Recognised as one of the premier institutions of the country, the University of Jammu, came into existence in 1969 vide Kashmir and Jammu Universities Act 1969 following the bifurcation of the erstwhile University of Jammu and Kashmir on September 5, 1969. Apart from its main campus and old campus in Jammu, the University has eleven other offsite campuses, out of which seven campuses located at Bhaderwah, Kathua, Kishtwar, Poonch, Ramnagar, Reasi and Udhampur are functional. Teaching-learning and research are being carried out by forty departments and one hundred sixty-one affiliated colleges, awarding degrees in more than sixty programmes at the postgraduate and undergraduate levels. The main new campus at Bahu Wali Rakh, with an area of 118.78 acres, houses the Teaching Departments, Department of Students Welfare, Directorate of Distance Education, Central Library, Computer Centre, Health Centre, Guest House, Post Office, J&K bank, Book Shop, Transit Accommodation, Gymnasium, Hostels, Cafeteria and Canteens, Residential Quarters and many other facilities. The second campus of the University (the Old Campus), located at a distance of 4 km from the main campus, is spread over 10.5 acres and currently houses a hostel for boys and residential quarters for teaching and non-teaching employees.
The University is truly treading the path of growth which is reflected in the developments over the past few years. The University of Jammu, apart from attaining an A+ grade in its Cycle III by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in 2016, has also been exhibiting consistency and demonstrating a commitment to quality by performing equally well in the National Institution Ranking Framework (NIRF) of the MHRD, Government of India. Whether we talk of its newly launched innovative undergraduate programme “Design Your Degree”, allowing students to customize their degree or its initiative to promote learning beyond the confines of the classroom through its innovative project called “College on Wheels,” or the newly established clubs in the University of Jammu, which have been given an umbrella term “Utsaah,” denoting the enthusiasm, vigour, and vitality in the students, University of Jammu is making remarkable progress in all areas.
In the area of Research, it is making itself relevant by taking initiative in sync with the Hon'ble Prime Minister's call for a "Land to Lab" and "Lab to Land" approach to make research more accessible to farmers as well as to take the farmers to classrooms and labs to acquaint the students with practical learning experiences. Department of Zoology has taken the lead in organizing Farmers Meet to share the latest technologies and best practices in Eco-friendly Farming, Vermi Composting Apierry, Bio floe Farming, followed by practical sessions at the farmers' ponds.
The University of Jammu, through its newly established Skill, Incubation, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (SIIDEC), has been attempting to promote a culture of start-ups and entrepreneurship in the university as well as the region. As an institution, the University of Jammu is more than just a centre for learning; it is a catalyst for positive change and societal advancement. Rooted in a rich legacy of academic excellence and propelled by a vision for the future, it continues to shape the minds and hearts of generations to come, ensuring a brighter tomorrow for all.