![Rajiv Gandhi University - [RGU]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1433243050rajiv%201.jpg?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) is a Central University established in 1984 in Arunachal Pradesh, originally as Arunachal University. The Government of India granted it central university status in 2007, bringing it under the purview of the Ministry of Education. RGU is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and accredited by NAAC with Grade A (score 3.02 out of 4, valid until March 2029).
As per NIRF University Rankings 2025, RGU is placed in the 151-200 band.
The campus is spread across 302 acres at Rono Hills, Doimukh, Papum Pare district, roughly 25 km from Itanagar. The tableland setting offers a distinct ecology and proximity to biodiversity reserves, which informs the university’s strong research output in tribal studies, biodiversity, and Northeast ecology.
- Humanities and Social Sciences - BA in Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology, Fine Arts, and Music at the UG level; 16+ MA and MSW specialisations at PG level including Tribal Studies, Folkloristics, Defence and Strategic Studies, Mass Communication, and Geography
- Sciences and Agriculture - B.Sc in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Geology, and Agriculture; M.Sc in 14+ subjects including Botany, Zoology, Electronics, Food Technology, Sports Science, and Applied Geology
- Technology and Computing - BCA, M.Tech in CSE and ECE, MCA
- Professional programmes - MBA, LLM, B.Ed, B.P.Ed, Master of Performing Arts
- Doctoral programmes - PhD across 15+ disciplines
BA total fees range from INR 35,600 (Anthropology, Sociology) to INR 69,800 (Fine Arts, Music) over 3 years. MBA fees are INR 96,100 for 2 years. M.Tech fees are INR 1.03 Lakhs for 2 years.
SC, ST, OBC, and EWS students are eligible for state and central government scholarships including the Chief Minister Scholarship for APST students and UGC fellowships for research scholars.
RGU does not conduct formal campus placements. Graduates enter government services (APPSC, UPSC), academic roles, research institutions, and the corporate sector across the Northeast and beyond.
RGU Admission Dates 2026
Admissions for the 2026-27 academic session at Rajiv Gandhi University are governed by CUET UG for undergraduate programmes and CUET PG for postgraduate programmes. The 2026 admission cycle is in its final stages as of October 2026.
| Event | Programme Level | Status / Period |
|---|---|---|
| CUET UG 2026 (Exam) | All UG programmes | Conducted May 11 to 31, 2026 |
| RGU UG Online Admission Form | BA, B.Sc, BCA, B.Ed, B.P.Ed, BSW | Opened August 2026 after CUET UG results |
| Merit List and Counselling | UG programmes | August to September 2026 |
| CUET PG 2026 (Exam) | All PG programmes | Conducted May to June 2026 |
| RGU PG Admission Form | MA, M.Sc, MBA, MCA, M.Tech, LLM | June to August 2026 |
| RGUPET 2026 | PhD programmes | University-level entrance; check admissions portal |
| Classes Begin | All programmes | July to August 2026 |
The table below shows the course-wise exam accepted for Rajiv Gandhi University admissions in 2026.
| Programme Family | Exam Accepted | Admission Body |
|---|---|---|
| BA, B.Sc, BCA, B.Ed, B.P.Ed | CUET UG | NTA + RGU Admissions Committee |
| MA, M.Sc, MBA, MCA, LLM, MSW | CUET PG | NTA + RGU Admissions Committee |
| M.Tech | GATE or CUET PG | RGU Admissions Committee |
| PhD | RGUPET (university entrance) or UGC NET/JRF | RGU Research Committee |
RGU Courses and Fees
Rajiv Gandhi University offers over 80 programmes across 13 schools covering humanities, social sciences, pure and applied sciences, agriculture, engineering, law, and management. Fees are among the lowest in central universities, making RGU accessible to students from Arunachal Pradesh and the broader Northeast region. Total fees shown are computed from the 2025 fee schedule across all semesters or years.
