Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) has been established under THE JAMMU AND KASHMIR SHRI MATA VAISHNO DEVI UNIVERSITY ACT, 1999.an Act of the J&K State Legislature (ACT No. XII of 1999 dated 12th May 1999) as an autonomous, highly Technical & fully Residential University.
The University started functioning as an academic unit in Aug 2004 when it was inaugurated on 19th August 2004 at the hands of the then Hon'ble President of India Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam. Dr. Kalam also delivered the first lecture to the students of the University.