UP News: Uttar Pradesh is now being recognized not only as a state with a large population, but also as the fastest growing center of education and skill development in the country. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a big campaign has been launched to take the state's education system out of the traditional pattern and connect it with modern technology, research and direct employment. With this initiative of the government, students are getting excellent opportunities to pursue world-class education and career in their own state.
Historical expansion of universities and colleges
There was a time when the youth of Uttar Pradesh had to turn to other states for higher education. From independence till 2017, there were only 16 government universities in the state. But in the last few years this picture has been completely changed. Between 2017 and 2022, three and then five new government universities were established. With the addition of one deemed and one open university, the number of government universities in the state has now reached 26.
The scope of education in the private sector has also increased rapidly. The number of private universities in the state has increased from 26 to 56, out of which alone 27 universities have opened after the year 2022. For the first time, two off-campus centers of GLA and IIMT have started in Noida. To increase private investment in the districts where higher education institutions were less, the government has implemented Higher Education Promotion Policy-2024. With this, the number of government colleges has increased from 158 to 261 and the number of self-financed colleges has increased from 6,681 to 8,030.
Big investment on global identity and research
Along with increasing the number of education, full attention has also been paid to its quality. As a result, seven educational institutions of the state have made their place in the NIRF ranking for the first time and three universities have been included in the top 100 institutions of the country. Under the Central Government's PM Usha Yojana, UP has received a grant of Rs 965 crore for the development of laboratories, research and smart classes, which is the highest in the entire country.
To connect students at the international level, 776 agreements have been signed with institutions in the country and abroad. In this series, there are preparations to establish the campus of Australia's prestigious Western Sydney University in Greater Noida.
Education is becoming modern with AI and digital technology
By implementing the National Education Policy-2020, a system of multidisciplinary education and the system of leaving or rejoining studies as per one's convenience has been started in the state. More than 88 thousand e-content related to 239 subjects have been prepared to help the students. 251 smart classes, more than 83 smart labs and 171 e-learning parks have been created in government colleges.
Keeping in view the demands of the coming times, there is special emphasis on the study of Artificial Intelligence i.e. AI. AI based studies have been started in all 43 courses of Chandigarh University. Apart from this, to stay connected to one's roots, research chairs have been created on Indian knowledge tradition and an online Sanskrit training center has also been opened in Sampoornanand Sanskrit University.
Employment in the hands of youth through skill development
Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission is playing a big role to ensure that the youth do not have to wander for jobs after completing their studies. Since the year 2017-18, more than 17 lakh youth have been trained in different fields, out of which more than seven lakh youth have got employment. More than four and a half lakh youth have got jobs through 1,194 big employment fairs organized across the state.
In terms of skills, the youth of UP have hoisted the flag at the national level also. The state stood first in the country with more than one lakh registrations in the India Skills Competition-2025 and has maintained this lead for 2026-27 also. To teach new technologies to the youth, partnerships have been made with big institutes like IIT Roorkee, MNNIT Prayagraj and Triple IT Prayagraj. At the same time, 3,441 disabled people have also been linked to employment through special campaigns.
Scooty for daughters and security for teachers
To increase participation of girls in higher education, the government has decided to encourage meritorious girl students. Under this, scooties will be given to the top five percent girl students, which will directly benefit about 40 thousand daughters. On the other hand, the government is also sensitive towards the teachers and their families who strengthen the foundation of education. Cashless treatment facility is being provided to more than 1.28 lakh teachers and their dependents of the state. Overall, Uttar Pradesh is moving forward today as a strong model of knowledge, new technology and employment.
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