Banaras Hindu University

India's premier central university located in the ancient city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Founded in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, BHU is a multidisciplinary university offering world-class education, research, and cultural preservation.

Admissions 2024 Virtual Tour

Quick Links

30,000+

Students Enrolled

2,000+

Faculty Members

140+

Departments & Institutes

75+

Hostels & Residences

About Banaras Hindu University

Banaras Hindu University Main Building

A Legacy of Excellence Since 1916

Banaras Hindu University, founded by the great nationalist leader Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya in 1916, is one of Asia's largest residential universities. Spread over 1,300 acres in the holy city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, BHU represents a unique blend of ancient Indian traditions and modern scientific education.

The university was established under the Parliamentary Act - B.H.U. Act 1915, and has since grown to encompass 6 institutes, 14 faculties, and over 140 departments covering almost all branches of knowledge. The campus is a self-contained township with over 30,000 students and 2,000 faculty members.

BHU has consistently been ranked among the top universities in India by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). In 2023, it was ranked 3rd among universities in India. The university's alumni include Nobel laureates, eminent scientists, literary figures, and political leaders who have made significant contributions to India and the world.

Explore Our History

Historical Timeline

1916

Banaras Hindu University was founded on February 4, 1916, by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya with the cooperation of Dr. Annie Besant. The foundation stone was laid by Lord Hardinge, the then Viceroy of India.

1918

The first convocation was held, with 285 students receiving degrees. Sir Sunder Lal, the first Vice-Chancellor, presided over the ceremony.

1949

BHU was granted the status of a central university by an Act of Parliament, becoming an institution of national importance.

1974

The Institute of Medical Sciences was established, integrating modern medical education with traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

2016

BHU celebrated its centenary year with year-long events, cultural programs, and academic conferences attended by dignitaries from around the world.

Academic Programs

BHU offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across diverse disciplines through its 14 faculties and 6 institutes.

Sciences

The Faculty of Science offers programs in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Geology, Botany, Zoology, and Environmental Science with state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities.

Explore Programs

Social Sciences

The Faculty of Social Sciences includes Economics, History, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, and Social Work departments offering comprehensive programs at all levels.

Explore Programs

Medical Sciences

The Institute of Medical Sciences offers MBBS, MD, MS, and various super-specialty courses along with integrated programs in Ayurveda, Dentistry, and Nursing.

Explore Programs

Law

The Faculty of Law is one of India's premier law schools offering BA LLB, LLM, and PhD programs with specializations in Constitutional Law, International Law, and Human Rights.

Explore Programs

Arts & Culture

The Faculty of Arts offers programs in Indian and foreign languages, literature, philosophy, fine arts, performing arts, and visual arts preserving cultural heritage.

Explore Programs

Engineering & Technology

The Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) offers B.Tech, M.Tech, and PhD programs in various engineering disciplines with cutting-edge research facilities.

Explore Programs

Research & Innovation

Driving Innovation Through Research

Banaras Hindu University is a leading research institution in India with over 2,500 research scholars pursuing PhD programs across various disciplines. The university receives substantial research funding from national and international agencies including DST, DBT, CSIR, UGC, and international collaborations.

BHU has established several specialized research centers including the Centre for Environmental Science and Technology, Centre for Genetic Disorders, DST Centre for Interdisciplinary Mathematical Sciences, and the Institute of Agricultural Sciences. The university publishes over 3,000 research papers annually in reputed national and international journals.

Recent research breakthroughs include developments in sustainable agriculture, nanotechnology applications in medicine, archaeological discoveries in the Gangetic plains, and advancements in renewable energy technologies. The university holds over 150 patents and has incubated more than 30 startups through its innovation and entrepreneurship cell.

  • ₹250+ Crores Annual Research Funding
  • 150+ Patents Filed & Granted
  • 30+ Startups Incubated
  • 50+ International Collaborations
  • 15 Specialized Research Centers
  • 2,500+ Research Scholars
Research Laboratory at BHU
Research Highlights

BHU researchers recently discovered a new plant species in the Himalayan region with potential medicinal properties. The Department of Physics made significant contributions to the LIGO project for gravitational wave detection.

Major Research Centers

Centre for Environmental Science
Centre for Genetic Disorders
DST Maths Centre
Institute of Agricultural Sciences

Admissions 2024-25

Begin Your Journey at BHU

Admissions to various undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs at Banaras Hindu University are conducted through entrance examinations, national-level tests, and direct merit-based admissions. The application process for the academic year 2024-25 is now open for most programs.

