The formation of the Inter-University Board (IUB) of India as an Apex Inter-University Organization on March 23, 1925, in a meeting of Vice Chancellors/their representatives at Bombay University was the culmination of the need to bring together all the universities in India on a common platform through a coordinating body, to protect the interest of the students as well as the universities. The objective was to promote university activities, especially by way of sharing information and increasing co-operation in the field of education, culture, sports and allied areas. Prior to this, having such an organization in India was recommended by the Sadler Commission in 1919 followed by a resolution, made in the Conference of Vice Chancellors of the Indian Universities convened at Shimla in 1924.
The Inter-University Board acquired a legal status with its registration as a Society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, on September 29, 1967 and was renamed as Association of Indian Universities (AIU) in 1973. Since its inception AIU is actively engaged in the growth and development of Higher Education. The membership of AIU includes all types of universities e.g. Conventional Universities, Open Universities, Deemed to be Universities, State Universities, Central Universities, Private Universities and Institutes of National Importance. In addition to Indian Universities, 13 Universities/Institutes from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Republic of Kazakhstan, Malyasia, Mauritius, Nepal, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom are its Associate Members.
Vision
To emerge as a dynamic service and advisory apex organization in India by undertaking such initiatives and programmes which could strengthen and popularize Indian higher education as leading edge system in the world and promote greater national and international collaboration in Higher Education, Research and Extension, Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities.
Mission
To promote and represent the higher education system and Indian Universities on national and international forums and establish strong liaison with the government, National/International organizations of higher education, sister associations world over and among universities through active support, cooperation and coordination among the member universities and all stakeholders for promoting quality education, research, sports, culture & values.