The beginnings of Jawaharlal Nehru College in 1964 marked the foundation of higher education in the state. The college made a humble launch with 42 students and 8 faculty amidst the lush green environs of Pasighat. Being the only institution of higher education, the college became, in due course of time, the hub of academic activities for the boys and girls of Arunachal Pradesh. The tireless strivings of the government of Arunachal Pradesh and the Principals of the college transformed the institution into a domain of modern and secular learning. Liberal arts and basic sciences satiated the academic hunger of the young minds of the state and moved ahead by opening the commerce stream in its matured phase. The veritable who’s who of the state are alumni of the college. The college has been blessed with the dynamism of its faculty members and enthusiastic students who yearn for best education. The academic year 2013-14 saw the college reach the apogee of its landmark journey (still continuing) when the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) evaluated the college and awarded Grade A. Thus, the college became the first institution of higher learning in the state to have received the highest grade. This moment of pride was capped by the golden jubilee celebrations in 2015.
JNC is today recognised as a pre-eminent institution of higher studies by the youth of the state who dream to study here. The recognition of JNC as a premier institution was fortified by the University Grants Commission, New Delhi when it conferred the status of College with Potential for Excellence (CPE) in 2010 and again in 2014.
The college feels elated on its achievements over the years but also understands complacency can push it to the abyss of academic black hole. Hence it always strives to ignite the young minds to face the challenges of the modern world and walk the path to lead them from untrue and unreal to what is real and true. The college feels that it is the catalyst to harness the latent talent of the youth of the state.