Himachal Pradesh University was established by an Act of the Legislative Assembly of Himachal Pradesh on 22nd July, 1970 as a response to the needs and aspirations of the Union Territory, poised for full statehood in the Union of India on 25th January, 1971. It is the only multi-faculty residential and affiliating university in the State that provides higher education to urban, rural and tribal areas through formal and distant modes.