| Programme | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA (Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology) | 3 years (6 semesters) | 10+2 from any stream | INR 35,600 |
| BA (Fine Arts, Music) | 3 years (6 semesters) | 10+2 from any stream | INR 69,800 |
| B.Sc (Chemistry, Physics, Maths) | 3 years (6 semesters) | 10+2 with Science | INR 44,600 |
| B.Sc (Agriculture) | 4 years (8 semesters) | 10+2 with Science/Agriculture | INR 1.22 Lakhs |
| B.Sc (Geology) | 3 years | 10+2 with Science | INR 92,000 |
| BCA | 3 years (6 semesters) | 10+2 with Mathematics | INR 89,000 |
| B.Ed | 2 years (4 semesters) | Bachelor’s degree with 50% | INR 32,500 |
| MA (most disciplines) | 2 years (4 semesters) | Bachelor’s degree in relevant subject | INR 25,300 |
| MA (Mass Communication) | 2 years (4 semesters) | Bachelor’s degree | INR 78,900 |
| M.Sc (most sciences) | 2 years (4 semesters) | B.Sc in relevant subject | INR 30,900 |
| M.Sc (Agriculture) | 2 years (4 semesters) | B.Sc Agriculture | INR 1.01 Lakhs |
| MBA | 2 years (4 semesters) | Bachelor’s degree with 50% | INR 96,100 |
| MCA | 2 years (4 semesters) | BCA or B.Sc (IT/CS) with Mathematics | INR 1.03 Lakhs |
| M.Tech (CSE, ECE) | 2 years (4 semesters) | B.E./B.Tech or MCA with 55% | INR 1.03 Lakhs |
| LLM | 2 years (4 semesters) | LLB with 55% | INR 46,500 |
The university also offers a distinctive Master of Arts in Folkloristics and Tribal Studies and MA in Defence and Strategic Studies - programmes unique to the Northeast context. PhD fees range from INR 55,400 (humanities disciplines) to INR 65,000 (sciences and technology) over the full research tenure.
RGU Admission Process
Rajiv Gandhi University follows the national CUET framework for admissions to all UG and PG programmes. All UG admissions are based on CUET UG scores and PG admissions on CUET PG scores. PhD admissions use the university’s own entrance test RGUPET, with exemptions for UGC NET/JRF holders.
UG Admissions (BA, B.Sc, BCA, B.Ed, B.P.Ed)
- Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board. Minimum 45% for general category (relaxation for SC/ST/OBC as per UGC norms).
- Qualifying exam: Valid CUET UG score in relevant domain subjects.
- Process: Candidates register on the NTA CUET UG portal, appear for the exam, then apply to RGU using their CUET score. Admissions are merit-based with a university-level merit list.
- Arunachal Pradesh ST (APST) quota: A reserved quota is applicable for APST candidates as per state government policy.
PG Admissions (MA, M.Sc, MBA, MCA, LLM, MSW)
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/OBC). Specific subject requirements apply per programme.
- Qualifying exam: Valid CUET PG score in the relevant test paper.
- Process: Online application on the RGU admissions portal after CUET PG results. Admission is based on CUET PG merit and category.
M.Tech Admissions
M.Tech in CSE and Electronics and Communication Engineering requires a valid GATE score or CUET PG score. GATE-qualified candidates are prioritised for the limited M.Tech seats.
PhD Admissions
PhD candidates must clear RGUPET (Rajiv Gandhi University PhD Entrance Test) or hold a valid UGC NET/JRF or GATE qualification. After qualifying, candidates are interviewed by the departmental research committee and allocated supervisors based on availability.
RGU Placements and Career Outcomes
Rajiv Gandhi University does not operate a formal campus placement cell in the manner of engineering or management institutes. Career outcomes for RGU graduates are shaped by the university’s academic profile in sciences, humanities, and professional programmes and by the employment landscape of Arunachal Pradesh and the broader Northeast.
