St Xavier's College, Ranchi was started by Ranchi Jesuit Society. It was first affiliated to Patna University; from 1950-1960 the college was under Bihar University and when the Ranchi University came into existence in 1960, the college was affiliated to Ranchi University. The college is a premier institution of the State of Jharkhand, imparting quality education and has remained a center of excellence.

The aim of the college is to contribute to the sustainable socioeconomic development of the neighborhood, locality, and region. The objective of the college is to engage in research and extension activities related to the development issue of Jharkhand.