Pondicherry University is a Central University in Pondicherry, India. Founded in 1985 by the Government of India,has emerged as India's fastest growing Central University and it is an affiliating University with a jurisdiction spread over the Union Territories of Puducherry, Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It has 35000 students in its 87 affiliated colleges in addition to 5500 students enrolled on the main campus and another 27,000 students in the distance education mode. It is credited with being a pioneering distance-learning institution in India with innovations like Choice-based Credit System and on-line admission for postgraduate studies. Pondicherry University is outstanding among the central universities in India. Teaching and research are its primary functions as in other Central Universities. In addition, it has also affiliated colleges located in Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, Yanam and the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The Union Territory of Lakshadweep is also expected to have a college affiliated to Pondicherry University in the near future. The Pondicherry University Act, 1985 which has several unique features, established the University.