National College Tiruchirapalli was founded on June 11, 1919 through the generosity of the late Diwan Bahadur S.Rm.CT.Pethachi Chettiar, Zamindar of Andipatti and the collective initiative and zeal of Judge T.V.Seshagiri Iyer, Sir.T .Desikachariar, N.D.Subbarama Iyer, Sri.Sivarama Krishna Iyer and a galaxy of social reformers and nationalists. In its early years, it was only a sophomore college offering intermediate courses and was soon transformed into a freshman college on June 11, 1924 with the introduction of undergraduate programs.

The founders conceived the idea of ​​a national institution to promote among their youth the highest and noblest ideals which are the essence of Indian culture and nationalism. True to its name, the National College continues to instill cultural values ​​and fulfill its role as one of the country's premier nation-building institutions. Led by eminent scholars and administrators as rectors, the college became a center of higher learning and earned a reputation for high moral and educational standards. In fact, it was Rector Saranathan, who served as Rector for a long time, who chose the motto of this college - "Saa Vidyaa Yaa Vimukthayea" - meaning "It alone is the knowledge that liberates", which implies to provide education to the youth in these Days to free themselves not only from the clutches of colonialism, but also from poverty, ignorance, oppression, caste, etc. The motto is still relevant as it continues to provide quality education primarily to students from socially and economically disadvantaged families in surrounding villages with the intention of transforming their lives.

The college operated at the old Teppakulam Campus for almost four decades, starting in 1919. The relocation of the Teppakulam University Campus to the junction area began with land acquisitions in 1957-58. Forty years after its founding, on July 8, 1959, the college was moved to the current campus, easily accessible from the railway junction and the central bus station on the Tiruchirappalli – Dindigul highway. The College celebrated its golden jubilee in the year 1969 under the presidency of Shri. NR Sundararaja Iyer. The Golden Jubilee Block was built during this time and intended for student use.

The College was privileged to celebrate its diamond jubilee in the year 1980-81, under the presidency of Hon'ble Shri.R.Venkataraman, the most distinguished alumnus and then Minister of Finance, Government of India . Later he became the President of the Republic of India. A new block called the Main Block of Saranathan was built to mark the occasion. It now houses the university library. The college remembered its chief architect with gratitude and praised its illustrious line of teachers.

The Platinum Jubilee celebration in February 1995 under the chairmanship of the esteemed Vice-Chancellor of Bharathidasan University, Dr. V.R. Muthukaruppan was a major event to commemorate the outstanding services of the institution to the underprivileged sections of the society.

The College celebrated its centenary with all grandeur and splendor under the presidency of Dr. V Krishnamurti. The Honorable Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President of India officially opened the festivities on 10 January 2020. The momentous event was an opportunity for the hundreds of distinguished alumni, retired teaching and non-teaching staff, and the entire student and staff community in attendance to appreciate. India Post issued a commemorative stamp under the 'My Stamp' program to mark the occasion. An impressive and beautiful entrance arch was built to mark the centenary and a plaque was erected.

The National Evening College was founded in the year 1978 to cater to the growing needs of a new generation of students. Many new courses were introduced and the student population became a fair mix of rural and urban students. The information revolution has brought unforeseen changes to curriculum design and course content. Since the 2005-2006 academic year, the 'Evening College' has been renamed as 'unsupervised courses' and exists alongside supervised courses. Continuing to respond to its social commitment and the national call to open higher education portals to girls, the university has introduced a co-education model since the 2007 academic year. Shift II classes are from the 2015-2016 year to meet the growing demand for admission to various courses.