The University of Hyderabad is an institute of post-graduate teaching and research. The school was established by an act of the Parliament of India in 1974 as a Central University. Over the years, it has emerged as a top ranking institute of higher education and research in India. The university also offers courses under distance learning programs. The university is a member of the 'Association of Indian Universities' (AIU), the 'Association of Commonwealth Universities' (ACU) and 'International Council for Distance Education'.