Public University vs Private University: Which is Better?

Pursuing higher education in top Indian universities is the dream of many students. Choosing the best university for higher studies needs a lot of background work. One should consider many factors before judging which university is apt for pursuing higher education. In India, there are public and private universities, which offer courses ranging from UG level to Doctoral level. Apart from these courses, diploma, certificate, online and short-time courses are offered public and private universities in India.

One of the biggest concerns of parents and students is that which university should they choose for his son/ daughter for higher studies. Most of the parents may have the following concerns regarding the public and private universities in India -

• Whether public universities offer better quality education than private universities?

• Are private universities in India performing better than public universities?

• Which universities rank top in various national and international rankings?

• Do public universities have all the facilities such as laboratories, research labs, modern infrastructure etc?

• Do students get in-depth knowledge of the subject in public universities or private universities?

• Why public universities offer education at a lower cost?

• What may be the career scope for students graduating from public universities and private universities?

• Is the degree offered by a private university has more value than public university?

• Do public universities have a good reputation in India?

• Do public universities offer placement assistance?

• Which courses have a good reputation in public universities?

• Can I get admission in public university easily?

• Is the admission process of private university very rigid?

CollegeDekho is here to answer all your queries pertaining to public and private universities in India.

Whether public universities offer better quality education than private universities in India?

Most of the parents consider the quality of education that is being offered in public and private universities in India. As far as public universities are concerned, there are different levels of institutes ranging from premier institutes like IITs, NITs, IIITs, IIMs, Central Universities to State Universities. One thing that parents must note that is public universities employ professors, assistant professors and associate professors through a rigorous and competitive selection process. In simple words, public universities try to take the best from the options available. Therefore, the quality of education that is being offered in public universities is good.

Similarly, private universities also recruit professors, assistant professors and associate professors through a competitive selection process. A person who wants to become a professor/ assistant professor in private universities should have a Ph.D. degree. The selection process involves different stages like written test, oral test, personal interview etc. Therefore, it is apt to say that private universities in India also offer quality education.

Are private universities in India performing better than public universities?

Today, there is a lot of competition between higher learning institutes in India, and each institute is carving to offer the best to its students. In terms of performance, most of the top private universities have been performing extremely well. Be it education, placements, extracurricular activities, events etc, private universities are exhibiting their excellence. Students enrolled in private universities can be confident about personality development and wider career prospects. In terms of research out, private universities have bee trying to prove its mettle.

As far as public universities concerned, students are given many options to enhance his skills and personality. At private universities, students have the flexibility to learn. The faculty of public universities are supportive of students in all aspects. Apart from providing quality education to students, public universities encourage students to participate in several activities like sports, cultural events, workshops, seminars etc. The research work of top public universities has been outstanding, and premier institutes like IITs, NITs, central universities and even state universities are coming up with latest innovations that address the challenges of society.

A student with good zeal and enthusiasm to excel in career can shine irrespective of the university he/she studied.

Which universities rank top in various national and international rankings?

National and international rankings of universities play a vital role in determining the reputation of the university education wise, international outlook, research activities, the performance of students etc. Before choosing a public or private university, one can check the ranking of these universities. Some of the agencies that rank the Indian public and private

Universities are Times Higher Education (THE) - World University Rankings, NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) - Indian universities and colleges ranking system, QS World University Rankings, India Today Rankings etc. Based on the rankings, parents and students may get an idea of which university offers the best to its students. There is also another factor that some of the popular universities do not participate in rankings.

Both public and private higher learning institutes in India have been evincing an impressive performance in national and global rankings. Even many of the state universities have bagged top ranks in global and national rankings.

Do public universities have all the facilities such as laboratories, research labs, modern infrastructure etc?

Modern facilities in public and private universities depend on the source of funding. While the government is responsible for funding public universities, private universities are responsible for raising funds from its revenue and other sources. If the funding source is strong for universities, there is a good scope for modern infrastructure, facilities and amenities. The University Grants Commission (UGC) is responsible for funding the Indian public universities. UGC grants play a vital role in the development of public universities in India.

Do students get in-depth knowledge of the subject in public universities or private universities?

