Vikram University was established in Ujjain on 1 March 1957. Shri Ranchod Lalji Dhabai donated the land for it from Barnagar. The foundation stone of Vikram University was laid by the then Home Minister of India Shri Govind Vallabh Pant on 23 October 1956. The function was presided over by the Rajpramukh of Madhya Bharat State Late Jiwajirao Scindia.
The state of Madhya Pradesh was formed in 1956, and Madhya Bharat was merged into it. The Act relating to the University was accordingly amended. The amended Act of Vikram University No. 13, 1957 was published in Madhya Pradesh Gazette on 16 August 1957.
The University's jurisdiction diminished due to the 1964-65 formation of Indore University, Gwalior and Bhopal University during 1969-70. On 20 April 1973, the Governor granted permission to bring about homogeneity in the organization and administration of Madhya Pradesh Universities. This permission was first published in the Madhya Pradesh Gazette (extraordinary) on 23 April 1973. By a notification of the Education Department 940/20/8/71 dated 3 May 1973, the by-laws of the Madhya Pradesh Universities Act No. 1 to 19 were brought into effect from 25 September 1973, No. 20 to 26 from 1 December 1973, and No. 27 to 31 from 4 May 1974, for all the Universities of Madhya Pradesh (including Vikram University).
The Madhya Pradesh Universities Act was amended and published in Madhya Pradesh Gazette on 28 June 1985. As per the amendment, University Jurisdiction was redefined and demarcated in accordance with the Revenue districts of Ujjain Division, including Ujjain, Ratlam, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Shajapur and Dewas. Because of the new jurisdiction, the number of affiliated colleges decreased, and some new colleges were granted affiliation.
The University Schools and Administrative blocks are connected to the satellite. Over 500 online research journals/magazines are available. MoU's with international universities facilitate a global perspective.
The university's department of engineering is an AICTE approved, self-financed government institute. The Kaushal Vikas Kendra skill development initiative trains students of different streams in technical trades.
The pharmacy department was established in 2003, offering a degree. Admission is on the basis of an entrance exam. The institute got approval from PCI to enroll 60 students. Institute of Pharmacy does not require approval from AICTE to run any course.
The institute employs Master of Pharma faculty and PhD head. It includes faculty for non-pharma subjects.
The Institute of Computer Science opened in 2005. It offers Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) and postgraduate courses (M.C.A and M.Sc.) and a Research Program (M.Phil. and PhD).
