Punjabi University, located in Patiala, one of the premier institutions of higher education in the northern part of India, was established in 1962 under the Punjabi University Act 1961. This is the second University in the world to be named after a language, the first being Hebrew University of Israel.

The University also manages Dr. Balbir Singh Sahitya Kendra at Dehradun. There is a rich library with rare books and manuscripts bequeathed by Bhai Vir Singh, Dr. Balbir Singh and Prof. Puran Singh, the doyens of Punjabi literature.

Research on comparative religions is carried out at this Centre and the Punjabi University has provided all necessary facilities for scholars. The University Campus at Patiala makes available international standard facilities for students and researchers.

Through its different teaching and research departments, Punjabi University offers many programs and among them Punjab School of Management Studies is a pioneering Department of the University, which offers Management program for the benefits of Management aspirants.