Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University (MDSU), Ajmer began as the University of Ajmer in 1987 under the Government of Rajasthan. It received its present name in 1993 to honour the 19th-century social reformer Maharshi Dayananda Saraswati. MDSU is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Its programmes also have approval from AICTE, NCTE and BCI, as applicable. NAAC has accredited the university with a B++ grade.

MDSU stands at 46th among India’s State Public Universities in the NIRF 2025 ranking. It is an affiliating university for more than 450 colleges across Ajmer, Bhilwara, Nagaur and Tonk districts. Nearly 1.5 million students have taken university examinations through this network.

The university operates from a 302-acre campus near Ghooghra village, 7 kilometres from Ajmer city. Its 24 postgraduate teaching departments cover Arts, Social Sciences, Sciences, Commerce, Management, Education, Law, Environmental Science and Computer Science. Four-year B.Pharma fees total INR 3.27 Lakhs, while the two-year MBA costs INR 0.74 Lakhs. Two-year MA programmes cost INR 0.04 Lakhs. Annual hostel charges for both boys and girls range from INR 11,500 to INR 19,900.

Programmes taught through MDSU departments include:

  • B.Pharma, a 4-year flagship professional undergraduate programme
  • BCA, a 3-year undergraduate course in computer applications
  • B.Ed, an NCTE-approved teacher education programme lasting 2 years
  • B.Sc in Naturopathy and Yoga Science, Food Science or Environmental Science, each lasting 3 years
  • MBA and MBA specialisations in Data Science, Business Economics and Service Management, completed over 2 years
  • MCA, offered over 2 years
  • M.Tech in Computer Science, with a duration of 2 years
  • Two-year MA courses in Economics, Hindi, History, Political Science, Population Studies, Sanskrit and Mass Communication
  • Two-year M.Sc courses in Biotechnology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Geography, Microbiology, Botany, Zoology and other subjects
  • LLM, M.Ed, M.Lib.I.Sc and MSW programmes with durations ranging from 1 to 2 years
  • Ph.D. study in 18 disciplines
  • Certificate, Diploma and PG Diploma courses in Yoga, Environmental Law, Natural Disaster Management and Pharmacy
Admission Update: Applications for selected MDSU programmes in the 2026-27 session remain open under extended admission rounds. Undergraduate selection used Rajasthan CAP 2026 and departmental merit lists. Applications for postgraduate programmes are being handled through the MDSU PG admission process.

MDSU Admission Dates

Extended postgraduate admission rounds for MBA, MCA, MA and M.Sc programmes continue through October 2026. The next undergraduate admission cycle is expected to begin after the Class 12 board results through Rajasthan CAP 2027.

EventDate
Extended MDSU postgraduate application rounds for MBA, MCA, MA and M.ScThrough October 2026
Tentative opening of Rajasthan CAP 2027 for undergraduate admissionsJune 2027

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

MDSU Courses and Fees

More than 60 programmes are available through MDSU’s 24 teaching departments. The selection ranges from professional undergraduate degrees to postgraduate, doctoral, diploma and certificate courses. Fees for B.Pharma, MBA, BCA and MCA are higher than those charged for conventional humanities and science programmes.

CourseDurationEligibilityFee
B.Pharma4 years10+2 with PCB and at least 45 per centINR 3.27 Lakhs
BCA3 years10+2 with MathematicsINR 0.96 Lakhs
B.Ed2 yearsGraduation with 50 per cent and Rajasthan PTETINR 0.56 Lakhs
B.Sc in Naturopathy and Yoga Science3 years10+2 with PCB or PCMINR 0.40 Lakhs
MBA, MBA in Data Science or MBA in Service Management2 yearsGraduation with 50 per cent and a valid CAT, CMAT, MAT or MDSU entrance scoreINR 0.74 Lakhs
MCA2 yearsBCA or B.Sc with MathematicsINR 0.34 Lakhs
M.Tech in Computer Science2 yearsBE, B.Tech or MCA with a valid GATE scoreINR 0.72 Lakhs
MA in Economics, Hindi, History, Political Science or Population Studies2 yearsGraduation in the relevant subjectINR 0.04 Lakhs
M.Sc in Biotechnology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Geography2 yearsB.Sc in the relevant subjectINR 0.07 to 0.44 Lakhs
LLM1 yearLLB with 45 per centINR 0.27 Lakhs
Ph.D. in various disciplines3 years minimumPG degree in the relevant subject with JRF, NET or RSET qualificationINR 0.07 to 0.08 Lakhs in total

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

Arts and Social Sciences MA courses cost INR 3,900 for two years. The two-year Diploma in Pharmacy, or D.Pharma, has a fee of INR 1.24 Lakhs. Charges for Certificate and PG Diploma courses in Yoga, Environmental Law, Natural Disaster Management, and Nutrition and Dietetics range from INR 3,000 to INR 12,200.

