Osmania University
Established in 1918, it is one of the oldest universities in India. The third oldest in southern India and the first to be established in the erstwhile princely State of Hyderabad. Named after Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, the university buildings are splendid, especially the Arts College building which is a perfect example of Indo - Saracenic architecture. It presents a harmonious combination of Hindu temple styles architecture with those of the Saracenics. Inlaid into this unique form are motifs of medieval Muslim, Arabic, Moorish and Gothic school of architecture. With a sprawling campus of nearly 1600 acres (6 km²) and buildings of majestic beauty and architectural splendor, Osmania University is perhaps the symbol of the largest higher education system in the country. With its strong reputation, the University has always attracted students from all across the nation as well as from various other countries. It is the home to nearly 300,000 students pursuing their higher studies in its campus, constituent affiliated colleges and district centres. Its faculty and staff number nearly 5,000.