Utkal University (UU) was established on 27th November 1943. It is known as the Mother University in the State, has a distinguished history. It has contributed immensely to the development of modern Odisha. The University has been served by many illustrious Faculty. 

Initially University was started functioning from room no. 15 of Ravenshaw College, Cuttack. Then it started functioned as an affiliating body. But soon afterwards, in 1949, it took over the management of the under- graduate Department of Law from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack and established its first constituent college now known as Madhusudan Law College, Cuttack

Utkal University (UU) has now the jurisdiction over 9 districts, viz, Angul, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Khurda, Nayagarh and Puri and is spread over an area of 24,973 sq. kilometers catering to the needs of higher education of a population of more than 110 lakhs.

At present the University has 26 Post-Graduate teaching and research departments located within the campus and three constituent Institutions, viz. Directorate of Distance and Continuing Education, University Law College at Vani Vihar and M.S. Law College at Cuttack. Besides the regular courses, twenty-six sponsored courses are offered under the direct academic control of the P.G. Council of the University. As per the location of the University it's present in the middle of the city. 5Km from airport, 3Km from station. Sainik school is present to it's north direction. Mancheswar industrial area to it's East.