The Mahatma Gandhi University (formerly Gandhiji University), with B+ accreditation of National Assessment and Accreditation Council, was established on 2nd October 1983, as the fifth University in the Southern most State of Kerala,India. The University enrolls 1,50,000 students on an average every year to its 410 Courses in graduate, post graduate and M.Phil/Ph.D. programmes through 22 University Departments, 22 Engineering Colleges, 1 Law College, 3 Medical Colleges, 20 Nursing Colleges, 7 SME Nursing Institutes, 4 Pharmacy Colleges, 4 Dental Colleges, 3 Ayurveda Colleges, 2 Homoeo Colleges, 1 Music and Fine Arts College, 121 affiliated Arts and Science colleges, 37 Education Training Colleges and 12 University Colleges of Teacher Education. Mahatma Gandhi University has made its presence outside its territorial jurisdiction through the 72 off campus centres – 55 centres within Kerala, 9 outside Kerala and 8 abroad.

       Mahatma Gandhi University boldly took a lead to initiate the Self-financing Stream in the University system in 1993 and was able to carve a niche, especially in professional and job-oriented education in the State. Now, the University has 24 Self Financing Institutions under its orbit, offering Engineering, Applied Sciences, Nursing and Allied Medical Courses. Revolutionising the professional learning scenario, the University was able to open new vistas to young aspirants, to pursue career-oriented programmes in Kerala State, curbing the resource outflow to other parts of the Country.
The University is having a web-enabled Central Library and 21 Departmental Libraries, 4 Study Centres and 6 Information Centres. The Central Library is linked to the U.G.C. sponsored INFLIBNET enabling on-line subscription of over 2500 National and International research journals.

         Mahatma Gandhi University has been able to become a role model in the Country in extension activities. The Kottayam Literacy Campaign, the first of its kind in India (1989 ) was a project of this University. The Nalpathimala Grama Vikas Kendra, within the University Campus, has evolved as a nationally accepted model for Campus-Community partnership, which won the first Indiara Gandhi NSS Award in 1993. The Vocational Rehabilitation Centre under the School of Behavioural Sciences has opened a new pathway in reaching the masses. National Service Scheme, National Cadet Corps, University Students Union and College Union are very active, in chanalising the creativity sparks of the students. A full-fledged Students Service Department looks into the student amenities. The Employment and Guidance Bureau offers regular programmes for students to prepare for the UGC, NET, CSIR and other competitive Examinations.
            
          Mahatma Gandhi University has honoured the famous Malayalam writers – the late Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai Shri. M.T. Vasudevan Nair , the Dada Saheb Phalke award winner and world-renowned film maker Shri. Adoor Gopalakrishnan with D.Litt. . Seminars, colloquiums and workshops of international stature is a regular feature in the University, besides hosting annual memorial lectures in honour of the late literators and scientists.
Mahatma Gandhi University has made a significant turn when Dr. Jancy James, assumed its charge on 16th November 2004, becoming the first woman Vice –Chancellor of the State.