Established in 1997, the department is responsible for formulating policies and regulations for higher education in the state.

The Directorate of Technical Education was established on 14 October 1957.

The higher education department was formed in 1997, after bifurcation from the combined education, science and technology department.

[1] The department is responsible for formulating policies, laws, regulations and programmes for higher education in the state.

[5][8] The following sub-departments and undertakings operate under the department:[9]