The Sambalpur University was established on 1st January 1967 with late Dr. Padmashree Parsuram Mishra as a first Vice-Chancellor. ex Vice-Chancellor and U.P.S.C. The University P.G. Departments imparted education in disciplines like History. Political Science, Economics and natural sciences. Subsequently new areas and professional courses have been introduced, besided introduction of Santali langu
age in its curriculum. Now some post graduate departments have been established under various programmes of the U.G.C. Some college now enjoying autonomous status now have been recognized for their potential for excellence. The University added in and Academic Staff College and now has Directorate of Distance Education, Private Examination Cell, Computer Unit and nodal Computer Centre. The University also established a Health Centre and several new hostels in its physical extension programme to cater to the needs of an expanding University. Its 671 acres of land the highest among the Universities of the state give scope for development of the University is to new areas within a futuristic perspective. The Sambalpur University Act was passed by the Orissa Legislature on 10th December, 1966 to fulfill long cherished dream of the people of Western Orissa for establishment of a University. The University started functioning from 1st January, 1967 with Prof.Parsuram Mishra as the first Vice-Chancellor. The University was inaugurated on 4th January, 1967 by Hon’ble Chancellor A.N.Khosla. The University started functioning in 1967 in a rented private building at Dhanupali, Sambalpur and in Government building at Ainthapali, Sambalpur from 1968 - 72. In the year 1973 the University was shifted to the present campus named Jyoti Vihar at Burla.
