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Mahatma Gandhi Central University (MGCU) is a central university established in 2016 under the Central Universities (Amendment) Act, 2014 (No. 35 of 2014). It is the 41st Central University of India and the second central university in Bihar. The university is located in Motihari, East Champaran district, Bihar, on National Highway 28, and is fully funded and recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Mahatma Gandhi Central University does not currently appear in NIRF or other major national ranking bodies.
The MGCU campus is spread over more than 261 acres in Motihari, Bihar, with ongoing expansion. It houses seven academic schools, 20 teaching and research departments, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Central Library, and separate hostel facilities for male and female students.
MGCU offers over 75 courses across all levels from undergraduate to doctoral studies:
- B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering (4 years) and an integrated B.Tech plus M.Tech (5 years)
- BA (Hons.) in Economics, English, Hindi, Political Science, and Sociology. B.Com (Hons.) and B.Lib.I.Sc.
- B.Sc (Hons.) in Biotechnology, Botany, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Zoology
- MA in 10 subjects including Economics, English, Hindi, Gandhian Studies, Sanskrit, Social Work, Sociology, and Political Science. M.Sc, M.Com, MBA, MCA, M.Tech, MJMC, and M.Lib.I.Sc
- M.Phil across 15+ disciplines. Ph.D in 19 disciplines spanning sciences, humanities, management, and social sciences
The total 4-year B.Tech fee is INR 1.74 Lakhs. The 2-year MBA costs INR 64,000. PG programme fees range from INR 25,000 to INR 64,000 for the full 2-year duration, reflecting the central government-funded fee structure.
Students may avail the Central Sector Scholarship, INSPIRE awards for science disciplines, Post-Matric scholarships for SC/ST/OBC categories, and UGC fellowships for PhD scholars through the National Scholarship Portal.
MGCU Admission Dates 2027
MGCU admissions to UG and PG programmes are conducted through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA). PhD admissions are based on UGC-NET or JRF scores. The 2026-27 admission cycle is concluded. The 2027-28 cycle is expected to follow the standard CUET calendar.
| Event | 2026-27 Cycle (Concluded) |
|---|---|
| CUET UG 2026 (for UG programmes) | May to June 2026 |
| CUET PG 2026 (for PG programmes) | March to May 2026 |
| CUET Results | July 2026 |
| University Counselling and Admission | July to August 2026 |
| Programme Commencement | August 2026 |
Tentative dates for the upcoming 2027-28 admission cycle are listed below. Exact dates are released by NTA and MGCU closer to the cycle.
| Event | 2027-28 Cycle (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| CUET UG 2027 (for UG programmes) | May to June 2027 |
| CUET PG 2027 (for PG programmes) | March to May 2027 |
| University Counselling | July to August 2027 |
| PhD Admission (NET/JRF round) | Announced separately by MGCU |
The table below shows the programme-wise entrance exam accepted at MGCU for the 2027-28 cycle.
| Programme | Entrance Exam |
|---|---|
| B.Tech CSE / B.Tech + M.Tech Integrated | CUET UG |
| BA (Hons.), B.Com (Hons.), B.Sc (Hons.), B.Lib.I.Sc | CUET UG |
| MA, M.Sc, MBA, M.Tech, M.Com, MJMC, M.Lib, MSW, MCA | CUET PG |
| M.Phil | CUET PG or University Entrance Test |
| Ph.D | UGC-NET / JRF or MGCU Entrance Test |
MGCU Courses and Fees
MGCU offers over 75 programmes across 7 schools and 20 departments, spanning Arts, Commerce, Sciences, Management, Technology, and Social Sciences. As a centrally funded institution, fees are among the lowest in Indian higher education for a university of its academic breadth.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Tech (Computer Science and Engineering) | 4 years | Class 12 PCM + CUET UG | INR 1.74 Lakhs |
| B.Tech + M.Tech (CSE, Integrated) | 5 years | Class 12 PCM + CUET UG | INR 4.96 Lakhs |
| BA (Hons.) (Economics / English / Hindi / Political Science / Sociology) | 3 to 4 years | Class 12 + CUET UG | INR 63,000 |
| B.Sc (Hons.) (Biotechnology / Botany / Chemistry / Maths / Physics / Zoology) | 3 to 4 years | Class 12 PCM or PCB + CUET UG | INR 70,000 |
| B.Com (Hons.) | 3 to 4 years | Class 12 Commerce + CUET UG | INR 35,000 |
