Gangadhar Meher University (GMU), Sambalpur came into existence on the 30th May 2015 as a unitary institution of higher learning. The Government of Odisha Order No.11598/HE Dated 30.05.2015]. That was a momentous event for the people and student community of the Western Odisha for the fulfilment of their long-cherished dream and aspirations. The newly formed University replaced the erstwhile Gangadhar Meher College (Autonomous), one of the oldest and the largest college in Odisha, which owes its origin in 1944. This transition was indeed the crowning glory for an institution that had a humble beginning at its inception way back in the pre-independence era.The primary mission of the institution was to cater to the needs of the poor and underprivileged students of this tribal-dominated region of the State. It made rapid strides to emerge as a premier institution of the State in the domain of higher education culminating in its elevation to the status of a Unitary University. Currently, the University provides teaching and research facilities for running Undergraduate, Post Graduate and pre-doctoral (M. Phill.) and doctoral programs on various subjects. This University is serving to the needs of around 5500 students at present and rendering services to the society at large.The institution performed the role with great distinction in the subsequent years and was able to carve out a special niche for itself in the academic landscape of India. The institution was identified as the "College with Potential for Excellence (CPE)" by the UGC in the session 2004-05. The institution added another feather in its cap when it was accredited by the NAAC with an "A" grade in the session 2015-16 in recognition of its excellent performance.