About Azim Premji University 🏛️
Azim Premji University, established in 2010, is a private, not-for-profit university located in Bangalore. It was founded by the Azim Premji Foundation with a clear social purpose: to prepare graduates who are committed to working in the social sector. The university is renowned for its unique, interdisciplinary curriculum focused on **Liberal Arts & Sciences, Education, and Development**. Its flagship programs include **B.A. (Hons.) Economics, B.Sc. (Hons.) Physics/Biology, and postgraduate programs like M.A. in Education and M.A. in Development**. The university is known for its exceptional faculty, a strong focus on critical thinking and social justice, and a needs-blind admission policy.
Key Information at a Glance 📊
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Fees (Approx.) | ₹13 Lakhs for a 4-year UG course (extensive scholarships available) |
| Flagship Program Intake | Varies by program (e.g., B.A. Economics, B.Sc. Biology) |
| Highest Package (2025) | ₹12 LPA - ₹15 LPA |
| Average Package (2025) | ₹5.0 LPA - ₹6.0 LPA |
| Median Package (2025) | ₹4.8 LPA |
| Scholarship Availability | Yes, extensive need-based scholarships covering up to 100% of fees. |
| Top Career Avenues | Social Sector (NGOs), Policy Research, Academia, Corporate CSR |
| Top Recruiters | Azim Premji Foundation, Pratham, Teach for India, various research think tanks and social enterprises. |
| Approvals | UGC |
Placements & Career Prospects 📈
The university's goal is to prepare students for impactful careers in the social sector, not high-paying corporate jobs. The Careers Office facilitates opportunities in NGOs, research institutions, policy think tanks, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) wings. The ROI is measured in social impact and long-term career fulfillment in the development space.
| Placement Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Placement Rate | Over 90% of students seeking placements are placed |
| Total Organizations for Recruitment | 200+ |
| Average Package | Ranges between ₹5.0 LPA and ₹6.0 LPA, which is very competitive for the social sector. |
| Major Roles Offered | Programme Associate, Research Associate, Policy Analyst, Teacher, Curriculum Designer, CSR Executive |
Top Recruiters by Sector
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Azim Premji Foundation, Pratham Education Foundation, Teach for India, Akshara Foundation.
- Research & Think Tanks: Centre for Policy Research, Accountability Initiative, J-PAL.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): CSR arms of companies like Wipro, Tata Trusts.
- Higher Studies: Many graduates pursue Master's and Ph.D. programs at top universities in India and abroad.
Fee Structure & Scholarships: Funding Your Education 💰
The university has a comprehensive fee structure but is most renowned for its extensive and generous need-based scholarship program, ensuring no selected student is unable to study due to financial constraints.
Fee Structure (Approx. per year)
- All UG Programs Fee: ~ ₹3,20,000 (Tuition + Accommodation + Food).
- All PG Programs Fee: ~ ₹2,50,000 (Tuition + Accommodation + Food).
- Note: The fee is an all-inclusive annual amount.
Scholarship Opportunities
The financial aid policy is a core part of the university's philosophy:
- Need-Based Scholarships: The university offers scholarships based on the family's annual income. Fee waivers range from 25%, 50%, 75%, up to a **100% scholarship** which covers all tuition, accommodation, and food charges for deserving students.
Internships & Practical Training 🏢
Experiential learning is central to the curriculum at Azim Premji University, with a strong focus on field practice and real-world engagement.
- Common Curriculum: All undergraduate students go through a common curriculum in the first two years, covering foundational knowledge in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
- Mandatory Field Practice: All programs have a mandatory field practice component where students work in rural and urban development projects, NGOs, or schools.
- Weekly Internships: The university facilitates a unique "Weekly Internship" program where students work one day a week with a partner organization.
The Real Campus Experience: Life at APU 🧑🎓
Life at Azim Premji University is an intellectually vibrant and socially conscious experience. The new, state-of-the-art, fully residential campus provides a close-knit and collaborative environment.
Campus Vibe
The campus is a hub for students and faculty who are passionate about social change, fostering a diverse and intellectually stimulating atmosphere.
- A beautiful, eco-friendly, and modern 100-acre campus.
- A strong culture of reading, discussion, and critical debate.
- A highly diverse and inclusive student body from all over India.
- An open and non-hierarchical relationship between students and faculty.
Clubs & Fests
The student-run clubs and events are the heart of the APU experience, reflecting the university's ethos.
- Numerous active student clubs for diverse interests, from theatre and music to policy debate and cinema.
- "Unmukt": The annual cultural and literary festival.
- A strong culture of student-led seminars, talks, and social initiatives.
- Excellent sports facilities and a focus on overall well-being.
Admissions Process & Eligibility 📝
- Check Eligibility: For UG programs, a 10+2 from a recognized board is required. For PG programs, a Bachelor's degree is necessary. Specific criteria apply for each course.
- Apply Online: Candidates must fill out the online application form on the official Azim Premji University admissions website.
- Entrance Test: The first stage is a mandatory written Entrance Test conducted by the university across various cities in India. It consists of an English language section and a subject-specific section.
- Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates based on their entrance test performance are invited for a Personal Interview with a faculty panel. The interview assesses the candidate's academic knowledge, social awareness, and suitability for the program.
- Final Offer: A final offer of admission is made based on the candidate's overall performance in both the entrance test and the personal interview. Admission is needs-blind, meaning financial status is not considered during the selection process.
