Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University: Powering Technical Education Across Uttar Pradesh
AKTU today is not just a university; it is the backbone of technical education in Uttar Pradesh, shaping the future of lakhs of students every year.
Lucknow | Standing at the heart of technical education in Uttar Pradesh, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) has grown into one of the largest and most influential technical universities in India. Established on 8 May 2000 by the Government of Uttar Pradesh, the university has played a pivotal role in shaping generations of engineers, technologists, managers, and researchers across the state.
Originally known as Uttar Pradesh Technical University (UPTU), the institution was later renamed in honour of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India and an iconic scientist, reflecting the university’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and nation-building.
A Comprehensive Mandate in Technical Education
AKTU was established under Uttar Pradesh Adhiniyam Sankhya 23 of 2000, later strengthened through legislative amendments. Under the University Act, “technical education” encompasses education, research, and training in engineering, technology, architecture, town planning, pharmacy, applied arts and crafts, along with other programmes notified by the Government of India in consultation with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
A Vast Network of Affiliated Institutions
AKTU is an affiliating university with jurisdiction across the entire state of Uttar Pradesh. At present, it affiliates 764 colleges and institutions, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes in B.Tech, M.Tech, MBA, MCA, B.Arch, B.Pharm, BHMCT, and PhD, among others. These institutions include both government and private colleges, making AKTU a unifying academic authority for technical education across the state.
From just 49 affiliated colleges in the year 2000, the university has witnessed remarkable growth, now supporting around 4 lakh students enrolled in its various programmes—an indicator of its scale, reach, and relevance.
One of the Largest Technical Universities in Asia
With Uttar Pradesh being India’s largest state in terms of population and geographic spread, AKTU has emerged as one of the largest technical universities not only in India, but also in Asia. To ensure effective administration and academic quality, the university has divided its vast jurisdiction into five zones, each comprising approximately 150 to 160 colleges. This zonal structure enables better governance, academic monitoring, and healthy inter-zonal competition to improve teaching and learning standards.
Examination Reforms and Technology-Driven Systems
AKTU conducts state-level entrance examinations, earlier known as UPSEE, for admission to various professional programmes in affiliated institutions. The university also organizes centralized semester examinations for all affiliated colleges and has adopted technology-enabled systems to ensure timely evaluation and swift declaration of results, enhancing transparency and efficiency.
Evolution Through Reconstitution
In 2010, AKTU underwent a major restructuring, when it was bifurcated into Gautam Buddha Technical University (Lucknow) and Mahamaya Technical University (Noida). However, recognizing the need for unified governance, the Uttar Pradesh government recombined both universities in November 2013, restoring the identity of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow.
Present-Day AKTU and Future Vision
Currently headquartered at Sector-11, Jankipuram Vistar Yojna, Lucknow, AKTU is in the process of developing its own dedicated headquarters building in the same vicinity. To strengthen industry-academia collaboration, the university also operates a Noida Centre, supporting academic and industrial engagement in one of the state’s largest educational and industrial hubs.
Driving the Future of Technical Education
With a strong focus on quality education, research excellence, digital governance, and innovation, AKTU continues to nurture technical talent across Uttar Pradesh. As it expands in scale and scope, the university remains committed to its core mission—empowering students with knowledge, skills, and values to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.
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