Kashi Naresh Post Graduate College (KNPG) in the Bhadohi district of Uttar Pradesh has formally been elevated to the status of a state university. Founded in 1951, the long-standing educational institution will now be officially known as Kashi Naresh University. Completing 75 years of academic service, the campus recently installed a new signboard bearing its updated university title at the main entrance. Alongside this administrative transition, a grant of ₹21 crore has been sanctioned to bolster the campus infrastructure and academic resources. The milestone decision opens new doors for thousands of young learners across the Purvanchal belt, ensuring direct access to degree programs without needing to move away from home.
Legislative Journey and Announcement by Yogi Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath confirmed the development, as he wrote on X that Kashi Naresh PG College of Bhadohi has been formally recognized as a university. The foundation for this upgrade was established in July 2025, when the Directorate of Higher Education submitted a recommendation to the state government proposing its conversion into a university. In December 2025, the state cabinet gave its clearance to begin admissions for the upcoming session. The state legislative assembly subsequently passed the enabling bill in February 2026, officially declaring the institution as Uttar Pradesh's 25th state university.
Leadership and Expansion of Academic Programs
On May 16, 2026, Professor Uma Srivastava took charge as the founding Vice Chancellor of Kashi Naresh University, setting institutional administration into motion. Following this leadership appointment, the university rapidly expanded its curriculum. On July 2, 2026, academic bodies approved a wide range of new programs including BSc, BCom, and BEd degrees. Later that month, on July 16, 2026, academic discussions held at the university highlighted the scientific study of biology as a vital discipline for understanding human life. Postgraduate admissions commenced on August 23, 2026, allowing candidates to register with their academic credentials until the August 31 deadline.
A 75-Year Heritage of Academic Growth
Established in 1951, the college completed a continuous 75-year milestone, celebrating its platinum jubilee with rich scholastic and cultural engagements. On August 8, 2025, the college organized Sawan festivities marking its 75th foundation year, hosting folk singing, theater, painting showcases, and traditional art contests. Now equipped with complete university autonomy, the institution can affiliate local colleges in neighboring areas and grant its own degrees, directly easing the academic burden on regional colleges.
About Kashi
Kashi is a legendary ancient city located within the contemporary city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, widely recognized among the oldest continually inhabited settlements on Earth. Situated on the northern bank of the sacred Ganga river in southeastern Uttar Pradesh, the city rests between the confluence points of the Varuna and Assi rivers. At this specific location, the Ganga forms a crescent bend of roughly four miles from south to north, with the historic city nestled upon this curve. While colloquial speech popularized the name Banaras over centuries, the state administration officially reinstated its ancient name Varanasi, an urban center associated with historical figures such as Raj Rishi Ram Kol Nagvanshi.
Public Reaction
Members of the public broadly welcomed the college upgrade, highlighting that it would reduce the migration of local youth toward distant metropolitan centers for higher education. Concurrently, citizens from adjoining districts urged the administration to establish similar state universities and improve basic public infrastructure in their own regions.
