Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla was established in 1970.

Earlier, the Himachal Pradesh University was a part of Punjab University which served as a regional centre of the university.  

The university is accredited by National Assessment & Accreditation Council (NAAC) and is UGC recognized by the Centre for Excellence in Himalayan Studies.

Vision and Mission:

To cultivate the spirit of free enquiry, to foster independent and critical thinking, to be a repository of knowledge, to be an instrument of dissemination of knowledge and to promote the traditions, values enshrined in Indian heritage and tradition.

To be specific, its purpose is to empower, in particular, the people of Himachal Pradesh, most of whom lives in difficult, remote and tribal areas, through educational processes by undertaking teaching, research and outreach programmes.