Central University of Punjab

The Central University of Punjab (CUP) was established in 2009 through Parliament Act No. 25 of 2009, along with other new central universities. Over the past 13 years, CUP has made significant progress and was accredited with an ‘A+’ grade by NAAC in its second accreditation cycle in 2023. The university has consistently ranked in the NIRF University Category, securing 95th (2019), 87th (2020), 84th (2021), 81st (2022), 100th (2023), and 83rd (2024). Known for the highest per capita research funding, CUP focuses on interdisciplinary learning, research innovation, and skill development to meet regional, national, and global academic and industry needs. The university has also adopted e-governance through the Samarth Project, ensuring efficiency and transparency in administration.

Initially, CUP operated from a three-room office in 2009 before shifting to a 37-acre rented campus in Bathinda. It now spans 500 acres in Ghudda village, featuring an eco-friendly, energy-efficient campus, provisionally rated five stars by GRIHA Council and TERI. With 31 departments and 11 schools, it offers PG and Ph.D. programs in Sciences, Technology, Education, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Law. Starting with just 10 students in 2009, the university now enrolls 1,595 master’s, 366 doctoral, and 21 international students. It introduced CBCS (2015), outcome-based learning (2018), and graduate attribute-based curriculum (2021), emphasizing research, entrepreneurship, and skill-building.

CUP fosters holistic student development by celebrating national and international events, hosting sports and cultural programs, and encouraging participation in government flagship schemes. The campus is plastic-free and promotes environmental awareness in adopted villages.

Recognized for research excellence, CUP maintains high faculty-to-projects and faculty-to-publications ratios. Since 2015, it has offered "Earn-While-You-Learn" opportunities for financially struggling students. Despite geographical challenges, CUP represents a mini India, with students from 26 states, faculty from 19 states, and staff from 12 states. Its faculty, trained at prestigious institutions in India and abroad, are shaping the university’s bright future in academics and research.

Scholarships available at Central University of Punjab

The Central University of Punjab (CUP) offers various scholarships and financial assistance programs to support meritorious and underprivileged students. These scholarships are designed to encourage academic excellence, promote research, and ensure inclusivity in higher education.

Merit-Based Scholarships are awarded to students who achieve top ranks in entrance examinations or maintain outstanding academic performance during their studies. Additionally, the Merit-cum-Means Scholarship (MCM) supports students based on both academic performance and financial need, ensuring that education remains accessible to those from economically weaker backgrounds.

The Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) is available for students who qualify UGC/CSIR-NET, providing financial aid for their doctoral research. The Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF) and Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF) cater specifically to SC/ST and minority students pursuing Ph.D. programs.

For postgraduate students, the Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship encourages higher education among single female children, while the Postgraduate Merit Scholarship for University Rank Holders supports academic toppers from undergraduate programs. Additionally, students belonging to SC/ST/OBC categories can avail Government of India Scholarships, and those enrolled in biotechnology programs benefit from the DBT Special Fund.

CUP also implements the "Earn-While-You-Learn" scheme, offering financial assistance to students in need, ensuring equal educational opportunities for all.