Established in 1999, U.P. Rajarshi Tandon Open University is located in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Formed under U.P University Act 1999, the university is approved by the Government of Uttar Pradesh and recognised by University Grants Commission (UGC). It offers several UG and PG programmes in multiple specialisations. Other than this, it also offers Diploma courses in a number of areas. The university offers MBA programme in 4 areas of specialisations.

The university offers access to higher education for disadvantaged groups, such as those living in remote and rural areas including working people, homemakers and other adults who
desire to attain knowledge or are interested in specialising in a particular field.