The University of Cambridge has announced a wide-ranging set of new initiatives across research, technology, education, philanthropy and sport during a high-level visit to India, renewing and strengthening a relationship that spans more than 150 years.
Leading the senior delegation, Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice outlined measures aimed at deepening academic partnerships, expanding access for Indian students, and encouraging philanthropic engagement, alongside a significant policy change to undergraduate admissions.
Central to the announcement was the launch of the Cambridge–India Centre for Advanced Studies (CAS), a new initiative focused on innovation, research and learning. The Centre will act as a hub for the University’s engagement in India, creating a bridge between Cambridge’s global leadership in science and technology and India’s rapidly expanding knowledge economy. It is intended to serve as a catalyst for intellectual exchange, policy influence and wider societal impact.
During her visit, Professor Prentice also paid tribute to Sir Mark Tully, the renowned BBC correspondent and Trinity Hall alumnus, following his death at the age of 90. Sir Mark, who spent much of his life in India, was widely respected for his decades-long reporting and commentary on the country.
The University also announced an expansion of undergraduate entry pathways for students educated in India. The CBSE Class XII qualification will now be accepted for some undergraduate courses, subject to additional requirements where appropriate. Alongside this, Cambridge is exploring new philanthropic opportunities to fund scholarships for highly talented Indian students.
To support fundraising and research collaboration, Cambridge has established a Section 8 company in India, the Cambridge India Research Foundation. This will allow members of the public, alumni and supporters in India to contribute towards bursaries, fees and other costs for Indian students studying at Cambridge, as well as to support joint research initiatives.
Building on historic sporting ties, Cambridge University’s Men’s Cricket Team will tour India in March 2026 for pre-season matches, marking the first such visit in 15 years. Plans are also under way for the Women’s team to tour India next year. Cricket links between Cambridge and India date back to the late 19th century, when legendary players Ranjitsinhji and his nephew Duleepsinghji studied at Trinity College, both earning Cambridge Blues before achieving international acclaim.
Professor Prentice said, “I am delighted to build on the strong and deep links between the University of Cambridge and India. The Cambridge–India CAS is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with outstanding researchers and innovators, and to strengthen ties with one of the world’s fastest-growing knowledge economies. Our cricketers, too, are looking forward to testing their skills against their Indian counterparts.”
The British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, welcomed the announcements, saying the initiatives aligned closely with the UK–India Vision 2035 and would help bring the two countries’ world-class education and research sectors even closer together.
The delegation visiting Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru includes Professor Bhaskar Vira, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Environmental Sustainability, and the first Indian Pro-Vice-Chancellor in Cambridge’s 800-year history.
Professor Vira said, “It has been inspiring to see the enthusiasm from colleagues in Cambridge and partners across India. The Cambridge–India CAS marks an important new chapter in this long-standing relationship.”
The Centre will operate through three integrated strands aligned with the UK Government’s International Education Strategy: a Centre for Advanced Research and Synthesis; a Knowledge, Policy and Innovation Hub; and a Learning Hub offering scholarships, mobility programmes and educational opportunities for students and staff. It will function as an umbrella for multiple programmes across India, without being confined to a single physical location.
Among the first initiatives under the Learning Hub is a new real estate education programme led by P E Analytics Ltd, with academic support from Cambridge’s Department of Land Economy, aimed at establishing India’s first School of Real Estate. Senior University figures will also attend the India Global Education Summit in Chennai later this month.
Further strengthening ties, Cambridge plans to host a UK–India partners’ event at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London in May, alongside the annual Oxford–Cambridge Varsity cricket match.
