In the early years of the pedagogical institute physical education course was conducted by the staff of Pedagogy Department. Independent department of physical education was organized in 1963. In 2007 the department was renamed into the Physical Culture Department.

Since 2008 O.A. Razzhivin is in charge of the Department.

Physical education and sports training of students in the Institute is considered very important. Physical cutlure is taught at all the faculties. Classes in physical culture and sports are held not only for health care, all-round development and sports perfection, but also to promote the popularity for regular physical exercise and sports.

Classes are held on the Institute's sports facilities which include 2 game halls, a gym, a ski track, an athletics park, and some playgrounds.

Our staff conducts research on current theoretical and practical issues of physical culture and sports. The research is concentrated on dynamics of physical fitness of students from different health groups.

The Institute's competitions in athletics, volleyball, powerlifting, football, swimming, chess, and cross-country skiing take place every year. Different training groups - powerlifting, football, skiing, weightlifting - are available to students.

The Department has trained 2 Masters of Sports of Russia of International Class (L.Gavina, K.Murtazina), 3 Masters of Sports of Russia in Powerlifting (E.Ramazanova, L.Sharifullina, E.Fattahova), and 1 Master of Sports in Cycling (Yu. Zhestkova).

Students and teachers of the University became winners of different sport competitions and championships of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, Europe and World.