![Central University of Himachal Pradesh - [CUHP]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/14863830216.jpg?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
Central University of Himachal Pradesh (CUHP) is a central government university established in 2009 under the Central Universities Act 2009 of the Indian Parliament, with Presidential assent on March 20, 2009. The university became operational in January 2010. Being a central university, CUHP is fully funded by the Government of India and governed under the purview of the University Grants Commission (UGC). It is the only central university in Himachal Pradesh.
CUHP holds NAAC A+ accreditation, making it the first institution in Himachal Pradesh to receive this distinction. In NIRF University Rankings 2024, CUHP is placed in the 151 to 200 band among all universities in India.
The university operates from multiple campuses in and around Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh (Kangra district), including the Shahpur Parisar and Dhauladhar Parisar campuses. A large permanent campus at Dehra is under development. Dharamshala, situated in the Kangra valley with the Dhauladhar ranges as a backdrop, gives CUHP a distinctive scenic academic environment.
CUHP is organised into 14 Schools of Study covering arts, sciences, social sciences, management, law, engineering, education, and hospitality:
- Engineering and Technology: B.Tech (Computer Science and Engineering), M.Tech (Nano Science and Technology)
- Commerce and Management: MBA (multiple specialisations including Executive, Travel and Tourism, Financial Markets), MCA, M.Com
- Physical and Material Sciences: B.Sc (Hons.) Physics, M.Sc Physics, M.Sc Chemistry, M.Sc Mathematics, M.Sc Bioinformatics, M.Phil. (Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science)
- Earth and Environmental Sciences: M.Sc Geology, M.Sc Environmental Science, M.Sc Remote Sensing and GIS
- Life Sciences: M.Sc Plant Science, M.Sc Zoology
- Humanities and Social Sciences: MA in English, Hindi, Sanskrit, History, Political Science, Economics, Education, Sociology, Social Work, Yoga, Media and Communication
- Legal Studies: LLM and Ph.D. (Law)
- Tourism and Hospitality: BHMCT and MHM (integrated 5-year programme)
- Languages, Performing and Visual Arts: BFA (Painting, Sculpture), MFA, MA (Punjabi)
- Education, Library and Information Science: B.Lib.I.Sc, M.Lib, M.Phil and Ph.D. (Library and Information Science)
- Research: Ph.D. and M.Phil. across more than 35 disciplines
B.Tech (CSE) total fee is INR 3,67,300 for 4 years. MBA total fee ranges from INR 64,300 to INR 96,800 for 2 years. M.Sc programmes total INR 64,300 each for 2 years. MA programmes range from INR 37,300 to INR 63,250 total for 2 years.
CUHP has a campus placement cell. 44 students received placements and pre-placement offers in a recent placement season. Top recruiters include ICICI Bank, Wipro, HDFC Bank, OYO, SBI, PNB, Airtel, Genpact, Dell, and Coca Cola.
CUHP Admission Dates 2027
CUHP follows the CUET (Common University Entrance Test) administered by NTA for admissions to most UG and PG programmes, in line with the NEP 2020 framework. A small set of programmes (Ph.D., M.Phil., some PG Diplomas, and Certificate courses) admit through CUHP-specific entrance tests or merit-based selection conducted directly by the university.
The 2026-27 admission cycle is complete. The 2027-28 cycle is expected to follow a similar timeline.
| Event | 2026-27 Status | 2027-28 Tentative |
|---|---|---|
| CUET UG 2026 (for UG admissions) | May 2026 (Concluded) | May 2027 (Tentative) |
| CUET PG 2026 (for PG admissions) | March to May 2026 (Concluded) | March to May 2027 (Tentative) |
| CUHP Application Portal Opens | March to April 2026 (Concluded) | January to March 2027 (Tentative) |
| CUHP Merit List and Counselling | June to August 2026 (Concluded) | June to August 2027 (Tentative) |
| Ph.D. Entrance Test | Conducted separately by CUHP | Announced via official portal |
| Academic Session Start | August 2026 (Commenced) | August 2027 (Tentative) |
The B.Tech programme at CUHP is one of the few engineering programmes at a central university in the hill states and attracts students from Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab through CUET and JEE Main scores. MBA admissions accept CUET PG, CAT, and MAT scores. CUHP does not publish a central cut-off list. Final admission depends on merit in the qualifying entrance exam and available seats in each discipline.
