School of Distance Education, EFL University (SDE, EFL), Hyderabad was established as a part of the English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. The EFL University was established as Central Institute of English in 1958.

Central Institute of English and Foreign  was one of the first institutions in the country to start distance mode education.

In April 1972 the Institute broadened its scope to include the major foreign languages, and was renamed the Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages.

In 1973 the School of Distance Education, EFL University (SDE EFL) was declared as a Deemed to be a University on the recommendations of the U.G.C  under Section 3 of UGC Act by the Government of India and recognized by Distance Education Council (DEC).

In 2006, it was given central university status and accordingly came to be called the English and Foreign Languages University.

The English and Foreign Languages University was founded with the singular vision of developing competency building teacher education and training in the country.The mandate of the University is to advance and disseminate“instructional, research and extension facilities in the teaching of English and Foreign Languages and Literatures in India” as well as “to take appropriate measures for interdisciplinary studies and research in literary and cultural studies, and to develop critical intercultural understanding of civilizations.

Vision & Mission:

• To set up an institution to impart quality training in English for teachers, the mandate of the University is to advance and disseminate “instructional, research and extension facilities in the teaching of English and Foreign Languages and Literatures in India” as well as “to take appropriate measures for interdisciplinary studies and research in literary and cultural studies, and to develop critical intercultural understanding of civilizations