A significant portion of humanities and social science graduates target Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) posts, central government recruitment through UPSC, and teaching positions in state government schools. MBA graduates from the Department of Commerce and Management find roles in government undertakings, banking, and retail in the Assam-Arunachal corridor. M.Tech and MCA graduates from the School of Technology join IT firms in Guwahati and NCR or opt for GATE-based PSU recruitment.
| Programme | Common Career Pathways | Typical Entry Roles |
|---|---|---|
| BA / MA (Humanities) | APPSC, UPSC, Teaching, Research | Government officer, lecturer, researcher |
| B.Sc / M.Sc (Sciences) | Research, government labs, teaching | Lab technician, research associate, teacher |
| MBA | Banking, government undertakings, retail | Management trainee, executive officer |
| M.Tech / MCA | IT sector (Guwahati, NCR), PSU via GATE | Software engineer, systems analyst |
| LLM | Judiciary, law practice, academia | Advocate, legal officer, assistant professor |
Research scholars at RGU benefit from the SIRO-equivalent Central Research Facility and the university’s biodiversity research focus. JRF and SRF fellowships via UGC, DBT, DST, and CSIR support full-time PhD research, with stipends ranging from INR 37,000 to 42,000 per month depending on the funding agency and year of fellowship.
RGU Rankings
Rajiv Gandhi University participates annually in NIRF rankings and is placed in the 151-200 band under the University category in 2025. The university received its NAAC Grade A reaccreditation in March 2024, which is a key quality signal for a government central university in the Northeast.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIRF | University | 151-200 band | 151-200 band |
| NAAC | Accreditation | Grade A (Score 3.02/4) | Grade A (Reaccredited March 2024) |
RGU Scholarships
Rajiv Gandhi University students can access a wide range of government-backed scholarships, particularly given the university’s location in Arunachal Pradesh and its large ST and SC student population.
| Scholarship / Scheme | Eligible Category | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Minister Scholarship (APST) | Arunachal Pradesh ST students | Stipend INR 16,000 + scholarship INR 19,000 per year |
| National Scholarship Portal (NSP) - PM-USP | SC/ST/OBC/EWS students | Partial to full fee reimbursement per eligibility |
| UGC Fellowship (JRF/SRF) | PhD scholars with NET/JRF qualification | INR 37,000 to 42,000 per month stipend |
| Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship | SC/ST PhD candidates | Full fellowship equivalent to UGC JRF |
| Maulana Azad National Fellowship | Minority community PhD candidates | Full fellowship equivalent to UGC JRF |
Students from economically weaker sections can also access state government fee concessions and central government post-matric scholarships available through the National Scholarship Portal.
RGU Campus and Infrastructure
The Rajiv Gandhi University campus at Rono Hills covers 302 acres on a tableland setting in Doimukh, Papum Pare district, at an altitude that gives the campus a pleasant year-round climate. The campus is located about 25 km from Itanagar, accessible via the Dikrong Bridge on National Highway 415.
Campus facilities include a central library with digital resource access, a Computer Centre, an Edusat and VSAT facility for distance learning, a Women Technology Park, a Health Centre, and NSS and sports infrastructure. The campus hosts the Institute of Distance Education for students unable to attend on-campus programmes. 10 government colleges across Arunachal Pradesh are affiliated to RGU, extending its academic footprint to all districts.
Hostel accommodation is available on campus for both male and female students. The natural biodiversity of the Rono Hills location supports RGU’s distinctive research programmes in tribal ecology, bioresources, and forest systems through dedicated research centres.
RGU vs Assam University vs NEHU
Students from the Northeast considering central universities typically compare Rajiv Gandhi University with Assam University (Silchar) and North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU, Shillong), the two other major central universities in the region with similar academic profiles.
| Parameter | RGU (Itanagar) | Assam University (Silchar) | NEHU (Shillong) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Doimukh, Arunachal Pradesh | Silchar, Assam | Shillong, Meghalaya |
| Established | 1984 (Central University 2007) | 1994 | 1973 |
| Type | Central University | Central University | Central University |
| NAAC Grade | A (3.02, 2024) | A (reaccredited) | A+ (reaccredited) |
| Distinctive Strength | Tribal studies, biodiversity, NE ecology | Social sciences, distance education | Sciences, management, education |
| Affiliated Colleges | 10 government colleges (AP) | 151+ colleges (Assam, Manipur) | 80+ colleges (Meghalaya) |
| CUET-based Admission | Yes | Yes | Yes |
RGU is the only central university in Arunachal Pradesh and holds a unique institutional role as the primary higher education institution for the state. NEHU’s broader departmental strength and NAAC A+ grade make it the top-ranked Northeast central university. Assam University’s extensive affiliated college network gives it greater reach. For candidates specifically from Arunachal Pradesh seeking a state-linked central university, RGU is the natural choice.
