Banaras Hindu University

Banaras Hindu University (Hindi: काशी हिन्दू विश्वविद्यालय ([kaʃi hind̪u viʃvəvid̪yaləy]); commonly referred to as BHU; formerly known as Central Hindu College) is a public central university located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Established in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, BHU is one of the largest residential universities in Asia, with over 20,000 students. The university comprises all castes, creeds, religions and genders, and is on the list of Institutes of National Importance

The university's main campus spread over 1,300 acres (5.3 km²) was built on land donated by the Kashi Naresh, the hereditary ruler of Banaras ("Kashi" being an alternative name for Banaras or Varanasi). The Banaras Hindu University, South campus, spread over 2,700 acres (11 km²), hosts the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Agriculture Science Centre) and is located in Barkachha in Mirzapur district, about 60 km (37 mi) from Banaras. The University is also planning to set up a campus in Bihar.

BHU is organised into 6 institutes and 14 faculties (streams) and more than 132 departments. Total student enrolment at the university exceeds 30000, and includes students from over 34 nations. It has over 60 hostels for resident students. Several of its colleges, including engineering (IIT-BHU), management (FMS-BHU), science, linguistics, journalism & mass communication, performing arts, law, agriculture (IAS-BHU), medicine (IMS-BHU) and Institute of Environment And Sustainable Development (IESD-BHU), are ranked among the best in India and world. The university is well known for hosting an IIT. The university's engineering institute was designated an IIT in June 2012.