At the time of independence, Patna University was the only university of state which was imparting postgraduate teaching. In 1961 the then Education Minister of unified Bihar and eminent educationist Shri Satyendra Narayan Sinha founded Magadh University, the largest university of the state. The historic Magadh University Act 1961 was presented in Bihar assembly which was passed by the Government of Bihar, facilitating the establishment of Magadh University at Bodh-Gaya. The University owes it very name Magadh from the ancient Empire "Magadh" which has got its historic identity and also represents the Magadh region as the core of historic - cultural apex of the state.

In the beginning teachings were introduced only in seven subjects - English, Economics, Geography, History, Mathematics, Hindi and Philosophy. The foundation stone for the present campus was founded by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, the then president of our Republic of India on the August 20,1964  in the presence of a galaxy of illustrious personalities. Magadh University is today one of the largest universities of Bihar and India . The University has developed horizontally and vertically having 24 post Graduate Departments, 44 Constituent and 85 affiliated Colleges.