Symbiosis International University (S.I.U) is a private co-educational, multi-institutional university located in Pune, Maharashtra, India. It has been given official recognition by the UGC and the AICTE. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council has conferred an 'A' grade to the University. SIU is part of the Symbiosis Society which is its managing body. The Society was established in 1971 by Padmashree Dr S.B. Mujumdar. It was given autonomous status in 2002 by the Ministry of Human Resources Development and since then has opened many more institutes affiliated to it. Symbiosis International University has 19 Academic Institutions spread over 9 campuses in Pune, Nashik and Bengaluru. All these institutes form part of the Symbiosis Society, with the other institutes in the Society being affiliated to various other bodies. The first institutions belonging to the Symbiosis Society were established in 1971, and were affiliated to the University of Pune. Established in 1971 under the patronage of S. B. Mujumdar, President and Founding Director, the Symbiosis Society is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 and the Bombay Public Trust, Act, 1950.