In a major boost to higher education, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved the establishment of three private universities and unveiled an international scholarship programme aimed at enabling underprivileged yet talented students to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom. State Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay announced these developments on Thursday evening.
Three New Private Universities in Uttar Pradesh
- Vedanta University, Muzaffarnagar
The government has issued a Letter of Intent for setting up Vedanta University on 23.33 acres in Muzaffarnagar, exceeding the minimum 20-acre requirement for urban areas. Managed by the Lala Fatehchand Charitable Trust, the project has been cleared by the Higher Education Department and the State-Level Expert Committee. All operational formalities must be completed within two years. - Bodhisattva University, Barabanki
Bodhisattva University has received final operational clearance after fulfilling all provisions under the Uttar Pradesh Private Universities (Third Amendment) Act. With sufficient land and all regulatory approvals in place, the institution is now ready to commence academic sessions. - KD University, Mathura
Currently operating a dental college, KD University in Mathura has been upgraded to a full-fledged university. With over 50 acres of land—well above the urban requirement—the institution has secured approvals from all relevant committees to begin its expanded academic operations.
Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Shivalinga UP State Scholarship Scheme
The Cabinet has also approved an international scholarship initiative in partnership with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the British Council’s Shivalinga programme. This scheme, named in honour of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, will provide full funding for one-year master’s degree programmes in leading UK universities, such as:
- University of Oxford
- London School of Economics (LSE)
- Imperial College London
- King’s College London
Also Read: GHMC launches smart digital services to boost transparency
Key Highlights:
- Covers tuition, examination, and research fees
- Includes living expenses and round-trip economy airfare
- Joint selection by UP Government & FCDO representatives
- Five scholarships awarded annually
- Initially valid for 2025–26, 2026–27, 2027–28 with possible extension till March 2028
The scholarship is targeted at financially disadvantaged but academically gifted students, bridging the gap between local talent and global opportunities. Funding has already been allocated in the 2025–26 budget.
