Christ University was formerly Christ College (Autonomous) affiliated to Bangalore University. Established in July 1969, Christ College became the most preferred educational institution in the city of Bangalore within the first three decades. From 1990 onwards it scaled from heights to heights. By the introduction of innovative and modern curriculum, insistence on acedmic discipline, imparting of Holistic Education and with the help of the creative and dedicated staff, Christ College has been continually rated among the top 10 educational institutions of the country. It has the rare distinction to be the first institution in Karnataka to be accredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) UGC for quality education. On 7 October 2004, UGC has conferred Autonomy to Christ College (No. F.13-1/2004).
On May 20, 2005, it became the first College in South India to be reaccredited with A+ by NAAC. UGC has identified it as an Institution with Potential for Excellence in June 2006.
July 22, 2008 is the most glorious day in the history of the institution. Under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, Ministry of Human Resources Development of the Union Government of India, vide Notification No. F. 9-34/2007-U.3(A), has declared it a Deemed to be University, in the name and style of Christ University.