The Himachal Pradesh government has divided 135 degree colleges in the state into Shimla and Mandi State University. 88 degree colleges in six districts Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Kinnaur, Kangra and Una will come under Summerhill University located in the capital Shimla. Mandi University has been given 47 degree colleges in Kullu, Mandi, Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Bilaspur and Hamirpur districts. Both the universities will start functioning from the new academic session. Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) Shimla was established on 22 July 1970. Himachal got full statehood on 25 January 1971. After 52 years of establishment of HPU, now the state has got second state university. The number of government and private colleges affiliated to Shimla University has increased to more than 400.
The geographical conditions of the state are not such that all the students of the state can reach Shimla for the work related to studies. In such a situation, many students living in remote areas of the state are deprived of higher education. Due to limited seats in PG classes, many students are not able to take admission in HPU. In such a situation, the Cluster University in Mandi has been upgraded to a State University. The notification of the districts divided under both the universities has been issued by the Principal Secretary Education Dr. Rajneesh.
