The University was founded by the TALEEM Research Foundation, Ahmedabad, passed by the Uttaranchal Legislative Assembly under Act No. 17, 2003, and recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Section 2(f). It was renamed as Jigyasa University under the Uttarakhand Private University (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act No. 5 of 2024).

Jigyasa University (Formerly Himgiri Zee University) is prominent for addressing the increasing demand for skilled professionals across various social, educational, scientific, technical, and professional sectors, with a focus on channeling human potential toward sustainable economic and social development.

Inspired by the motto "तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय" (Lead me from darkness to light), Shri Subhash Chandra, Chairman of Essel Group and Zee Telefilms, took a visionary step to enhance education and employment opportunities by founding the TALEEM Research Foundation in Ahmedabad. He brought together a team of anthropologists, sociologists, and economists with the goal of establishing a world-class university in India.

Jigyasa University has been established to promote the vocationalization of higher education with a national character and transnational jurisdiction. The University is committed to ensuring that its policies and practices do not discriminate based on caste, creed, residence, community, gender, or religion.