Functioning under the aegis of Nirma Education and Research Foundation (established in 1994), the university presently includes of a top grade – Institute of Technology (1995), a leading b-school – Institute of Management (1996), an innovative Institute of Diploma Studies (1997), an upcoming Institute of Pharmacy (2003), Institute of Science (2004) and emerging Institute of Law (2007).  All these institutions have emerged as centers of excellence offering various programmes ranging from undergraduate to doctoral levels in technology, engineering, business, pharmacy and sciences.

Considering the quality of education being provided, the Government of Gujarat established the Nirma University under Act No. 10 passed by the Legislative Assembly of the State of Gujarat in April 2003.  This development witnessed the merging of all Institutes under the NERF into a single entity of Nirma University.  The university has also been recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the section 2 (f) of the UGC Act.