Jai Narain Vyas University, formerly known as the University of Jodhpur, was established in 1962. Initially four government colleges of Jodhpur became part of the university, viz., I. Jaswant College (established in 1892), II. MBM Engineering College (established in 1951), III. S.M.K. College (bifurcated from Jaswant College in 1954), and IV. K.N. College for Women (1956). The then President of India, Prof. S. Radhakrishnan, inaugurated the University of Jodhpur on August 24, 1962,and defined the goals and objectives: “That the young people, who will be educated in this university, will go forward not as prisoners of the past but as pilgrims of the future; will develop in them a spirit of dedication, a spirit of renunciation, a spirit of whole-hearted, single-minded concentration on the advancement of knowledge, whether in science or the humanities".
The University stands as an oasis in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, quenching the thirst for knowledge for thousands of students every year. The university holds prestigious accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with a notable B++ grade. This esteemed institution is a diverse and multi-disciplinary academic hub, proudly catering to a vast student population exceeding twenty-six thousand regular students and over ninty thousand private students through its impressive network of 393 affiliated colleges. The university's steadfast commitment to academic excellence and research is reflected in its visionary mission and objectives that guide its operational ethos. With a comprehensive array of twenty-six departments and more than two hundred and twentysix programmes, JNVU has significantly contributed to social mobility by providing higher educational opportunities in five districts of Rajasthan. The university's distinguished alumni, including luminaries such as Honourable Justice Dalveer Bhandari of the International Court of Justice and notable public figures such as Honourable Ex-Chief Minister of Rajasthan Shri Ashok Gehlot and Cabinet Minister Shri Gajender Singh Shekhawat, showcase the institution's rich legacy of excellence. The conferment of an honorary D. Litt. degree upon esteem individuals like such as Ms. Lata Mangeshkar and Justice Dr. Dalveer Bhandari, as well as a D.Sc. degree upon esteem Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, underscores the university's commitment to honouring exceptional achievements in diverse fields. Moreover, marked by significant events such as the Online Convocation in 2020–21, featuring keynote speaker Shri Kailash Satyarthi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, JNVU continues to inspire faculty and students towards academic and societal excellence. The recent accomplishment of the university to secure a 100 crore grant from the PM USHA grant scheme further underscores its dedication to fostering cutting-edge research and impactful extension activities. Jai Narain Vyas University's vibrant and inclusive campus environment, coupled with its robust academic programmes and research initiatives, exemplifies its unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders equipped to navigate and address contemporary challenges with wisdom and integrity in society.
