Birsa Agricultural University was established in the year 1981 with three Colleges, viz., Ranchi Agril. College, Ranchi Veterinary College and College of Forestry, all located in one campus. This University is the first of its kind established in the tribal belt of the Eastern zone of our country with the primary objective of economic upliftment of the Adivasis (Schedule tribes), economically backward classes and other inhabitants of Jharkhand plateau through developing and educating the modern practices and technologies in the field of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Forestry. The University was formally inaugurated, with the faculties of Agriculture, Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry and Forestry, by the then Prime Minster of India, Smt. Indira Gandhi on the 26th June 1981.

The University is located, on Ranchi-Patratu Road, about 8 km north of Ranchi town, about 13 km north of Ranchi Railway Station and about 17 km north of Ranchi Airport. The location stands at 850 19’E and 23 0 17’N and 625 metres above mean sea level. The climate is sub-humid megathermal with large winter water deficiency.