The University of the Punjab is governed by the Punjab University Act of 1973. The Chancellor, who is Governor of the Province, is the highest authority of the University. He presides over convocations, and meetings of the University Senate. If he so desires, he also gives approval for conferring an honorary degree, etc. The Chancellor, in most of the matters, acts on the advice of the Pro-Chancellor, who is the provincial Minister of Education.

The Vice-Chancellor is the executive head of the University and manages its academic, financial and administrative activities. He exercises his powers through the advice and decisions taken by various University authorities. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor assists the Vice-Chancellor in the execution of some of the functions of the University. Deans of Faculties, Directors of the Institutes and Centers, Principals of the Constituent Colleges and Chairpersons of Departments are responsible for the academic activities of their respective academic institutions. The Registrar, the Treasurer, the Controller of Examinations, the Chief Librarian and other officers-in-charge look after the working of relevant departments.

All the academic, administrative and financial activities of the University are managed and regulated by different bodies. The Senate is the highest body of the University, and gives approval to draft statutes proposed by the Syndicate. It also approves the Annual Report on academic activities, the annual statement of accounts and revised budget estimates, etc. The Syndicate is the executive body of the University and also takes effective measures to raise the standards of teaching, research and other academic pursuits. It exercises general supervision over the affairs and management of the property of the University. The Selection Board, following stated procedures, recommends to the Syndicate the names of suitable candidates for appointment to teaching and other posts. The Academic Council, the academic body of the University, advises the Syndicate on all academic matters. It lays down standards of instruction, research, publications, examinations, etc., to promote the academic life of the University and its affiliated colleges. A particular discipline or a group of disciplines may together comprise a Faculty. Each Faculty has its own Board, which is chaired by the respective Dean of the Faculty. The Board coordinates the teaching and research work in the subjects assigned to the Faculty and acts on the advice of the Board of Studies. The Board of Studies for each discipline is the primary body responsible for regulating all academic matters and making recommendations regarding these areas. The Advanced Studies and Research Board looks after the promotion of advanced studies and research in the University. In addition, there are many other bodies which deal with the academic, financial, administrative, welfare, discipline and other matters of the University’s functioning. The University Grants Commission acts as an intermediary in processing government funding and coordinates academic matters of the university.