The University of Delhi is a premier university of the Country and is known for its high  standards in teaching & research and attracts  eminent scholars to  its faculty. It  was  established in  1922 as a unitary, teaching and residential  university by an act of the Central Legislative Assembly.  Ever since its inception, a strong commitment to excellence in teaching and research has made the University of Delhi a role-model and path-setter for other universities in the Country. Its rich academic tradition has always attracted the most talented students who later on made important contributions to the society.

The University had a modest beginning with just three colleges (St.  Stephen’s   College founded in 1881, Hindu College founded in 1899 and Ramjas College founded in 1917), two faculties (Arts and Science) and about 750 students. In October 1933, the University   offices and the Library shifted to the Viceregal Lodge Estate, and till today this site houses the offices of the main functionaries of the University. The University has grown into one of the largest universities in India. At present, there are 16 faculties, 86 academic departments, 77   colleges  and 5  other  recognised   institutes  spread all over the city with 132435 regular students  (UG: 114494,PG:17941) and 261169 students (UG:258831,PG:2338) in non-formal education programme.

Five Departments namely Chemistry, Geology, Zoology, Sociology and History have been awarded the status of the Centres of Advanced Studies. These Centres of Advanced Studies have carved a niche for themselves as centres of excellence in teaching and research in their respective areas. In addition, a good number of University departments are also receiving   grants under   the Special Assistance Programme of the UGC in recognition of their outstanding academic work. 10 Departments (Germanic & Romance Studies, Hindi, Persian, Geography, Music, East Asian Studies, Anthropology, Mathematics, B.R.Ambedkar, M. I.L.) are getting grants under DRS, 2 Departments (Buddhist Studies, English) are getting grants under DSA, 3 Departments (English, Buddhist Studies, Social Work) are getting grants under AISHSS and 3 Departments (African Studies, East Asian Studies, Developing Countries Research Centre) are getting grants under Area Studies Programmes. Department of Adult, Continuing Education and Extension and Women’s Studies & Development Centre of the University are also getting special funding from UGC. The University today boasts of as many as 15 big libraries apart from libraries in Colleges.