Acharya Nagarjuna University is named after 3rd A.D. Indian Buddhist philosopher Acharya Nagarjuna, the proto-Einstein who expounded Sunyavada or Relativity theory which intrigues and inspires human world for an eternity. Established in 1976, the University has completed 47 years of existence and has made rapid progress in terms of academics, research and structural expansion under the stewardship of successive Vice-Chancellors. The University has been accredited with A grade (3.08 CGPA) by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council in December, 2016.
The crest and the motto adopted by the Acharya Nagarjuna University represent the creative essence of Indian culture oriented to the contemporary aspirations. The motto, ‘Satye Sarvam Pratishtitam’ is an epigrammatic representation of the entire symbolism of the crest.
The University started as an affiliating University with only 10 Postgraduate courses in the University College, which have been in existence right from 1967, when it was a part of the Andhra University Post-Graduate Centre at Nallapadu, Guntur. The University at present officers Postgraduate education in 70 courses, besides Postgraduate courses in affiliated colleges. Administration of the existing courses of the campus college is redistributed into six constituent colleges: i) University College of Arts, Commerce & Law, ii) University College of Sciences, iii) University College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, iv) Dr.YSR College of Engineering & Technology v) University College of Architecture & Planning vi) University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences from the academic year 2010-11.
The University has been constantly striving towards achieving progress and expansion during all these years, in terms of introducing new courses in the University College, the affiliated colleges and professional colleges. This University has also pioneered the introduction of self-financing courses in conformity with the National Educational Policy 2020 and the guidelines of the University Grants Commission. The resources mobilized through these courses have been utilized for strengthening the existing faculties and starting of new disciplines in the self-financing mode.