Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod

About

The Central University of Kerala (often abbreviated as CUK) is a central government university located in Kasaragod, in the northern part of the Indian state of Kerala. It was established in 2009 under the Central Universities Act, 2009 with the vision of imparting holistic higher education rooted in “caring wisdom,” promoting academic excellence, social commitment, intellectual and spiritual growth.

CUK’s main campus, known as Tejaswini Hills, is situated at Periye, Kasaragod on 310 acres of land allocated by the Government of Kerala, close to the Chandragiri River and accessible via NH-66. Besides the main campus, the university also operates a Law campus at Thiruvalla and a Capital Centre at Thiruvananthapuram. Its approach emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and research in a culturally diverse environment.

The Central University of Kerala is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and accredited with an ‘A’ grade by NAAC. It features in the NIRF university rankings (101–150 band), reflecting its growing national standing. Its law programs are approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI).

CUK comprises 12 schools housing 27 departments across diverse fields including sciences, social sciences, humanities, languages, law and education. The expansive main campus at Tejaswini Hills hosts most departments, while specialized programs in law and international relations are delivered from Thiruvalla and Trivandrum centres respectively.

The university offers undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG) and doctoral (Ph.D.) programs in disciplines such as Arts, Science, Commerce, Management, Social Sciences, Law and more. Admissions are typically based on CUET (Common University Entrance Test) for UG/PG courses, and suitable national entrance tests for research degrees. Eligibility varies by program but generally requires completion of prior qualifying education with minimum marks. CUK students can access several scholarships, including national and state schemes like Saksham and PRAGATI for eligible categories.

The campus offers robust infrastructure including modern lecture halls, ICT-enabled classrooms, well-stocked central library, hostels for men and women, laboratories, sports facilities, health centre, canteens, bank/ATM, guest house and transport services — all designed to support academic and student life.

CUK has an active Placement Cell that conducts skill development programs, industry interactions, and placement drives. According to recent reports, median annual salary packages for graduates are around ₹1.74 L (UG) and ₹2.28 L (PG), with opportunities increasing as industry linkages grow.

In summary, the Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod is a nationally recognized central university founded in 2009 with a broad academic portfolio, strong infrastructure, inclusive campus culture, and evolving placement outcomes. It continues to expand its research footprint and educational reach while serving as a key institution in Kerala’s higher education landscape.

Some Highlights of Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod

Why Choose Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod (CUK) ?

1. Central University Status

Central University of Kerala is a central government–funded institution established under the Central Universities Act, ensuring high academic standards, transparent governance, and nationally recognized degrees.

2. NAAC ‘A’ Grade Accreditation

The university is NAAC accredited with an ‘A’ grade, reflecting quality teaching, curriculum design, research output, and institutional credibility.

3. Serene & Eco-Friendly Campus

Located at Tejaswini Hills, Periye, the 310-acre green campus offers a peaceful, pollution-free environment that supports focused learning, research, and overall student well-being.

4. Wide Range of Academic Disciplines

CUK offers multidisciplinary programs across Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences, Languages, Law, Education, and Management, encouraging holistic and interdisciplinary learning.

5. Admission Through CUET

Admissions are conducted through CUET (UG/PG), ensuring a fair, merit-based, and transparent selection process with opportunities for students from across India.

6. Strong Research & Doctoral Programs

The university places strong emphasis on research and innovation, offering Ph.D. programs, research fellowships, funded projects, and access to modern laboratories and libraries.

7. Affordable Education & Scholarships

As a central university, CUK offers low tuition fees along with access to government scholarships such as SC/ST, OBC, Minority, EWS, and merit-based schemes.

8. Qualified & Experienced Faculty

Students benefit from highly qualified faculty members, many of whom are actively involved in research, publications, national seminars, and international collaborations.

9. Modern Infrastructure & Student Facilities

The campus is equipped with ICT-enabled classrooms, central library, hostels, sports facilities, health centre, cafeterias, bank/ATM, and transport services.

10. Growing Placement & Career Support

CUK has a dedicated Placement and Career Guidance Cell that focuses on skill development, internships, and job opportunities in education, research, corporate, and public sectors.

11. Cultural Diversity & Inclusive Campus Life

Students from different states and backgrounds create a diverse, inclusive, and culturally rich campus environment, promoting national integration.

12. Strategic Location in Kerala

Situated in Kasaragod, the university provides access to Kerala’s educational ecosystem while maintaining a calm atmosphere away from urban congestion.

Admission Procedure

CU Kerala courses are offered at UG, PG, Doctorate level. There are 40 courses offered at CU Kerala. The courses are offered in fields like Arts, Medical, Law, Science. CU Kerala courses includes M.Sc, MA, Ph.D, M.P.H, L.L.M, BA, MBA, MSW, B.Sc + B.Ed, M.Com. The popular courses at CU Kerala is M.Sc, MA, Ph.D.

