The Punjab Technical University, which is located in Jalandhar, was established in 1997, by an act of State Legislature to promote technical, management and pharmaceutical education in the state.

Forty engineering colleges, fifty six management, seventeen pharmacy colleges, six architecture, two Hotel Management and catering Technology Colleges and thirteen colleges imparting courses in medical lab technology (MLT) and IT disciplines are affiliated to the University. The university has set up about 12 regional centers for M-Tech courses.

The Punjab Technical University has entered into collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to promote technology-oriented research. The Distance education programme offered by the University is very reputed. In fact, it has set up more than three hundred and fifty Learning Centers in all regions of Punjab and across India, which are carrying diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses in IT, Fashion & Beauty Technologies, Paramedical & Applied Technologies, Hotel Management & Tourism and Media Technologies.