CUHP Courses and Fees
CUHP offers programmes across 14 schools at UG, PG, M.Phil., Ph.D., PG Diploma, and Certificate levels. As a central government university, fees at CUHP are subsidised compared to private institutions. The table below covers the flagship and high-enrolment programmes with their total fees for the full course duration (general category quota).
| Programme | Duration | Total Fee (General Quota) |
|---|---|---|
| B.Tech (Computer Science and Engineering) | 4 years | INR 3,67,300 |
| BHMCT and MHM (Integrated) | 5 years | INR 4,57,600 |
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 2 years | INR 64,300 to 96,800 |
| MBA (Executive) | 2 years | INR 64,300 |
| MBA (Travel and Tourism) | 2 years | INR 64,300 |
| MBA (Financial Markets) | 2 years | INR 43,100 |
| Master of Computer Applications (MCA) | 2 years | INR 1,34,500 |
| M.Tech (Nano Science and Technology) | 2 years | INR 1,26,300 |
| M.Sc (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Bioinformatics, Geology, Environmental Science, Remote Sensing and GIS, Plant Science, Zoology) | 2 years | INR 64,300 each |
| B.Sc (Hons.) Physics | 3 years | INR 81,400 |
| MA (History, Political Science, Economics) | 2 years | INR 62,750 to 63,250 |
| MA (English, Hindi, Education, Media and Communication, Social Work, Sociology, Yoga and others) | 2 years | INR 37,300 each |
| Master of Library and Information Science (M.Lib) | 2 years | INR 37,300 |
| Master of Social Work (MSW) | 2 years | INR 37,300 |
| BFA (Painting, Sculpture) | 4 years | INR 10,270 |
| B.Com (Hons.) | 3 years | INR 28,700 |
| B.Lib.I.Sc (Library Science) | 1 year | INR 9,000 |
| PG Diploma (Bioinformatics, Tourism, Yoga, Disaster Management and others) | 1 year | INR 2,800 each |
| Ph.D. (all disciplines) | 3 to 5 years | INR 19,200 (general) |
| Certificate Courses (Yoga, Journalism, AI, Social Work and others) | 6 months | INR 1,800 each |
CUHP also offers B.Voc. programmes in Financial Market Services and Mass Communication and Video Production, each costing INR 31,700 total for 3 years. The MFA (Painting, Sculpture) costs INR 37,300 total for 2 years. The very low fees for BFA (INR 10,270 total for 4 years) and certificate courses (INR 1,800 per certificate) reflect the heavily subsidised character of central government universities in India.
CUHP Admission Process
UG Admissions
All UG programmes at CUHP that are covered under the CUET framework admit through CUET UG scores. B.Tech (CSE) admits through CUET UG with PCM background. B.Sc (Hons.) Physics, B.Com (Hons.), BFA, B.Lib.I.Sc, and B.Voc programmes all follow CUET-based admission. The general category minimum eligibility is 50% marks at 10+2 level (45% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL). CUHP prepares a merit list based on CUET scores and releases counselling rounds through the university’s online admission portal.
PG Admissions
PG programme admissions (MA, M.Sc, MBA, MCA, M.Tech, M.Lib, MSW, MFA, LLM) are through CUET PG scores. MBA additionally accepts CAT and MAT scores. M.Tech (Nano Science and Technology) also considers GATE scores. CUET PG applications open from the NTA portal each year (generally January to March), with CUHP’s internal counselling following in June to August. Eligibility varies by programme: MBA and MCA require any bachelor’s degree with 50% marks. M.Sc programmes require the relevant UG science degree with 55% marks. MA programmes require a relevant UG degree in the subject with 50% marks.
Ph.D. and M.Phil. Admissions
Ph.D. and M.Phil. admissions at CUHP are through a university-conducted entrance test followed by a research proposal and personal interview. UGC NET and UGC-CSIR NET qualified candidates are exempted from the entrance test and directly called for the interview round. Part-time Ph.D. is available for employed candidates in relevant fields. The admission is announced through official CUHP notifications typically twice per year.
PG Diploma and Certificate Courses
PG Diploma programmes (Bioinformatics, Tourism, Yoga, Disaster Management, Guidance and Counselling, and others) and short certificate courses (Yoga, Journalism, AI, Vedic Mathematics, Social Work, and others) admit through direct merit-based applications without an entrance exam. These are open to graduates in relevant disciplines. Certificate courses are short-duration (6 months) and are popular with local working professionals and students seeking add-on qualifications.
