Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University

Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University in Kanpur, established in 1966 and long known simply as Kanpur University, is one of Uttar Pradesh's largest affiliating universities, with an enormous network of colleges across the Kanpur region graduating under its name. It holds an A++ grade from NAAC — the top accreditation band, unusual for a big state affiliating university — and its Kalyanpur campus runs its own departments across the arts and professional fields. Fees are at low government levels, and Kanpur is a major, inexpensive city with strong rail connectivity across north India. As ever with affiliating universities, the campus departments and the affiliated colleges are very different experiences, so applicants should check where their programme actually sits. It suits students from the Kanpur belt wanting an affordable, well-accredited public-university degree close to home.