The University of Calicut, was born on 07/23/1968, by ordinance No. 5/68 of Gov. of Kerala, which was later superseded by the Calicut University Act of 1975. The objectives of the University are to qualitatively develop higher education and research in all spheres of human development with special reference to technical and technological sectors and to promote art and culture in particular for Kerala, to uplift the educationally backward people and hasten the process of human development in comparatively less developed regions of North Kerala. Now after the establishment of Kannur University in 1995, the jurisdiction of Calicut University is limited to Thrissur, Palakkad districts. , Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad (except Mananthavady Taluk). The main campus of the University is Thehipalam (Malappuram Dt), 23 KM. south of the city of Kozhikode and extends over an area of ​​200 ha. on both sides of the NH-17.

Administrative Office, Pareeksha Bhavan, Distance Education School, Indoor and Outdoor Stadium, University Press, Publishing Department, University Engineering Department, Men’s and Women’s Hostels, Working Women’s Hostel , faculty hostel and staff accommodation are located here. A well-equipped library, Audiovisual Research Center, Computer Center, Science and Instrumentation Center, Guest House and Seminar Complex, School of Health Sciences, University Health Center, Supermarket, Canteen, Bank Travancore State with ATM, Post Office, Telephone exchange is also working on campus. Large playgrounds and gym are also located on the Campus.

The University has complete teaching departments and several study centers and schools. The university has two major extension centers, one in Thrissur and the other in Calicut. Another center is being established in Vatakara. In addition to these, the university has Teacher Training Centers in all five districts and advanced computer science centers in 13 locations offering MCA, MSc Computer and BSc IT courses. The Calicut University Institute of Engineering and Technology (CUIET) is located on the university campus, 400 M. from Kohinoor on NH-17. There are more than 150 colleges affiliated with the University, including teacher education colleges, engineering colleges, medical colleges, law schools, IHRD centers, fine arts college, oriental degree colleges, and colleges of dentistry, nursing, and homeopathy.