The University of Rajasthan is the oldest institution of higher learning in Rajasthan. It was established on 8th January, 1947, as the University of Rajputana  with the main objective of disseminating knowledge and catering to the needs of the students of Rajasthan. It  had jurisdiction over the entire state. In the year 1956, the Rajputana University was renamed as the University of Rajasthan, keeping intact its enveloping jurisdiction.  With the successive creation of other universities, its affiliating jurisdiction has come down, but  it is still the hub of Higher Education in Rajasthan paving the way for the other universities. It attracts students from all over Rajasthan and other parts of India and abroad.

University of Rajasthan is a multi-faculty University and is recognized under 2f and 12B of U.G.C since its inception.  It has 36 Post Graduate Departments, 15 recognized Research Centers ,6 Constituent Colleges and 500 Affiliated Colleges spanning 6 districts. The location of the University is Urban and its Central Campus is spread over 285.50 acres and the satellite campus, comprising the Constituent Colleges, is spread over 149.53 acres.

The University aims to impart higher education with quality and social relevance.  It provides academic and research facilities in various streams to the students studying in University Departments, university Constituent Colleges and Affiliated Colleges/Institutions.  University of Rajasthan offers 37 Ph.D. Programs, 20 M.Phil courses, 48 Master degree courses, and 14 Bachelor degree courses.  Besides focusing on dissemination of knowledge and search for excellence in teaching and research, the University prepares the students as good future citizens and endeavors to inculcate amongst them a sense of discipline and   dedication. The University is transforming its curricular activities keeping in view the recent trends of development.

The University generates cost effective resources to achieve financial self-sufficiency. Self financing courses are offered both at U.G. and P.G. level. Being both teaching and affiliating University, it ensures equitable distribution of facilities for higher education in different parts of the state under its jurisdiction.

The University encourages its teachers to undertake research activities and gives financial support to attend seminars and workshops. Financial grants are also given for Organizing Conferences. Interdisciplinary approach and collaborative research are being encouraged to achieve excellence in education.

Support Services in the University        

To strengthen  teaching and research, support services are being  provided by the University. The University has one of the best university  libraries in India. It has nearly 3.33 lakh books, hundreds of journals, microfilms, and magnificent archival documents. Photostating and internet access  are also made available at  the library. The library also provides inter-library loan facility to its members.

The University has a modern Sports Complex. It has also a swimming pool, which has been a  venue of many National Swimming Meets. The University has always accorded a high priority to games and sports. Facilities for all major indoor and outdoor games are available at the Constituent Colleges as well. Fully developed indoor stadium along with a yoga centre are the unique attractions of the Sports Complex. Besides this, the Department of Physical Education has started a postgraduate diploma and  a masters' programme in Physical Education.

The University provides  Allopathic, Ayurvedic, and Homeopathic facilities at its Health Center.  Medicines are provided free of cost. Health checkups  are arranged from time to time. Blood donation camps are also  organized . Consultation is also available to the outsiders.

A Students Advisory Bureau exists since 1962 with the motto: "We do not believe in framing the future for next generation, rather we wish to frame the next generation for the future."

Residential accommodation is provided to the teachers and  the Students. The university has 16 hostels, 9 for boys, 7 for girls. The University is going to construct two hostels one for SC girls and other for SC boys with 45% assistance from the ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment with a cost of Rs. 5 crores. Besides hostels,  there are Teachers Hostel, Working Women Hostel and faculty residences located at the main campus. Some  residences  are for the non-teaching employees as well.   The University has an eco-friendly environment. The nursery-cum-garden office of the university looks after lawns and parks. The university has  nursery  which has  some rare plants and shrubs.

In order to stimulate and coordinate various activities of the students the Dean of Students' Welfare is provided grants and facilities.  The Dean, Students Welfare, is also Advisor of  International Students.

The University has also an Academic Staff College which was set-up  by the UGC in 1988 for an  overall development of  young university and college teachers.  The ASC organizes  Refresher and Orientation Programmes. The Refresher Courses are discipline-specific, whereas the Orientation Programmes are interdisciplinary. The later aims to  enhance over all intellectual worth of the teacher. The ASC is ranked one of the first ten best Academic Staff  Colleges of India.

University Service and Instrumentation Center  is also functioning.  The center has an adequate workshop under its control with facilities for mechanical (Lathe machines, Milling Machines etc.), glass blowing, electronics, welding, and gas filling shops and an analytical instrument sections. The center houses costly instruments such as (1) Semiautomatic X-Ray Diffractometer DIANO (USA) make, (2) Phillips Liquid Nitrogen Plant with 6 liter per hour capacity.

The University has established a UGC Infonet Center which coordinates all the activity of UGC Infonet Project at University of Rajasthan end. The centre  will further distribute and maintain the internet connectivity over Campus Wide Area Network making it available to constituent colleges, teaching departments, research centers, and administrative units. The Center maintains and  host University Website and Mail-server. The center will also coordinate and maintain Intranet of University when it comes up.

The University has a Press. It looks after the requirements of the university. It is being modernized with assistance from UGC during the tenth plan.

The Guest House of the university is well maintained. It is the pride of the University. Recently it was expanded with seven rooms.