The college started off with its affiliation from Calcutta University in July 1899 as Grade ‘B' college, named as the ‘Dublin University Mission College' under the founder Principal Rev. J.A. Murray. The college was started in a rent-free bungalow attached to the Post Office with a total of twenty five students in the college. In 1900 With total student strength of 87, out of which 45 resided in the college hostel, the college was soon upgraded in 1904 to Grade ‘A' college on the basis of its spectacular performance and excellence. Its academic brilliance was shown with the introduction of graduate-level courses in 1904. In the year 1906-07, it was anointed as "St. Columba's College", the present name, after the name of the famous Irish Saint Columba. In 1908, the college entered into possession of the present permanent building. In 1917, the science block was inaugurated by the then Lieutenant Governor of Bihar and Orissa, Sir Edward Gait, and around this time, Rev. H.G.S. Kennedy became the Principal of the college, later followed by, Rev. G.C.P. Stevenson. In 1925, the college witnessed the arrival of Mahatma Gandhi in the historical ‘Whitley Hall' from where he addressed the staff and students on social service. In 1930, Mr A.F. Markham became the Principal of the college. In 1952, the college became a part of Bihar University, and, in 1964, St. Columba's College became a constituent unit of Ranchi University. Continuing its unending glorious journey, it turned into a glaring constituent unit of Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribagh, in 1992. Over the years, the college has progressed to newer heights under various esteemed principals. The legacy of educational pioneership is being continued till date under the present Principal, Rev. (Dr.) Sushil Kumar Toppo.