Named after the great social reformer and founder of Arya Samaj, Maharshi Dayanand, the university was established in 1976. The university has 27 post-graduate departments under 12 faculties, one post-graduate regional center at Rewari; one university college; one directorate of distance education and one computer center. About 110 colleges are affiliated to this university.

Post-Graduate Medical Research Institute and Dental College, Rohtak; Medical College, Agroha; State College of Engineering, Murthal; Technological Institute of Textiles, Bhiwani are among the premier affiliated institutions.