Top 20 Government Colleges in Dehradun

The top-ranking government colleges in Dehradun, Uttarakhand listed in this article are among the best options for students seeking to pursue degree, diploma, certificate and/or doctoral programmes in various specialisations.

Pursuing Academic Courses at Dehradun’s Government-Operated Colleges

Government colleges in Dehradun offer courses at Undergraduate (UG), Postgraduate (PG), Diploma, Certification, and Doctoral (PhD) levels in the field of Arts, Commerce, Science, Education, Engineering, Law, Humanities, Management, Legal Studies, Medicine, Agriculture etc. The colleges and universities allow students to choose any course with specialisation as per their interests and career goals.

Government-owned colleges in Dehradun are approved by many educational/examination boards, such as the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), University Grants Commission (UGC), Bar Council India (BCI) and more. These colleges grant admission to students based on merit. Some colleges and universities may conduct their own entrance examination as well.

The government institutions of Dehradun also offer quality placement and have a separate training and placement cell which is responsible for conducting many workshops, industrial visits, and internships that prepare students for professional profiles. The colleges and universities have good terms with the top recruiters who visit the campus every year.

Also, read these articles:

Top 20 Engineering Colleges in Dehradun 

Top 20 Agriculture Colleges in Dehradun 

Let us now take a quick look at some of the best government-run colleges in Dehradun where students can study in a wide selection of specialisations.

20 Best Government Colleges & Universities to Study in Dehradun (Uttarakhand), India

Here are twenty best government colleges and universities of Dehradun, Uttarakhand that provide quality education to students seeking programmes and courses in disciplines of one’s choice.

1. AIIMS Rishikesh

Location: Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Best For Pursuing: Medical Studies

n India, the all india institute of medical sciences (aiims) is a prominent medical academic institution and super-speciality hospital. Its headquarters is located in New Delhi, while its division, AIIMS Rishikesh, is situated in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. Studying medicine at AIIMS Rishikesh is considered one of the top-notch options in Dehradun.

AIIMS Rishikesh offers various undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, certificate and research courses to students in various specialisations. Courses for MBBS, MD/MS, PhD, MDS, DM, M.Ch., PDCC, M.Phil, Fellowship, and Diploma/PG Diploma/Certificate courses in different departments of medicine and science are offered at the institute.

2. D.A.V. (P.G.) College

Location: Karanpur, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Best For Pursuing: Arts, Commerce, Science, Law Degree Studies

D.A.V. (P.G) College, located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, is a well-established educational institution that has been in existence for quite some time. The college’s name, D.A.V. (P.G), is an acronym for Dayanand Anglo Vedic Post Graduate College and was established as a branch of D.A.V. School, Meerut (Uttar Pradesh) in 1948. The college is affiliated with HNB Garhwal Central University.

The institute offers undergraduate, postgraduate, integrated and doctoral programmes to students through its five faculties viz. Arts, Education, Commerce, Law and Science comprise 21 disciplines.

D.A.V. (P.G.) College also offers various professional courses including B.Sc. (IT), PGDJMC, M.A. Education, PGDTH and Mass Communication to students. The institute also offers various Add-on Certificate Courses.

3. Doon University

Location: Motharawala Road, Kedarpur, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Best For Pursuing: Arts, Environmental and Social Science Studies

The Doon University is a unitary and residential university located on the outskirts of Dehradun City. The university was established by the Government of Uttarakhand by the Doon University Act, of 2005. Doon University is dedicated to promoting excellence in teaching and research while offering a full range of multi-disciplinary academic programmes at the undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels.

The university comprises of eight constituent schools, with the school of environment & natural resources (senr) being its prominent school, which was founded in 2009. Senr takes a diverse approach towards providing specialized education and research on environmental science and technology to its students.

The university’s other constituent schools are the School of Languages, School of Social Sciences, School of Physical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, School of Media and Communication Studies, School of Design, School of Management, and Nityanand Himalayan Research and Study Centre.

4. Forest Research Institute

Location: Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Best For Pursuing: Forest Research Studies

Forest Research Institute (FRI) Dehradun is one of the oldest government-operated institutions in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Founded in 1906, FRI is a premier institute in the field of forestry research, education and extension, also having five museums. Forest Research Institute, Dehradun was conferred the status of University in the year 1991 on the recommendation of the UGC and Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India.

