Looking for the top colleges in Shimla in 2026? Shimla has over 5+ colleges. Top government institutes include HPNLU Shimla, ICDEOL , and leading private universities are IGMC, APG Shimla University, Shivalik Institutes of Nursing . These colleges offer M.Sc., B.Sc. and other programs. Admissions to these colleges are primarily conducted through exams such as JEE Main , CLAT , Neet PG , CBSE Class 12 Exam , MH CET LAW .
When selecting the best colleges in Shimla, 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 Shimla 2026 providing all key details on fees, placements, and entrance exams to help students make an informed choice.
Top Colleges in Shimla 2026: Key Highlights
| Metric | Details |
| Total Colleges in Shimla | 5+ |
| Top Exams Accepted | JEE Main , CLAT , Neet PG , CBSE Class 12 Exam , MH CET LAW |
| Ownership | ~60% Private, ~40% Government |
| Top Recruiters | Airtel, Amazon, Atlas Cycle, Bacardi, Bajaj Auto |
| Average Fees | ₹ 8.0 K - ₹ 9.99 L |
| Average Placement | ₹ 3.60 L |
Top Colleges in Shimla by Rankings 2026
The NIRF 2025 is the most trusted ranking for colleges in India, evaluating institutes on teaching, research, graduation outcomes, outreach, and perception. Below are the top 10 colleges in Shimla 2026 as per NIRF.
| College | 2025 |
| HPNLU Shimla | 34 |
Other Ranking Agencies
Different media houses and education platforms release their own rankings every year besides NIRF. These rankings consider parameters like academic reputation, placements, infrastructure, research, and student perception. Below are the top colleges in Shimla 2026 as per various agencies.
India Today Rankings (2025, 2024, 2023)
| College | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
| IHM | 11 | 12 | 14 |
Government vs Private Colleges in Shimla 2026
aspirants in Shimla 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 Shimla 2026
| College | Avg Annual Fees (Total) | Entrance Exams |
| HPNLU Shimla | ₹ 1.77 L - ₹ 9.99 L | CLAT, MH CET LAW |
| ICDEOL | ₹ 8.0 K - ₹ 1.60 L | - |
Top Private Colleges in Shimla 2026
| College | Avg Annual Fees (Total) | Entrance Exams | Average Placement Package | Median Placement Package | Highest Placement Package |
| IGMC | ₹ 1.48 L - ₹ 2.92 L | Neet PG, NEET | - | - | - |
| APG Shimla University | ₹ 30.0 K - ₹ 9.64 L | - | ₹ 3.60 L | ₹ 3.60 L | ₹ 32.00 L |
| Shivalik Institutes of Nursing | - | - | - | - | - |
Top Trending Courses in 2026
in Shimla offers a wide range of courses to match industry demand and student interest. The most popular fields include Master of Computer Applications (MCA) , B.Tech. in Civil Engineering , Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA) . 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 |
| Master of Computer Applications (MCA) | APG Shimla University, ICDEOL | GATE, CAT, XAT, CUET, CBSE Class 12 Exam | ₹ 480 - ₹ 13.43 L | ₹ 1.80 L - ₹ 17.68 L |
| B.Tech. in Civil Engineering | APG Shimla University | JEE Main, GATE, CAT, BITSAT, JEE Advanced | ₹ 10.0 K - ₹ 28.60 L | ₹ 2.00 L - ₹ 23.91 L |
| Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA) | ICDEOL | CAT, XAT, WBJEE, CUET, CBSE Class 12 Exam | ₹ 2.0 K - ₹ 11.46 L | ₹ 2.00 L - ₹ 18.00 L |
| M.Sc. in Chemistry | APG Shimla University | JEE Main, GATE, CAT, XAT, BITSAT | ₹ 300 - ₹ 7.06 L | ₹ 1.08 L - ₹ 23.50 L |
| M.Sc. in Physics | APG Shimla University | JEE Main, GATE, CAT, XAT, BITSAT | ₹ 300 - ₹ 7.06 L | ₹ 2.20 L - ₹ 23.50 L |
| Master of Commerce (M.Com.) | APG Shimla 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 | APG Shimla University, ICDEOL | JEE Main, GATE, CAT, XAT, BITSAT | ₹ 300 - ₹ 7.06 L | ₹ 2.20 L - ₹ 23.50 L |
| Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) | ICDEOL | CUET, CBSE Class 12 Exam, IPU CET | ₹ 4.1 K - ₹ 9.13 L | ₹ 2.50 L - ₹ 7.41 L |
| B.Sc. in Nursing | HPNLU Shimla, HPNLU Shimla | JEE Main, GATE, JEE Advanced, BITSAT, WBJEE | ₹ 580 - ₹ 15.60 L | ₹ 2.20 L - ₹ 37.00 L |
| B.A. in English | ICDEOL | JEE Main, CAT, WBJEE, CLAT, NIFT | ₹ 750 - ₹ 8.86 L | ₹ 2.65 L - ₹ 10.00 L |
Entrance Exams Accepted by Top Colleges in Shimla 2026
Admission to the top colleges in Shimla is primarily determined through national, institute-level, and state-level entrance exams.
| Exam | Top Accepting Colleges | Exam Date (2026) |
| JEE Main | APG Shimla University | 21 Jan - 30 Jan 2026 |
| Neet PG | IGMC | - |
| CLAT | HPNLU Shimla | 7 Dec 2025 |
| CBSE Class 12 Exam | APG Shimla University, HPNLU Shimla, ICDEOL | 17 Feb 2026 - 9 Apr 2026 |
| MH CET LAW | HPNLU Shimla | - |
| NEET | IGMC | - |
FAQ About Colleges in Shimla 2026
Which is the No.1 college in Shimla?
According to NIRF 2026, the No.1 college in Shimla is HPNLU Shimla , followed by ICDEOL .
What is the average fee in Shimla?
The average fees range from ₹ 8.0 K - ₹ 9.99 L per year. Government colleges typically charge ₹ 1.77 L - ₹ 9.99 L per year, while private colleges may charge ₹ 1.48 L - ₹ 2.92 L per year.
Which private college has the best placements?
Among private institutions, IGMC and APG Shimla University and Shivalik Institutes of Nursing have the strongest placement records.