Nayanta University, a new private university with grand ambitions founded under the Maharashtra State Private University Act, will start classes in August 2025. Living up to its name, which literally translates to “New Hope,” Nayanta intends to revolutionize higher education in India by raising a new class of leaders that possesses multidisciplinary skills, analytical minds, and practical expertise.
The university is supported by some of India’s most prominent industrialists, such as Raj Dugar, Bharat Puri, Naushad Forbes, Kris Gopalakrishnan, Nadir Godrej, Meher Pudumjee, and Satish Reddy. With a focus on academic excellence and affordability, Nayanta hopes to implement a need-blind, merit-based admissions policy so that financial limitations do not discourage deserving students from accessing higher education.
A Vision for World-Class Higher Education in India
At a recent event in Hyderabad, Raj Dugar, Former Managing Partner Asia, Eight Roads, underscored the pressing need for quality educational institutions in India. He stressed that Nayanta is committed to providing a well-rounded learning experience that blends rigorous academics with real-world exposure.
Satish Reddy, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Chairperson, described Nayanta’s larger purpose as follows, “‘India has some of the best institutions in engineering and management, but we do not have full-service universities that mirror the multidisciplinary, student-focused methods of Oxford, Harvard, and Stanford. Our vision is to fill this gap by establishing a world-class institution that provides a flexible and individualized education based on each student’s goals.”
In addition, Nayanta’s belief in diversity and inclusivity is also evident through its attempts to engage gifted students from disadvantaged communities through scholarship opportunities and mentoring schemes.
Campus and Academic Structure
The university will commence functioning from a temporary campus at Bavdhan, Pune, as its permanent campus, which measures close to 100 acres in size, comes up. Geared to be a completely residential institution, Nayanta’s undergraduate program is framed to ensure students experience a rich and intensive learning process.
Students will first go through an 18-month multidisciplinary foundation program prior to making their academic choices. The curriculum is structured to provide flexibility so that students can try out different fields and acquire a solid grounding in critical thinking, research, and leadership.
Strong Industry Collaborations for Practical Learning
Nayanta University has collaborated with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to establish an education model that combines theoretical learning with practical applications. The partnership guarantees students receive practical experience through industry internships, mentorship, and exposure to corporate, government, and social sectors.
Dr. Ranjan Banerjee, Professor and CEO, Nayanta Education Foundation, spoke of the university’s focus on student development, saying, “Our methodology focuses on individualized learning experiences, small-group work, and leadership mentoring. Every student will be put through a formal personal development program to increase self-awareness and professional competence.”
Internship-Based Curriculum for Overall Development
One of the defining characteristics of Nayanta’s curriculum is the focus on experiential learning through internships. Every student will go through:
- Three compulsory one-month internships in industry, NGOs, and government departments.
- A five-month immersive internship in a field of their choice.
This design guarantees that students emerge with practical experience, industry networks, and the skills to tackle intricate real-world issues.
Admissions and Selection Process
Admission to Nayanta University’s inaugural batch opened in February 2025. The admissions process is merit, curiosity, and leadership potential-focused to ensure a diverse pool of talented students.
At the launch event of the university in Pune, Kris Gopalakrishnan and Naushad Forbes highlighted the need to create institutions based on values and culture. They stated their vision for Nayanta to be a place that encourages intellectual curiosity, innovation, and diversity consistent with India’s demographic fabric.
A Strong Start with Industry and Community Support
The Hyderabad meetup and Pune launch event brought education leaders, members of civil society, and industry professionals together, reflecting the fervor for Nayanta’s vision. With its prestigious founders, industry partnerships, and dedication to academic excellence, Nayanta University is well set to be a trailblazer that redefines the standards for Indian higher education.
As August 2025 approaches, the anticipation for Nayanta’s inaugural batch continues to grow, promising an exciting new chapter in India’s educational landscape.
