National College, Tiruchirapalli was founded on 11th June, 1919, thanks to the munificence of the late Diwan Bahadur S.Rm.CT.Pethachi Chettiar, Zamindar of Andipatti and the collective initiative and zeal of Justice T.V.Seshagiri Iyer, Sir.T.Desikachariar, N.D.Subbarama Iyer, Sri.Sivarama Krishna Iyer and a galaxy of social reformers and nationalists. During the initial years, it was only a Second Grade College offering Intermediate courses and was soon upgraded to First Grade College on the 11th of June 1924 with the introduction of undergraduate programmes.

The founders conceived the idea of a national institution to promote among its youth the highest and the loftiest ideals which constitute the essence of Indian Culture and Nationalism. True to its name, National College continues to impart cultural values and fulfil its role as one of the premiere nation-building institutions of the country. Under the stewardship of eminent scholars and administrators as its principals, the college has grown to become a seat of higher education and has earned a reputation for high moral and educational standards. In fact, it was Principal Saranathan, who had a long stint as its principal, chose the motto of this College – “Saa Vidyaa Yaa Vimukthayea” – which means “That alone is knowledge which liberates,” implying to provide education to the youth of those days to liberate themselves not only from the clutches of colonialism but also from poverty, ignorance, oppression, casteism and so on. The motto has relevance even today as it continues to provide quality education largely to the students of socially and economically backward families from villages nearby with the intent of transforming their lives.

The College functioned in the old Teppakulam campus for nearly four decades from 1919. The shifting of the College campus from Teppakulam to the Junction area began with the acquisition of land in 1957-58. Forty years after its inception, on the 8th of July 1959, the College was shifted to the present campus within easy reach from the railway Junction and the central bus stand on the Tiruchirappalli – Dindigul highway.

The College celebrated its Golden Jubilee in the year 1969 under the presidentship of Shri. N.R.Sundararaja Iyer. The Golden Jubilee Block was constructed and dedicated for the use of students during this period.

The College had the privilege of celebrating its Diamond Jubilee during the year 1980-81, under the presidentship of Hon’ble Shri.R.Venkataraman, the most distinguished alumnus and the then Minister for Finance, Government of India. Later, he became the President of Republic of India. To mark the occasion, a new block named ‘Principal Saranathan Block’ was built. It houses the college library now. The College fondly remembered with gratitude its principal architect and paid rich encomiums to its glorious line of teachers.

The celebration of the Platinum Jubilee in February 1995 under the presidentship of the esteemed Vice-Chancellor of Bharathidasan University Dr. V. R. Muthukaruppan was an important event to commemorate the remarkable services of the institution to the underprivileged sections of the society.