Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University (HNGU), Patan, is a state university serving the higher-education needs of North Gujarat. The HNGU history reflects decades of expanding higher education in North Gujarat, professional education, research, and academic development across Patan, Mehsana, Banaskantha, Sabarkantha and Aravalli districts.
This page presents the complete history of Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University — from the North Gujarat University established in 1986 to its present role as a leading state university in Patan, Gujarat.
Establishment of the University
The development of HNGU began with the need to strengthen higher education in Patan and across North Gujarat. The V. V. John Committee, appointed by the Government of Gujarat in April 1973, reviewed the higher-education system and recommended the establishment of new universities.
Following these recommendations, North Gujarat University was established through the North Gujarat University Ordinance, Gujarat Ordinance No. 5 of 1986, dated 17 May 1986. The Ordinance was subsequently converted into legislation by the Gujarat Legislative Assembly.
- North Gujarat University Act, 1986 (Gujarat Act No. 22 of 1986) — passed 29 August 1986
- Act dated 10 September 1986 — HNGU foundation year and HNGU established in 1986
The University's legal framework established it as a teaching and affiliating university in the state of Gujarat, with responsibility for higher education and affiliated institutions in the North Gujarat region — a cornerstone of North Gujarat University history and Gujarat higher education.
Renaming as Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University
A major milestone in HNGU evolution came in 2003, when North Gujarat University was renamed Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University through Gujarat Act No. 2 of 2003 dated 1 March 2003 — the key HNGU renamed 2003 event in Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University history.
The University was named in honour of Acharya Hemchandracharya Suri — the renowned Hemchandracharya scholar, Hemchandracharya philosopher, grammarian, literary figure and Jain Acharya whose contributions influenced grammar, literature, religion, philosophy and intellectual thought across Gujarat.
The name Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University Patan reflects the University's connection with the rich intellectual, cultural, historical and educational heritage of North Gujarat.
Growth and Regional Role
Since its establishment, HNGU growth has transformed it from a regional university into a major centre of higher education in North Gujarat. According to HNGU's handbook, the University's jurisdiction expanded beyond its original area and now covers:
- HNGU Patan · HNGU Mehsana · HNGU Banaskantha
- HNGU Sabarkantha · HNGU Aravalli
Over the years, new faculties, academic programs, university departments, research activities and HNGU affiliated colleges have been added. The University has become an important academic network connecting universities in North Gujarat and education in Patan with the wider region.
Development of Academic & Research Education
HNGU academic history shows continuous expansion across multiple disciplines — university teaching departments, constituent colleges, research centres and HNGU affiliated institutions.
Programs developed across:
- Arts, Commerce, Science, Education, Management
- HNGU computer science — Department established 1996
- HNGU life sciences — Department established November 1998
- Pharmacy, Law, Medicine, HNGU nursing education, Social Sciences and interdisciplinary fields
This HNGU academic development supports HNGU undergraduate education, HNGU postgraduate education, and HNGU PhD research programs across Gujarat.
Development of University Infrastructure
HNGU campus Patan — the historic city of North Gujarat — hosts the main HNGU campus covering approximately 221 acres, with a central library, hostels, sports facilities, health services and student-support infrastructure.
The HNGU university library was formally established on 15 January 1988, initially in Gandhi Memorial Hall, before the dedicated Shivabhai Umedbhai Patel Library HNGU building — an important chapter in HNGU library history.
Academic Quality & Accreditation
HNGU NAAC accreditation reflects the University's commitment to HNGU quality education and HNGU academic excellence:
- HNGU NAAC Grade B — first cycle, 2008
- HNGU NAAC Grade A — second cycle, 19 February 2016 (HNGU NAAC 2016)
- CGPA 3.02 — HNGU Grade A university status
HNGU and Affiliated Colleges
One of HNGU's most important roles is its HNGU affiliation network. Through its teaching and affiliating framework, the University supports a wide range of HNGU colleges and HNGU affiliated college institutions across North Gujarat.
The HNGU affiliated colleges network expanded from 41 colleges at incorporation to a much larger HNGU college list — including HNGU arts college, HNGU commerce college, HNGU science college, HNGU nursing college and professional institutions across HNGU affiliated colleges Banaskantha and beyond.
This structure extends North Gujarat higher education opportunities to students beyond the main campus — including HNGU affiliated college Deodar and HNGU college Banaskantha.
HNGU and Professional Education
HNGU professional education spans Arts and Humanities, Commerce, Management, Science, Computer Applications, Life Sciences, Education, Law, Pharmacy, HNGU health education, HNGU management education and other disciplines — meeting changing educational requirements in HNGU Gujarat.
HNGU courses and HNGU professional courses reflect the University's role in HNGU degree education and career preparation across the state.
HNGU and Research
HNGU research and HNGU research university activities advance knowledge through publications, projects and doctoral work. HNGU research history includes postgraduate education, HNGU research programs, and HNGU research and development across university departments — supporting HNGU innovation and HNGU social development.
HNGU and Student Development
HNGU student development emphasizes knowledge, skills, character, social responsibility and leadership. The University supports academic, cultural, research, sports and co-curricular opportunities — part of the broader HNGU education history and mission to develop citizens for a rapidly changing society.
HNGU Today
Today, Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University remains among the best university North Gujarat choices and a leading university in Patan Gujarat. Its journey — from North Gujarat University established in 1986 to Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University 2003 renaming and continued HNGU development — represents a significant chapter in education in North Gujarat.
HNGU today continues to focus on quality education, research, innovation, professional development and regional advancement — A Legacy of Knowledge, A Commitment to Excellence, and a Vision for the Future.
HNGU Affiliated Colleges at Tapasvi, Deodar
Shree Tapasvi Arts College Deodar is an HNGU affiliated college Deodar in Banaskantha district. Along with HNGU Tapasvi Nursing College and HNGU Tapasvi DHSI programmes, Tapasvi Campus offers HNGU education Banaskantha students access to recognized degrees and professional courses.
HNGU admission & Tapasvi admission 2026-27 · Official HNGU website