Jiwaji University came into existence as a teaching- cum- affiliating University on 23rd May. 1964 under the provisions of M.P. Government ordinance No. 15 of 1963, with its jurisdiction extended to Gwalior, Morena, Bhirid, Guna, Shivpuri and Datia districts. The foundation stone of the University was laid by late Dr. Sarwapalli Radhakrishnan, the then President of the Republic of India on 11th December. 1965.

The University campus, as it exists now, is spread over an area of about 225 acres. The Administrative Block, Central Library, Humanities Block, Science Block. Galav Auditorium, Computer centre and other buildings are located within the campus.

The University started post-graduate teaching and research in the School of Studies in Physics, Chemistry, Zoology, Botany and Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology in 1971, Subsequently, School of Studies in. Economics, Mathematics and Commerce were also added to it. Very recently School of Biochemistry, School of Earth Science, School of Bio-Technology have also been added to the University teaching department. In 1987-88, Two year full time Master of Business Administration Programme was taken by the Institute of Management. IN Nov. 1991. The University started Master Programme Tourism & Traval Management and M.Sc. in Environemental Science.