MDSU Admission Process

MDSU uses merit, entrance scores or both to select students, depending on the course. Undergraduate applications for BCA, B.Sc and BPES are assessed using Class 12 marks submitted through Rajasthan CAP. Postgraduate selection may use the MDSU PG entrance examination, marks in the qualifying degree or an accepted national-level test.

UG Admissions for B.Pharma, BCA, B.Sc, B.Ed and BPES

  1. For BCA, B.Sc and BPES, students submit their 10+2 marks through the Rajasthan CAP portal.
  2. B.Pharma applicants are assessed on their 10+2 PCB marks. General Category students need a minimum aggregate of 45 per cent. The programme may use 10+2 PCB merit or a state pharmacy entrance route.
  3. B.Ed applicants must hold a valid Rajasthan PTET score. Counselling for the 2026-27 intake was managed by the PTET 2026 nodal authority at Dungar College, Bikaner.
  4. Departments prepare merit or allotment lists according to the admission route used for each programme.

PG Admissions for MBA, MCA, MA, M.Sc, M.Com, M.Ed, LLM and MSW

  1. Applicants first meet the academic requirements for their chosen postgraduate course.
  2. MDSU then considers its PG entrance score or qualifying-degree merit, according to the programme.
  3. MBA applicants may present CAT, CMAT or MAT scores in addition to taking the university entrance route. A minimum of 50 per cent in graduation from any stream is required. MBA specialisations in Data Science and Service Management follow the same rule.
  4. MCA applicants need a BCA or a B.Sc that included Mathematics.
  5. Admission to traditional MA, M.Sc and M.Com disciplines is based on merit.
  6. M.Ed selection requires a Rajasthan PTET PG score, while LLM admission uses LLB merit.
  7. For M.Tech in Computer Science, applicants need a recognised MCA degree or the required BE or B.Tech qualification, along with a valid GATE score.

Ph.D. Admissions

  1. An applicant must have a postgraduate degree in the relevant subject with at least 55 per cent marks.
  2. Students holding UGC-JRF or CSIR-JRF fellowships can move directly to the interview stage.
  3. Other applicants must clear the MDSU Research Entrance Test, known as RSET, or the Rajasthan State Entrance Test.
  4. The university announces Ph.D. intake details for its 18 disciplines in each academic year.

For the 2026-27 extended rounds, B.Pharma and BCA applications are listed as open. MBA, MCA, MA, M.Sc, M.Com and LLM also have extended admission routes. Ph.D. applications operate through rolling admissions.

MDSU Placements and Career Outcomes

Campus recruitment at MDSU mainly serves MBA, MCA, B.Pharma and BCA students. The Placement Cell arranges recruitment drives for these professional programmes. A drive held in May 2026 resulted in the selection of 13 MBA students by ICICI Prudential Life Insurance. B.Pharma graduates commonly move into hospital pharmacy, pharmaceutical manufacturing and regulatory work.

Students from Arts, Science and Humanities courses often prepare for government recruitment examinations such as RPSC, UPSC, RAS and teacher selection tests. B.Ed graduates have cleared REET, the Rajasthan Eligibility Examination for Teachers, and state teacher recruitment examinations. Common paths for LLM graduates include judicial services, government legal work and legal practice in Ajmer and nearby district courts.

Note: Publicly reported campus placement information is limited to professional courses such as MBA, MCA and B.Pharma. MDSU does not publish complete placement figures for every department. Students from Arts, Science, Commerce and Law programmes mainly pursue government competitive examinations.

MDSU Rankings

MDSU takes part in the National Institutional Ranking Framework under the State Public University category. Its NIRF 2025 position is 46th among State Public Universities in India. The university also holds a NAAC B++ grade.

Ranking BodyCategory2025 Rank
NIRFState Public University46

MDSU Scholarships

MDSU students and learners at its affiliated colleges may apply for central government, Rajasthan government and AICTE scholarship schemes if they meet the relevant conditions. Available support includes post-matric aid for reserved categories, assistance for eligible Rajasthan students and scholarships for girls studying in approved professional programmes.

ScholarshipEligibilityCoverage
NSP Post-Matric Scholarship for SC, ST and OBC studentsReserved-category students with annual family income below INR 2.5 Lakhs for SC or ST applicants, or below INR 1 Lakh for OBC applicantsTuition-fee reimbursement and a maintenance allowance
Rajasthan Mukhyamantri Ucch Shiksha ScholarshipRajasthan domicile, 60 per cent in 10+2 and annual family income below INR 2.5 LakhsINR 5,000 per year for 5 years
AICTE Pragati Scholarship for GirlsEnrolment in an AICTE-approved programme and annual family income below INR 8 LakhsINR 50,000 per year for tuition and INR 30,000 per year for incidental expenses
Rajasthan EWS ScholarshipEWS status, Rajasthan domicile and annual family income below INR 8 LakhsPartial fee assistance under government norms

Because a two-year MA costs INR 3,900, scholarship assistance can cover the programme fee for many eligible reserved-category and EWS students enrolled in traditional disciplines.

