Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab College, a composite Degree College was established in the year 1978 with the mission of imparting Higher Education to the boys and girls belonging to the rural belt of Kupari, a central place in KhairaBlock in the district of Balasore , Odisha of the collge. The siteof the collegeborders Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj District in the west and Bhadrak district in south . This institution is the outcome of the endeavors and far-fetched vision of Dr. H.K.Mahatab , former Chief Minister of Odisha,aneminent politician andadiplomat in both state and national level,ahistorian, the founder of leading Odia daily "The Prajatantra".

The College opened with intermediate in Arts with strength of 128 seats withcompulsory subjects like English, M.I.L (Odia) and optional subject like History, Pol. Sc., Economics, Logic, Odia, Education Under Utkal University in Odisha established in the heart of capital city, Bhubaneswar and gradually got momentum with increaseof seatsin I.A. from 128 to 256 in the year 1981 with same subjects and got Govt. recognition and University affiliation in +3 Arts(pass) with 128 seats with subjectslike compulsory English, MIL(ODIA) and optionalslike Economics, History, Pol.Sc. , Philosophy, Odiain theAcademic Session 1986-87 . As a composite College+2 was opened in the Academic Session 1990-91 with Govt. recognition and CHSE affiliation with64 seats with compulsory subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics. In course of time Honors Subjects in Economics, History, Pol. Sc. And Education with 16 seats in each were opened in the Academic Session 1992-93 by Govt. recognition and University affiliation. Subjects like Sanskrit and sociology were opened with 64 seats in each in the Academic Session 1996-97 in +2 Arts Level with Govt. recognition and CHSE affiliation. The seats in +2 science level were extended from 64 to 128 seats with same subjectsin the Academic Session 1996-97 in +2 Arts Level with Govt. recognition and CHSE affiliation . Both +2 science and Arts and +3 Arts ( Pass & Honours) gotpermanent recognition and affiliation in the Academic Session 2002-03. English (Hons.) in +3 Arts with 16 seats opened in the Academic Session 2010-11 with 16 seats opened with the academic session 2010-11 with Govt. recognition and University Affiliation under Fakir Mohan University, Balasore , Odisha that emerged as a result of division of Utkal University , Govt. of Odisha . +2 commerce with 64 seats opened in Academic Session 2010-11 with CHSE affiliation and Govt. recognition . Now the college is one of the leading composite colleges of Odisha and is recognized as a Govt. Aided College. Its Lecturers have been allowed UGC Scale of pay with effect from 01.01.1986 and promotion under CAS thereof and it has been registered under 2(f) and 12(B) of UGC Act and availing UGC grants for different purposesforover all development of the college form (XI) plan Period.

The College is guided by rules and regulations of Govt. of Odisha and UGC. It performs all curricularand Extra-curricular activities as per state Govt. and UGC guidelines. The college has a sparkling campus of 12.20 acre of land with strong infrastructure , vast play ground and pollution free environmentwith beautiful plantation.

All the teaching and non-teaching staff render their services diligently and sincerely for the growth and development of the college . All the principals appointed sinceits inception have been performing their dutiesdiligently and sincerely for the growthand development of the collegeand keep an eye to the changing scenario in the field of higher education both in national and global level. Now the college has so many challenges before trying its best how to keeppace with life-substances higher education to all its students not only by curriculum designed by University and council but also utilizing the imparted education to earn for living both by employment and entrepreneurship