Pandit Sundarlal Sharma (Open) University Chhattisgarh, Bilaspur was established by the Chhattisgarh legislature in 2005. The Governor of Chhattisgarh accorded his assent on 20th January 2005. This University was named after Pandit Sundarlal Sharma, a well-known freedom and social justice fighter of Chhattisgarh region.
The University was formally inaugurated by the former Vice Prime Minister Government of India, honorable Shri Lal Krishna Advani ji. The inaugural function was presided over by the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh and the function was attended by Minister of Higher Education, Minister of Finance along with large number of dignitaries.
Prof. T. D. Sharma joined this University as the first Vice Chancellor on 2nd March 2005 and his tenure lasted till 21st January 2010 while Dr. Sharad Kumar Vajpai took over as the first Registrar on 15th March 2005. Dr. A. R. Chandrakar served as the second Vice Chancellor from 22nd January 2010 to 2nd February 2015. After this, Prof. Bansh Gopal Singh took over as the third Vice Chancellor on 3rd February 2015 and his first term was till 2nd March 2020. On 3rd March 2020, Dr. Bansh Gopal Singh was re-appointed for a second term, who is currently holding this honorable position.
The university campus is spread over in about 70 acres. The University has well planned infrastructure including administrative building, examination building, academic building, library building, bank, canteen, furnished hostel and guest house, officer's buildings, teaching and non-teaching accommodations. There is also three helipads for the distinguished guests coming by helicopter.
There is lush green campus having trees, ornamental and flowery plants. There are two small ponds on either side of the main entrance gate of the university, which increase the water level of the nearby area as well as the beauty of the campus.
Pandit Sundarlal Sharma Open University Chhattisgarh, Bilaspur is only institution providing education in Chhattisgarh through open and distance education system. This university is providing education to remote and tribal areas, so that more and more people can get the benefits of education. People from remote and tribal areas deprived of higher education can pursue their higher studies through Open University. In addition to the regular courses, one can pursue a diploma and certificate course from the university.