Sido Kanhu Murmu University was previously known as Siddhu Kanhu University. By an Act of Bihar Legislative Assembly, the University was established on 10th January 1992. When the state of Jharkhand was created the University was renamed as the `Sido Kanhu Murmu University` by an amendment made in the Jharkhand State Universities Act 2000. This University was separated from the Bhagalpur University (which is now known as Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University) and made a separate university. The University is affiliated to the Association of Indian Universities. It is located in Dumka in Jharkhand.

The University provides undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in arts science and commerce. Doctoral degrees are also awarded in the faculties of Social Science, Humanities and Science.