The college was established to commemorate the quincentenary celebration of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Philanthropists and well-wishers from the city and surrounding areas set up the institution with the aim of ensuring the all-round development of students, placing special emphasis on moral upliftment and extracurricular activities.

All great achievements have humble beginnings; revolutions are born from the cradle of untiring and fearless efforts for change. This desire provides the impetus for small steps that eventually grow into giant leaps for humanity. Guided by the profound words “Ghariye Surat Mat Man Budhi”, the Guru Nanak Education Trust was formed.

This trust went on to establish a managing committee, which laid a strong foundation for the college during the years 1971 to 1978. Thereafter, the entire management of the college came under the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Amritsar.

In its early years, the college offered higher education exclusively for boys in the field of Arts. In the academic session 1991–92, co-education was introduced, marking a new chapter in the institution’s history.