaswini Hills, Periye in Kasaragod is a large residential and academic campus spread over 310 acres, with a built‑up area of over 6.58 lakh sq ft, surrounded by the greenery of northern Kerala’s hill landscape. The university operates mainly from this Periye campus, with additional centres at Thiruvananthapuram and Thiruvalla for specific programmes.The main campus, called Thejaswini Hills, is located at Periye in Kasaragod district of Kerala on a 310-acre land parcel allotted by the Government of Kerala. It lies on NH-17 near Kanhangad town, forming a self-contained academic and residential hub with a built-up area of 6,58,400 sq ft.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: Central library under development at Thejaswini Hills campus; existing full-fledged library at Sindhu Block with computer lab and access to major research publications (numbers not specified in official sources)

Hostel

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CUET compulsory for admission to Central University of Kerala UG and PG courses?

Yes. For 2025–26, all regular UG programmes use CUET-UG scores and all PG programmes use CUET-PG scores for admission, followed by online registration and counselling on the CUK admission portal.

What minimum marks are needed in Class 12 to apply for UG courses at CUK Kasaragod?

For most UG programmes, candidates need at least 50% marks in Class 12 from a recognised board, with 5% relaxation for SC/ST candidates, in addition to a valid CUET-UG score.

How does the UG admission counselling process work at Central University of Kerala?

After CUET-UG results, candidates register on the CUK admission portal, fill choices, and pay the registration fee. The university publishes rank lists and conducts multiple online counselling and admission phases in August, with admission confirmed after document verification and fee payment.

What is the approximate annual fee for a typical PG programme at Central University of Kerala?

Most PG programmes have semester tuition in the range of a few thousand rupees, with total annual academic fees generally under ₹15,000, excluding hostel and mess. Students also pay one-time registration and caution deposit at admission.

How much does the Central University of Kerala hostel and mess cost per year?

Student reviews indicate hostel charges around ₹7,000 per year, with mess expenses about ₹1,800–₹2,700 per month depending on arrangement. This makes annual living cost in hostel and mess roughly ₹30,000–₹35,000 for most students.

Does Central University of Kerala offer scholarships or fee concessions?

CUK students can avail central and state government schemes such as SC/ST, OBC, minority scholarships and national fellowships. The university also supports eligible research scholars through UGC/CSIR-JRF and similar fellowships regulations.

How are placements for PG programmes at Central University of Kerala?

Being a central university with strong focus on humanities, social sciences and sciences, campus jobs are limited and many students pursue higher studies, NET/JRF, teaching or government exams. Professional programmes like MBA and M.Ed see relatively better campus-driven placement activity.

Does CUK arrange internships for students?

Several departments encourage internships or field work as part of curriculum, especially in management, education, social work and environmental studies. Students typically arrange internships with guidance from faculty, and some departments have MoUs with external organisations.

What is the research environment like at Central University of Kerala?

CUK offers PhD programmes in multiple disciplines with eligibility of 55% in master’s and NET/JRF or CUCET. Departments in science, social science and humanities run funded projects, provide access to laboratories, library e-resources and encourage publications and conferences.

How is the faculty quality and teaching method at CUK Kasaragod?

Most departments have faculty with PhD and research credentials, and classes run in a semester system with continuous assessment through assignments, presentations and end-semester exams. Many classrooms are ICT-enabled, allowing use of projectors and digital resources.

What hostel facilities are available on the Periya campus?

The university runs separate boys’ and girls’ hostels named after Kerala rivers like Kabani, Nila, Pamba, Periyar and Neyyar. Rooms are mostly 2–4 seater with Wi‑Fi/LAN, kitchen, dining hall, reading room, TV, indoor games and faculty wardens in charge.

How is the mess food quality and timing in CUK hostels?

Student reviews describe the mess as average but affordable, with per-head charges around ₹1,800–₹2,700 per month. Food typically includes regular South Indian meals with weekly non-veg items, and timings align with class schedules for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

What sports and recreation facilities does CUK provide?

The campus has grounds and courts for football, cricket, volleyball, basketball and badminton, along with an indoor games area and yoga/fitness facilities. University-level sports events and tournaments run through the year for hostel and day scholars.

Is the Central University of Kerala campus safe for girls?

The Periya campus has separate girls’ hostels with 24×7 wardens, secure entry and CCTV in common areas. A health centre, regular bus service and a largely residential academic environment contribute to a relatively safe setting for women students.

How do students usually commute to the Periya campus from Kasaragod or nearby towns?

CUK operates shuttle/bus services connecting the Periya campus with nearby points, while many students use KSRTC/private buses on the Kasaragod–Periya route. Travel time from Kasaragod town is typically 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.

Is there any dress code or uniform for students at Central University of Kerala?

There is no strict uniform for most programmes; students follow a simple, modest dress code suitable for an academic setting. Certain practical labs or field activities require specific safety gear or formal wear as instructed by departments.

Is a personal laptop necessary for studying at CUK Kasaragod?

The university provides computer labs and Wi‑Fi across campus and hostels, but most students prefer having their own laptop for assignments, research and online resources. A mid-range laptop is usually sufficient for humanities and social science courses.

How does Central University of Kerala compare with state universities in Kerala for PG studies?

CUK is a central university with CUET-based admissions, relatively lower fees, and a more residential campus environment, while major state universities in Kerala have larger affiliated college networks, more professional courses and more urban campus locations.

Is doing a master’s from Central University of Kerala worth it in terms of ROI?

With annual academic fees often below ₹15,000 and on-campus hostel options, the cost of study is low. ROI depends on discipline: for NET/JRF aspirants, academics, civil services and research careers, CUK’s central-university tag and peer group can be advantageous.