N.T. Rama Rao founded Sri Padmavati Mahila Mahavidyala in 1983 to empower women through education. It is a state university that is accredited by the UGC. Its courses in the various disciplines are well regarded, having received accreditation from the Bar Council of India and the Indian Nursing Council. It is not region-specific and accepts women from all three Andhra Pradesh areas, namely Rayalaseema, Telangana, and Coastal Andhra.

It provides over 55 courses in various UG and PG courses such as B. Tech., MBA, and so on. It has received an 'A' rating from NAAC. Admission to the courses is based on merit and a test. Applicants can apply online or in person.

Its campus is at Tirupati, at the foot of the holy Tirumala Hills. It features a 138-acre semi-urban campus with a variety of facilities such as hostels, a health centre, and a gym. The University can decide whether admission should be based on a test or on merit.