Guru Nanak Dev University: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Amritsar Campus Life

About Guru Nanak Dev University - [GNDU] Amritsar

Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), established in 1969, is a state public university located in Amritsar, Punjab. It was founded by the Government of Punjab and is named after the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The university operates as a residential and affiliating institution with recognition from the University Grants Commission (UGC).

GNDU holds an "A++" grade accreditation from NAAC with a CGPA of 3.85, reflecting its high academic standards. It is ranked 48th among Indian universities in the NIRF 2023 rankings and is recognized as a "University with Potential for Excellence" by UGC. The university offers over 100 courses across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels, with a strong emphasis on research and placements. It is also noted for winning the MAKA Trophy 24 times, the highest in sports achievements among Indian universities.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) Amritsar admission for 2026 follows a merit-based process for most courses, with some requiring entrance exams such as the BA entrance test and the GNDU GMET for MBA admissions. Applications are submitted online, and counselling is conducted based on merit or entrance test ranks.

Admission Process

Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) Amritsar offers admission through a combination of merit in qualifying exams, national-level entrance tests like JEE Main and GMET, and university-conducted departmental entrance exams depending on the programme. Applications are submitted online via the official GNDU portal before the specified deadline.

BTech Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Visit the official GNDU admission website and generate a Student ID using your email and Aadhaar details.
2. Login with the Student ID and password to access the application form.
3. Select the BTech programme and fill in personal and academic details.
4. Upload required documents such as 10+2 mark sheet and identity proof.
5. Pay the application fee of ₹1500 (₹750 for SC/ST) online and submit the form.
6. Appear for JEE Main exam and await merit-based shortlisting by GNDU.
7. Participate in counselling and seat allotment based on JEE Main rank and GNDU criteria.

MBA Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Generate Student ID and login on the GNDU admission portal.
2. Fill out the MBA application form with graduation details and personal information.
3. Upload necessary documents including graduation mark sheet and identity proof.
4. Pay the application fee online.
5. Appear for GMET or submit valid CAT/MAT scores as required.
6. Wait for merit list publication and participate in counselling for final admission.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates
• Graduation mark sheet and degree certificate (for PG courses)
• Entrance exam scorecard (JEE Main, GMET, CAT, MAT, or GNDU departmental exam)
• Identity proof (Aadhaar card, passport, etc.)
• Passport size photographs
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• Application fee payment receipt

Cutoff 2025

The JEE Main cutoff ranks for Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) Amritsar in 2025 for B.Tech programs generally range from 50,000 to 1,50,000 for the general category in Computer Science & Engineering, with higher rank ranges for reserved categories. GATE cutoffs for M.Tech programs mostly fall between 320 and 360 for general category candidates. The cutoffs show consistency with previous years, reflecting stable competition and seat availability.

Placements 2025

Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, achieved a strong placement performance in 2025 with an 84.89% placement rate. The highest package offered was ₹44 LPA, primarily in the B.Tech Computer Engineering branch, while the average package stood at ₹6.37 LPA. Over 92 companies participated in the campus recruitment drives, offering diverse roles across IT, consulting, core sectors, and management.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

IT: Amazon, Accenture, IBM, Capgemini, Amdocs, TCS, Infosys, Wipro

Consulting: KPMG, Deloitte, EY

Core: Dabur, Coca-Cola, Cipla, Sun Pharma, Mankind Pharma

Branch-wise Placement

Rankings & Accreditations

Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, holds a strong position among Indian universities with a 48th rank in the NIRF University category in 2023 and a 12th rank among government universities by India Today in 2025. It is accredited with an A++ grade by NAAC, reflecting high academic standards.

NIRF 2025

Other Rankings

Accreditations

• NAAC: A++ grade with a CGPA of 3.85 on a 4.00 scale (Valid latest accreditation)
• UGC: Category One status and recognized as a University with Potential for Excellence

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options primarily for SC/ST, OBC, economically weaker sections, meritorious students, and those with disabilities. These include university-endowed scholarships, state government post-matric scholarships, and special research fellowships, with amounts ranging from monthly stipends to annual fee waivers.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• Oxford & Cambridge Society of India Scholarship (OCSI): Full scholarships for meritorious students for study in the UK
• India Fellow Social Leadership Program: Fellowship for leadership development (amount varies)

Comparison

Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) Amritsar is compared with Panjab University Chandigarh and Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana as they are prominent public universities in Punjab offering diverse programs, with strong research and accreditation credentials, and similar NIRF ranking brackets in 2025.

Key Strengths

• Guru Nanak Dev University - [GNDU] Amritsar: Highest NAAC accreditation with A++ grade and “University with Potential for Excellence” status, strong placements in IT and management sectors, and recognized as India’s No.1 university in sports with multiple MAKA trophies.
• Panjab University Chandigarh: One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in India with a wide range of programs, strong research output, and consistently higher NIRF ranking among Punjab universities.
• Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana: Premier agricultural university with strong focus on agricultural sciences and allied sectors, significant contributions to research and extension in agriculture, and good industry linkages for placements.

