Banaras Hindu University – [BHU], Varanasi Overview Overview

BHU Campus & Facilities

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) operates across three campuses, with its main campus sprawling over 1,300 acres on the southern edge of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. This extensive campus is not only picturesque but also self-contained, offering a wide range of academic, residential, medical, and recreational facilities.

The main campus is home to over 72 hostels, providing on-campus accommodation to nearly 12,000 students, with access to modern amenities such as high-speed internet, common rooms, and dining halls.

One of the key highlights of the campus is the Sir Sunderlal Hospital, a renowned tertiary referral hospital in the region, which has a bed capacity exceeding 900. It serves as a critical healthcare and training facility for students of the Institute of Medical Sciences.

The university also features the Bharat Kala Bhavan, an esteemed archaeological and art museum located on the main campus. It houses an impressive collection of Indian paintings, archaeological artifacts, textiles, costumes, philatelic collections, and archival materials — attracting scholars and tourists alike.

BHU’s Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, located in Barkachha (Mirzapur district), approximately 60 km southwest of the main campus, focuses on rural development and specialised academic programs. This campus is equipped with modern classrooms, experimental farms, and research facilities.

Key facilities available at BHU include:

• Central Library with a vast collection of books, journals, and digital resources

• Wi-Fi-enabled classrooms and academic blocks

• Advanced laboratories for science, engineering, and medical research

• Sports Complex with indoor and outdoor facilities for games like cricket, hockey, athletics, and swimming

• Healthcare services, including emergency care and specialty clinics

• Banking, post office, and shopping amenities within the campus

• Auditoriums and seminar halls for cultural and academic events

• Cafeterias and food courts offering hygienic and affordable food options

BHU's campus life is vibrant, and its infrastructure supports holistic development through a blend of academic excellence, cultural richness, and modern conveniences.

BHU Scholarships 2025

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) offers a wide range of scholarships to support meritorious and economically disadvantaged students across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. The university also provides support for international students and postdoctoral researchers. Additionally, several new scholarships have been introduced under BHU’s endowment-based Pratidana initiative.

Major Scholarship Schemes at BHU

Merit-Based & Merit‑cum‑Means Scholarships

• Merit-Based Scholarship: Awarded to top-performing students in specific courses. First-rank holders receive ₹4,000 and second-rank holders receive ₹3,000 as a one-time award.

• Merit‑cum‑Means Scholarship: Approximately 25% of undergraduate students receive this scholarship based on academic performance and a family income of ₹1 lakh or less per annum. A total of 100 selected students receive ₹2,000 per year.

Post-Matric Scholarships

• Available to SC, ST, OBC, and minority students with family income limits ranging between ₹2 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh per annum. These scholarships cover tuition fee waivers and provide maintenance allowances. Students can apply through BHU’s internal portal or through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).

Mandava Foundation Fund

• This endowment-based scholarship supports 100 meritorious and financially challenged students with ₹25,000 per year.

Scholarships for International Students

• International students enrolled in BHU’s UG or PG programs may be eligible for a monthly stipend of ₹6,000. Renewal is subject to satisfactory academic performance.

Research & Postdoctoral Fellowships

• SERB-National Postdoctoral Fellowship: Offers approximately ₹55,000 per month to eligible postdoctoral researchers.

• DST-SERB International Travel Support Scheme: Provides travel and registration cost support to researchers attending international conferences and seminars.

New Scholarships Under Pratidana Initiative

The Pratidana initiative has expanded significantly in recent years. Some newly introduced scholarships under this initiative include:

• Bindhyachal Devi Scholarship: ₹25,000 per year for first-year students in the B.Ed. (Special Education) program.

• Madan Mohan Prasad & Bimla Srivastava Scholarships: ₹5,000 each for one deserving Class 10 student from the Central Hindu Boys’ and Girls’ Schools, respectively.

Additionally, BHU’s Academic Council has approved 14 new merit-cum-means scholarships and one new gold medal:

• Akshaibar & Jogeshwari Giri Gold Medal: Awarded to the MBA student securing the highest CGPA from the Faculty of Commerce.

Other notable endowment-based scholarships include:

• Mahamana Malaviya Biotechnology Scholarship for M.Sc. Biotechnology (2nd year)

• Jhingan Sahu Memorial Scholarship for MFA (Textile Design – 1st year)

• C.N.R. Rao Scholarship for BPA (Vocal and Instrumental – Final year)

• J.N. Gupta & Savitri Devi Scholarship for M.Sc. Physics (2nd year)

• Biswanath & Meera Bhattacharya Scholarship for MA Sanskrit (2nd year)

• Uday Pratap Scholarship for M.Sc. Agriculture in Mycology & Plant Pathology (2nd year)

• Ramswaroop Jamnadevi Maheshwari Scholarship for MBA (1st year)

• SGVP Swaminarayan Scholarships for students of the Faculty of Sanskrit Vidya Dharma Vijnan

• Awadh Raj Kumar Scholarship for Class 9 student under merit-cum-means criteria

Comparative Snapshot

How to Apply

• Students can apply through the official BHU Scholarship Portal.

