Since its founding in 1926, the pesantren has become famous for the application of discipline, heavy emphasis on foreign languages (Arabic and English), and strong network and cadre of alumni.

Kyai Santoso Anom died in 1918 at a young age and left 7 children, thus the leadership of Pondok Gontor Lama was cut off.

[4] After studying at various traditional pesantrens and modern educational institutions, the three sons of Kyai Santoso Anom finally returned to Gontor on September 20, 1926 (12 Rabiul Awwal 1345) for the commemoration of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad.

All three were known as Trimurti Founders of Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor, namely Ahmad Sahal, Zainudin Fananie, and Imam Zarkasyi.

On October 12, 1958 (28 Rabi'ul Awwal 1378), Trimurti donated PMDG to the ummah, which was deemed highly as a sacrifice of private property for the benefit of society.

PMDG leaders, in addition to leading the institutions and sections in the educational committee, are also obliged to take care of the santris following the Sunnah.

According to the decision of the Waqf Board, on 7 Rabiul Awwal 1411, KMI Gontor Putri was officially established in Mantingan, Ngawi Regency.

The curriculum and learning program of Gontor Putri is similar to KMI, with adjustments to local content and emphasis on training specifically for female santris.

The University of Darussalam (UNIDA) is a pesantren college where all the students are in campus dormitories under the guidance of the rector (as kyai).

Below are the faculties and its courses existing under UNIDA: The scholarly orientation at PMDG is aimed at forming a person with devout Islamic faith and morals who can serve the community at the same time.