NFSU Varanasi Campus to Come Up on 50 Acres; Amit Shah to Lay Foundation Stone
Varanasi is set to get a new National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) campus spread across 50 acres, strengthening opportunities for higher education and specialised training in forensic science, cyber investigation and criminology in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
According to reports published on September 22, 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to lay the foundation stone of the new NFSU campus on October 7, 2026. The permanent campus will come up in Shahanshahpur in the Rajatalab tehsil of Varanasi.
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50-Acre Campus Planned in Varanasi
The proposed NFSU campus will be developed on around 50 acres of land transferred from the Animal Husbandry Department. The reported project cost is approximately ₹150 crore, with construction expected to take around three years.
The Varanasi campus will become the second NFSU campus in Uttar Pradesh, expanding the university's presence in the state.
NFSU is an Institution of National Importance established under the National Forensic Sciences University Act, 2020. The university focuses on forensic science, cyber security, digital forensics, criminology, behavioural science and related areas.
| Event / Activity | Date / Status |
|---|---|
| Foundation Stone Ceremony | Scheduled for October 7, 2026 |
| Campus Location | Shahanshahpur, Rajatalab tehsil, Varanasi |
| Campus Area | Around 50 acres |
| Reported Project Cost | Approximately ₹150 crore |
| Expected Construction Period | Around three years |
| NFSU Campus in Uttar Pradesh | Second campus in the state |
Classes Already Underway
Interestingly, academic activities at the Varanasi campus have already started. The first batch reportedly began classes in August 2026 from a temporary facility at an integrated school in Jalhupur.
The initial programmes include:
- Five-year integrated B.Sc.–M.Sc. programme
- Two-year M.Sc. programme
The first batch reportedly has 30 seats in each programme.
The permanent campus is expected to allow the university to expand its academic offerings and student intake substantially. According to the report, the student strength could eventually cross 500 after additional programmes are introduced.
Modern Forensic and Cybersecurity Facilities
The proposed campus is planned as a specialised centre for education, research and practical training. Facilities reported for the campus include:
These facilities are expected to provide students with greater exposure to practical forensic investigation and emerging technologies.
Courses in Forensic Science and Cyber Investigation
The Varanasi campus is expected to offer specialised programmes in areas including forensic science, cyber investigation and criminology.
This aligns with NFSU's wider academic focus. The university currently offers programmes and research opportunities spanning forensic science, crime investigation, cybersecurity, digital forensics, behavioural science and criminology.
NFSU also operates specialised research and training centres in areas such as ballistics, cyber defence, forensic narcotics and humanitarian forensics.
Opportunities for Students in Eastern UP
The Varanasi campus could provide students from eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and nearby regions with easier access to specialised forensic education without having to relocate to campuses in other parts of the country.
For students interested in careers in forensic laboratories, cyber investigation, crime investigation, digital forensics and criminology, the expansion of specialised higher-education infrastructure could create additional academic pathways.
Growing NFSU Campus Network
The Varanasi project is part of the broader expansion of NFSU campuses across India. NFSU has been developing permanent and transit campuses in several locations, with the objective of expanding education and training in forensic and allied sciences.
For example, NFSU's Bhubaneswar campus received a foundation stone in March 2026, with 40 acres allotted for its permanent campus.
The university's expansion reflects the growing focus on specialised forensic expertise and scientific investigation capabilities.
What This Means for Students
For students, the upcoming Varanasi campus could become an important regional centre for forensic science, cyber forensics, criminology and related disciplines.
The permanent campus is expected to provide significantly more infrastructure than the temporary facility currently being used. Once construction and academic expansion are completed, students could have access to specialised laboratories, research facilities and practical training infrastructure on the 50-acre campus.
Conclusion
The proposed 50-acre NFSU campus in Varanasi is expected to strengthen specialised higher education in forensic and investigative sciences in Uttar Pradesh. With an estimated investment of ₹150 crore and facilities covering forensic laboratories, cybersecurity, digital forensics and behavioural science, the campus is planned as a modern academic and research centre.
With classes already underway in temporary facilities, the October 7, 2026 foundation-stone ceremony, if held as scheduled, will mark an important step toward development of the permanent Varanasi campus. Students should wait for official NFSU announcements for detailed information about upcoming programmes, seats, fees and admissions.
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