Nayanta University, a new private university coming up in Pune is set to begin classes in August 2025. Established under the Maharashtra State Private University Act, Nayanta aims to redefine the future of higher education in India by offering a transformative, fully residential undergraduate program designed to prepare students for leadership in an increasingly complex world.
Backed by a distinguished group of industrialists, including Bharat Puri, Naushad Forbes, Farhad Forbes, Kris Gopalakrishnan, Nadir Godrej, Meher Pudumjee, and Satish Reddy, Nayanta is committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators. The name “Nayanta,” meaning “New Hope,” reflects the university’s vision to inspire positive change and bring forward-thinking education to students nationwide.
Admissions for the inaugural cohort of 100 students opened in February 2025, with classes scheduled to begin in August 2025. The university’s permanent campus, which will span nearly 100 acres in Pune, is currently under development, with plans for a fully residential campus designed to foster a collaborative and immersive learning environment. At a launch event held in New Delhi on March , the leadership team highlighted Nayanta’s commitment to a need-blind, merit-based admissions process, ensuring that no deserving student is excluded from the university due to financial constraints. A representative emphasised India’s growing demand for high-quality educational institutions and expressed confidence that Nayanta would play a key role in meeting this demand.
Nayanta University offers a unique educational framework that integrates the sciences, humanities, and social sciences, along with practical applications. In partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Nayanta will provide students with unparalleled opportunities for internships, mentorships, and placements across corporate, government, and social sectors.
Dr. Ranjan Banerjee, CEO of Nayanta Education Foundation, emphasised the university’s focus on student-centered education, stating, “Our vision at Nayanta Education Foundation is simple – prioritising student success through personalised learning experiences. By empowering students and encouraging innovation, we are building a foundation for a brighter and more inclusive future for all.”
Naushad Forbes, Chancellor of Nayanta University, highlighted the university’s commitment to transformative education, stating, “At Nayanta University, we believe in empowering students not just through academic knowledge but by nurturing their creativity and critical thinking. Our goal is to provide an environment where innovation thrives, and students are inspired to become leaders who can drive positive change in the world.”
Farhad Forbes, Co-Chairman of Forbes Marshall, said, “Education at Nayanta is crafted to inspire students to think beyond boundaries, challenge conventional wisdom, and apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. We are dedicated to providing an intellectually stimulating and socially relevant learning environment that empowers students to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future.”
The university leadership talking about admissions said that the batch size this year will be kept at 100 and those being admitted are screened in a three-step process. The referrals mostly from partner NGOs and direct applicants will be shortlisted on marks in class XII and an essay (in English/Hindi/Marathi). This will be followed by an aptitude test for Maths and English. And, finally, the interview.
All students will undergo a 16-month foundation program, which will include a month’s apprenticeship in industry, community and the Government. The four-year Undergrad program is now offered in humanities, social sciences and computer sciences. The university will also offer scholarships on fee ranging from 50% to 100% including on hostel fees to deserving candidates.
