UP Cabinet approves Sardar Patel Apex, Metro universities

The Uttar Pradesh government on May 18 took key decisions aimed at strengthening the higher education sector in the state, including approval for issuing a Letter of Intent (LoI) to Sardar Patel Apex University and promulgation of a fresh ordinance related to Metro University . These decisions were taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at Lok Bhavan in Lucknow.

Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay told media that the state has recorded major growth in higher education infrastructure during the tenure of the present government. Number of state universities in Uttar Pradesh has increased from 16 before 2017 to 24, while the number of private universities has risen from 29 to 53. The minister added that the process of issuing Letters of Intent to eight more private universities is currently underway. Calling it a significant step towards making UP a national education hub, Upadhyay said the government is focusing on providing youth with modern, technology-oriented and globally competitive education.

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Govt to issue letter of intent

The minister informed that Apex Welfare Trust, known for providing quality medical services in Varanasi, has proposed establishing Sardar Patel Apex University on around 50.45 acres of land in Samaspur village of Chunar tehsil in Mirzapur district. He said all necessary formalities related to the proposal have been completed. Following Cabinet approval, the government will now issue a Letter of Intent for establishment of the university.

The proposal was examined in accordance with the provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Private Universities Act, 2019, and the Uttar Pradesh Private Universities (Establishment) Rules, 2021. This move is expected to strengthen private sector participation in higher education to provide quality and job-oriented education to students.

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UP Private Universities (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2026

The Council of Ministers approved promulgation of the Uttar Pradesh Private Universities (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, to make the legal framework governing private universities more practical and effective. The earlier Amendment Ordinance, 2026, had been introduced for establishment of Metro University in Greater Noida. However, the related bill could not be passed during the second session of the state legislature.

“In such a situation, the Second Amendment Ordinance is being introduced to maintain legal continuity and ensure smooth progress in establishing the proposed university,” the minister said.