Kumaun University, Nainital was established by the notification no.(10)/8651/15/ 75(85)/64, dated 23rd Nov. 1973. of the Govt. of UP. Presently, the University enjoys the unique status of a residential cum affiliating University. It has two campuses viz. S.S.J. Campus, Almora and D.S.B. Campus, Nainital. The University proposes to develop a third campus at Bhimtal, a satellite town, located at a distance of 22 kms., from Nainital.

Apart from the campuses, 23Govt. Degree and Post Graduate Colleges, 03 private Degree Colleges, 03 self financed Degree Colleges and 06 self financed Degree Colleges and 06 self financed institutes are affiliated to the University. Thus, the presence of the University is there in almost every corner of Kumaun region. There exist the best possible facilities of advanced studies and research in different Departments of the University, in addition to a properly developed supporting infrastructure. In the year 2000-2001, National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), on the basis of its comprehensive and rigorous assessment, granted the coveted 4-Star status to the University. The University is also a permanent member of The Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

The University has always been very cautious and vigilant in providing the relevant and modern education to its students. As such, all the latest branches of knowledge have been incorporated in its programmes of study say Bio-technology, Pharmacy, Information Technology, Remote Sensing & Disaster Management, to name just a few.

In addition to these latest branches of study the University has set up a separate Centre of Vocational Studies (CVS), created especially to take care of the emerging trends of vocationalization in higher education. The CVS takes care of the vocational aspects of learning, either at the first degree level or at the post graduate level.

Under the visionary leadership of its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. R. C. Pant, the University is committed to the cause of value-based research and employment oriented education in all the disciplines of learning, thereby contributing to the over all development of the State and also to that of the National Human Capital