Pandit Sundarlal Sharma (Open) University Chhattisgarh is the state open university headquartered in Bilaspur and established by the Chhattisgarh legislature in 2005. The Governor gave assent to the establishing legislation on 20 January 2005, creating a public institution dedicated to open and distance higher education across the state. The university is named after Pandit Sundarlal Sharma, a freedom fighter and social reformer associated with the Chhattisgarh region. Its first Vice-Chancellor joined on 2 March 2005, followed by the first Registrar later that month, marking the start of formal institutional administration. The university provides flexible learning through self-learning materials, study centers, counseling, examinations and increasingly digital resources. Programs span arts, commerce, science, education, management, computer applications, library science, social work, yoga and other academic or vocational fields. The open-learning model is especially important for learners in rural and tribal districts, working adults and students unable to attend conventional colleges. Regional and study centers extend academic support beyond Bilaspur and help learners access counseling and examinations closer to home. The university also supports research, teacher education, skill development and continuing education within its broader public mandate. Digital platforms and online learner services have become increasingly important as open education has adopted blended delivery. Pt. Sundarlal Sharma (Open) University, Bilaspur operates within Chhattisgarh's higher-education framework and serves learners from the Bilaspur region as well as students from other parts of India. The institution's current university framework dates from 2005, while curriculum, learner support, research and digital services continue to evolve. Its academic model reflects the changing role of technology, flexible learning and professional development in contemporary higher education. Student support, academic counseling, assessment and digital access are important parts of the institution's wider learning system. The university continues to refine its academic delivery through institutional partnerships, updated learning resources and quality-assurance processes.