Gauhati University conducts pioneering research work in the frontier areas of knowledge.

Gauhati University was established by an act of the State Legislature, namely, the Gauhati University Act 1947 (Assam Act, XVI of 1947), of the Government of Assam in the year 1948. The University is funded by the University Grants Commission and the Government of Assam. Besides, various agencies of the Central and State Government provide various grants and assistance for Research and other Academic activities. The University is in its 58th year of existance, and is the oldest, largest, and the most premier seat of higher education in the entire North Eastern Region of India.

The objective of Gauhati University is to revitalize its educational leadership and transform the University from an institution of higher education to an institution of higher development of the intellect, will and moral through continuous self-development, collaboration and sharing of knowledge with institutions of excellence that would place it among the most sought-after institutions in the Country as well as the World. Guahati University has been awarded a 4-star (****) status by the National Assessment and Accrediation Council (NAAC) of UGC.

One of the major academic reforms undertaken by the Gauhati University since 2000-2001 is the introduction of the Semester system at the Postgraduate level, and the continuous Internal Evaluation System. Syllabi of the PG courses have been revised from time to time incorporating many new innovative and contemporary subjects. The course curriculum has been designed to put emphasis on the overall development of the students with more stress on the development of skills, positive attitude, good-habit formation and value education. Moreover, the course curriculum is multi- and interdisciplinary in approach, and has been designed, as far as possible, in a modern form offer programme flexibility, options to the students, and to help the departments so that they can slowly switch over to the credit-based system. The use of computers and modern teaching technology in the classroom instruction are available in almost all departments of the University.

Some of the focused objectives of Gauhati University are:

• To conduct pioneering research works in the frontier areas of knowledge,
  
• To introduce modular-based structure, multi and inter disciplinary approach in selected PG departments and to increase options and flexibility to the students in every PG department,
  
• To strengthen the extension education services to the society,
  
• To undertake faculty development programmes through training programmes, self-appraisal, student-feedback, participation in seminars, workshops, etc.,
  
• To grow and achieve excellence through collaboration with the institutions of higher learning and research in the country and abroad and through industry linkage
  
• To introduce computer application in classroom instruction and in administration, financial and academic activities.

Placement Services for the students of the Gauhati University in a collective and organized way have started recently but have earned success. In case of certain departments, Placement Services have always existed resulting in a high percentage of post graduation employments. The University is now gearing up to extend Placement Services to all the students and departments in the campus and affiliated colleges.