The college was established as the Regional College of Engineering, Nagpur in 1960, under an education program of the Government of India. The State College of Engineering, established in 1956 by the Maharashtra Government in the city, was merged with the college.
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rnThe first academic session at RCE started in June 1960, with classes temporarily being held at the Government Polytechnic, Nagpur. Subsequently, the Maharashtra Government granted 212 acres (86 ha) to the college for building its campus.
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rnIn 1962, the Board of Governors of the college resolved to name the college for Sir Visvesvaraya.
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rnIn 2002, the college was conferred the National Institute of Technology status, and renamed as VNIT. In 2007, it was conferred its status as an Institute of National Importance. VNIT faculty and staff will mentor the newly established National Institute of Technology, Mizoram during the academic year 2010-2011.