The college started functioning in the newly constructed building of Dr. Nabin Kumar Sahu, Ex Vice Chancellor, S.U. whose yeoman service in the initial stage of the college cannot be forgotten. It began with the opening of P.U. [H] class in 1973‐74 being affiliated to the Sambalpur University in Arts faculty. It was subsequently upgraded to a Degree College with the opening of the B.A. Class in 1977‐88. The Government has been kind enough to extend direct payment to the college with effect from june 1976.

The college provides honours facilities in History and Political Science from the session 1980-81 and Oriya, from the session 91. It also provides Honours facilities in Economics and English From 1994‐95, +2 Classes in Arts have been started from the session 1983‐84, I.Sc with P.C.M. group was introduced from the session 1983‐86 and +3 sc. with PCM started functioning from 1990‐91 with a view to opening vistas for employment opportunities. Honour provision in Education, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics started from 2011‐12. In the field of N.S.S. and Athletics, the performance records of the students are quite impressive both in the state and in national level also. The college has the vision to involve the students in various socio‐cultural dimensions through extension activities like active Citizenship Programme, Red Cross and National Social Service.

Barpali College , Barpali, is situated in a semi urban area and has a vision to impart education to SC/ST and OBC students coming from rural back ground in an affordable fee. To inculcate quality education with social commitment and to excel in their career with a depth knowledge in latest teaching learning process to compete with current competitive job market.