The Gujarat University was conceived in the nineteen twenties in the minds of public-spirited and learned men like Gandhiji, Sardar Patel, Acharya Anandshankar B. Dhruva, Dada Saheb Mavlankar, Kasturbhai Lalbhai and many others. However, the University could come into existence only after the achievement of independence.In 1949, the University was incorporated under the Gujarat University Act of the State Government ‘as a teaching and affiliating University.’ This was done as a measure of decentralisation and reorganization of University education in the then Province of Bombay. During the course of its life of more than five decades, the University has seen the establishment of seven more Universities which were carved out of the jurisdiction of the Gujarat University, viz., Sardar Patel University, Saurashtra University, Bhavnagar University, South Gujarat University, Gujarat Ayurveda University, Gujarat Agricultural University and North Gujarat University. Even then, the Gujarat University is the largest university in the state catering to the needs of higher education of more than two lakh students scattered over 235 colleges, 15 recognised institutions and 24 approved institutions. There are 34 Post-Graduate University departments and 221 P.G. Centres. Gujarat University is an affiliating University at the under-graduate level, while it is a teaching one at the post-graduate level. Indeed, the responsibility for post-graduate instruction has been statutorily given to the University, and accordingly it has evolved a plan of co-ordinated instruction under the direct control and supervision of the University so as to ensure efficient and diversified instruction. An important feature of this University is the system of external examinations in the Faculties of Arts and Commerce, both and under-graduate and post-graduate levels. The external examinations were introduced with a view to enabling working students and the others who could not afford the high cost of university education to realize their dream. Gujarat University has developed phenomenally in the last 67 years to be recognized as a premier University in the country today. It provides education in one of the widest range of disciplines to about two lakh students. The glory of university is reflected in some of the eminent alumni like Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, Shri Narendra Modi (Prime Minister, India), Dr. K. Kasturirangan (Former Chairman, ISRO), Dr. Ila Bhatt (SEVA), Justice Ahmedi (Former Chief Justice of India), Mr. Pankaj Patel (CEO, Zydus Cadila), Mr. Kharekwala (Wockhardt), Dr. Ravindra Dave (Former Chairman, UNESCO) and many others.As the paradigm shift in social political and economic policies took place from the early nineties, university has maintained pace with the changes by introducing and number of programmes in emerging inter-intra disciplinary areas with promising employment opportunities which geared the evolving needs of the society at large. Some of these programmes are: Animation, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Biomedical Technology, Biotechnology, Climate Change Impacts Management, Clinical Research, Food Science and Nutrition, Forensic Science, Human Genetics, Infrastructure Management Services, Information Technology, Mobile Applications & Developmental Management, Maritime Management, Creative Science, Financial Services, Performing Arts, Networking and Communication, Web Technology, Communication & Journalism, PGDIFA, PGDFMI, PGDPM, PGDCSA, PGDACCP, PGDCR, etc. The academic capability and potential of the university is recognized by the globally reputed research organizations like PRL, ISRO, Plasma Research Institute, Entrepreneur Development Institute engaged in extended research activities of the university. The university has organized more than 200 seminar/symposium/workshop/conference/training course/conference/congress, etc. in collaboration with the state or central funding agencies. The university has a state of art Convention Centre with three exhibition halls to cater the needs of social/academic/industrial organizations to organize academic and industrial summits and conventions.