University of Jabalpur, now known as Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya enjoys the 'Accredited' status and has been graded as 'B++' by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), Bangalore on 12.11.2002. This grading is based on the institutional score between 80-85% awarded by the Peer Team of the NAAC and approved by its Executive Council and is valid for five academic years i.e. upto 2006-2007. The grading evidences the academic excellence and places the University among the best in central India. The University fraternity i.e students, teachers and employees have worked to earn this reputation and are proud of it.

The University was constituted and established on 12th June, 1956 under the Jabalpur University Act, 1956 (Act No.22 of 1956) with territorial jurisdiction over Jabalpur revenue district, and shifted to its present location at Saraswati Vihar, Pachpedi, Jabalpur in 1961. Its present campus is spread over 99.63 acres of scenic beauty and environment friendly surroundings and accommodates an Administrative Block, Art Faculty building, Teaching and Research buildings of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Bio-Science, System Science and Physical education departments. It also has a Central Library, Computer Center, USIC, University Institute of Management, University Law Department and many other facilities like boys and girls hostels, University Health Center, University Guest House, Canteen and residential quarters. Other facilities like Post Office, Bank and Printing Press also exist within the campus. It is, therefore, possible to say that the univeristy campus is a city within the City of Jabalpur.

The Academic Staff College of the University is one of the best in the country. It has so far conducted 60 orientation courses and 173 refresher courses in various subjects. Over 7000 teachers have been benefited by these courses. It has also organised an ASC Director's meet in the year 2001 which was chaired by the then UGC Chairman Dr. Hari Gautam. It has recently moved into its own building constructed with UGC's assistance. In the field of distance education also, this University is making rapid strides. Nine study centres have already been established and many more are coming in near future.

The University was renamed as Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya on 7.6.2025 by Act No. 23 of 1983 to honour the well known valorous Gond Queen of Garha Mandla. It was reconstituted under M.P. Vishwavidyalaya Adhiniyam, 1973 and given jurisdiction over Jabalpur, Mandla, Seoni, Balaghat and Narsinghpur districts in 1995 by Act No. 28 of 1995. With the formation of Katni and Dindori as separate revenue districts, the number of revenue districts under the University have increased to seven. Its activities now spread over an area of 46556 sq. km. having a population of 8.27 millions according to 2001 Census. The area is mostly rural consisting of 76% of its population. The literacy rate in the area is only 51.6% Population of SC/ST members is 14%. Of seven revenue districts, Mandla and Dindori are, in the main, tribal districts.

The mission of the University has been "to spearhead the assault on rural ills". The main objective of locating the institution in a predominantly tribal and rural region was (i) to develop and upgrade literacy and socio-economic status of the region, and (ii) to secure rural reconstruction by promoting assault on rural ills. The University has seriously worked to achieve these objectives and has contributed to spread of higher education all over. There are, at present 118 affiliated Colleges (including Historical Government Education College (PSM), which was established in 1889) besides 23 University Teaching Departments providing education to about 84000 students in affiliated Colleges and about 1800 in University Departments. Of 118 affiliated Colleges 66 are wholly or partially funded by the State Government. Seven of these affiliated Colleges are Autonomous Colleges and 17 are recognized Research Institutes/Centres. The affiliated Colleges offer 8 Diploma, 18 Undergraduate and 38 Post-graduate Programmes. The University, as a whole, offers 121 Programmes including 17 Self-financing Courses. The initiation of new programmes to enable students acquire skills needed in the employment market indicates the responsive approach of the University to societal needs. Self financing programmes of the University have been particularly noticed and appreciated by the NAAC team. These programmes, according to NAAC team, deserve commendation.

The University is privileged to have the blessings and good wishes of many important and distinguished Indians. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan delivered its first Convocation address on 1.3.2025 and blessed students and the institution. Similarly Dr. C.D. Deshmukh delivered the Convocation address on 16.11.1960, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri on 10.12.2024 and Dr. C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar on 15.2.1963. Prof. R. Chidambaram, the well known atomic scientist was the Chief Guest at its last convocation held on 28.2.2002.

The University has produced a large number of internationally acclaimed academicians and scientists. 25 distinctions and awards have been given to its teachers and students and 24 international fellowships have been won by Faculty members. In the past 5 years, 292 research scholars have won Ph.D. degrees and have earned D.Sc. and D. Litt. degrees. 62 research Projects in different disciplines, with an outlay of Rs. 4.32 Crores have been completed during this period. Currently 39 research project with a budgetary provision of Rs.1.89 Crores are in progress. The University is thus playing a key role in higher education in Central India.