Dr Harisingh Gour University, Sagar was established by philanthropist and visionary Dr Harisingh Gour in Sagar town of Madhya Pradesh for providing higher education. Dr Gour established this University by his lifetime savings. This is largest universities of the country numbered 18th and oldest university in Madhya Pradesh.

Dr. Harisingh Gour was a grand Patriot, Philanthropist, Educationist and Social Reformer. He was the first Vice-Chancellor of Nagpur University (1936-38). He also held the vice-chancellorship of the University of Delhi (1925). Dr. Gour was the founder Vice–Chancellor of the University of Sagar. In February 1983, the University of Sagar was renamed as Doctor Hari Singh Gour Vishwavidyalaya by the State parliament.

The University has 36 teaching departments. Apart from conventional degree, post graduate and research courses, Geology, Pharmacy, Criminology & Forensic Science, Anthropology, Performing Arts, Journalism & Mass Communication, Adult Education, Electronics, Business Management, Microbiology, Biotechnology and Computer Applications are some of the special subjects, which attract a large number of students from all over India.

The Institute of Distance Education (IDE) of the University which was established in 1997 – 98 offers number of courses at graduate and post graduate level. These courses are approved from Directorate of Distance Education (DDE) and treated equivalent to regular courses.

The University’s academic status was evaluated by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) awarded four stars status (on a scale of five stars) to this University.