Chandigarh University UP Launches CUCET 2026 Admission and Scholarship Portal in Azamgarh

Students of Azamgarh and Uttar Pradesh to Avail Scholarships up to ₹50 Crore through CUCET 2026

AI-Augmented Education to Transform Higher Education Landscape; Unnao Campus Emerges as Model of Change: Prof. (Dr) Thipendra P Singh, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh
Chandigarh University Signs MoUs with 23 Global Companies; Youth to Benefit from AI Education, Global Jobs and Startup Opportunities: Prof. (Dr) Thipendra P Singh

Azamgarh, February 13: India, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, is steadily moving towards global leadership in artificial intelligence. In line with this vision, preparations are underway to develop the country’s first AI City in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh. As part of this transformative shift, Chandigarh University has established a state-of-the-art AI-supported campus in Unnao with an investment of approximately ₹2,500 crore. With this, Chandigarh University has become India’s first private university to set up an AI-augmented campus. Located in the SCR region of Unnao on the Kanpur–Lucknow Road, the campus is not only delivering AI-supported education but also preparing students as industry-ready professionals aligned with emerging market needs. This was stated by Prof. (Dr) Thipendra P Singh, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh, during a press conference held in Azamgarh.
On this occasion, Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh, officially launched its national scholarship and admission portal, ‘CUCET 2026’. Under this initiative, Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh, has announced scholarships worth up to ₹50 crore, aimed at making AI, research, and innovation-driven higher education more accessible and inclusive.
Addressing the media, Dr. Singh said the CUCET Scholarship scheme has demonstrated a significant impact in its very first academic session. More than 2,000 students have already been awarded scholarships worth several crores under the scheme. This has enabled meritorious students from diverse social and academic backgrounds to pursue higher education with renewed confidence and opportunity. He said the University’s long-term vision is to position Uttar Pradesh as a global centre for AI-driven education, research, and technological innovation.
Highlighting the University’s focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, Dr. Singh said initiatives such as ‘Campus Tank’ and ‘CU AI Space’ are providing start-ups and young innovators with seed funding, incubation support, and patent-filing assistance. Through Campus Tank, launched by Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’, more than 1,000 start-ups have been connected with funding worth USD 6 million. He also noted that the ‘Nari Yojana’, initiated by Governor Anandiben Patel, is creating new opportunities for women in technology-driven research and innovation.
Dr. Singh said the AI-enhanced smart campus of Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh, has been developed with an investment of nearly ₹2,500 crore, strengthening both quality education and advanced research. As part of this academic ecosystem, the University has introduced 22 multidisciplinary PhD programmes in emerging domains such as agriculture, data analytics, quantum research, and cyber security, giving fresh momentum to research in critical areas.
He further stated that world-class infrastructure has been established to promote experiential and industry-based learning. Facilities such as the Apple Vision Pro Lab, AI-ML Research Centre and Microsoft Centre of Excellence are providing students and research scholars with hands-on exposure to cutting-edge technologies. In alignment with the National Education Policy, the University has also implemented an advanced credit system and skill-based programmes to ensure students remain globally competitive from the outset of their academic journey.
International MoUs and Global Industry Collaborations: Dr. Singh informed that the University has signed MoUs with several leading international universities to promote student exchange, joint research and global internships. In addition, collaborations with 23 global companies, including Google, Microsoft and IBM, have enabled the design of academic programmes aligned with real-time industry requirements, thereby enhancing student employability.
68 AI-augmented Academic Programmes for 2026–27: He said that for the academic session 2026–27, the University has launched a total of 68 AI-enhanced and industry-aligned programmes, including 40 undergraduate, 16 postgraduate, and 12 lateral entry programmes. These programmes are designed not merely to award degrees but to equip students with future-ready skills, practical exposure, and global career opportunities.
Strong National Recognition in the First Year: Referring to the University’s rapid progress, Dr. Singh said the first year has been marked by significant achievements and growing national recognition. Since its inauguration by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh has established itself as India’s first private AI-based multidisciplinary university. Initiatives such as the Microsoft AI Bootcamp, more than 60 free high-demand advanced credit programmes, and a Corporate Advisory Board comprising over 100 companies have further strengthened the University’s innovation and placement ecosystem. Scholarships worth crores, including the C. V. Raman Scholarship, are motivating meritorious students, while the newly launched PhD programmes are reinforcing research culture in the state.
AI Convergence Summit and National Initiatives: Dr. Singh said that in collaboration with the Government of Uttar Pradesh, the University recently hosted the AI Convergence Summit 2026, which served as the official pre-event of the Central Government’s upcoming India AI Impact Global Summit 2026, scheduled from February 16 to 20 in New Delhi. The Summit brought together AI and technology experts from five countries, including policymakers, global industry leaders, researchers, start-ups, and investors.
‘Quantum for Bharat’ Mission and AI Healthcare Hackathon: During the Summit, the University launched the ‘Quantum for Bharat’ mission, aimed at positioning India as a global leader in AI and quantum technologies. Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh, also organised India’s first AI Healthcare Hackathon, where 1,500 teams comprising over 5,000 youth participants from across the country are developing AI-based solutions to more than 100 healthcare problem statements.
CUCET 2026 Portal Launched; Admission Process Begins: On the occasion, Dr. Thipendra P Singh formally launched the CUCET 2026 portal and informed that admissions to Chandigarh University are conducted through the Common University Entrance Test. Interested candidates may apply online at https://cucet.cuchd.in or contact the toll-free number 18002701411 for further information. He said the objective of CUCET is to reduce financial barriers, support academic aspirations, and create new opportunities in AI-based education and employment for the youth of Uttar Pradesh.