The Education Ministry was one of the government agencies established on May 18, 1918, when the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic declared independence.

After Soviet rule was established in Azerbaijan on April 28, 1920, the ministry was transformed into the Commissariat of Public Enlightenment by Decree No.

1 of the Council of Ministers of Azerbaijan SSR, bringing all educational institutions in the republic under its direct supervision.

In 1940, the Council of Ministers approved the creation of a separate government agency, the Department of Labour Reserves, which would oversee the activities of vocational institutions.

In 1959, the Council of Ministers also approved the establishment of the Committee of Higher and Secondary Special Education, transferring all institutions of secondary and higher education under its control, which from 1964 until 1988 acted as an independent government agency.