Campus & Infrastructure

Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) in Amritsar is situated on a sprawling 500-acre campus near Kot Khalsa, about 8 km west of Amritsar city on the Amritsar-Lahore highway. The campus features modern architecture amidst lush greenery, with well-maintained academic buildings, extensive sports facilities, and a large library.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: Largest library in Punjab with extensive collections
• Labs: Computer Lab, Electrical Lab, Electronics Lab
• Classrooms: Well-equipped smart classrooms (exact number not specified)

Hostel

Other Facilities

• Sports Complex with Basketball, Cricket, Football, Tennis, Volleyball, Handball, Softball, Kho-Kho, Kabaddi, Hockey stadium, Archery, Velodrome
• Swimming Pool
• Gym
• Auditorium
• Moot Court (Law)
• Cafeteria
• Hospital / Medical Facilities
• Wi-Fi Campus
• Music Room
• Dance Room
• Botanical Garden
• Guest House
• Post Office
• Reading Hall
• Senate Hall

Frequently Asked Questions

What entrance exams are required for admission to GNDU BTech and MBA programs?

For BTech admission, candidates must appear for JEE Main 2025, and for MBA admission, the GMET exam is required. Other courses generally require an entrance test conducted by the respective Head of Department at GNDU.

What is the eligibility criteria for the integrated BCom + MCom program at GNDU?

Applicants must have at least 50% marks in Class 12 from a recognized board. Admission is based on an entrance exam consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions in General Knowledge, English, and Quantitative Aptitude.

How much is the application fee for GNDU undergraduate courses?

The application fee is ₹1300 for general candidates and ₹650 for SC/ST candidates for most courses, including the integrated BCom + MCom program.

What is the fee structure for GNDU hostels and what facilities are included?

GNDU has 3 boys’ and 4 girls’ hostels with double to five-sharing rooms, furnished with beds, study tables, and wardrobes. Hostels have geysers, water coolers, Wi-Fi, common rooms with LED TVs, and indoor/outdoor games facilities.

Are scholarships or financial aid available at GNDU?

GNDU offers reservation-based benefits and scholarships primarily for Punjab domicile students under SC/ST/BC/PWD categories, requiring valid certificates issued by competent authorities.

What companies recruit from GNDU and what is the average placement package?

GNDU has a placement cell that facilitates internships and placements, but specific recruiter names and average packages vary by department and year; top packages can reach competitive levels in IT and management sectors.

What is the placement rate for GNDU graduates?

The placement rate varies by program, with professional courses like BTech and MBA generally seeing higher placement percentages, often above 70%, supported by university-organized campus drives and internships.

How is the curriculum structured for postgraduate courses at GNDU?

Postgraduate courses follow a semester system with a mix of theoretical and practical components. Admission is based on merit in departmental entrance tests, and research opportunities are available in specialized fields.

What research facilities and labs are available at GNDU?

GNDU has department-based laboratories, computer labs, and a central workshop for electronic, mechanical, and optical repairs. The Bhai Gurdas Library supports research with e-journals and a large collection of books.

How is the campus life and extracurricular environment at GNDU?

GNDU offers a vibrant campus life with cultural fests, sports facilities including cricket, basketball, volleyball courts, and indoor games. The university also runs NSS and various clubs promoting arts, sports, and social activities.

What are the hostel mess and food quality like at GNDU?

The hostels have mess and canteen facilities run by contractors ensuring hygienic food. The dining halls are equipped with water coolers and insect control measures, offering a variety of snacks and meals.

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

Yes, GNDU provides 24/7 Wi-Fi coverage across the entire campus and in all hostel rooms, supporting academic and recreational internet use for students and faculty.

What are the commuting options for students attending GNDU?

GNDU is located in Amritsar with good local transport connectivity including buses and auto-rickshaws. The campus also has parking facilities for students who use personal vehicles.

Are part-time jobs or internships available for GNDU students on campus?

While GNDU does not have a formal on-campus part-time job system, the placement cell facilitates internships and project opportunities with local industries and organizations.

Does GNDU have a dress code or any specific rules for students?

GNDU does not enforce a strict dress code; however, students are expected to maintain decorum and dress modestly in academic and hostel areas.

How does GNDU compare with other universities in Punjab in terms of reputation and ROI?

GNDU is one of the top-ranked universities in Punjab with a strong academic reputation, extensive infrastructure, and a large alumni network, offering good return on investment especially in professional courses.

What is the alumni network like at GNDU?

GNDU has an active alumni association that organizes events and networking opportunities, helping current students with mentorship and career guidance.

Are single rooms available in GNDU hostels?

Single rooms are limited and primarily available on request in girls’ hostels; most rooms are shared with double to five occupancy arrangements.

What sports facilities are available on the GNDU campus?

GNDU offers extensive sports facilities including a cricket ground with practice nets, football ground, basketball, volleyball, badminton courts, and indoor games like table tennis and carrom.

How modern and well-equipped are the classrooms and academic infrastructure at GNDU?

The campus has modern classrooms with some older ones needing maintenance. Facilities include smart classrooms, seminar halls, computer labs, and a central library with digital resources and 24/7 Wi-Fi.