Chitkara University

What Chitkara University does

Chitkara University is a multi-disciplinary private university operating under the Chitkara Educational Trust, with primary campuses in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, India, and a Chandigarh information centre. Founded by Chancellor Dr. Ashok K Chitkara and President & Co-Founder Dr. Madhu Chitkara, the university delivers undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, online, and global pathway programs across 15+ constituent schools spanning engineering and technology, business administration, design, health sciences, pharmacy, law, mass communication, hospitality, psychology, maritime studies, architecture, and education. Its core academic portfolio includes B.E./B.Tech programs with AI/ML specializations (some co-developed with Microsoft), MBA programs with a Minor in AI in Business across 10+ specializations (some co-designed with EY India and Deloitte), BBA programs integrating digital sciences, and B.Des programs with AI specializations. Online delivery operates through the ChitkaraU Online platform (UGC and AICTE entitled), while international pathway programs enable 2+2 transfers to Arizona State University, Deakin University, York University, George Brown Polytechnic, and Trent University.

The university's technology and platform layer has been substantially rebuilt around AI partnerships, with a Digital Campus on Google Cloud 4.0 (Gemini Enterprise, Agentic AI) serving 10,000+ students and faculty, a Radius Elevate Apple-powered Campus Experience Centre, a LinkedIn Experience Zone, a Global Centre for Enterprise Risk Management with IRM India Affiliate, and a Rural AI Incubator under the JAN AI partnership. The business model is tuition-driven, with recurring annual revenue from on-campus and online programs, international pathway tuition, executive and professional development programs in partnership with EY India and Deloitte, research grants totaling ₹107+ crore, and a startup incubation ecosystem that has supported 320+ startups with combined valuation exceeding ₹750 crore. GTM spans direct campus-based enrollment, an online self-serve platform, international channel partnerships for pathway transfers, and an enterprise-style recruitment network of 2,000+ companies (including Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, TCS, Infosys) that drives placement outcomes. The institution holds NAAC A+ accreditation, UGC and AICTE approval, NIRF ranking, a QS World top-300 position, and a #1-in-India ranking for Education Studies in the THE Subject Rankings 2026.

Name

Chitkara University

Legal name

Chitkara Educational Trust

Website

https://chitkara.edu.in

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Chitkara University is a multi-campus private university in Punjab, India offering undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, online, and 2+2 global pathway programs across engineering, business, design, health sciences, pharmacy, law, and hospitality, delivered through an AI-powered Google Cloud and Apple-enabled digital campus and a 2,000+ employer placement network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Comprehensive Doctoral Research Universities (Multi-Disciplinary) (EDAHABAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Fully Online Universities (Online-First, Degree-Granting) (EDAHALAA)

Keywords

• Higher education
• University programs
• Engineering degrees
• Business school
• Online learning

Headquarters

HQ city

Rajpura

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. On-campus Tuition Fees: Core revenue from tuition fees across undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and professional programs offered at campus locations in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Revenue is recurring annually from enrolled students.
2. Online Programs: Online degree and certificate programs delivered through ChitkaraU Online platform targeting working professionals and remote learners. Supports career advancement and upskilling needs.
3. International Pathway Programs: Revenue from 2+2 pathway programs and transfers to international partner universities including York University, Deakin University, Arizona State University, and others.
4. Professional Development and Executive Education: Short-term professional programs, executive education, and skill development courses offered in partnership with industry leaders like EY India and Deloitte.
5. Research Grants and Funding: Research funding exceeding 107+ Crore rupees supporting innovation and R&D activities across disciplines.
6. Startup Incubation Services: Incubation ecosystem supporting 320+ startups generating external funding of ₹85+ crore, creating a sustainable innovation pipeline.

Go-to-market motion5 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Chitkara University is a private multi-disciplinary university offering undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and online degree programs across engineering, business, design, health sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, law, hospitality, and mass communication. The institution delivers campus-based education at its Punjab and Himachal Pradesh campuses, online programs for working professionals, and 2+2 international pathway programs through partnerships with 300+ global universities. It also operates a startup incubation ecosystem and AI-powered digital campus infrastructure.

