Dhamnagar College is the realization of the long-cherished dream of Late Hrudananda Mallick, a
visionary leader devoted to the upliftment of his locality. In 1965-66, he first envisioned
establishing a college in this flood-prone region to provide higher education to local youth.
Although the governing body of the proposed college was registered (No. 4058/548 of 1965-66)
and fees were deposited for affiliation with Utkal University for a Pre-University Arts course, the
project faced several setbacks, primarily due to the absence of a permanent building. The college
was finally established on August 15, 1977. Initially, classes were held at Dhamanagar Feeder
U.P. School and later at Dhamnagar Government High School during the 1977-78 and 1978-79
sessions, respectively. In 1979-80, the college shifted to its present location—a vast expanse of
land in the historic Nabati Village Jungle in Gourbishi Nuapara Mouza, situated between
Dhamnagar and Dobal, near the notable site of Gohira Tikiri. The college began its academic
journey as an Intermediate College with just 79 students and 9 staff members. Over the years, it
expanded its academic offerings, introducing +2 Arts, Science (1983-84), and Commerce (1986-
87) streams, and +3 Degree courses in Arts (1985-86), followed by Honours in Economics,
History, Odia, and Political Science in 1991-92. It later received affiliation from F.M. University
to offer +3 Science (2009-10) and Commerce (2010-11) streams, with Honours courses in
Botany, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Zoology, and Commerce introduced in 2016-17.
Dhamnagar College has been recognized under Sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act, 1956,
since April 22, 1992, and receives central assistance for its development.