Formerly known as the Imperial Forest Research Institute, Fri Dehradun was established to manage and direct forestry research in the nation. In addition, the institute provided training to forest officers and rangers throughout the country. Following India’s independence, the institute was appropriately renamed as the Forest Research Institute and Colleges.

The research centers of FRI were placed under the administrative jurisdiction of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), which is under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, Government of India.

5. Government Degree College

Location: Sudhowala, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Best For Pursuing: Arts, Commerce, Science Degree Studies

Government Degree College Dehradun was recently opened as a government-owned institution providing undergraduate and postgraduate courses to students in a few streams. Presently, the college is being operated in the Mahila Polytechnic Sudhowala campus located on Chakrata Highway.

The college has 18 subjects (Hindi, English, Geography, Pedagogy, Home Science, Psychology, Economics, Sociology, Political Science, History, Sanskrit, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Zoology) of the undergraduate (Arts, Science and Commerce), Science, Botany, Commerce approval has been received.

Government Degree College offers B.A., B.Com, B.Sc., BBA, M.A., M.Com, and M.Sc. programmes to students at undergraduate and postgraduate degree levels.

6. Government Doon Medical College

Location: Dehrakhas, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Best For Pursuing: Medical Studies

The upcoming Government Doon Medical College, located in Dehradun, strives to become a leading center of excellence in medical education and patient care. With a focus on achieving the highest standards in training, research, and patient care, the medical education department is situated in Dehrakhas, about 4.5 km away from the teaching hospital. Additionally, the medical college will support research and training activities in the mid and upper Himalayan regions, with a particular emphasis on health care and disaster mitigation.

The Government Medical College and Hospital consists of numerous departments that offer courses and training in various fields including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, FMT, ophthalmology, ENT, community medicine, general surgery, general medicine, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, and several other specializations.

7. Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology

Location: Pantnagar, Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand

Best For Pursuing: Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries Studies

Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT) is India’s first agricultural university established in 1960 and was then known as Uttar Pradesh Agricultural University. The University was renamed in 1972 in memory of the first Chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Govind Ballabh Pant (aka G.B. Pant). The university campus is located in Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand.

Also known as Pantnagar University, it has a constituent of nine schools, each offering programmes in the field of Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries, Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Technology, Home Science, Agribusiness Management and allied areas.

GBPUAT includes a mandatory internship of one semester for students in all its UG courses.

8. Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University

Location: Srinagar, Uttarakhand

Best For Pursuing: Higher Education Studies

HNB Garhwal University, commonly referred to as HNBGU, is a higher education institution that offers both residential and affiliating programs. It was originally founded as a state university under the Uttar Pradesh government in 1973 and was later converted to a central university by an act of parliament in 2009. Drawing students from all over India, HNBGU has a wide appeal and is recognized as a reputable institution of higher learning.

The University of HNB Garhwal offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs in diverse fields. Among the programs is the School of Commerce which provides courses such as BBA and MBA in Tourism to students. In addition, the university also offers postgraduate diploma courses in Business Administration, Company Administration, and Tourism at its campus.

HNBGU (Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University) has a total of three campuses, namely Birla Campus in Srinagar with its extension at Chauras Campus, B. Gopal Reddy (BGR) Campus in Pauri, and Swami Ram Teerth (SRT) Campus in Badshahithaul, Tehri. Besides, the University also has 121 affiliated colleges and institutes that are spread over seven districts of the Garhwal region in Uttarakhand.

9. Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Uttarakhand Medical Education University

Location: Haridwar Road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Best For Pursuing: Medical, Dental, Nursing and Paramedical Studies

Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Uttarakhand Medical Education University (HNBUMEU), also known as HNB Uttarakhand Medical Education University was established by an Act enacted by the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly and assented to by the Governor in the year 2014 by the Uttarakhand Govt. Act, 2014. This government medical university was established to fulfil the long-standing need of the people of Uttarakhand to have an institution for the advancement and development of medical education in the state.

HNB Uttarakhand Medical Education University aims not only to guide the medical, dental, nursing and para-medical education in the state by affiliating all such institutions with it, but to also provide high-level and specialised teaching and research.

The university also has a medical college of its own within its campus to serve as a model for other colleges within the state. Its medical college co-operates and collaborates with the best similar institutions within the country and abroad so that the best medical education can be provided within the state of Uttarakhand.

