Government College Dharamshala, nestled at the foothills of lofty Dhauladhar mountains, capped with snow, is the oldest institutions of the state and enjoys a magnificent history of achievements.

The foundation stone of the existing college building was laid way back in 1912;

In 1926, Elevated to the level an intermediate college;

In 1947, Upgraded to the level of graduation

In 1977, Became first college of the state to introduce Post Graduation in different streams

Grades by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council Bengaluru)

2003 ‘B’ grade (1st cycle)

2015 ‘A’ grade (2nd cycle)

2022 ‘B++’ grade (3rd cycle).

The evolution and growth of the college has been phenomenal. Apart from the regular streams of Arts, Science and Commerce, the college also offers self-financing courses like BBA, BCA, PGDCA, B.Sc.(Hons)-Biotech, B.Voc. (Retail Management) and B.Voc. (Hospitality & Tourism) under HPU. Other self finance courses like MBA, MCA and B.Tech (CSE) under HPTU.

The college also offers Post Graduate courses MA (English), M.Sc.(Chemistry) M.Sc.(Geography) and M.Com.

The vision and mission of this educational institution has been to impart knowledge, build careers, develop skills and focus on holistic growth and development of each and every student so that they are competent enough to face the challenges of a bigger world.

The College has implemented RUSA-CBCS from 2013 onwards. The college has IGNOU study centre. As Library is an integral part of any educational institution and the library of the college is fully computerized, spacious and largest in the state with a total number of 71,375 books on its shelves. The college library has been “N-Listed” under INFLIBNET whereby students can have on line access to books and journals. The college Library subscribes 20 Magazines, 3 journals, E-Journals      ONOS (13,000+) and 12 different newspapers in Hindi and English language.

The Career Guidance Cell of the college remains active throughout the session and arranges various counselling lectures for students to make them aware of the vistas open to them in this modern competitive world. The college has three modern Computer Labs with more than 100 computers and students have the privilege to avail internet facility with broad-band connection. Anew computer lab has been established in the Arts block with sixty computers. The campus is being made Wi-Fi for which work is in progress. The college has constituted various clubs and societies like Drama Club, Eco Club, Mountaineering and Trekking Club, Yoga and Fitness Club, Disaster Management Club, B-Speak Club, Planning Forum, Cultural Society, Literary Society, Commerce Society, Science Society etc. which provide platform to the students who have the ability and talent for doing something exceptional, extra-ordinary and adventurous. The college has not only excelled in academic activities but has also distinguished itself in sports and cultural activities as well. The sports persons of the college have brought laurels not only at state or national level but also at international level.

The College has two NCC units (1HP & 5HP) for boys and girls. Also units of National Service Scheme (NSS) and Rovers and Rangers. In order to spread AIDS awareness, the college is running Red-Ribbon Club.

The college has three hostels, one for boys and two for girls and these hostels provide accommodation to 50 boys and 120girls. The Parent-Teacher Association is an integral part of the college and it always comes forward to assist the college administration to take up various developmental activities in the college. Old Student’s Association is playing a pivotal role in the growth of the college. Under the UGC scheme, the college offers free of cost Remedial Coaching Classes for the students belonging to SC/ST/OBC and Weaker Section of the society and also for competitive exams like NDA, CDS, Banking, NET or SLET etc. and the initiative has attracted large number of aspirants from different parts of the state.