Punjabi University Patiala, one of the premier institutions of higher education in the north of India, was established on the 30th April, 1962 under the Punjabi University Act 1961. This is the second University in the world to be named after a language, the first being Hebrew University of Israel. Although initially the main task before the University was to develop and promote the language of the Punjabi people, it has since evolved into a multi-faceted, multi-faculty educational institution with over fifty five teaching and research departments covering disciplines in Humanities and in Sciences as diverse as Fine Arts and Space Physics.

The University has a modern well planned campus located about seven kilometers from the Patiala city, called the City of Gardens. The campus is spread over about 320 acres with imposing buildings in lush green, pollution- free environment away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The University also has three regional centres namely The Guru Kashi Regional Centre at Bathinda, The Guru Kashi Campus at Talwandi Sabo and The Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan Institute of Advanced Studies in Urdu, Persian and Arabic at Malerkotla.
Punjabi University, Patiala, has set up an Extension Centre for computer education at Jaito.

The University has established a well stocked Extension Library at Mohali. The Mohali centre also has a fully equipped Computer Centre which runs PGDCA course.

The University has undertaken the responsibility of maintaining the estate of Dr. Norah Richards at Andretta in Himachal Pradesh. The buildings of the estate have been renovated keeping the original architecture intact. Arrangements have been made for the comfortable stay of faculty members and students who wish to carry out study and research in the field of Theatre and Television. The Department of Theatre and Television arranges theatre performances at Andretta every year.