Gauhati University was established by an act of the State Legislature, namely, the Gauhati University Act 1947 (Assam Act, XVI of 1947), of the Government of Assam in the year 1948. The University is funded by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Government of Assam. Besides, various agencies of the Central and State Government provide various grants and assistance of Research and other Academic activities. The University is in its 58th year existence, and is the oldest, largest and the most premier seat of higher education in the entire North Eastern Region of India.

The first meeting of the University was held on 26–01–1948 at the old Sudmerson Hall of Cotton College, Guwahati. Accordingly the date 26 January is observed as the Foundation Day of Gauhati University. Thanks to the relentless and untiring efforts of a band of dedicated workers like Gopinath Bordoloi (the first Chief Minister of Assam. He was awarded ‘Bharat Ratna’ posthumously), Madhab Bezbarua, Bhubaneswar Barua, Sarat Chandra Goswani, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (former president of India), and many others, and the help and co-operation of the people of Assam, the University could established in 1948.

The University which started functioning from the city centre was shifted to the present campus in 1955 – 56. The University is recognized by University Grants Commission, New Delhi and has been awarded a 4-star status by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) of UGC, Bangalore.

Our objective is to revitalize its educational leadership and transform the University from an institution of higher education to an institution of higher development of the intellect, the will, and the moral; through continuous self – development, collaboration and sharing of knowledge with institutions of excellence.