Guru Nanak Dev University was established in 1969 to mark the 500th birthday of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, with the aims to provide education and research across humanities, sciences, nature and technology, while also offering education of the life and teachings of Guru Nanak and the Punjabi language. The university made the decision to waive students' tuition fees for those studying in the department of Guru Nanak studies and the School of Punjabi Studies.
Guru Nanak Dev University was the first university to introduce online admissions in the region.
There are 14 faculties including: arts and social sciences, economics and business, engineering and technology, life sciences, languages, sciences, law, physical education, humanities and religious studies, sports medicine and physiotherapy, visual and performing arts, physical planning and architecture, education and agriculture and forestry.
Spread across 500 acres in Amritsar to the west of the Indian city of Punjab, the university combines modern architecture with traditional red brick buildings. With 35 academic departments and 148 affiliated colleges, the university aims to offer education to those across both urban and rural Punjab. Its regional campuses are located in Jalandhar and Gurdaspur.