10. Himalayiya University

Location: Doiwala, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Best For Pursuing: Arts and Yogic Science Studies

Established in 2019 by the Uttarakhand government, Himalayiya University Dehradun comprises of nine constituent schools that offer specializations in diverse fields. The university is solely focused on establishing a knowledge hub to uplift the rural community of Dehradun and its adjoining areas. Its goal is to expand its reach throughout the country.

The institute offers UG, PG, PG Diploma, Diploma and Doctoral (PhD) programmes through its nine constituent schools. A few such programmes offered to students are in the areas of Medicine, Nursing, Science, Arts and Performing Arts, Commerce, Management, Computer Applications, Journalism & Mass Communication, Yogic Science and more. It also offers certificate courses.

11. IIT Roorkee

Location: Roorkee, Uttarakhand

Best For Pursuing: Information Technology and Engineering Studies

The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR), also popularly known as IIT Roorkee is one of the biggest technical institutions in Uttarakhand and one of the oldest engineering institutions in India and has the largest number of academic units. Established in 1847, IIT Roorkee was granted the status of IIT in 2001.

The institute currently has 23 academic departments covering Engineering, Architecture and Planning, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Management programmes, 1 school, 6 academic centres, 7 academic service centres and 6 supporting units.

IIT Roorkee offers UG, PG, integrated dual degree and PhD programmes to students through a wide selection of courses in various fields. Its B.Tech programme is offered in specialisations of Biotechnology, Biosciences and Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science and Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Production and Industrial Engineering, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, and Engineering Physics.

12. Indian Institute of Management Kashipur

Location: Kashipur, Uttarakhand

Best For Pursuing: Business Management Studies

The Indian Institute of Management Kashipur (aka IIM Kashipur) was established in 2011 by Govt. of India. IIM Kashipur imparts knowledge through applied and interdisciplinary research and practices in emerging areas of management.

The institute fosters academic excellence in the programmes, namely Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Business Administration in Analytics (MBA Analytics), Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Executive Development Programmes – Online Certificate Programmes.

MBA and MBA (Analytics) are full-time two-year residential flagship programmes of the institute. IIM Kashipur also offers Executive Education. Its MBA for Working Executives (EMBA) is a specialised two-year postgraduate programme conducted during weekends at IIM Kashipur Dehradun Campus, exclusively designed for middle and senior-level professionals.

13. Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition Dehradun

Location: Patel Nagar, Saharanpur Road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Best For Pursuing: Hospitality Studies

The Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition Dehradun is an autonomous institute set up by the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India under its Grants-In-Aid Scheme. The institute is affiliated with the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT), Noida under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India.

IHM Dehradun offers B.Sc. in Hospitality & Hotel Administration (Three Years) programme jointly offered by National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT), Noida (formerly PUSA, New Delhi) and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).

The Institute also offers Short Term Courses i.e., 1 Year Diploma in Food Production, Food & Beverage Services, and Bakery & Confectionery, respectively.

14. Kumaun University

Location: Nainital, Uttarakhand

Best For Pursuing: Degree Studies

Founded in 1973 under the act of the state legislature, Kumaun University (KU) is a residential-cum-affiliating university situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. The university was formed by merging two government colleges, D.S.B. Government (P.G.) College, Nainital and Almora Government (P.G.) College, Almora. KU has received accreditation by NAAC with a grade status and has been recognized and approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI) and University Grants Commission (UGC). Additionally, the university has a regular membership with the Association of Indian Universities.

The academic wing of the University is spread over three campuses: D.S.B. Campus, Nainital, SSJ Campus, Almora and the newly constructed Campus at Bhimtal in Uttarakhand.

Kumaun University through its faculty of departments offers UG, PG, PG Diploma and Doctoral (PhD) programmes in Arts, Science, Commerce, Management, Education, Law, Technology and Visual Arts with a choice of a wide selection of specialisations. The University also offers various self-financed courses.

15. Sri Dev Suman Uttarakhand University

Location: Badshahithol, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand

Best For Pursuing: Agriculture, Life & Applied Science and Skill Development Studies

Sri Dev Suman Uttarakhand University was established as a State University in 2012 by the Govt. of Uttarakhand in continuation to the amendment of erstwhile Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Uttarakhand Vishwavidhyalaya Act, 2011. Sri Dev Suman Uttarakhand University, Badshahithol is situated on the way between Chamba and New Tehri districts of Uttarakhand.

