Prior to the formation of Ranga Reddy district, Vikarabad was in Hyderabad district. The numerous educational institutions clustered in Hyderabad city catered to the needs of the city dwellers leaving no scope for the unfortunate poor residing in the interior of the district.

Dr. M. Channa Reddy, former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and former Governor of Tamil Nadu, realized the necessity of starting a college in Vikarabad and providing adequate Educational and Medical facilities to this backward rural area. In order to achieve the twin purposes, he had organized the local elite, farmers, traders and leaders into "VIKAS MANDALI", a voluntary organization in the year 1965 and very soon the dream of the rural population of this area came true with the establishment of a college at Vikarabad. Very fittingly, the college so founded in 1968, was named after Lord Anantha Padmanabha, as the institution 'Sree Anantha Padmanabha Arts, Science & Commerce College' came to be located right at the foot of the Ananthagiri Hills, known for its salubrious climate.