Established in 1965 as a co-ed institution, Pettigrew College takes pride in its history of over 60 active years, making it the oldest and only government college in the Ukhrul district. The college has long been committed to providing quality education for undergraduate students and with strong moral foundation.

The rich legacy of the college can be traced back to the vision of its founders, who were educationists, public leaders, and members serving at the district. The college is named in honor of Reverend William Pettigrew, a pioneer educationist and missionary who introduced education to the district. Initially, the college operated as a private institution for 12 years before being taken over by the Government of Manipur in 1977. The founders’ vision to provide access to quality higher education, particularly for the rural Tangkhul community, aims to empower to equip with the ever-changing and challenging world.

Currently, the college offers undergraduate courses across 12 departments, with plans to introduce fourth-year undergraduate courses in the next academic session. Additionally, the college serves as an incubation center for entrepreneurs, training new and upcoming business leaders in the district.

Pettigrew College provides hostel facilities for both boys and girls and has campus accommodations for faculty from distant areas. The district is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to many endemic plants and animals. Notably, the state flower, the endemic Shirui lily, blooms just 10 kilometers away from the campus.

The college is dedicated to keeping pace with progressive educational trends in higher education. With the introduction of NEP 2020, education at the college has become even more dynamic. The college is committed to realizing and upholding the vision and values of its founders, with its qualified faculty serving as a key strength. They are devoted to providing innovative educational opportunities and fostering creativity and excellence among students.

In addition to academic rigor, the college emphasizes the importance of employability skills. It offers a free short-term course in Information Technology (IT) alongside core subjects, aiming to equip students with the soft skills and technical skills essential for success in the workplace and real-world situations.