MDSU Campus and Infrastructure

MDSU’s main campus occupies 302 acres near Ghooghra village on the Jaipur highway. It is situated 7 kilometres from Ajmer city. The site contains all 24 postgraduate teaching departments, university offices, the central library and residential facilities.

Separate accommodation is available for boys and girls, with annual hostel charges between INR 11,500 and INR 19,900. Students can also use the Health Care Centre, sports grounds, cafeteria, bank branch, India Post office and e-Mitra service centre. A Music Research Centre was inaugurated in 2026. MDSU has also signed MoUs with Bikaner University and Rajasthan Ayurveda University for joint academic programmes.

The central library serves teaching and research needs across all 24 departments. University research facilities cover Environmental Science, Remote Sensing and GIS, and Yoga Studies. MDSU held its 39th annual sports festival in 2026 as part of its co-curricular activities.

MDSU vs JNVU Jodhpur vs MLSU Udaipur

MDSU Ajmer, Jai Narain Vyas University in Jodhpur and Mohanlal Sukhadia University in Udaipur are UGC-recognised state public universities in Rajasthan. All three have NAAC accreditation and comparable public-university fee structures, but they serve different regions and vary in teaching strength and affiliated-college reach.

ParameterMDSU AjmerJNVU JodhpurMLSU Udaipur
Established198719621962
NAAC GradeB++B++B++
NIRF State Public University Rank in 202546--
LocationAjmer in central RajasthanJodhpur in western RajasthanUdaipur in southern Rajasthan
Affiliated Colleges450+200+200+
Teaching Departments2440+34
MA Fees for 2 yearsINR 3,900Similar low rangeSimilar low range
Flagship UG ProgrammeB.Pharma at INR 3.27 LakhsEngineering through affiliated collegesEngineering and Management

Of these universities, MDSU has a listed NIRF 2025 State Public University rank and a wider affiliating presence in the Ajmer division. JNVU has more teaching departments and is conveniently located for students from Jodhpur and Barmer. MLSU mainly serves the Mewar and Vagad regions. For many students, distance from their home district is the main factor when choosing among the three institutions.

MDSU FAQs

Ques. When did Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University receive its present identity?

Ans. Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University is a Rajasthan state public university that was founded as the University of Ajmer in 1987. It was renamed in 1993 in memory of the 19th-century reformer Maharshi Dayananda Saraswati. The university is recognised by UGC and has a NAAC B++ grade.

Ques. What is the size of MDSU Ajmer’s affiliated-college network?

Ans. More than 450 government and private colleges in Ajmer, Bhilwara, Nagaur and Tonk districts are affiliated with MDSU. Since its establishment, the university has conducted examinations for nearly 1.5 million students through this network.

Ques. How much does an MBA from MDSU Ajmer cost?

Ans. The total charge for the two-year MBA is INR 0.74 Lakhs. This fee also applies to the MBA specialisations in Data Science and Service Management.

Ques. What position did MDSU Ajmer receive in NIRF 2025?

Ans. NIRF 2025 placed MDSU Ajmer at 46th in India under the State Public University category.

Ques. Which selection routes are used for postgraduate admission at MDSU?

Ans. Depending on the course, MDSU selects postgraduate students through its PG entrance examination or merit in the qualifying degree. MBA selection can also consider CAT, CMAT or MAT scores. M.Tech in Computer Science requires a valid GATE score. Ph.D. applicants need JRF or NET qualification, or they must clear the MDSU Research Entrance Test, known as RSET.

Ques. Can male and female students stay in hostels at MDSU Ajmer?

Ans. Yes. The campus provides hostel accommodation for both boys and girls. The yearly fee ranges from INR 11,500 to INR 19,900. These facilities are on the main campus, which is 7 kilometres from Ajmer city.

Ques. Which accreditation and approvals does MDSU Ajmer hold?

Ans. NAAC has awarded MDSU Ajmer a B++ grade. UGC recognises the university, while AICTE, NCTE and BCI approve the relevant programme groups.

Ques. Which MDSU professional programmes have active campus recruitment?

Ans. B.Pharma, MBA and BCA are among the professional programmes supported by placement activities and campus drives. B.Pharma graduates enter hospital pharmacy, pharmaceutical manufacturing and regulatory work. MBA and MCA graduates find roles in BFSI, IT services and business analytics through recruitment coordinated by the Placement Cell.