The Nehru Institute of Social Sciences was established in 1969 as a post graduate department for inter-disciplinary learning. A 'Masters Course' in social sciences with interdisciplinary subjects was offered from 1996. As per the tenth plan allocations for the Vidyapeeth and the suggestions of the then UGC Chairman Prof. Nigvekar (Ref. No. D. O. No. F. 2-5/2002 X plan) it was decided that all the four departments that comprised Nehru Institute of Social Sciences be separated into an autonomous departments. Thus, a separate Post-Graduate Department came into being with effect from September 2005. It has since then embarked upon its journey towards becoming a centre of higher learning and research in History. The M.A Programme (in Economics/ Sociology/ Political Science/ History) attracts the students from all over India. TMV remains the favourite destination of students also from South East Asia and Africa. The Nehru Institute of Social Sciences includes four M.A. Programmes (M.A. in Economics, M.A. in Sociology, M.A. in Political Sciences and M.A. in History) and four Programmes of Ph.D.(Ph. D. in Economics, Ph. D. in Sociology, Ph. D. in Political Sciences, Ph. D. in History). 

TMV’s academic departments have consistently emerged as pioneers in interdisciplinary education, research, and academic innovation. The institution has maintained a strong tradition of educational excellence through innovative programmes, research-oriented learning, and holistic academic development. For the last three decades, the University has served as an important educational hub for foreign students, fostering international academic engagement and cultural exchange. The departments have successfully completed a significant number of research projects funded by prestigious central government agencies such as the University Grants Commission (UGC), Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), and Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), New Delhi. The University has also been recognized as a Research Centre for Ph.D. programmes for over three decades, contributing substantially to advanced scholarship and knowledge creation. The scope of departmental research has covered a wide spectrum of interdisciplinary areas ranging from rural development and environmental studies to cultural and political history. As an academic centre for learning, research, capacity building, and networking, the institution actively promotes dissemination of knowledge through academic collaborations, seminars, conferences, and outreach initiatives. Further, the University is actively implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 with effect from the academic year 2024–25, thereby aligning its academic framework with contemporary educational reforms and multidisciplinary learning objectives.