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. The University is approved by UGC under Section 2(f) & Section 12(B) of UGC Act of 1956. The technical programs of the University are recognized by AICTE (All India Council of Technical Education) while Architecture program is recognized by Council of Architecture. The University receives funding from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, an autonomous Board set up in August 1986 under the provisions of The Jammu and Kashmir Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Act, 1986 of J&K State Legislature. The University also gets funds from UGC (University Grants Commission) and J&K UT Govt..