The University of Punjab has a rich and storied history that began on October 14, 1882, in the city of Lahore, which is now part of the Punjab province in Pakistan. However, the fate of the university took an interesting turn following the partition of India in 1947. During this time, the future of the university was extensively discussed at the Punjab Partition Committee, where representatives from East Punjab argued for a division of the institution.

Eventually, the university's senate voted in favor of the split. The matter was then taken to the Partition Council at the center, but unfortunately, a final decision could not be reached. This created a challenging situation as there was no university available to cater to the colleges in East Punjab's territory. As a result, the government of East Punjab had no choice but to enact an ordinance on September 27, 1947, to establish a new university.

On October 1, 1947, the new university, known as "East Punjab University," was officially formed in Solan (Shimla), located in the Indian state of Punjab. However, it is worth noting that for nearly a decade following its establishment, the university did not possess its own dedicated campus. During this period, the administrative office was situated in Solan, while the teaching departments operated from various locations, including Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Delhi, and Amritsar.

In 1950, the university underwent a significant change when its name was shortened to Panjab University. However, it was in 1956 that a pivotal relocation took place. Panjab University moved to its current home in Chandigarh, a vibrant city known for its architectural marvels. The campus itself, crafted from striking red sandstone, was designed by Pierre Jeanneret under the guidance of the esteemed architect Le Corbusier.

Prior to the reorganization of Punjab in 1966, the university boasted regional centers in Rohtak, Shimla, and Jalandhar, while its affiliated colleges were spread across the present-day states of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. However, with the reorganization, Panjab University transformed into an Inter-State Body Corporate, dedicated to serving the newly structured state of Punjab and the union territory of Chandigarh.

Throughout its long and eventful journey, Panjab University has continuously strived for excellence in education, research, and innovation. It has nurtured countless students, produced outstanding scholars, and contributed significantly to the development of society. Today, the university stands as a symbol of academic distinction and remains committed to shaping the future through its unwavering dedication to knowledge and learning.