Product overview

Chitkara University is a comprehensive multi-disciplinary private university offering a broad portfolio of undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, online, and global pathway programs across engineering, business, design, health sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, hospitality, law, media, psychology, education, and maritime studies. Its core academic products include B.E./B.Tech Engineering programs (with AI/ML specializations, some co-delivered with Microsoft), MBA programs with Minor in AI in Business across 10+ specializations (some co-designed with EY India and Deloitte), BBA programs integrating digital and AI capabilities, and B.Des Communication Design with AI. The university operates several sub-brands: Chitkara University Online (offering UGC/AICTE-approved Online MBA and BBA programs with access to Coursera, Harvard Business, LinkedIn Learning, and Deakin Co.), Global Pathway Programs (2+2 transfer degrees with ASU, Deakin, York, George Brown Polytechnic, and Trent University), Chitkara Design School, Chitkara School of Health Sciences, and Chitkara College of Pharmacy. Supporting the academic portfolio are platform and service products including the Digital Campus on Google Cloud 4.0 (AI-first ecosystem with Gemini Enterprise for 10,000+ students), the LinkedIn Experience Zone (AI-powered career development), the Radius Elevate Apple Learning and Innovation Centre, the Rural AI Incubator (JAN AI partnership), and the Global Centre for Enterprise Risk Management (IRM India Affiliate). The university's startup incubation ecosystem has incubated 320+ startups valued at ₹750+ crore. Together these products form an integrated educational value chain from undergraduate enrollment through global degree transfer, online upskilling, career placement (2,000+ recruiters), and startup incubation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Chitkara University Institute of Engineering & Technology: Engineering and Technology education division of Chitkara University
• Chitkara Business School
• Chitkara Design School
• Chitkara School of Health Sciences
• Chitkara College of Pharmacy
• Chitkara Law School
• Chitkara School of Mass Communication
• Chitkara School of Hospitality
• Chitkara School of Psychology and Counselling
• Chitkara University Centre for Distance and Online Education
• Radius Elevate
• Chitkara Innovation Hub
• Chitkara Alumni Association Network (CAAN)

Products and services

• B.E. / B.Tech Engineering Programs Undergraduate engineering degree programs spanning multiple specializations including CSE in AI & Future Technologies, CSE in AI & ML with Microsoft, Electronics & Communication, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil with AI & ML, Automobile with ARAI, Mechatronics, and Smart Manufacturing. Programs are industry-endorsed with hands-on experience and real-world exposure for students pursuing engineering careers.
• MBA with Minor in AI in Business Full-time MBA programs featuring a Minor in AI in Business across diverse specializations including Marketing, Finance, Human Resource Management, Data Science & AI with EY India, Logistics & Supply Chain, Healthcare Management, Rural Management, Retail Management, Pharmaceutical Management, and BFSI. Designed to equip students to lead in an AI-driven global economy.
• Chitkara Business School — BBA Programs Undergraduate business administration programs including BBA (Hons.) in Liberal Education, BBA in Digital Sciences & Business Management, BBA in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence with EY India, BBA in FinTech & AI with Deloitte, BBA in Digital Transformation & Strategy, BBA in Logistics & Supply Chain Management, BBA in Aviation Management, BBA in Sports Management, and B.Com with ACCA, integrating business fundamentals with digital and AI capabilities.
• Chitkara University Online (Online MBA & BBA) UGC and AICTE-approved online degree programs delivering quality education with maximum flexibility for working professionals. Online MBA offerings include Finance, Marketing, Pharmaceutical Management, HRM, International Finance & Accounting with ACCA, Cyber Security, Data Science & AI, and Global Accounting aligned with CPA. All MBA majors include a Minor in AI in Business. Features access to Coursera (7000+ certifications), Deakin Co. mini MBA pathway, E&Y learning resources, Harvard Business case studies, and 16,000+ LinkedIn Learning certifications.
• Global Pathway Programs (2+2 International Degree Transfer) Partnerships with Arizona State University, Deakin University, York University, George Brown Polytechnic, and Trent University enabling Indian students to begin studies at Chitkara and transfer to partner institutions with 100% credit transfer. Programs include B.E. in Computer Science & Technology with ASU, B.E. in Software Engineering with Deakin, Bachelor of AI (Honours) with Deakin, B.E. in Computer Engineering with York, BBA in Digital Marketing with George Brown, B.Sc in Culinary Management with George Brown, and Bachelor of Business Administration with Trent.
• Chitkara Design School Comprehensive design education offering B.Des in Communication Design with AI (UX/UI, Animation & Visual Effects, Graphic Design), B.Des in Product Design, B.Des in Fashion Design, and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). Includes M.Des in Communication Design (Fellowship) and Master of Fine Arts (Fellowship) at postgraduate level.
• Chitkara School of Health Sciences & Allied Healthcare Programs including Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (with Fortis), Bachelor in Medical Radiology & Imaging Technology, Bachelor of Emergency Medical Technologist, Baccalaureate in Anaesthesia & OT Technology, Bachelor of Physician Associate Studies, Bachelor of Nutrition & Dietetics, B.Sc in Clinical Embryology, Bachelor of Physiotherapy, B.Optometry, B.Sc Nursing, and postgraduate options including M.Sc Nursing, M.Sc in Clinical Embryology, M.Sc in MRIT, and Master of MLS.
• Chitkara College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences Pharmaceutical programs including B.Pharm, Pharm.D, Pharm.D (Post Baccalaureate), M.Pharm (Pharmaceutics / Pharmacology / Pharmacy Practice / Drug Regulatory Affairs / Pharmaceutical Chemistry / Pharmaceutical Analysis), and M.Sc in Pharmacovigilance with Parexel. Also offers Online MBA in Pharmaceutical Management (UGC-entitled).
• Chitkara University Institute of Engineering & Technology — PhD Programs Doctoral programs across 12 disciplines: Business Management, Engineering & Technology, Architecture & Urban Design, Applied Sciences, Health Sciences, Art & Design, Media Studies, Education, Psychology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nursing, and Law. Designed to develop outstanding researchers with deep understanding of scientific, practical, and policy issues.

