The Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University (MSCB University), formerly known as North Orissa University (NOU),[10][11] was founded by the Government of Orissa under Section 32 of the Odisha University Act, 1989 (Act 5 of 1989),[12] by notice No. 880 dated 13th July 1998.[13] The university was established in 1999 on a 98.84-acre site in Takatpur, Baripada, in the Mayurbhanj District of Odisha. It was created by separating from Utkal University and operates as an affiliating institution. The University has been acknowledged by the University Grants Commission in accordance with Sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act, 1956, effective from February 15, 2000, and June 21, 2006, respectively.[14] The university's geographical authority include the Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts in the northern region of Odisha, which are densely inhabited with tribal populations. NOU has authority over a total of 103 institutions, which includes 65 colleges in Mayurbhanj and 38 colleges Keonjhar