Thapar University, (a private university) previously known as Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (before 2007)- was founded in 1956 by Karam Chand Thapar of the Thapar Group of companies. Situated in the city of Patiala in Punjab (Punjab (India)), it is one of north Indias premier institutes of engineering and technology. Thapar University offers courses at the bachelors, masters and Ph. D., level in several disciplines of engineering and technology. Over 10,000 students have graduated from Thapar University. In a survey conducted by DataQuest, it was rated among the top 15 engineering schools in India.

Thaparian culture is based on overall growth. The students keep themselves busy in some activity or the other. These include various academic, cultural and literary activities. At the same time discipline is maintained by the institute to maintain focus on professional growth. The annual college festival "Aranya" has been quite a success among all colleges in Punjab. The institute also has an literary-cultural festival by the name "Saturnalia" held every year in March.