| MA (Economics / English / Hindi / Gandhian Studies / Sanskrit / Sociology / Political Science) | 2 years | Graduation in relevant subject + CUET PG | INR 25,000 |
| M.Sc (Biotechnology / Botany / Zoology) | 2 years | B.Sc in relevant subject + CUET PG | INR 30,000 |
| MBA | 2 years | Graduation 50% + CUET PG | INR 64,000 |
| M.Tech (Computer Science and Engineering) | 2 years | B.Tech + CUET PG | INR 51,000 |
| Ph.D (Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, Management) | 3 years | PG degree 55% + UGC-NET/JRF or MGCU Entrance | INR 80,000 to 1.14 Lakhs |
The Gandhian Studies programme is a distinctive academic offering at MGCU, reflecting the university’s location in the historic Champaran region where Mahatma Gandhi launched the first Satyagraha in 1917. The Journalism and Mass Communication (BA and MJMC) and Library and Information Science (B.Lib and M.Lib) programmes add further depth to the academic portfolio. The M.Phil programme, though being phased out under the NEP 2020 framework nationally, currently remains active across 15 disciplines at MGCU.
MGCU Admission Process
MGCU uses the National Testing Agency’s Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for admissions to all UG and PG programmes. PhD admissions use a separate gate.
UG Admissions (B.Tech, BA, B.Sc, B.Com, B.Lib)
All UG applicants must appear for CUET UG, which tests domain knowledge and language skills. B.Tech CSE eligibility requires Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics with a minimum of 60% aggregate. For BA, B.Sc, and B.Com (Hons.) programmes, Class 12 pass with relevant subjects is the minimum requirement. CUET UG scores are used to rank applicants, and seats are filled on merit. Competition for B.Tech CSE seats is particularly high given the limited seats and low fees at a central university. The integrated B.Tech plus M.Tech (5-year) programme is available for candidates seeking a direct pathway to a postgraduate degree in Computer Science.
PG Admissions (MA, M.Sc, MBA, M.Tech, MJMC, MSW, M.Com, M.Lib)
PG programmes require a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/OBC categories). CUET PG scores are used for merit ranking. The 2026-27 PG admission cycle saw over 2.83 lakh applicants compete for 660 PG seats, reflecting the strong demand for centrally-funded education at MGCU. MBA requires graduation from a recognised university. M.Tech CSE requires B.Tech in Computer Science or a related discipline.
PhD Admissions
PhD candidates must hold a PG degree with a minimum of 55% marks. Admission is through a valid UGC-NET or JRF score, or through the MGCU PhD Entrance Test. Fellowships are available for JRF holders and for UGC-funded PhD scholars. PhD programmes are offered across 19 disciplines spanning Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, Management, Commerce, and Education.
MGCU Scholarships
As a centrally-funded institution, MGCU students have access to a wide range of government scholarship schemes at the national and state level. The university facilitates scholarship applications through its academic sections and the National Scholarship Portal.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Central Sector Scholarship of Merit | Class 12 aggregate in top 20 percentile and family income up to INR 4.5 Lakhs per annum | INR 10,000 per annum (UG Year 1 to 3), INR 20,000 per annum (PG Year 4 to 5) |
| Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST) | SC/ST category students enrolled in recognised programmes | Maintenance allowance plus tuition fee (as per category norms) |
| INSPIRE Scholarship | B.Sc (Hons.) students in Natural and Basic Sciences, Class 12 top 1% or JEE/NEET top ranks | INR 80,000 per annum |
| UGC-NET/JRF Fellowship | PhD scholars holding valid UGC-JRF | INR 37,000 per month (first 2 years), INR 42,000 per month (subsequent years) |
| Bihar State Government Scholarship | Bihar-domicile SC/ST/OBC students with income below state threshold | As per Bihar government norms |
PhD scholars admitted through UGC-NET (without JRF) may apply for project-linked fellowships or departmental research assistantships depending on availability. INSPIRE scholarships are particularly valuable for B.Sc (Hons.) students in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Botany, Zoology, and Biotechnology, given the five-year INR 80,000 per annum support.
