The Oriental College was established in 1963 as a private college under the leadership of late Shri Nongthombam Ibomcha Singh (Tera Lai), renowned politician and social worker, with physical and monetary support from a number of people of this area. Since its inception, the college has produced a number of academicians, politicians, social workers, outstanding sports persons,etc. The college was taken over by the Government of Manipur on 4th September, 1978. It has been recognized by the U.G.C. under section 2f and 12B in 1988. The college is affiliated to Manipur University. It is one of the premier government colleges in Manipur offering degree classes in Arts and Science streams. The college was accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) on the 8th January, 2011. With this and other internal reforms, the college is now forging ahead towards Autonomy status. Situated amidst the greeneries of Takyelpat along the National Highway 53, about 3 Km. away from the heart of Imphal City, it is spread over 7.5 acres far from the din and bustle of the city, providing a congenial and harmonious site for learning.Bringing environment consciousness among the students and staff. – Education-in-nature environment
The college is located at the periphery of Imphal city and lies in a rural setup.However new offices and government/ non-governmental construction are coming up during the last few decades around the college. The rural setup is being slowly transformed into an urban one. Issues about ecological imbalance due to degradation of green zones and reduction of wasteland have become apparent. People around the campus, the hinterland of the college, have their own consciousness about effects of environmental degradation. Resulting from continuous awareness and lecture programmes about the importance of saving environment by way of afforestation and proper management of wastes and sanitation, students and staffs of the college have become well aware of physical context in and around the college. There is ample opportunity for developing eco-friendly environment to be extended by experts and organisations working on this issue.