Ranchi University came into existence on the 12th of July, 1960 as a teaching-cum-affiliating University with headquarters at Ranchi. At the time of inception Ranchi University covered whole of present day Jharkhand, except Santhal Parganas. In 1992, Ranchi University was bifurcated to create Vinoba Bhave Ranchi University, reducing its area by nearly half. In 2009 Ranchi University was divided twice – in January to create Nilambar Pitambar University, at Medininagar, and in August 2009 to create Kolhan University, at Chaibasa. At present, Ranchi University spans five districts of Jharkhand, namely, Ranchi, Gumla, Khunti, Simdega and Lohardaga.

The University today has 14 Constituent Colleges, and 55 affiliated colleges/ institutes. They include Medical College, Engineering College, Law College, Institutes of Management, Institute of Psychiatry, Colleges imparting Bachelor of Education and Nursing etc.
Right since its inception Ranchi University has been alive to the ever increasing demands of higher education. Keeping pace with changing times, Ranchi University today offers a number of vocational courses in various streams in addition to the traditional courses. Some of the courses offered by Ranchi University are as follows In the Faculty of Arts (Humanities & Social Sciences)