Roorkee College was established in 1847 AD as the first engineering college in the British Empire. The College was renamed as Thomason College of Civil Engineering in 1854. It was given the status of University by Act No. IX of 1948 of U.P. in recognition of its performance and its potential and keeping in view the needs of post-independence India. Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, presented the Charter in November 1949 elevating the erstwhile college to the first Engineering University of Independent India.

Since its establishment, the University of Roorkee has played a vital role in providing the technical manpower and knowhow to the country and in pursuit of research. The University ranks amongst the best technological institutions in the world and has contributed to all sectors of technological development. It has also been considered a trend-setter in the area of education and research in the field of science, technology, and engineering. The University is entering 150th year of its existence in one or other form in October 1996 and so, Sesquicentennial Celebrations are being organised during the period from October 1996 to October 1997. In this moment of jubiliation, the University can surely look back with pride on the achievement of its alumni over the last century and half.

Bachelor's Degree courses are offered in 10 disciplines in Engineering and Architecture; 55 Postgraduate Degree courses are offered in Engineering, Applied Science and Architecture and planning. The University has facility for doctoral work in all Departments and Research Centres.

The University admits students to B.E. and B.Arch. courses through and entrance examination conducted at varios centres all over India without any considerations for domicile. There are no consideration of domicile in the sphere of postgraduate education and research either.

ACADEMICS DEPARTMENTS
The University, which started with three teaching departments (Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering) has, over the years, enlarged the scope of its teaching programmes and now has the following 17 teaching departments.

UNIVERSITY CENTRES

ACADEMICS/RESEARCH CENTRE & OTHER UNITS

Based on the academics standing of the University in the relevant area, the strength and capablity of the faculty and the availability of necessary supporting infrastructure, the University has been receving support and funding from Govt. of India through its M.H.R.D., A.I.C.T.E., U.G.C., D.S.T., C.S.I.R., D.B.T. etc. to develop infrastructure in the thrust areas of engineering education and research, and in the frontier areas of scientific and technological development as a result of which the following 27 academic/research centres or other units are presently functioning in the university: