Guru Nanak Dev University, established on November 24, 1969, commemorates the Quincentenary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, 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 54-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” in 2012. 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-pointscale 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 145 in 2024 indicating the quality of research publications at national and international level. Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar has also become the only 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.