About University
Guru Nanak Dev University, established on November 24, 1969, commemorates the Quincentenary of Sri Guru Nanak DevJi, the esteemed founder of Sikhism. Functioning as both a residential and affiliating institution, the University's founding principles, as outlined in the Guru Nanak Dev University Act of 1969, underscore its mandate to provide education and foster research across a spectrum of disciplines, including the humanities, learned professions,
sciences—particularly of applied nature—and technology. Embedded within the University's ethos is a steadfast commitment to embody the teachings and values espoused by Guru Nanak, the revered proponent of universal brotherhood, truthfulness, non-violence, compassion, tolerance, harmony, and humanity. Emulating the exemplary moral and ethical conduct exemplified by the Guru, the institution endeavors to imbue its academic pursuits with these enduring principles. Central to the University's mission is the scholarly examination and dissemination of the life and teachings of Guru Nanak, alongside initiatives aimed at advancing the Punjabi language and extending educational opportunities to historically marginalized communities. Over its distinguished 56-year history, Guru Nanak Dev University has emerged as a beacon of educational enlightenment, fostering academic excellence across diverse disciplines such as Science, Arts, Management, Information Technology, Media and Industrial Technology, Environment, Planning, and Architecture.
In fulfillment of its mandate, the University has waived tuition fees for students enrolled in the Department of Guru Nanak Studies and the School of Punjabi Studies, underscoring its commitment to accessibility and the promotion of scholarly pursuits rooted in Sikh ethos.The UGC conferred this University with status of “University with Potential for Excellence”. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), Bangalore in December 2022 re-accredited the University in 4th cycle with CGPA of 3.85 out of 4-point scale at “A++” the highest level grade, as per accreditation framework of NAAC. Guru Nanak Dev University has raised its h-index from 62 in 2017 to 163 in 2025 indicating the quality of research publications at national and international level. Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar has also become the first University of Punjab to get the elite "Category-1" status by the University Grants Commission (UGC), giving autonomy to open new departments, schools, off-campus facilities and start new schools and distance learning programmes, besides the freedom to hire foreign faculty without the UGC’s approval. The University has becomes the first government University of northern India to launch E-Sanad portal in 2025 providing a centralized platform for contactless and paperless document verification/attestation service for the Indian citizens.
Guru Nanak Dev University has been placed among Top Ten “High Performing State Public Universities” across India by MHRD. GNDU has been placed amongst the top 23% Universities of the world by Centre for World University Ranking 2024 (CWUR). Guru Nanak Dev University has been tracked by Nature Index amongst top four institutions in Punjab and top 10 institutions in North India.The India Today in its MDRA Best University Ranking Survey 2025 for the session 2024-25 has ranked the University at 12th rank overall under the category of Top General Government Universities in India 2024.
With the motto of the University as engraved on its emblem ‘Guru's wisdom illumines all’, the University has been leaving no stone unturned to meet the aspirations and expectations of the society. Spread over area of 500 acres towards the west of the city, Guru Nanak Dev University presents a picture of lush green landscape, modern architecture and sustainable environment. The University today boasts of 46 teaching departments at the Campus, two regional campuses and 170 affiliated, university and constituent colleges, many of which are located in the rural areas so as to make quality higher education accessible to the rural masses. All the programmes of the university comply the guidelines of New Education Policy 2020. More than 20,000 students, an overwhelming majority of them being women, are enrolled in various Departments at University Campus, Regional Campuses and University-Constituent Colleges. Online admission, online Counselling, online re-evaluation, introduction of Credit Based Evaluation & Grading System etc. are a few hallmarks of the University. All the results have been computerized and OMR (Optical Magnetic Recognition) system is being used to bring in more efficiency and transparency. It is the first University in the region to have computerized its examination and registration system. The students now have an all-time access to their results through SMS service.
Academically also, the University has carved a niche for itself in the field of higher education in the country. Our university is recognized as one of the leading institutions in North India in the domain of Arts, Humanities, Science and Technology. Many coveted projects from the apex bodies like MHRD, DST, CSIR, BARC and other organizations worth crores of rupees have been awarded to our faculty members. One of the four Nodal Calibration Centres established by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre is set up at our campus. The Centre of Emerging Life Sciences equipped with the state-of-the-art scientific instruments worth crores of rupees, a well-maintained Botanical Garden, Department of Sports Medicine & Physiotherapy are a few to mention among many. A well-equipped modern computer lab with the help of TCS has been established to strengthen the University infrastructure and to prepare students for employment. Presently, a Centre with Potential for Excellence in Life Sciences and a Centre for Advanced Study in Chemistry granted by UGC are working successfully in the University. A Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation has been set up in the university under the aegis of RashtriyaUchatarShikshaAbhiyan to provide skill-oriented training and incubation facilities.
