Patna University holds the distinction of being the seventh oldest institution of higher education in India, established on October 1, 1917. Initially, the university sprawled across a vast region encompassing Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, and Nepal. Over time, however, the University has concentrated its activities within a considerably smaller territory within the city of Patna. This transition took place from the boundary of Patna Law College to the campus of Patna Women's College. Presently, the university functions through the operation of 10 colleges, 31 postgraduate departments, three institutes, and a distance education directorate. Moreover, partnerships with the Central and State Governments have led to the establishment of pre-training centers for the vocational education of economically disadvantaged and backward students, in alignment with employment-oriented training goals. To foster scholarly research in the area of social justice, the University Grants Commission has endowed the Jagjivan Ram Foundation Chair. Additionally, the Ministry of Social Justice, under the Central Government, has created the Dr. Ambedkar Chair.

Each of the 10 constituent colleges under the Patna University is distinguished by its unique national identity. Institutions such as Patna College and B.N. College, established in the 19th century, have rich historical roots, with Patna College marking its 150th anniversary of inception. Patna Science College remains renowned across the country as a premier institution for the study of science. Similarly, Patna Women's College and Magadh Mahila College have dedicated themselves to fostering a higher educational spirit among women in eastern India, even before the era of independence. The Patna Training College and Women's Training College are recognized as excellence hubs in the domains of teacher education. In a parallel manner, Patna Law College is distinguished within the realm of legal education, while the College of Art and Crafts has carved a niche for itself in the national arena of painting, sculpting, and sculpture. Additionally, Vanijya Mahavidyalaya stands as a leading center for undergraduate and postgraduate education in commerce.

The university offers a diverse array of academic disciplines, encompassing Arts and Crafts, Social Sciences, Humanities, Commerce, Education, Law, and Science. Additionally, numerous postgraduate departments and colleges offer employment-oriented self-financed courses. The academic calendar at Patna University adheres strictly to the prescribed schedule. In the 2018-2019 academic year, the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) was introduced at the postgraduate level, subsequently being extended to all undergraduate degree courses including self-financed courses during the 2022-23 academic year and Four Years Undergraduate Degree Program under NEP 2020 was introduced in the academic year 2023-24.

Patna University has marked the centenary of its establishment, a momentous occasion that was graced by the presence of the Honorable Prime Minister of India during the inauguration of its centenary program. Looking forward, the university has announced plans to establish numerous new postgraduate departments, focusing on contemporary importance and employment-oriented studies. Department of Biotechnology has attained the status of independent department after the approval of Governor’s Secretariat.

To maintain its illustrious history, the university is committed to continually evolving its course offerings. This commitment led to the decision to revise its course structure for the 2018 session onward. It is essential for an institution to differentiate itself not only through academic excellence but also through the effective integration of research, cultural activities, sports events, and extension programs, which contribute to the university's distinctive identity. In recognition of this, the University Sports Board and Cultural Activities Board were established within the university, and the annual calendars for these entities are prepared before the start of academic session each year.

Furthermore, the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (formerly known as University Human Resource Development Centre), established by the University Grants Commission in Patna University, is dedicated to providing orientation and refresher courses for teachers from universities and colleges across the country. This facility has earned itself a distinct identity in Eastern India.
Patna University is nestled amidst a rich architectural landscape, with many of its buildings surpassing a century in age. Several have been designated as heritage buildings, including the Darbhanga House, Administrative Building of Patna College, Jackson and Minto Hostel, Administrative Building of Patna University, among others. The university receives periodic funding from the state government for the renovation and maintenance of these buildings, ensuring their architectural integrity is preserved.

In Patna University, the Teachers' Union, the Employees' Union, and the Students' Union are established via periodic elections and are currently operational. The university has been recognized for its commitment to being a wholly tobacco and plastic-free institution. The NSS is actively engaging in activities aimed at maintaining the university's vibrancy, including on-campus green initiatives, cleanliness projects, blood donation drives, and health surveys.

Patna University is cognizant of the evolving demands of the 21st century and is dedicated to reclaiming the university's esteemed position as 'Oxford of the East'.