CUHP Placements
CUHP has a placement cell that coordinates campus recruitment with support from individual departments. In a recent placement cycle, the university’s Vice Chancellor honoured 44 students who secured placements and pre-placement offers from various companies and organisations. As per NIRF placement data, the median annual salary for UG graduates is INR 3,60,000 and for PG graduates is INR 2,40,000 to INR 2,49,500.
Being primarily a humanities, social science, and science-oriented university, CUHP’s placement profile differs from engineering-focused private institutions. Management and commerce graduates from the School of Commerce and Management go into banking, finance, and corporate management roles. Computer science and MCA graduates join IT and software companies. Tourism and hospitality graduates from the BHMCT and MHM programme join hotel chains, travel agencies, and hospitality groups.
Top recruiters at CUHP include ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, SBI, PNB, Indian Overseas Bank, Wipro, Dell International, Genpact, Convergys, Airtel, Ericsson, OYO, Coca Cola, Honda, Asian Paints, Ambuja Cements, and ITC Limited.
CUHP Rankings
CUHP is recognised across multiple national ranking frameworks, reflecting its standing as the only central university in Himachal Pradesh.
| Ranking Body | Category | Rank / Band | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIRF | University | 151 to 200 band | 2024 |
| NAAC | Accreditation | A+ grade | Most recent cycle |
| IIRF | Government Universities | Rank 8 | 2026 |
CUHP’s NAAC A+ accreditation is significant. CUHP was the first institution in Himachal Pradesh to receive the A+ grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council, placing it above many older state universities in the region on quality benchmarks.
CUHP Campus and Infrastructure
CUHP operates from multiple campuses in the Dharamshala area of Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. The Shahpur Parisar and Dhauladhar Parisar campuses house most academic departments, laboratories, library facilities, and administrative offices. A large land parcel at Dehra (also in Kangra district) is earmarked for the university’s permanent integrated campus.
The university library is a central research resource for students and faculty, with digital collections, journal subscriptions, and research databases. Discipline-specific labs support the engineering, science, and pharmacy departments. The School of Tourism and Hospitality has training facilities aligned with the BHMCT and MHM curriculum. Fine arts and performing arts spaces support the BFA, MFA, and music programmes.
Dharamshala, at an altitude of 1,457 metres in the Kangra valley, provides a distinctive hill-town academic environment. The presence of the Tibetan government-in-exile, the Dalai Lama’s residence at McLeod Ganj, and an active cultural and tourism ecosystem gives the campus location a cosmopolitan character unusual for a hill university. Kangra-Gaggal Airport is 15 km from Dharamshala, providing air connectivity. Road connections link Dharamshala to Delhi (about 475 km), Shimla, Chandigarh, and Jammu.
CUHP vs Himachal Pradesh University vs Central University of Punjab
Students from Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir often compare CUHP against Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla and Central University of Punjab (CUP), Bathinda when evaluating university options in the region. All three are government universities with CUET-based admissions for most programmes.
| Parameter | CUHP (Dharamshala) | HPU (Shimla) | Central University of Punjab (Bathinda) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Central Government University | State Government University | Central Government University |
| Established | 2009 | 1970 | 2009 |
| Location | Dharamshala, HP | Shimla, HP | Bathinda, Punjab |
| NAAC | A+ | Accredited | Accredited |
| Admission | CUET UG/PG | CUET UG/PG + State counselling | CUET UG/PG |
| Key Strength | Sciences, Management, Hospitality | Affiliated colleges, wider coverage | Sciences, Social Sciences |
CUHP and CUP are both 2009-founded central universities with similar structures, funding, and CUET-based admissions. The difference is geographic: CUHP serves the northern HP belt while CUP serves Punjab. HPU Shimla, as the affiliating university for most degree colleges in HP, has a far larger affiliated college network and broader academic influence in the state. For post-graduate research and flagship programmes, CUHP’s NAAC A+ accreditation gives it an edge over many older state universities in the region.
CUHP FAQs
Ques. When was Central University of Himachal Pradesh established?
Ans. CUHP was established in 2009 under the Central Universities Act 2009 of the Indian Parliament, with Presidential assent on March 20, 2009. It became operational in January 2010 when the first Vice Chancellor assumed charge. It is the only central university in Himachal Pradesh.
Ques. Is CUHP ranked in NIRF?