In line with recent industry trends and evolving market demands, the University has introduced a range of cutting-edge, AI-based and job-oriented courses. These programs are designed to equip students with the latest technological skills and practical knowledge required to excel in the modern workforce.Furthermore, to foster innovation and self-reliance among students, the University has integrated entrepreneurship courses into the degree programs. This initiative aims to nurture an entrepreneurial mindset, empowering graduates to create their own opportunities, start new ventures, and contribute meaningfully to the economy..
To promote and strengthen the culture of research, the University has extended its research facilities to affiliated colleges as well. In addition, a dedicated Research Fund has been established by the University to provide financial support to deserving scholars. Under this initiative, the University offers 100 fellowships, each amounting to Rs. 8,000 per month, to Ph.D. research scholars. These fellowships are intended to encourage high-quality research, enable scholars to pursue their studies without financial constraints, and foster innovation and academic excellence across various disciplines.
The fact that the University has been the winner of the coveted Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad Trophy, the highest sports award for a University in the country, for a record number of 25 times, speaks volumes about its supremacy in the field of sports. An Astro-Turf for hockey, a swimming pool of international standards, a velodrome, a gymnasium hall, a shooting range and many other state-of-the-art sports facilities are the prized possessions of the University. It’s a matter of great pride for the University that 08 GNDU Shooters won 5 individual gold medals, 6 team gold medals, 2 silver and one bronze medal for India in 16th Asian Shooting Championship held at Kazakhstan during July, 2025. In World University games held at Germany during 16-27 July, 2025, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar was appointed as the Nodal University for these games.
The Lifelong Learning Department of the University is successfully catering to the male and female folk of the region to make them self-dependent by offering various skill development programmes.
In Youth Festivals, GNDU wins 1st Runners up Trophy in 38th Inter-University National Youth Festival organized at Amity University, Noida during March, 2025 under the banner of Association of Indian Universities (AIU). GNDU has won second Runners Up Trophy in Punjab State Inter-University Youth Festival organized by Directorate of Youth Services, Government of Punjab at Panjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during the academic session 2024-25. The GNDU was conferred with 2nd runners up award during 37th Inter University National Youth Festival 2023-24 and also won the Music Trophy in Inter-University National Youth Festival.
GNDU campus stands at number one position declared as the most ‘Swachh Campus’ out of the multispeciality public universities having big campuses. Overall GNDU has been ranked 2nd in the country amongst all government universities big and small campuses put together by Ministry of Human Resource Development, Govt. of India under Swachh Campus Ranking-2019.
In the field of Science and Technology, our University is one of the leading institutions in North India. Our faculty members have bagged prestigious projects from the apex bodies like the DST, CSIR, BARC and other organizations worth crores of rupees. Recently BARC has established a Nodal Calibration Centre at the campus. This is one of the four centres established all over the country. The University has purchased instruments worth crores of rupees under different schemes.
The employment trajectory of our students within prominent corporate entities and multinational corporations has yielded commendable results. Graduates hailing from various disciplines such as engineering, planning, architecture, management, and commerce have secured positions both within the government sector and esteemed companies, both domestically and internationally. Their diligent contributions serve to enhance the prestige and standing of the University, a testament to their unwavering commitment and industriousness.
To promote the welfare and protection of animals, GNDU has established the Animal Welfare Society on its campus in collaboration with Animal Welfare and Care Services (AWCS)— a registered non-profit organization operating in both India and Canada. This initiative aims to create awareness about animal rights, encourage compassionate treatment of animals, and organize various outreach, and rescue programs to ensure their well-being.
The collective successes achieved can be attributed to the concerted efforts of the students, faculty members, and administrative personnel of the University. Their relentless dedication and tireless endeavors have played a pivotal role in shaping a brighter future for Punjab and fostering the development of a more enlightened and civilized society.