Guru Ghasidas University (GGV) came into being on June 16, 1983 by an Act of the State Legislative Assembly. Since then, GGV has acted as an active member of the association of Indian Universities and Association of Commonwealth Universities.

Situated in a socially and economically challenged area, the university is named after the great Satnami Saint Guru Ghasidas who championed the cause of the poor.
 
This residential cum affiliating institution, covers a wide array of subjects of higher education. The  University and its about hundred & twenty five affiliated colleges offer various courses in the subject  areas of Arts, Commerce, Education, Engineering & Technology, Law and Humanities, Life Sciences, Management, Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences & Social Sciences etc.  National Assessment & Accreditation Council (NAAC) has added a feather to its cap by accrediting the university as B+.

Institute of Distance Education was established during 1995-96 to provide education through distance learning. The courses offered are regarded as equivalent to regular program of the university.

Over the years, The Institute of Distance Education GGV has made a mark with both its short term programmes as well as innovative professional and job- oriented courses.