The Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur (Formerly Kanpur University, Kanpur) was established in the year 1966. Prior to the establishment of the University, affiliation of colleges in its vicinity were to the Agra University. In the year 1949, the Radha Krishnan Commission suggested the establishment of a university in Kanpur with the aim of reducing the pressure on Agra University. To fulfil this demand, in the year 1966, the state government established Kanpur University under the Kanpur and Meerut Universities Act 1965 with the moto “Aroh Tamso Jyoti” (Rise from darkness to light). In the preamble it is stated that Kanpur University will initially have an affiliating character but will gradually assume the shape of residential University. The University proudly celebrate its 57th foundation day on February 9 every year.
Kanpur University was initially established in a small house located on Parvati Bagla Road which was eventually shifted to Sarvodaya Nagar, Kanpur. In the year 1971-72, 264 acres of land by the side of GT road at Kalyanpur was purchased with the assistance of the State Government and Kanpur Municipal Corporation. Construction was started in 1970s and the Administrative Block, old Guest House, The Vice Chancellor’s bunglow, the Registrar and Finance Officer’s and Employee residence were constructed in the first phase. Upto 1993-1994, there were 84 affiliate colleges, 11 faculties, 4000 teachers and 80000 students. A progressive increase in the number of affiliated colleges, diversification and number of courses was established. To cater to the development of the affiliated colleges a College Development Council (CDC) was established in the University.