Undergraduate admissions are primarily through the Undergraduate Entrance Test (UET) conducted by BHU. Some programs also accept national-level test scores like JEE Main, NEET, etc.

  • Application Deadline: March 31, 2024
  • Entrance Test: April 15 - May 15, 2024
  • Programs: BA, BSc, BCom, BFA, BPA, BTech (through IIT-BHU)
Apply Now

PG admissions are through the Postgraduate Entrance Test (PET) conducted by BHU. Some departments also accept GATE, NET, or other national-level test scores.

  • Application Deadline: April 15, 2024
  • Entrance Test: May 10 - June 10, 2024
  • Programs: MA, MSc, MCom, MFA, MPA, MTech, MBA, MCA
Apply Now

PhD admissions are based on entrance tests conducted by respective departments followed by interviews. Candidates with UGC-NET/JRF, CSIR-NET/JRF, or other fellowships are preferred.

  • Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
  • Selection Process: Entrance Test + Interview
  • Programs: PhD across all faculties and departments
Apply Now

International Students

BHU welcomes international students from over 50 countries. International applicants can apply through the Study in India portal or directly through the BHU International Centre. Scholarships are available for meritorious students from developing countries.

International Admissions Portal

Important Dates

Undergraduate Programs

Application Opens: January 15, 2024

Last Date: March 31, 2024

Entrance Tests: April 15 - May 15, 2024

Postgraduate Programs

Application Opens: February 1, 2024

Last Date: April 15, 2024

Entrance Tests: May 10 - June 10, 2024

Doctoral Programs

Applications accepted throughout the year with biannual selection cycles in January and July.

Download Prospectus
Need Help?

Contact our admission helpline for queries regarding eligibility, application process, or entrance examinations.

Admission Helpline: +91-542-2368930

Email: [email protected]

Campus Life

A Vibrant Residential Campus

Spread over 1,300 acres, the BHU campus is a self-contained township with academic buildings, residential complexes, hospitals, post offices, banks, shopping centers, and recreational facilities. The campus is known for its lush green environment, ancient trees, and architectural marvels that blend traditional Indian styles with modern functionality.

The university has 75 hostels (43 for men, 32 for women) accommodating over 15,000 students. Each hostel has its own dining facility, common room, and recreational amenities. The campus is completely wi-fi enabled with high-speed internet connectivity in all academic and residential areas.

BHU has extensive sports facilities including a swimming pool, stadium, gymnasium, tennis courts, basketball courts, and playing fields for various sports. The university has produced several national and international level athletes.

75 Hostels

Residential facilities

22 Dining Halls

Food facilities

7 Libraries

Over 1.5 million books

Sports Complex

Olympic-size swimming pool

BHU Library Interior
BHU Hostel Building
BHU Sports Ground
BHU Campus Garden

Cultural & Extracurricular Activities

Spic Macay

BHU hosts regular programs by the Society for Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY), bringing renowned artists to the campus.

Dramatics Society

The BHU Dramatics Society stages regular plays in Hindi, English, and other Indian languages, participating in inter-university competitions nationwide.

Campus Publications

Student-run publications include "BHU Times" (English), "Kashi" (Hindi), and several department newsletters providing platforms for literary expression.

Contact Us

Main Campus

Banaras Hindu University
Ajaragara, Varanasi
Uttar Pradesh 221005
India

Contact Numbers

Admissions: +91-542-2368930

Examinations: +91-542-2368931

Administration: +91-542-2368932

Fax: +91-542-2368933

Email Addresses

General Information: [email protected]

Admissions: [email protected]

International Students: [email protected]

Alumni Relations: [email protected]

Office Hours

Administrative Office:
Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Admission Office:
Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

How to Reach BHU

By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) is 25 km from campus. Regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and other major cities.

By Train: Varanasi Junction (BSB) is 10 km from campus. Direct trains from all major cities in India.

By Road: Well-connected by national highways. Regular bus services from Lucknow, Allahabad, Patna, and other cities.

Send Us a Message

University Partners

Banaras Hindu University collaborates with leading institutions worldwide to promote academic exchange, joint research, and cultural understanding.

University Of HyderabadBirla Institute Of Technology And Science, PilaniAnna UniversitySavitribai Phule Pune UniversityUniversity Of CalcuttaMywebs