• Reserved category students applying for Post-Matric schemes must apply via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).

• Required documents typically include academic transcripts, income certificates, identity proof, and caste/category certificates where applicable.

BHU FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When was BHU established and where is it located?

BHU was founded in 1916 and is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious central universities in the country.

Q. What type of university is BHU?

BHU is a Central University, recognised by the UGC and a member of AIU. It has received an ‘A’ Grade from NAAC.

Q. How many campuses does BHU have?

BHU has three campuses:

• The main campus in Varanasi (1,300 acres)

• South Campus in Barkachha, Mirzapur (2,700 acres)

• RGSC (Rajiv Gandhi South Campus)

Q. What is the admission process for BHU UG and PG courses?

For most UG and PG courses, admission is based on CUET (UG/PG) scores, followed by counseling and seat allotment through BHU’s admission portal.

Q. Does BHU offer scholarships?

Yes, BHU offers a variety of merit-based, merit-cum-means, post-matric, and endowment scholarships, including those under the Pratidana initiative. Several programs also offer fellowships for research students.

Q. What is the placement record at BHU?

BHU records an average of 90% placement across professional courses. In the 2024 MBA placement drive:

• Highest package: ₹23.5 LPA

• Average package: ₹11.1 LPA
  Top recruiters include Amazon, Wipro, Coal India Ltd, Hilton, and Tech Mahindra.

Q. Does BHU provide hostel facilities?

Yes, BHU has over 72 hostels accommodating around 12,000 students with amenities like Wi-Fi, mess, sports, and healthcare.

Q. What is the student strength and faculty at BHU?

BHU has 35,000+ students and a teaching staff of 1,800+ faculty members across 16 faculties and 135 departments.

Q. How can I apply for BHU courses?

Admissions are processed online through the official BHU admission portal. Candidates must register, fill in their course preferences, and upload required documents. For CUET-based admissions, registration on the NTA portal is mandatory.

Q. What are the popular entrance exams accepted by BHU?

BHU accepts several national-level exams:

• CUET UG/PG – For most undergraduate and postgraduate courses

• NEET UG – For MBBS/BDS

• CAT – For MBA

• GPAT – For M.Pharm

• NATA – For B.Arch

• RET (Research Entrance Test) – For M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs

Q. What are the library facilities like at BHU?

BHU has the Sayaji Rao Gaekwad Library, one of the largest university libraries in India. It holds over 13 lakh volumes, rare manuscripts, digitized archives, e-journals, and research databases accessible to students and scholars.

Q. Is there any financial support for research scholars at BHU?

Yes, BHU provides various fellowships, endowment scholarships, and UGC/CSIR-JRF/SRF funding for Ph.D. students. Some are also supported by DST, ICMR, ICAR, and international collaborations.

Q. Are international students eligible for admission at BHU?

Yes, BHU reserves supernumerary seats for foreign nationals. Admissions are facilitated through the International Centre, BHU, and require equivalent qualifications, valid passports, and necessary clearances.

Q. What are the medical facilities available on campus?

BHU houses the Sir Sunderlal Hospital, a tertiary healthcare facility with 900+ beds, advanced diagnostic labs, and specialised departments. Students and faculty can avail themselves of medical consultation, emergency services, and discounts.

Q. Does BHU provide distance education?

Yes, BHU offers various UG, PG, and diploma programs via its Institute of Distance and Open Learning (IDOL) for working professionals and remote learners.

Q. What cultural or extracurricular activities are available at BHU?

BHU hosts:

• Spandan – Cultural and Literary Festival

• Kashi Yatra – Technical and cultural fest of IIT-BHU

• Various clubs – Debating, music, NSS, NCC, fine arts, yoga, and theatre
  Sports facilities include a gymnasium, athletic tracks, indoor courts, and stadiums.

Q. Is there a women’s college under BHU?

Yes, Mahila Mahavidyalaya (MMV) is BHU's women’s college offering UG and PG programs exclusively for female students, with separate hostels and facilities.

Q. What is the medium of instruction at BHU?

The medium of instruction is primarily English for professional and technical courses, while Hindi and Sanskrit are used in humanities and classical studies.

Q. Are internships part of BHU’s curriculum?

Yes, many programs, especially in Management, Engineering, Law, Social Work, and Medicine, include internship components or summer training which are either mandatory or highly encouraged.