Rajendra University, Balangir, recognized by UGC as a State Public University, owes its origin to an Intermediate College setup in Balangir in 1944 by Maharaja Rajendra Narayan Sighdeo, the ex-ruler of the erstwhile Patna State and one of the former Chief Ministers of Odisha. This College was subsequently upgraded to a Degree College in 1946. It was granted autonomy with effect from 01.04.2002. Because of its consistent efforts in opening up avenues for better teaching and learning atmosphere in higher education, it has been upgraded to a University with effect from 01 September 2020. Sprawl over 200 acres, it marks the grandeur of greenery in its entire campus. The meditative scholars of the university boast of its library, which is one of the oldest and most affluent in the state of Odisha. Since its inception, it has been consistently acting as a hub of knowledge for teachers and students, those who have been recognized worldwide in different domains of society. In addition, it is marked as a centre for disseminating the knowledge of local culture, tradition, and ways of life to the world.
The University functions under the administrative control of the Higher Education Department of the Government of Odisha, and is granted jurisdiction over the Colleges of the revenue districts of Balangir and Subarnapur imparting teaching in Arts, Sciences, Commerce, Teacher Education, and Medical education in Allopathy and Ayurveda. Prof. Dr. Uma Ballava Mohapatra, an eminent scholar as well as an experienced administrator has assumed office as its first Vice-Chancellor on 20 April 2021.