MGCU Campus and Infrastructure
Mahatma Gandhi Central University is located in Motihari, the headquarters of East Champaran district, Bihar, on National Highway 28. The campus now spans over 261 acres following a recent land expansion, making it one of the larger campuses among newer central universities. The location carries historical significance as Champaran was the site of Mahatma Gandhi’s first Satyagraha in 1917.
The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Central Library holds over 26,000 books, magazines, newspapers, and e-resources. ICT-equipped classrooms and research laboratories support teaching and doctoral research across the Schools of Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Computational Sciences, and Humanities. The School of Computational Sciences, Information and Communication Technology houses the engineering programmes.
Separate hostel facilities are available for male and female students at a nominal charge of up to INR 21,000 per year, inclusive of mess services, Wi-Fi access, and round-the-clock security. The campus also houses health facilities, sports infrastructure, and common recreation areas. The NSS unit is active on campus with community outreach programmes in the East Champaran region.
MGCU vs CUSB vs CUJ
Aspirants considering MGCU often compare it with Central University of South Bihar (CUSB, Gaya) and Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ, Ranchi). All three are newer central universities in eastern India, established between 2009 and 2016, offering similar programme portfolios at centrally-funded fee levels.
| Parameter | MGCU, Motihari | Central University of South Bihar (CUSB) | Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 2016 | 2009 | 2009 |
| Location | Motihari, Bihar | Gaya, Bihar | Brambe, Ranchi |
| Campus Area | Over 261 acres | Over 200 acres | Over 510 acres |
| Schools/Departments | 7 Schools, 20 departments | 5 Schools, 15+ departments | 6 Schools, 18+ departments |
| B.Tech | CSE only | Not offered (Sciences focus) | CSE, ECE, IT offered |
| Admission Basis | CUET UG/PG | CUET UG/PG | CUET UG/PG |
| Hostel | Available (up to INR 21,000/year) | Available | Available |
CUJ leads on campus size and engineering programme diversity, with multiple B.Tech specialisations. CUSB, established in 2009, has had more time to build its academic reputation and infrastructure. MGCU’s strength lies in its Gandhian Studies programme, its competitive PG admission statistics, and its location in the historically significant Champaran region. All three offer heavily subsidised education at national standards.
MGCU FAQs
Ques. Is MGCU Motihari a central university?
Ans. Yes. Mahatma Gandhi Central University (MGCU), Motihari is a fully-funded central university established under the Central Universities (Amendment) Act, 2014. It is the 41st Central University of India and the second central university in Bihar. It is recognised and funded by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Ques. What is the B.Tech fee at MGCU?
Ans. The total 4-year B.Tech (Computer Science and Engineering) fee at MGCU is INR 1.74 Lakhs for the entire programme. The integrated B.Tech plus M.Tech (5-year) programme costs INR 4.96 Lakhs in total. These fees reflect the centrally-funded structure applicable to all central universities.
Ques. How to get admission to MGCU?
Ans. Admissions to UG programmes (BA, B.Sc, B.Com, B.Tech) are through CUET UG, conducted annually by NTA. PG programmes (MA, M.Sc, MBA, M.Tech, etc.) use CUET PG. PhD admissions require a valid UGC-NET or JRF score, or clearing the MGCU PhD Entrance Test. There is no direct admission at MGCU without a CUET score for regular programmes.
Ques. Is Mahatma Gandhi Central University in NIRF ranking?
Ans. Mahatma Gandhi Central University (MGCU), Motihari does not currently appear in the NIRF ranked list for universities. NIRF rankings are updated annually by the Ministry of Education, and MGCU, established in 2016, is a younger institution still building its research output to meet NIRF scoring thresholds.
Ques. Does MGCU have a hostel?
Ans. Yes. MGCU has separate hostel facilities for male and female students on its Motihari campus. Hostel charges are up to INR 21,000 per year, which includes accommodation, mess services, and Wi-Fi access. Round-the-clock security is provided in hostel areas.
Ques. What is special about Gandhian Studies at MGCU?
