Pune Hosts 15 Private Universities: The Story of How a Few Universities Reshaped Higher Education in the ‘Oxford of the East’
Pune, long hailed as the ‘Oxford of the East’ and ‘Vidyeche Maherghar’ (the maternal home of education), has undergone a dramatic transformation in higher education over the past decade. With 15 private universities now operating in the city—including prominent names like Ajeenkya DY Patil University, Symbiosis, FLAME University, and MIT Pune—students have access to diverse, industry-aligned courses. However, this boom has also raised concerns over soaring education costs and growing disparities between private and public institutions.
From Legacy to Innovation
Pune’s academic reputation was built on historic institutions like Fergusson College (1884), COEP (1854), and Savitribai Phule Pune University. But post-liberalization, the city’s emergence as an IT and manufacturing hub fueled demand for specialized education. The Maharashtra government’s 2013 policy allowing private universities accelerated this shift, leading to a surge in new institutions offering niche programs in tech, management, and liberal arts.
FLAME University, one of the first built from scratch, credits Pune’s industry ties and talent pool for its success. “When companies relocate, they look for human capital. Universities follow, creating a virtuous cycle,” said Pro Vice-Chancellor MA Venkataramanan. Similarly, MIT Pune’s transition to MIT World Peace University in 2017 allowed greater curriculum flexibility and industry collaborations.
Opportunities and Challenges
While private universities attract students from across India and abroad with interdisciplinary courses, their high fees remain a barrier. Annual costs often run into lakhs, raising concerns about accessibility. “Most private universities focus on professional courses with steep fees, making them unaffordable for many,” said Arvind Natu of IISER. However, institutions counter this by highlighting scholarship programs for underprivileged students.
The rise of private universities has also sparked debate over their impact on public colleges. While some argue they drain faculty and students from government institutes, others, like former SPPU VC Nitin Karmalkar, believe public universities still hold prestige. “Students only turn to private options when they can’t secure seats in top government colleges,” he said. Yet, rural public institutions struggle with funding and infrastructure gaps, exacerbating educational inequality.
The Road Ahead
As Pune’s private university sector grows, the focus remains on balancing innovation with affordability. While these institutions bring global exposure and industry partnerships, ensuring equitable access will be key to sustaining Pune’s legacy as an education powerhouse.
