Azim Premji University

About

Azim Premji University (APU) is a private, not-for-profit university located in Bengaluru (Bangalore), Karnataka, India. It was established in 2010 by Azim Premji, an Indian businessman and philanthropist, through the Azim Premji Foundation with the goal of contributing to a just, equitable, humane and sustainable society through high-quality education and research.

The main campus is situated at Survey No 66, Burugunte Village, Bikkanahalli Main Road, Sarjapura, Bengaluru 562125, set amidst expansive grounds with residential and academic facilities. There’s also a campus in Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) on 50 acres and ongoing development for additional campuses like Ranchi (Jharkhand).

Azim Premji University is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India as a legitimate degree-awarding institution. According to uniRank, it holds a country rank around 48 and world rank in the 3000s among global institutions.

APU encompasses multiple faculties and academic units offering undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma and certificate programmes, with emphasis on disciplines such as education, development studies, economics, public health, sciences, humanities and social sciences. The university operates as a unified structure rather than discrete “colleges” like traditional multi-college campuses.

The university offers UG and PG programmes including BA, BSc, MA and MSc degrees across areas like English, Physics, Economics, Mathematics, Environmental Science, Education and Public Health. Admissions typically involve entrance exams such as CUET or APU’s own processes and academic eligibility like passing Class 12 for undergraduate entry. APU also provides need-based scholarships for students from lower income families. In addition, the Azim Premji Scholarship, supported by the Azim Premji Foundation, offers financial aid (e.g., ₹30,000 per year) to eligible girl students pursuing higher education, though this is broader than just APU enrolments.

The university’s Bengaluru campus features classrooms, laboratories, library, seminar halls, indoor & outdoor sports facilities and residential hostels. The site is designed to support both academic and community life, with green sustainable elements and a vibrant campus environment.

APU’s placement approach focuses on engaging graduates in meaningful work, especially in the social sector, development organisations, research bodies and policy institutions. The campus placement team connects students with a range of organisations aligned with the university’s values, and many alumni pursue careers that emphasize societal impact.

In summary, Azim Premji University is a private, UGC-recognized institution rooted in the philosophy of social change. It combines interdisciplinary teaching, research and community engagement with an eye toward training graduates for thoughtful and purpose-driven careers. Its expanding multi-campus footprint reflects a commitment to accessible, socially oriented higher education across India.

Some Highlights of Azim Premji University

1. Not-for-Profit & Value-Driven Education
   

   Azim Premji University is a not-for-profit institution established by the Azim Premji Foundation, with a strong commitment to social justice, equity, and public good rather than commercial education.

2. Strong Academic Reputation
   

   The university is known for its rigorous academics, interdisciplinary curriculum, and emphasis on critical thinking, research, and real-world problem solving, especially in social sciences, sciences, and education.

3. UGC-Recognized & Credible Degrees
   

   APU is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), ensuring that its degrees are valid and respected across India and abroad.

4. Focus on Social Impact & Development Sector
   

   Unlike conventional universities, APU prepares students for careers in education, public policy, development, research, public health, NGOs, and social enterprises, making it ideal for students interested in meaningful and impactful careers.

5. Experienced Faculty & Research Culture
   

   The university has highly qualified faculty members, many with national and international research experience, fostering a strong culture of academic inquiry and evidence-based learning.

6. Need-Based Scholarships & Inclusivity
   

   APU offers generous need-based financial aid, ensuring that students from economically weaker backgrounds can access quality higher education without financial burden.

7. Modern Residential Campus
   

   The Bengaluru campus provides well-designed classrooms, advanced laboratories, a rich library, hostels, sports facilities, and green spaces, offering a holistic learning environment.

8. Ethical & Holistic Student Development
   

   The university emphasizes ethics, social responsibility, leadership, and civic engagement, shaping socially conscious and responsible graduates.

9. Purpose-Driven Placements
   

   Placements focus on development organizations, research institutes, schools, policy think tanks, and impact-oriented companies, aligning careers with values rather than just salary packages.

Admission Procedure

Undergraduate and postgraduate admissions to Azim Premji University are available. APU Bangalore admission to the undergraduate programme is accomplished through the university's entrance exam. A personal interview and an entrance exam are both parts of the Azim Premji University undergraduate admissions procedure. Students who successfully pass the university's entrance exam will be awarded admission to the postgraduate programme at Azim Premji University. Students can submit an online application for APU Bangalore admission to PG programmes for LLM and MA courses. A personal interview, an entrance exam, and an online application are all parts of the Azim Premji University admissions procedure for PG programmes.

Admission Criteria

Azim Premji University UG Courses Admission Process

Aspirants must fulfil the requirements for admission to Azim Premji University's undergraduate programme for the course they have applied for.Students must take the admission test, which is divided into two parts: Part A: Multiple Choice: This test will evaluate your quantitative and English language skills. Part B: Written component: Applicants must compose an essay, conduct data analysis, or solve a problem in accordance with their preferred major.

A personal interview will be scheduled for the shortlisted individuals.
The final decision will be based on the results of the entrance exam, a personal interview, the verification of supporting documentation, and the payment of the course fee to get the APU Admission confirmed.

Azim Premji University PG Courses Admission Process

For admission to the graduate programme at Azim Premji University, applicants must be eligible.
Students must submit an online application to the programme after proving they are eligible.
In order to be considered for admission to Azim Premji University, qualified applicants must take a university-conducted entrance exam.
There are two parts to the entrance exam: Questions with multiple choices in Part 1 and an essay based on the initial programming preference in Part 2.
Candidates who have been shortlisted will be contacted for a personal interview to evaluate their qualifications.
Following document verification and fee payment, the APU Bangalore admission will be finalised.

Azim Premji University Admission Documents Required:

• All educational certificates.
  
• All entrance exam scorecards.
  
• ID proof.
  
• Migration certificate.
  
• Transfer certificate.

Elgibility

• B.Sc {Hons.} BiologyPsychologyEnvironmental ScienceInformation TechnologyChemistry 10+2 with 50% JEE Main/CUETUG
  
• BA {Hons.} EconomicsEnglishPhilosophyPolitics & EconomicsHistorySocial SciencePhilosophy 10+2 with 50% CUET UG
  
• B.Sc + B.Ed MathematicsPhysicsBiologyChemistry 10+2 with 50% NCET

PG Admissions 2026

Azim Premji University offers a wide range of PG programs, including MA, MSc, and MPH, with a duration of 2 years. Admission is primarily based on CUET-PG scores, followed by counselling. Given below are the details of the Azim Premji University PG courses.

Eligibility

Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.

Placement

The Placements team at Azim Premji University, comprising of students and faculty mentors, work relentlessly in realising our vision for our students to be engaged with the social sector after they graduate. This team works steadily and provides a platform to support the students in finding the optimal place of work such that they contribute effectively in building a better society.

More than 5,250 of our graduates have gone on to find work that is purposeful and impressive. The kind of work they have taken up is significant and efficacious. Reflective of the purpose of the University, students have consciously chosen work, that they believe, fulfils their aspiration of contributing meaningfully to social change on the ground.

Over three hundred organisations participate in our campus placements, including large organisations in the NGO space, small organisations at the grassroots, research institutions, policy bodies, CSRs, quasi-government institutions and schools.

Placements constantly endeavours to bring in organisations that adhere to the values, ethics and commitment of the University. The team is trying to expand its network year after year to provide the right kind of opportunities to students to work in the social/​development sector.

Scholarships

Scholarship 1

Undergraduate Programme Need-based scholarships: The scholarship is for those students whose annual family income is less than 12 lakhs.

Scholarship 2

Postgraduate Programmes Need-based scholarships: The scholarship is for all PG programs and for those students whose annual family income is less than 7 lakhs.

Scholarship 3

Experience-based tuition fee waiver - Only for two-year programmes:

Eligibility - Min 3 years experience after graduation.
Students with three or more years of work experience after graduation will be eligible for a 50% waiver on tuition fees.

Facilities Offered @ Azim Premji University

The Azim Premji University campus, spread over 90 acres and with 2.6 million square feet of space at the end of the first phase of construction, will be a learning and living space with state-of-the-art facilities. At the University, all students would agree that the Student Residence buildings have a spirit of its own. The tales of waiting for a lift or running into a friend near the biometrics are endless. Reading the newspaper on a lazy Sunday morning or a late-night film in the common rooms are some memories that students cherish. While some floors have common rooms with cushioned sofas and living-room chairs for late-night discussions, others are study rooms with night lighting; some others are designed as Yoga spaces, while others with floored seating.

• The medical center supplies free general care, medical care, ambulance on-call, and referrals.
  
• The institute provides resources for medical emergencies for common and minor disorders at the clinic.
  
• A health insurance plan covers students for in-patient and out-patient charges, and students can contact the student helpdesk with any questions or concerns.
  

The mentorship sessions at Azim Premji University cover topics like selecting areas of interest for a job or higher education, communication, project management, data handling, resume writing, and interviewing skills.Facilities like a library, seminar halls, open-air Amphi theatre, outdoor playgrounds, indoor sports facilities, water treatment facilities, rainwater harvesting facilities, and cycling trails are available at the Azim Premji University campus area.

Transport

APU provides shuttle transport between hostels and the campus for students, typically at an additional charge of around ₹8,500 per semester (note: this has been subject to student protest and discussion over cost and implementation).APU provides shuttle transport between hostels and the campus for students, typically at an additional charge of around ₹8,500 per semester (note: this has been subject to student protest and discussion over cost and implementation).