This Article requires Parliament to build a university in Andhra Pradesh.

The word 'may' means it is optional — Parliament is permitted to do so, not obligated to.

This is the same as any state university being created.

Normally universities are set up under state law; this Article specially empowers the central Parliament to do so for Andhra Pradesh, making it a Central University.

The Constitution of India

Article 371E

Establishment of Central University in Andhra Pradesh

Parliament may by law provide for the establishment of a University in the State of Andhra Pradesh.§

Why this exists

Article 371E was inserted by the 32nd Constitutional Amendment in 1973-74, around the time of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, which addressed regional imbalances and tensions (including the Jai Andhra and separate Telangana movements) between the Andhra and Telangana regions. As part of a package of assurances to the Telangana region, the Constitution was amended to allow Parliament to establish a Central University, ensuring greater higher-education opportunities and helping address regional grievances. This led to the creation of the University of Hyderabad in 1974.

Common misconceptions

Myth: This Article requires Parliament to build a university in Andhra Pradesh.
Fact: The word 'may' means it is optional — Parliament is permitted to do so, not obligated to.
Myth: This is the same as any state university being created.
Fact: Normally universities are set up under state law; this Article specially empowers the central Parliament to do so for Andhra Pradesh, making it a Central University.