It was established on 23 September 1887 by an act of Parliament and is recognised as an Institute of National Importance (INI).

The foundation stone of the Muir Central College was laid by Governor-General of India, Lord Northbrook on 9 December 1873.

It began as an affiliating and examining body for graduate and postgraduate degrees with a classical orientation and the responsibility for secondary education as well.

Over the next few years its affiliated colleges were transferred to Agra University and the task of conducting secondary-level examinations was relocated.

In 1951, the university (while maintaining its fundamental unitary character) recognized certain local institutions as associated colleges authorized to teach undergraduate courses under the Faculty of Arts, Commerce, Science, and Law.

In view of these achievements, as well as its position among the universities of Uttar Pradesh, the state government accorded it formal recognition in July 1992 as a 'premier institution' (Vishesh Agrani Sanstha).

The president of India is the visitor and the governor of Uttar Pradesh is the chief rector of the university.

[12] In November 2020, Professor Sangita Srivastava was appointed as the new regular vice chancellor of Allahabad University.