Established in 1964, Government Arts College (MEN), Krishnagiri was set up in order to enlighten the people of remote areas of Tamil Nadu with the knowledge of education and learning. Initiated with the help of donation from the public, this college was started by the then Honourable Chief Minister, M. Bhaktavatchalam on 15th October, 1964. It had a humble beginning with only 3 sections in PUC. Degree courses were offered in subjects like Mathematics, History and Tamil Literature from 1965.

Government Arts College (MEN), Krishnagiri was transferred to its newly constructed building, worth 8.50 lakhs, in a land that was purchased by the college committee in August, 1970. The then the Governor K.K Sha inaugurated the new building on 14th October 1970. In the next year, i.e. 1971, the 1st floor was added to the existing building. In 1971-72, the English literature and Zoology degree courses were inaugurated and in 1972-73, Botany was also introduced. Degree course in Physics was begun in 1979-80. In the year 1980-81, the postgraduate course in Botany was introduced and in the following year a PG course in Mathematics was initiated, which helped the college to earn the status of a postgraduate institute. Madras University distinguished the college as a research institute in 1982-83. Therefore the M.Phil course both in part time and full time basis was introduced from 1984-85. A degree course in Computer Science was introduced in 1990-91 and a Degree course in Chemistry was introduced in 1999-2000. Recently during the academic session of 2003-2004 few self financed courses were introduced. These are-- M.Sc in Physics, M.Sc in Zoology, M.Phil in Tamil, B.Lit in Tamil, Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), B.Com, B.Sc in Microbiology. In this academic year, i.e. 2007-08 the above-mentioned courses became part of the regular academic curriculum.

Various facilities are provided to the students. The Student Co-operative store operates inside the college campus for the past 25 years, through which study materials and stationeries are offered to the students at an affordable rate.

The Parent Teacher Association began in the academic year 2006-2007. The Old Student Association began functioning in the same academic session. A spacious college canteen also was opened up in the academic year 2006-07. At present the total number of teaching staff is twenty five, while the non-teaching staff comprises twenty members.