Gautam Buddha University, established by the Uttar Pradesh Act (9) of 2002, commenced its first academic session at its 511 acres lush green campus at Greater Noida in August 2008. The University is fully funded by the New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (NOIDA) and the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA), the undertakings of the Government of Uttar Pradesh. The University is recognized by the University Grants Commission under UGC Act and is a member of the Association of Indian Universities. Recognition by the University Grants Commission of India (UGC): Gautam Buddha University is recognized by the University Grants Commission of India vide F.9-18/2009 (CRP-I) dated 13 May 2009 under section 2(f) of UGC Act 1956. Through this the University has been empowered to award degrees as specified by UGC under section 22 of the UGC Act 1956 at its main campus with the approval of Statutory Councils, wherever required. The academic programs offered by the University are recognized by the University Grants Commission of India and various other Statutory Bodies, Councils, whichever are applicable in individual cases.