Situated on the tropic of cancer, at an altitude of 651m from sea level amidst tropical flora and fauna, Ranchi College, Ranchi (now upgraded as a Unitary State University and known as Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, Ranchi) had been established during the Pre- Independent India. Established in 1926 as a Government Intermediate College, it marched ahead and began Under-Graduate and post–graduate Courses in various subjects of Arts/Science in the year 1946.

Even after Independence, Ranchi College continued to celebrate its recognition as Government College. Till the creation of Ranchi University, Ranchi on 12th July, 1960, it functioned as a Unit of Patna University, imparting quality Higher Education in faculties of Humanities, Science and Social Science.