The SNDT Women’s University, a pioneering initiative by the intrepid social reformer Maharshi Karve took shape in the form of the first Women’s University in India, was established in the year 1916 with four students. This initiative was ably supported by the generosity and commitment of Sir Vithaldas Thackersey, an eminent industrialist and philanthropist. Over a span of over 85 years, the University has grown to its present enrolment of more than 50,000 students. The University owes its growth to the strength and support of the staff and the students over the years and most importantly to the visionaries who have led the institution.

The University is the second all Women University in the World (the first being at Tokyo, Japan - 1915). It has an all India jurisdiction and has affiliated colleges in Maharashtra and Gujarat. It pioneered the concept of distance learning in India and has a tie up with Zee Education to bring higher education to the doorstep of women all over India and abroad. The University is spread over three campuses in Mumbai (Churchgate and Juhu) and Pune. The University has a total of 38 postgraduate departments, 11 graduate institutions and 26 affiliated colleges. As the world grows smaller, more and more women are entering new fields of technology and management. The SNDT Women’s University believes that empowering women is the first step towards a better society.

Over the past several decades, SNDT Women’s University has become synonymous with women’s education and its stride in making waves with pioneering initiatives still continues in the new era. The SNDT Women’s University has taken bold steps into the Information Technology age with its techno-managerial initiatives. In line with its commitment to providing excellence in women’s education, the University has set up two new institutions: the Jankidevi Bajaj Institute of Management Studies and the Usha Mittal Institute of Technology for Women.