Admission Criteria

BA Admission

Here we are providing the details of full-time three years, Bachelor of Arts course at UG level offered by the college. The minimum eligibility for admission in BA is a pass in 10+2 with at least 50% marks in aggregate. The selection of the candidates is based on merit in the qualifying examination and score in CUET.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must have at least 50% marks or equivalent in Plus Two from a recognized Board (studied in 10+2 system).Up to 5% relaxation in marks for SC/ST candidates.
  
• The candidates should not have completed 19 years of age.

LLM - Eligibility Criteria

• All candidates having a three-year/five-year regular L.L.B. Degree from a recognized University (studied in 10+2+3+3/10+2+5 system) with at least 50% marks or equivalent grade point in the aggregate.
  
• Up to 5% relaxation in the minimum requirement of marks is granted to SC/ST candidates.

PG - Eligibility Criteria

• Master’s Degree in the concerned /allied/relevant subject with a minimum of 55% marks, or with a CGPA of 6.0 in the 10 point scale in the qualifying examination, from a University recognized by the University Grants Commission.
  
• Up to 5% relaxation in the minimum requirement of marks is granted to SC/ST candidates.
  

Scholarship

The newly admitted students in Postgraduate programmes during the academic session 2015-2017 can apply for various scholarships offered by Kerala State Higher Education Council, SC/ST Development Department of Kerala, University Grant Commission etc.

• SC/ST scholarships
  
• OBC and Minority scholarships
  
• EWS support schemes
  
• Merit-based scholarships
  
• National Fellowship for research scholars
  

Placement

The university has a dedicated Placement and Career Guidance Cell that assists students through career counseling, skill development programs, workshops, and placement drives. Graduates find opportunities in education, research institutions, NGOs, corporate organizations, and government sectors. Higher education and research pathways are also actively encouraged.

Facilities Offered @ Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod

To make learning resources available through a single-window to the learners, National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology (NMEICT) has sponsored the National Digital Library of India (NDLI) project and arranged funding through Ministry of Education, Govt. of India,The University prioritizes physical and mental wellbeing of its students and staff. The University has outdoor sporting facilities for football, basketball, cricket, badminton and facilities for indoor sporting activities. The University currently has two playgrounds, badminton court and a multipurpose hall to facilitate recreational sporting. The University also organizes online Zumba classes to promote physical activity among its staff.The University encourages regular practice of yoga among its students and staff. The Yoga Center is supported by the Department of Yoga of the University.

The University also orgnaises sports competitions internally as well as take the students for inter-university and regional competitions. The University regularly organizes inter-school tournaments for Athletics, Cricket, Football, Badminton etc. Additionally, sports competitions for teaching and non-teaching staff are part Central University of Kerala’s commitment to encourage fitness and healthy living.The lab is well equipped for the faculties, students, and researchers. The high-speed internet connectivity is over 1 Gbps which is useful for enlarging student’s overall knowledge and perspectives.

Hostel

There are eight hostels at Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini hills campus; all are named after the famous rivers of Kerala namely Kabani, Nila, Pamba (I & II), Madhuvahini, Periyar, Neyyar and Amaravathi. There are separate hostels for boys and girls. Of the hostels, five are for girls and three are for boys. The hostel rooms measure different sizes capacitating 2 to 4 beds. Each hostel building is designed to be an independent unit with its own kitchen, dining hall, reading room/library, television, water cooler, telephone facilities and kit for indoor games. Wi-Fi or local area network (LAN) facilities are provided in every room and there is a computer room in the hostel. Each hostel is managed by a Faculty member as Warden. The hostel & mess committee comprising student members and warden is the overall governing body of the hostels.

The institute is in the process of extending few more hostels to increase the student intake over the years. There are five hostels at Central University of Kerala, Periye campus; all are named after the famous rivers of Kerala namely Kabani, Nila, Pamba, Periyar and Neyyar. There are separate hostels for boys and girls. Of the hostels, three are for girls and two are for boys. The hostel rooms measure different sizes capacitating 2 to 4 beds. Each hostel building is designed to be an independent unit with its own kitchen, dining hall, reading room/library, television, water cooler, telephone facilities and and kit for indoor games. Wi-Fi or local area network (LAN) facilities are provided in every room and there is a computer room in the hostel. Each hostel is managed by a Faculty members as Wardens. The hostel & mess committee comprising student members and warden is the overall governing body of the hostels. The institute is in the process of extending few more hostels to increase the student intake over the years.

Transport

The university operates campus transport services connecting major nearby towns and transit points. Regular bus services and road connectivity ensure easy access to the campus for students, faculty, and staff.