As mentioned in the second question, public universities and private universities recruit highly qualified teaching faculty. Therefore, there is a good scope for students to gain in-depth knowledge of the subject. However, it completely depends on students to dig more about the concept. A student must play a vital role in referring books, clarifying queries from professors etc. If the student is more enthusiastic, the better he/she can gain knowledge.

Why public universities offer education at a lower cost?

Education is one of the major agendas of the government, and it is given the top priority as education is responsible for national development. Since government funds public universities, there is no necessity for the varsity to raise revenue or funds independently. Therefore, the fee changed in public universities is comparatively less than private universities.

What may be the career scope for students graduating from public universities and private universities?

Placement is one of the important factors that parents consider before enrolling their children in public or private university. To start with public universities, career scope for the graduates depends on the amount of the knowledge obtained by the students. Apart from the mere subject knowledge, students are responsible for developing relevant job skills. Most public universities provide placement guidance to students. At the same time, public universities train students in interview skills, soft skills etc so that they can perform well in interviews. Depending on the reputation of the institute, companies visit public universities to hire students. Some public universities in India do not hold on-campus recruitments.

Private universities always strive to maintain a good placement record to attract more students for admissions. The placement cell of private universities invites top companies for the campus recruitment process. There are many private universities in India, which are recording 100% placement percentage every year.

If the student has good subject knowledge and skills, he/ she can secure jobs in top companies irrespective of which university he/she has studied.

Is the degree offered by a private university has more value than public university?

Public universities have all the necessary accreditations and approvals for offering various courses and awarding degrees. Therefore, the degree offered by public universities will have a good value in the job market. At the same time, private universities also have necessary approvals and recognition from the government authorities. Therefore, the degree offered by private universities also holds value in the job market. The value of the degree completely depends on the reputation of the university. Students planning to take admission in private universities must check the approvals and accreditation of the varsity.

Do public universities have a good reputation in India?

Of course. Public universities have a good reputation in India. These universities are most beneficial for students who can’t afford higher fees due to financial constraints. State universities and central universities carry a good reputation in society. On the other hand, private colleges are affiliated to state universities, and students receive the degree from affiliating university irrespective of the college in which he/she has studied. Every year, there is more competition from students for securing admission in various universities, and this competition clearly indicates that public universities hold a good value/reputation.

Do public universities offer placement assistance?

Nowadays, most of the public universities are offering placement assistance to students. These universities train students in various skills that are necessary for securing jobs. At the same time, short-term courses are being conducted to increase the employability chances of students.

Which courses have a good reputation in public universities?

As public universities are government funded, various facilities are set up at varsities to suit the curriculum of various courses. For example, if a student chooses B.Sc Chemistry in a public university, the curriculum of the course involves classroom teaching and laboratory teaching. Public universities in India have all the facilities that suit the needs of various courses.

As far as government medical colleges concerned, each college is attached to a hospital so that students can gain theoretical and practical knowledge side by side.

Government engineering colleges have computer labs, workshops etc to offer practical training and knowledge to students.

Besides public universities, many private universities hold a good reputation. Some of the top private universities in India have modern facilities, labs etc to offer practical training to students.

Can I get admission in public university easily?

Securing admission in public or private university is not that easy. Students need to undergo a competitive selection process that may involve a written test and interview. Written test for admission is most prevalent in public universities.

Private universities also conduct admission/ written test for admissions. For some courses, group discussion and interviews and conduction for shortlisting the candidates.

Also Read: MBA in India vs MBA Abroad

Is the admission process of private university very rigid?

There is a huge competition for admission in some of the top private universities in India. In these universities, the admission process is rigid, and students are assessed on the basis of a written test, personal interview, previous academic performance etc. The admission process of private universities is moderate and it is not too rigid. Students aspiring for admission in private university must appear for the entrance exam conducted by the varsity or must adhere to the admission rules of the institute.

Also Read: Education in India vs Foreign Education

We hope that the above analysis of public universities vs private universities sorted all your doubts and queries about choosing the best. If you still have any doubts or queries about the same, you can post ask your query through Q & A section of CollegeDekho.