Ans. MGCU offers MA and M.Phil in Gandhian Studies, a distinctive academic programme that reflects the university’s location in the Champaran region of Bihar, where Mahatma Gandhi launched his first Satyagraha in 1917. The programme covers Gandhi’s philosophy, non-violence, and social transformation. PhD in Gandhian Studies is also available, with UGC fellowship support for JRF holders.
Ques. What is the competition level for MGCU PG admissions?
Ans. MGCU PG admissions are highly competitive. In the most recent application cycle, over 2.83 lakh applicants competed for 660 postgraduate seats across all programmes. CUET PG scores are used for merit-based ranking, and candidates should target high percentile scores to secure admission in popular programmes like MA English, Economics, and MBA.
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There is no clear confirmation that there are TFW (Tuition Fee Waiver) seats available at Mahatma Gandhi Central University (Motihari) for the current cycle. The university’s admission notices list regular, self-financed and vacant seats through open/spot counselling.
Without an entrance exam, you cannot get admission in IIITs because most IIITs require JEE Main rank (for B.Tech) or GATE/PG entrance (for M.Tech). However, you can join private universities/colleges offering B.Tech through direct admission based on 12th marks. Check management quota rules.
After you have applied for M.Phil at Mahatma Gandhi Central University (MGCU), Motihari, the next steps include shortlisting based on your submitted application/eligibility and entrance (if applicable), followed by a merit list or interview/viva-voce round called by the university department. Selected candidates must then attend counselling/admission and document verification before paying fees to confirm the seat.
Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari, B.Tech Computer Science and Engineering is offered as 4 Years full-time program, with a total intake of 30 seats. The minimum eligibility criteria for B.Tech are 10+2 with 50% + CUET. The total fees for Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari, B.Tech Computer Science and Engineering is INR 1.03 Lakhs for the complete course duration
At Mahatma Gandhi Central University (MGCU), Motihari, the Kasturba Gandhi Girls' Hostel offers accommodations for female students. The hostel fee is INR 18,000 per semester, totaling INR 36,000 annually. An additional INR 3,000 caution deposit is required, refundable at the end of the course, provided no damages are reported.
The University follows both online and offline mode of application.
The University follows both online and offline mode of application.
?Mahatma Gandhi Central University (MGCU) in Motihari admits students to its undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs based on scores from the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). For all UG course admissions, students must qualify for 10+2 exams in relevant streams and have a valid score in CUCET. M.Tech admission is based on graduation marks and valid scores in GATE, UGC-NET, SET, or JEST. M.Phil+Ph.D. admissions are based on scores in the previous qualifying exam. Scores in UGC-NET or JRF or CUCET are accepted for direct shortlisting for interviews.
Candidates are selected only on the basis of merit or rank secured in the CUET UG. Final selection is based on the merit list prepared by the University which gives 50% weightage to CUET UG score, 30% weightage to HSC and 20% weightage to 10th performance. You can apply for the admission offline.
Candidates are selected only on the basis of merit or rank secured in the CUCET. Final selection is based on the merit list prepared by the University which gives 50% weightage to CUCET score, 30% weight age to HSC and 20% weight age to 10th performance. Candidates should have passed 10 + 2 or equivalent with 60 % marks from any recognized board of education
Admissions are entrance based at MGCU. Applications are accepted online commonly while applying for CUCET. Other details have been given below:
The Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari offers the Bachelor of Technology [B.Tech] (Computer Science and Engineering). Admission shall be made on merit of the Composite Score to be determined on the basis of score obtained in GET and marks obtained in 10th and 10+2 examination.
The admission fees is included in the first year fees itself and the the fees is around INR 14,218 per year.
Yes, you can pay the fees using various payment instruments using Debit Cards/Credit Cards/NEFT/IMPS/Net-banking, etc.
MGCU Mothihari Courses Fees varies from one another. You can get the course wise fee structure on the below link
Link: MGCU Mothihari Courses and Fees
You need to clear CUET examination with valid scores for taking admission to M.Tech. course.
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
Admission to almost all the courses at Mahatma Gandhi Central University requires a CUCET examination. You can check out MGCU Admission to get more info
The cutoff marks for the botany course have not been specified. You can register and download the brochure for detailed information.