Private universities have existed in Southern India and Maharashtra for a long time, but in the 1990s they became prevalent across India. Today there are over 150 private universities in India, with more being established. While private universities have a similar mission to public universities, their quality varies - just as some public universities are good or bad, some private universities are good, bad, or even "ugly". Many private universities have not had their inspection reports acknowledged by the UGC, about 10% focus on only one subject area, and only around 10% are accredited. Most private universities are promoted by families. Private universities face challenges including reputation, financial health, providing merit-based scholarships, cross-subsidizing programs, governance,

1. Anup K. Singh, PhD

2. Private Universities
Private higher education was prevalent in Southern
India and Maharashtra for a long time
In the 90s onwards, private higher education became
a pan-India phenomenon
Today India has more than 150 private universities and
more are being established
In their mission, private universities are not different
from public universities
Just as there are good and bad public universities,
there are good, bad and even some ugly private
universities

3. Private Universities
For more than 50% of private universities, the UGC
has not acknowledged inspection report
About 10% of them are mono-subject universities
Accredited universities are also around 10%
Mostly promoted by a family

4. Government Regulations
Private universities are largely regulated by state
governments
In turn, state governments differ in their regulatory
alacrity and commitment
In highly regulated states, both admission and fees are
regulated
The UGC regulates faculty service conditions and pay
and perks
Professional bodies also regulate professional course,
often limiting innovation in course development

5. Challenges for Private Universities
Reputation
Financial health
Merit-n-means scholarship to students
Cross-subsidy across faculties and programmes
Governance
Support from industry
Global competition

6. How Can They Respond
Developing a vibrant quality academic culture
Attracting, developing and rewarding faculty talent
Student centricity
Working for scholarship
ICT
Looking beyond fees based model