RGU FAQs
Ques. Is RGU a central university or a state university?
Ans. Rajiv Gandhi University is a Central University under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It was established in 1984 as Arunachal University and granted central university status by Parliament in 2007. As a central university, it receives funding from the UGC and is the only such institution in Arunachal Pradesh.
Ques. What exam is required for admission to RGU?
Ans. RGU follows the CUET framework for admissions. CUET UG (conducted by NTA) is required for all undergraduate programmes. CUET PG is required for MA, M.Sc, MBA, MCA, and LLM admissions. PhD admissions require RGUPET (RGU’s own PhD entrance test) or a valid UGC NET/JRF or GATE qualification.
Ques. What is the NIRF ranking of Rajiv Gandhi University?
Ans. As per NIRF University Rankings 2025, Rajiv Gandhi University is placed in the 151-200 band. The university is accredited by NAAC with Grade A (score 3.02 out of 4) as of March 2024. It is the highest-ranked institution in Arunachal Pradesh in the NIRF University category.
Ques. What are the fees for MBA at RGU?
Ans. The total fee for the MBA programme at RGU is INR 96,100 for the 2-year (4-semester) programme, as per the 2025 fee schedule. RGU follows the central university fee structure, which is significantly lower than private university MBA fees. Admission is through CUET PG.
Ques. Does RGU offer hostel facilities?
Ans. Yes. Rajiv Gandhi University has hostel accommodation on campus for male and female students at Rono Hills, Doimukh. Hostels are located within the 302-acre campus. Since the campus is located 25 km from Itanagar, on-campus accommodation is strongly recommended for students coming from outside Arunachal Pradesh.
Ques. What scholarships are available at RGU?
Ans. RGU students can access the Chief Minister Scholarship for APST students (INR 16,000 stipend and INR 19,000 scholarship per year), National Scholarship Portal (NSP) schemes for SC/ST/OBC/EWS students, UGC JRF/SRF fellowships for PhD scholars (INR 37,000 to 42,000 per month), the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for SC/ST PhD candidates, and the Maulana Azad National Fellowship for minority community PhD scholars.
Ques. What are the career prospects after completing an MA from RGU?
Ans. MA graduates from RGU most commonly pursue APPSC and UPSC civil services, teaching and lectureship positions in state schools and colleges, research roles in government institutes, and further academic study through PhD programmes. MA in Mass Communication graduates also enter media and journalism in the Northeast. The university’s tribal studies specialisations are particularly well-regarded for roles in government cultural bodies and social sector organisations in the Northeast.
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Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) undergraduate course eligibility requires completion of Class 12 (10+2) from a recognized board, with subject requirements depending on the programme (e.g., science subjects for B.Sc, mathematics for BCA). Admissions are based on CUET-UG scores and merit as per university rules. For postgraduate and research courses, a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree with minimum aggregate marks is required.
The university opens its online admission form, including CUET-UG counselling registration, in the first week of August, after CUET results are declared. The first merit list and counselling schedule are released in the second week of August.
The last date to apply for RGU Itanagar is July 25th 2024.
Admission to the courses will be done through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). CUET PG 2024 registration is likely to start soon. The NTA will conduct CUET PG 2024 from March 11 – 28, 2024. While CUET UG 2024 exam will be held from May 15 to May 31. Students can fill out the application form on the official website
The admission process of Rajiv Gandhi University Varies from course to course. Click here to get the course wise admission process:
Rajeev Gandhi University does not offer Honours mode courses including Hindi Honors to students.
You can check here for the CUET registration process step-wise, fees, and application date.
First year fee details available at RGU Itanagar Courses & fees.
You can check your result at the official portal of RGU Itanagar or can contact: 094362 56929.
UG and the PG results at RGU have been released, as the result dates are different for different courses. You can check here for the Results.