The Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU) was established on 1st July 1989 by the Act XX- (1989) of Maharashtra State Legislature. The headquarters of the University is located at Nashik. The University campus is aptly named as ‘Dnyangangotri’ (River of Knowledge) and is spread over sprawling 147 acres, picturesque, lush green campus, adjacent to Gangapur Dam near Nashik city.
It is the Fifth Open University in the country. The jurisdiction of this university covers the entire State of Maharashtra. The YCMOU has been recognized under section 12 (B) of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956.