Ranchi University was established on July 12, 1960, with ten post graduate departments, one constituent college (Ranchi College, Ranchi), and 20 affiliated colleges spread over an area of 65,000 square kilometers.

Being located in predominantly tribal area, the University has successfully lived up to the expectations and aspirations of the people in its fifty years of existence. And it continues to do so despite being subjected to trifurcation: first in 1992 when Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribagh was carved out; second in 1999 when Nilamber Pitamber University, Medinagar was created; and third, in August 2009 when Kolhan University, Chaibasa was created. Today its territorial jurisdiction covers five districts only. Despite so many divisions, Ranchi University continues to play a leading role in imparting higher education in the state.

At present the University has 23 post graduate departments, 15 constituent colleges, and 49 affiliated colleges, imparting teaching in medicine, psychiatry, law, engineering, business management, education, and general courses. Besides these institutions there is a UGC sponsored Academic Staff College.

Beside regular courses, Ranchi University also offers post graduate level Self Financing/Vocational courses namely L.L.M., M.B.A., M.C.A., M.Sc. in Electronics & Communication, P.G. Diploma in Medicinal Plants & P.G. Diploma in Plant Bio-Technology.

At the under graduate level the University offers B.Ed., Bio-technology, Computer Application, Computer Maintenance, Information Technology, Office Management and Secretarial Practice, Functional Hindi, Functional English, Clinical Nutrition & Dietics, Fashion Designing, Food Processing, Environment & Water Management, Business Administration, Travel and Tourism Management, Mass Communication and Video Production, Advertising and Sales Promotion & Sales Management.

To provide greater horizontal mobility to student the University has introduced several add-on courses (certificate/diploma/advanced diploma).