Assam University came into existence through Assam (Central) University Act, 1989 (Act. No. XIII). It was established in 1994,since then the University is steadily becoming an excellent centre of learning.

The campus, situated in Dargakona, about 20 kms from Silchar, is set amid sprawling hillocks, a typical landscape in the North East. The campus in an area of 600 acres surrounded by lakes and mountains provides an ideal environment for academic pursuit.

Drawing its 120 plus faculty from many disciplines, from all over the country, the university sustains a multidisciplinary approach to higher education.

The University has eight Schools on major disciplines. They are Social Sciences, Humanities, Languages, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Information Sciences, and Management Studies. There are 24 Departments under these eight Schools.

The University is situated in South Assam, bordering Bangladesh, Mizoram, Manipur, Maghalaya, and Nagaland. The Barak river flows across this region known as Barak valley.

The valley has a rich tradition of art, literature, culture and education. It has contributed a large number of eminent personalities to the nation in the fields of science, education, arts and many others. This historical heritage has given the place a strong foundation for the development of a Centre of Excellence in higher education.

The five districts under the jurisdiction of Assam University have as many as 51 Undergraduate Colleges, which speak of the depth of the intellectual and educational interests in the region.

The University has gradually started attracting students from the neighboring states. The University is set to become a full-fledged residential University in near future creating a better environment for learning and research activities.

Assam University is a teaching-cum-affiliating University. The objectives of the University are to "disseminate and advance knowledge by providing instructional and research facilities in such branches of learning as it may deem fit and by examples of its corporate life to make provisions for integrated courses in humanities, natural and physical sciences and social sciences in the educational programmes of the University; to take appropriate measure for promoting inter-disciplinary studies and research in the University; to educate and train manpower for development of the state of Assam; and to pay special attention to the improvement of the social and economic conditions and welfare of the people of that state, their intellectual, academic and cultural development."