The University has campuses at Badshahithol and Rishikesh. The Badshahithol campus offers undergraduate degree courses in Computer Science, Management, Agriculture and Skill Development Courses. Its Rishikesh campus offers both undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses in Management, Life & Applied Science, Arts, and Computer Science, as well as PhD and Skill Development Courses.

16. Uttarakhand Ayurved University

Location: Harrawala, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Best For Pursuing: Ayurveda Medicine and Treatment Studies

The Government of Uttarakhand established the Uttarakhand Ayurved University as an autonomous institution under the Uttarakhand Ayurved University Act, 2009. Its purpose is to provide a structured and efficient approach to education, teaching, research, and development of the Ayurvedic method of medical treatment, ensuring optimal dissemination of knowledge and practical application.

Uttarakhand Ayurved University has three campuses: Faculty of Ayurveda (Main Campus) located in Harrawala, Rishikul Campus and Gurukul Campus both located in Haridwar, Dehradun. The University has affiliations with several Ayurvedic Colleges and Hospitals throughout Uttarakhand.

The institute offers UG, PG, Diploma and Doctoral (PhD) programmes in the field of Ayurvedic medicine and treatment, which are BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, MD/MS (AY) and PhD (AY) as well as Diploma Certificate courses.

17. Uttarakhand Open University

Location: Haldwani, Uttarakhand

Best For Pursuing: Distance Education and Vocational Studies

Established in 2005, Uttarakhand Open University (UOU) is a state open university located in the Haldwani district of Uttarakhand. The university has been recognized by the Distance Education Bureau (DEB), AIU, and UGC.

The university provides a wide range of courses for students in various fields of study, including undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma and PG diploma programs, research-based PhD courses, as well as certification courses. Additionally, the university offers distance learning and vocational studies, providing short-term courses in diverse disciplines that are suitable for both students and working professionals.

The university provides its programs through over 90 study centers situated in various locations across the state, operating under eight regional centers located in Dehradun, Roorkee, Pauri, Uttarkashi, Ranikhet, Bageshwar, Haldwani, and Pithoragarh. Additionally, the university has entered into partnerships with prominent research institutions, corporations, and professional organizations to offer advantages to its students.

18. Veer Madho Singh Bhandari Uttarakhand Technical University

Location: Sudhowala, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Best For Pursuing: Engineering, Management and Law Studies

In 2005, the government of Uttarakhand established the Uttarakhand Technical University (formerly known as Uttarakhand Technical University) through the Uttarakhand Technical University Act. The university serves as the affiliating university for technical institutions in the Uttarakhand state. Veer Madho Singh Bhandari is associated with this university.

There are 81 affiliated private institutions and 12 government institutions in the University. The University offers a total of 8 UG, 6 PG and 18 PhD programmes as well as integrated programmes in different specialisations to students. A few such programmes are B.Tech/M.Tech, B.Pharm/M.Pharm, BHMCT, MBA, MCA, BA-LLB, BBA-LLB, LLB/LLM and many other courses.

19. Wildlife Institute of India

Location: Wildlife Institute Road, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Best For Pursuing: Wildlife Sciences and Research Studies

The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) located in Dehradun was established in 1982 as an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Government of India. Its operations are overseen by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE).

The Wii institution has gained international recognition for its exceptional training programs, academic courses, and expert advice on wildlife research and management. It is deeply involved in conducting research on matters related to biodiversity across the entire country.

WII offers Master’s in Wildlife Science, Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Wildlife Management, Certificate Course in Wildlife Management, and Short-Term Courses as well.

20. Women Institute of Technology

Location: Prem Nagar, Sudhowala, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Best For Pursuing: Engineering Studies

Women Institute of Technology (WIT), Dehradun is a women’s only government college of engineering in Uttarakhand. The college was established in 2012 having been approved by the State Government and AICTE and has an affiliation with Veer Madho Singh Bhandari Uttarakhand Technical University.

The institute provides B.Tech courses in five different disciplines, including Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, and Computer Science.

Women Institute of Technology currently does not provide master’s programmes to students.

Wrapping Up

The government colleges and universities mentioned above are great institutions to pursue one’s desired course.