The Pondicherry University was established in October 1985 by the Government of India through an Act of Parliament. Pondicherry University, being a Central University it is fully supported by the University Grants Commission.

The campus is spread over 780 acres of land some of which is rolling down to the sea beach. Besides having on-campus teaching and research in Post Graduate level, it is also an affiliating University with several colleges. The University also boosts of the fact that it’s a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities and has many tie-ups with several foreign Universities and institutes of repute.

Pondicherry University has been accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council - NAAC with FOUR STAR level in 1999-2000. The award is valid for a period of 5 Years.

The University has a unique Choice-based Credit System (CBCS) with Modular and unit-based courses which offer freedom and flexibility in the way a subject can be studied. Under this system it allows choosing of subjects’ combination suitable to student's ambition, ability and career plan, permits accumulating credits faster and obtaining PG degree in less than 2 years.
At present, Pondicherry University offers academic expertise of more than 200 teaching faculties. The University also offers distance education through its 57 affiliated colleges.