Established on October 2, 1983, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti, MGU was formerly known as Gandhiji University. It was set up by the Government of Kerala to cater to the higher education needs of central Kerala. The university is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and has been accredited with an A++ grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). ​

Facilities

MGU's main campus spans 110 acres at Priyadarsini Hills, Athirampuzha, approximately 13 km from Kottayam. The university offers a range of facilities to support academic and extracurricular activities:​

• Academic Infrastructure: Well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, and research centers.​
• Library: A comprehensive collection of books, journals, and digital resources.​
• Hostels: Accommodation facilities for students.​
• Canteen: Provides nutritious food options.​
• Sports Facilities: Amenities for various sports and physical activities.​
• Research Centers: Includes specialized centers like the Inter University Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, and the Centre for High Performance Computing.​

The university comprises multiple schools and departments, such as the School of Chemical Sciences, School of Computer Sciences, School of Environmental Sciences, and School of Gandhian Thought and Development Studies, among others. ​

Reputation

MGU holds a significant position in India's higher education landscape:​

• National Rankings: Ranked 37th among universities and 67th overall in India by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024. ​
• International Recognition: Featured among the top 500 universities globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023.​
• Academic Excellence: Offers around 300 academic programs across various disciplines, including sciences, technology, management, law, and humanities.​
• Alumni: The university has produced notable alumni who have excelled in diverse fields.​

MGU's commitment to academic excellence, research, and holistic development has solidified its reputation as a leading institution in India.​