Chandigarh University Introduces India's First AI-Enhanced Campus in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow, Jan 6 (NationPress) On Monday, Chandigarh University (CU) revealed plans for an unprecedented Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered futuristic campus located in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, designed to offer AI-augmented multidisciplinary education.

The AI-driven campus in Unnao (part of the Lucknow state capital region) is specifically crafted to meet the changing demands of 21st-century learners and is set to transform the educational landscape of the nation with 43 innovative undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

These programs will span six disciplines including Engineering, Business Administration, Health and Life Sciences, Humanities, Liberal Arts, and Legal Studies, starting from the academic year 2025-26. The government of Uttar Pradesh had previously issued an 'Authorization Letter' to Chandigarh University for the establishment of its AI-integrated campus in Unnao.

The announcement was made during a press conference held at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where the UP Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay launched the Chandigarh University Lucknow web portal and the prospectus for the 2025-26 academic year.

During the event, Yogendra Upadhyay stated, “Uttar Pradesh is poised to achieve a $1 trillion economy within the next five years, with the State’s GDP projected to reach Rs 32 lakh crore by March 2025, making it the fastest-growing economy in India and generating job opportunities for 1.5 crore youth. Over the past seven years, the state's economy, GDP, and per capita income have more than doubled under the double engine government.”

He further remarked that Uttar Pradesh is emerging as an educational hub in higher education with the introduction of 16 new universities and over 250 colleges in underserved areas in the last seven years under the leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath.

“We take pride in the establishment of Chandigarh University’s AI-enabled campus in Uttar Pradesh. The timing for launching an AI-integrated university in the state is perfect, as the government is in the process of creating India’s first AI City on a sprawling area of over 70 acres in Lucknow,” the minister noted.

Upadhyay emphasized that the campus aligns seamlessly with the UP government’s vision for AI-driven development by equipping a skilled workforce.

“The presence of a top-tier educational institution like Chandigarh University will enable students in Uttar Pradesh to access quality education without the need to leave their home state, thereby making education more accessible and affordable for everyone,” he added.

Member of Parliament, Satnam Singh Sandhu, mentioned, “As Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledges the transformative potential of AI, India has been at the forefront of developing a comprehensive strategy through the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence.”

“With its rapid economic growth and being the second-largest population globally, India has a significant role in the ongoing AI revolution, and Uttar Pradesh has made a significant move by establishing India’s first AI City in Lucknow,” he stated.

“As Chancellor of Chandigarh University, I express my heartfelt appreciation to CM Yogi for his proactive support in establishing the Chandigarh University Campus. Uttar Pradesh plays a pivotal role in realizing PM Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and contributing to the nation’s vision of achieving a $5 trillion economy for a Viksit Bharat by 2047. With remarkable growth across various sectors, Uttar Pradesh is becoming India's next growth engine,” the MP added.

Sandhu highlighted that Uttar Pradesh occupies a unique position in India’s higher education landscape, with a youthful population poised to influence the future of the nation.

“Currently, with an average age of 21 years, projected to increase to 26 years by 2030, the state is expected to contribute 16.5 percent to India’s youth population. However, Uttar Pradesh’s Gross Enrollment Rate (GER) stands at only 25.6 percent, necessitating an increase to 50 percent by 2035, as stipulated in the National Education Policy (NEP). The establishment of Chandigarh University in Uttar Pradesh is aimed at meeting the growing demand for higher education in the state,” he added.

Chandigarh University Managing Director, Jai Inder Singh Sandhu, announced that the Chandigarh University Common Entrance Test (CUCET 2025) portal is now open for registrations for prospective students seeking admission to the Uttar Pradesh Campus of the university for the 2025-26 academic year.

“CUCET is a national-level entrance and scholarship examination that recognizes academic excellence and offers financial aid, up to 100 percent through scholarships. During the 2025-26 academic year, scholarships totaling Rs 40 crore will be awarded to students at the Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh campus. Moreover, the university will also provide a Rs 3 crore 'CV Raman Scholarship' to support students pursuing scientific research careers,” he said.

Notably, Chandigarh University was ranked number 1 among India’s private universities in the QS Asia University Rankings 2025. Chandigarh University also secured the 20th position among all government and private universities in the NIRF Rankings 2024.