Ans. Yes. CUHP is ranked in the 151 to 200 band in the NIRF University Rankings 2024. It also holds NAAC A+ accreditation (the first institution in Himachal Pradesh to receive this grade) and has been ranked 8th among Government Universities by IIRF 2026.
Ques. What is the B.Tech fee at CUHP?
Ans. The total fee for the B.Tech Computer Science and Engineering programme at CUHP is INR 3,67,300 for the full 4-year duration. This is the general category fee. Being a central government university, fees at CUHP are significantly lower than comparable private B.Tech programmes.
Ques. How are admissions done at CUHP?
Ans. CUHP follows CUET UG (for UG programmes) and CUET PG (for PG programmes) administered by NTA. CUET scores are used to prepare a merit list, followed by CUHP’s own counselling rounds. MBA also accepts CAT and MAT scores. M.Tech additionally considers GATE scores. Ph.D. and M.Phil. have a separate university entrance test.
Ques. What is the MBA fee at CUHP?
Ans. The MBA fee at CUHP ranges from INR 43,100 to INR 96,800 for the full 2-year programme depending on the specialisation. MBA Financial Markets costs INR 43,100 total. MBA Executive and MBA Travel and Tourism cost INR 64,300 total each. The general MBA programme costs INR 64,300 to 96,800 depending on the fee track.
Ques. Where is CUHP located?
Ans. CUHP is located in Dharamshala, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. It operates from multiple campuses including Shahpur Parisar and Dhauladhar Parisar in the Dharamshala area. A permanent campus at Dehra is under development. Dharamshala is 475 km from Delhi and 15 km from Kangra-Gaggal Airport.
Ques. What are the placement statistics at CUHP?
Ans. CUHP has a placement cell that organises campus recruitment. In a recent placement season, 44 students received placements and pre-placement offers. As per NIRF data, the median UG salary is INR 3,60,000 per year. Top recruiters include ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Wipro, Genpact, OYO, SBI, Airtel, Dell, Ericsson, and Honda.
Ques. Does CUHP offer BHMCT (Hotel Management)?
Ans. Yes. CUHP offers an integrated BHMCT and MHM (Bachelor of Hotel Management and Catering Technology combined with Master of Hotel Management) programme through the School of Tourism and Hospitality. The total fee for the integrated 5-year programme is INR 4,57,600 under the general category. Admission is through CUET UG.
Comments
Found 7 Comments
For B.Ed. admissions in Himachal Pradesh, candidates must apply through the Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), which conducts an entrance exam for this course. The HPU B.Ed. Entrance Test for the 2025 academic session was held on May 27, 2025, and the result was announced on June 10, 2025.
The test was an objective-type test, consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions across five sections, with a duration of two hours. The minimum qualifying marks were 35% (53 out of 150), with a relaxation of 5% for SC/ST/OBC/Physically Handicapped candidates
Application for admission to the Central University of Himachal Pradesh has to be online through https://cuhimachaladmission.samarth.edu.in/.
The Application process involves the following steps:
Step I: Register at the application portal.
Step II: Complete the online application Form with correct details.
Step III: Upload documents as per specification.
Step IV: Preview and edit the application form
Step V: Pay Application Fee using Debit/ Credit cards or Net banking
CU Himachal Pradesh Admission 2025 is ongoing for UG programs for Non-CUET aspirants. The last date to apply is July 23, 2025. CU Himachal Pradesh PG Admission Registration against vacant seats is ongoing for the 2025 session. The last date to apply @cuhimachaladm.samarth.edu.in is July 23, 2025.
Admission forms for Central University of Himachal Pradesh for 2026 are already closed now. The application process started around February 2026 and the last date was approximately early March 2026.
Admission to undergraduate programs is on the basis of academic merit in qualifying examination, i.e., HSC or 10+2. PG Degree admission is based on a national-level entrance test conducted by the university. The University conducts a separate entrance test, Himachal Pradesh Kendriya Vishwavidyalaya Shodh Patrata Pariksha (HPKVSPP) for Ph.D. as well as M. Phil. Admissions.
CUHP conducts its own entrance examination which you need to clear for taking admission to CUHP PhD Environmental Science.
CUHP offers various 2-years program and you can check out the fee structure for them at CUHP Kangra Courses & fees.
Students who have taken CUET PG 2022 can register and participate in the counseling process conducted by the Central University of Himachal Pradesh. The registration will begin on 7 October 2022 and the deadline to register for counseling is 16 October 2022. The first merit list will be released on 21 October 2022.