Quantifiable outcome

• 320+ startups incubated with combined valuation exceeding ₹750 crore
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability8 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Google CloudcoreTechnology or IntegrationStrategic collaboration for Digital Campus on Google Cloud 4.0 enabling AI-powered infrastructure with Gemini Enterprise tools for enhanced learning experiences. Over 10,000 students and faculty engaged in digital transformation initiatives.
• Apple (via Radius Systems)coreTechnology or IntegrationApple Learning and Innovation Centre established with Radius Systems providing Apple technology ecosystem including Mac and iPad devices for curriculum delivery and iOS development training.
• JAN AI (Head Held High Foundation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMoU with JAN AI for AI innovation initiatives and Agentic AI implementation in educational processes through the Head Held High Foundation.
• IRM India AffiliatecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal Centre for Enterprise Risk Management established in partnership with IRM India Affiliate for risk management education and certification programs.
• LinkedIncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLinkedIn Experience Zone partnership providing students with professional networking skills, LinkedIn profile optimization, and career development resources.
• EY IndiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKnowledge partnership for MBA specializations providing industry-aligned curriculum, guest lectures, and case studies from EY India's consulting practice.
• DeloittecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKnowledge partnership for BBA in FinTech program providing curriculum input, industry expertise, and campus recruitment support from Deloitte.
• ParexelminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for M.Sc in Pharmacovigilance program providing industry exposure and career pathways in clinical research and drug safety.
• Fortis HealthcareminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partnerships for clinical training, hospital rotations, and career opportunities for health sciences students.
• York UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner2+2 pathway program enabling students to complete initial years at Chitkara University and transfer to York University for degree completion.
• Deakin UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partnership with Deakin University for various academic collaborations including student exchange and pathway programs.
• Arizona State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partnership with Arizona State University for pathway programs and academic collaboration opportunities.
• George Brown PolytechnicminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partnership with George Brown Polytechnic for credential recognition and transfer pathways.
• Trent UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partnership with Trent University for pathway programs and academic collaboration.
• Springer NatureminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPublication partner for ICAN 2026 (International Conference on Analytics) with 858 research paper submissions from 16 countries and 220 papers selected for presentation.
• Radius SystemscoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner for Apple Learning and Innovation Centre providing Apple technology ecosystem integration including Mac, iPad, and iOS development platforms.
• TG Law OfficesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMoU for legal education collaboration providing industry exposure in corporate law, intellectual property, and legal studies.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE): Private multi-disciplinary deemed university with comparable engineering, business, health sciences and doctoral programs at a similar scale and pan-Indian student base. Directly competes for the same Indian undergraduate and postgraduate applicant pool.
• Amity University: Large private multi-campus university offering engineering, business, design, law, communications and doctoral programs with strong international and online offerings across India. Closest competitor on portfolio breadth and private-sector positioning.
• Lovely Professional University (LPU): North-India-based private university with a very large multi-disciplinary campus, comparable placement networks, and similar distance/online programs. Direct competitor for North Indian students in the same catchment.
• Chandigarh University: Private university in the same Punjab/Chandigarh region offering engineering, business, design and doctoral programs with comparable placement claims. Heads-up rival for the same regional student demographic.
• Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT): Private deemed university with strong engineering, business and AI programs and large recruiter presence. Comparable in scale and in targeting Indian students seeking engineering and tech undergraduate degrees.
• SRM Institute of Science and Technology: Multi-campus private university offering engineering, management, health sciences and doctoral programs with significant corporate placement infrastructure. Competes for the same pan-Indian undergraduate applicant.

Broad incumbents

• BITS Pilani: Prestigious private higher-education institution with strong engineering, science and management programs and top-tier recruiter network. Anchors the upper end of the quality spectrum Chitkara benchmarks against rather than directly displaces.
• Shiv Nadar University: Private research-focused university offering multi-disciplinary undergraduate and doctoral programs with strong industry partnerships. Comparable on AI/research positioning but at a higher-end, research-led tier.
• OP Jindal Global University: Private multi-disciplinary university with strong law, business and international affairs programs and global university partnerships. Comparable on global pathway programs, though more selective and research-focused.

Emerging players

• upGrad: India's leading online higher-education and upskilling platform offering MBA, tech and data programs in partnership with universities and corporates. Competes directly with ChitkaraU Online for the working-professional online degree segment.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/chitkarau
• YouTubeyoutube.com/chitkaraU
• Facebookfacebook.com/ChitkaraU
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/chitkara-university
• Instagraminstagram.com/chitkarau

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Chitkara University