NitikaPandey, Nainital : The University of Kumaun is the premier state university of Uttarakhand and is known for its high standards in teaching and research and attracts eminent scholars to its faculty. It is recognized and funded by UGC and State Government of Uttarakhand , has been accredited by NAAC as a four star University and is a permanent member of Association of Indian Universities. The University had a modest beginning with just two campuses and few affiliated Government colleges. Today not only the University has three sprawling campuses but also 62 affiliated colleges. The administrative office of the University is situated in Sleepy hollow Nainital which is a glittering jewel in the Himalayan necklace, blessed with scenic natural splendor and varied natural resources. The campuses run under the administrative control of the Campus Directors while the affiliated colleges are headed by their Principals or respective Directors.Residents of the kumaun region had been demanding for a highest seat of learning in their region which could not only cater the needs of the local students but could also provide them with an education platform from where they could gather enough confidence to compete in any challenging environment. The dream desire came into existence in the year 1973 when the University was established with its administrative office in Nainital, two constituent colleges at Almora and Nainital (which later on became Campuses of the University) and affiliated colleges spread over the whole Kumaun region. The strength of the colleges affiliated with the University has been increasing with the passage of time. Presently the University has one more campus at Bhimtal, rendering professional, technical and vocational education and 62 affiliated colleges (31 Government colleges, 04 private colleges and 27 Institutes imparting technical and management skills. The University is running fast on the wheels of success and glory under the dynamic and able leadership of its present visionary Vice-Chancellor, Prof.V.P.S. Arora, who has several distinctions to his credit in the capacity of noted agri-business management personality and an administrator of repute at G.B.Pant University of Agriculture and Technology Pantnagar (Uttarakhand). Under his assiduous supervision, the University is set to play a pivotal role to impart quality education and excellent research to improve the quality of human values irrespective of caste, creed, gender, religion and region in the whole academic world.