The Fakir Mohan University, Orissa was established by the Government of Orissa under Section 32 of the Orissa University Act, 1989.  The University has also been duly recognized by the UGC. It has also been accredited by the Association of Indian Universities.

In reality, it become the largest University from the point of view of the numerical strength of colleges and students in India. The State, however, ultimately decided to open two University, Fakir Mohan University at Balasore and North Orissa University at Baripada in July 1999