Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar

Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), formerly Arunachal University, is the oldest and only central university in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Its foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on 4 February 1984 at Rono Hills near Doimukh in Papum Pare district, about 25 km from Itanagar. The university gained UGC recognition in 1985 and began classroom teaching in 1988–89 with 48 students, 18 faculty, and three departments. In 2005, it was renamed Rajiv Gandhi University, and in 2007 it was converted into a central university, transferring its affiliated colleges away from North Eastern Hill University. The campus spans 302 acres of forested hillside overlooking the Dikrong river, featuring a plastic-free policy, solar power installations, and a central library with about 54,519 volumes. Academically, RGU has expanded from three departments to cover life sciences, engineering, commerce, education, languages, agricultural sciences, and sports sciences, with admissions through CUET and 60% seats reserved for Scheduled Tribe candidates. It has 41 affiliated colleges, including Dera Natung Government College and Jawaharlal Nehru College, and an Institute of Distance Education serving remote students. In March 2024, NAAC awarded it an 'A' grade with a CGPA of 3.02 out of 4.