Osmania University is the seventh oldest in the Country and third oldest in South India, brought into existence in 1918. The Vision of the University is to generate and disseminate knowledge through a harmonious blend of ancient and modern wisdom, and to serve the society by developing in students heightened intellectual, cultural, ethical, and humane sensitivities; to foster a scientific temper, and to promote professional and technological expertise. Osmania University is reaccredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (an Autonomous Institution of the University Grants Commission) as 'A+' Grade University for the period 2017 to 2024. Earlier UGC, New Delhi had conferred the status of "University with Potential for Excellence" to the University. The University is spread over in 1300 Acres with 8 Campus colleges, 5 Constituent Colleges, 5 District PG Colleges, 16 Research Centers, 9 Academic Centers, and a knowledge hub i.e., Library with 5.5 lakh books and 5500 rare manuscripts. The University has 12 Faculties and 53 Departments. The University offers 27 UG Programs, 68 PG courses, 24 PG Diplomas, Doctoral Research Programs, and 15 Certificate Programs. It also offers 67 PG, UG and Diploma programs through Prof.G.Ram Reddy Centre for Distance Education (PGRRCDE) in ODL mode. It is the largest affiliated University of Asia with 720 Affiliated colleges with an enrollment of 3.2 lakh students and including Foreign Students from 87 countries. The University conferred honorary doctorate degrees to many eminent persons including Dr.B.R.Ambedkar and Dr.Manmohan Singh.