UP Higher Education Incentive Policy 2024

The Uttar Pradesh Higher Education Promotion Policy (2024) is a landmark initiative designed to transform the state into a global academic hub. Approved in October 2024, the policy primarily focuses on attracting top-tier private and international institutions to underserved and aspirational districts in Uttar Pradesh.

Attract High-Quality Institutions: Lure top-ranked Indian private universities (specifically those in the top 50 NIRF rankings) and prestigious foreign universities to establish campuses in UP.
Balanced Regional Growth: Bridge the educational gap in the 40 districts and 5 aspirational districts currently lacking a university presence.
Increase Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): Aim to raise the state's GER from 24.1% to 50% by 2035.
Employment & Innovation: Foster an ecosystem that generates thousands of high-quality jobs and promotes research, multidisciplinary education, and critical thinking.

Stamp Duty Exemption: Up to 100% exemption on land purchases for the first five foreign universities and top-ranked Indian institutions.
Capital Subsidies:
Up to 20% capital subsidy for foreign and top NIRF-ranked Indian universities, capped at ₹100 Crore.
Financial assistance of up to 17% of the project cost or ₹35 Crore for other private universities.

Additional incentives and a higher focus on Multidisciplinary Educational and Research Universities (MERUs) established in aspirational districts.
Priority Benefits: Only the first private university to establish in an unserved district is eligible for certain financial benefits to ensure equitable distribution.

Institutions: Sponsoring bodies seeking to establish private universities in unserved districts.
Foreign Entities: Globally renowned foreign higher education institutions planning to open campuses in India.
Top Indian Universities: Existing prestigious Indian universities, particularly those within the top 50 NIRF rankings.
Geographical Focus: Priority is given to the 40 districts in Uttar Pradesh that currently do not have a university.

Detailed Project Report (DPR): Must be submitted to the Higher Education Department at the time of accepting the Letter of Intent (LOI).
Sponsoring Body Proof: Legal documentation of the group or foundation establishing the university.
NIRF/Global Ranking Proof: Documentation verifying the institution's rank if claiming top-tier incentives.
Land Documents: Registered documents of the land purchase price to calculate subsidies.

Letter of Intent (LOI): Interested sponsoring bodies must first apply for an LOI through the nodal department.
DPR Submission: A Detailed Project Report must be submitted within the stipulated timeframe.
Execution: Construction and infrastructure setup must be completed as per the approved DPR within 5 years of the LOI issuance to claim full subsidies.

Nodal Agency
Uttar Pradesh State Higher Education Council (UPSHEC)