Looking for the top colleges in Nainital in 2026? Nainital has over 3+ colleges. Top government institutes include Kumaun University , and leading private universities are Graphic Era Bhimtal, Naincy College of Nursing . These colleges offer B.Sc., B.E. / B.Tech and other programs. Admissions to these colleges are primarily conducted through exams such as JEE Main , CAT , XAT , NMAT , CUET .
When selecting the best colleges in Nainital, students should consider factors such as NIRF rankings, placement records, return on investment (ROI), location, faculty, and specializations. This guide highlights the top-ranked colleges in Nainital 2026 providing all key details on fees, placements, and entrance exams to help students make an informed choice.
Top Colleges in Nainital 2026: Key Highlights
| Metric | Details |
| Total Colleges in Nainital | 3+ |
| Top Exams Accepted | JEE Main , CAT , XAT , NMAT , CUET |
| Ownership | ~67% Private, ~33% Government |
| Top Recruiters | Accenture, Adobe, Amazon, Deloitte, Genpact |
| Average Fees | ₹ 920 - ₹ 24.01 L |
Government vs Private Colleges in Nainital 2026
aspirants in Nainital can choose between government-funded institutes known for their affordability and high ROI, and private universities that offer modern infrastructure, global exposure, and multiple entrance options. The comparison below will help you determine which path best aligns with your academic and career goals.
Top Government Colleges in Nainital 2026
| College | Avg Annual Fees (Total) |
| Kumaun University | ₹ 920 - ₹ 15.46 L |
Top Private Colleges in Nainital 2026
| College | Avg Annual Fees (Total) |
| Graphic Era Bhimtal | ₹ 3.61 L - ₹ 24.01 L |
| Naincy College of Nursing | - |
Top Trending Courses in 2026
in Nainital offers a wide range of courses to match industry demand and student interest. The most popular fields include B.Tech.in Mechanical Engineering , B.Tech. in Civil Engineering , Bachelor of Business Administration(BBA) . The table below highlights the top courses, their leading colleges, entrance exams, average fees, and placement packages.
| Course | Top Colleges | Entrance Exams | Average Fees (Total) | Average Package |
| B.Tech.in Mechanical Engineering | Graphic Era Bhimtal | JEE Main, GATE, CAT, BITSAT, JEE Advanced | ₹ 10.5 K - ₹ 28.77 L | ₹ 2.00 L - ₹ 23.91 L |
| B.Tech. in Civil Engineering | Graphic Era Bhimtal | JEE Main, GATE, CAT, BITSAT, JEE Advanced | ₹ 10.0 K - ₹ 28.60 L | ₹ 2.00 L - ₹ 23.91 L |
| Bachelor of Business Administration(BBA) | Kumaun University, Kumaun University | JEE Main, CAT, BITSAT, XAT, WBJEE | ₹ 1.6 K - ₹ 94.63 L | ₹ 1.49 L - ₹ 37.00 L |
| B.Tech.in Electronics and Communication Engineering | Graphic Era Bhimtal | JEE Main, GATE, CAT, BITSAT, JEE Advanced | ₹ 6.0 K - ₹ 28.60 L | ₹ 2.00 L - ₹ 27.30 L |
| Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) | Graphic Era Bhimtal, Kumaun University, Kumaun University | JEE Main, CAT, XAT, CLAT, CUET | ₹ 540 - ₹ 17.02 L | ₹ 1.20 L - ₹ 37.00 L |
| Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA) | Graphic Era Bhimtal, Kumaun University | CAT, XAT, WBJEE, CUET, CBSE Class 12 Exam | ₹ 2.0 K - ₹ 11.46 L | ₹ 2.00 L - ₹ 18.00 L |
| M.Sc. in Chemistry | Kumaun University, Kumaun University | JEE Main, GATE, CAT, XAT, BITSAT | ₹ 300 - ₹ 7.06 L | ₹ 1.08 L - ₹ 23.50 L |
| M.Sc. in Physics | Kumaun University, Kumaun University | JEE Main, GATE, CAT, XAT, BITSAT | ₹ 300 - ₹ 7.06 L | ₹ 2.20 L - ₹ 23.50 L |
| Master of Commerce (M.Com.) | Kumaun University, Kumaun University | CUET, CBSE Class 12 Exam, KMAT Karnataka, GUJCET, AIMA MAT | ₹ 432 - ₹ 6.45 L | ₹ 2.50 L - ₹ 10.00 L |
| M.Sc. in Mathematics | Kumaun University, Kumaun University | JEE Main, GATE, CAT, XAT, BITSAT | ₹ 300 - ₹ 7.06 L | ₹ 2.20 L - ₹ 23.50 L |
Entrance Exams Accepted by Top Colleges in Nainital 2026
Admission to the top colleges in Nainital is primarily determined through national, institute-level, and state-level entrance exams.
| Exam | Top Accepting Colleges | Exam Date (2026) |
| JEE Main | Graphic Era Bhimtal | 21 Jan - 30 Jan 2026 |
| CAT | Graphic Era Bhimtal | 30 Nov 2025 |
| XAT | Graphic Era Bhimtal | 4 Jan 2026 |
| NMAT | Graphic Era Bhimtal | - |
| CUET | Graphic Era Bhimtal | - |
| CBSE Class 12 Exam | Graphic Era Bhimtal, Kumaun University, Imperial Institute of Management Technology | 17 Feb 2026 - 9 Apr 2026 |
| AIMA MAT | Graphic Era Bhimtal | - |
| CMAT | Graphic Era Bhimtal | 25 Jan 2026 |
FAQ About Colleges in Nainital 2026
Which is the No.1 college in Nainital?
According to NIRF 2026, the No.1 college in Nainital is Kumaun University .
What is the average fee in Nainital?
The average fees range from ₹ 920 - ₹ 24.01 L per year. Government colleges typically charge ₹ 920 - ₹ 15.46 L per year, while private colleges may charge ₹ 3.61 L - ₹ 24.01 L per year.
Which private college has the best placements?
Among private institutions, Graphic Era Bhimtal and Naincy College of Nursing have the strongest placement records.