Maharshi Dayanand University, ab initio established as Rohtak University, Rohtak, came into existence by an Act No. 25 of 1975 of the Haryana Legislative Assembly in 1976 with the objective to promote inter-disciplinary higher education and research in the fields of environmental, ecological and life sciences. It was rechristened as Maharshi Dayanand University in 1977 after the name of a great visionary and social reformer, Maharshi Dayanand. It had a unitary and residential character in its nascent stage, but became an affiliating University in November 1978. The University secured the recognition of University Grants Commission – the higher education regulatory body of India - for central Govt. grants in 16 Mar, 1979.

The University is located at Rohtak in the state of Haryana - about 75 kms from Delhi on Delhi-Hisar National Highway (NH-10), and is about 240 kms from Chandigarh, the State Capital. It is well connected both by rail as well as road. Rohtak is the education hub of the State with excellent facilities for education in all fields of knowledge.

The University campus, spreadover an area of 622 acres, is well laid with state-of-the-art buildings and magnificent road network, presents a spectacle of harmony in architecture and natural beauty. Educational and research programmes are offered through its 38 departments. There are as many as 12 Teaching Blocks, 19 Hostels, an elegant Vivekananda Library with 6 off-shoots, the majestic Tagore Auditorium equipped with modern gadgetry and amenities, spectacular Students Activity Centre, Campus School, Health Centre, Faculty House, Sports Stadium, Swimming Pool, Multipurpose Gymnasium Hall, Community Centre, Printing Press, Canteens, Shopping Complex and an Administrative Block. About 550 residential units are available for the faculty members and non-teaching staff. There is a very robust Campus Wide Network – an amalgam of cable and wi-fi technologies, with 1Gbps internet connectivity. A serene `Yajanshala’ addresses the spiritual and health needs of the campus community. Branches of State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank and Central Co-operative Bank are the other facilities available on the Campus.

Besides, the University runs three programmes through Satellite Institute, M.D.U. Centre For Professional & Allied Studies, Gurugram. LL.B (Hons ) 3- year Course is also likely to be started after approval of Bar Council of India

About 263 Institutions/Colleges of General Education, Engineering, Technology, Computer Sciences and Management Sciences located in 7 districts of the State are affiliated to this University.