The Ranchi Sub-Centre of the Institution of Engineers (India) was founded on 23rd July 1961 with a strength of about 87 corporate members. The Sub Centre was inaugurated by the then Hon'ble Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Binodanand Jha. The Ranchi Sub Centre was the second centre to be established in Bihar after the one at Jamshedpur.
Over the years, the corporate membership of Ranchi Sub Centre increased. The day 5th August 1983 was an important landmark in the history of the Sub centre when it was upgraded to Ranchi Local Centre after crossing the minimum required strength of 500 corporate members.
Out of the three new states born in the year 2000, Ranchi Local Centre was the first to be elevated to a State Centre (as Jharkhand State Centre) on 30th March 2001 after formation of Jharkhand State.
Over the years this Centre has always striven to increase its various activities so as to cater fully to the needs of the engineering fraternity at Ranchi and now in Jharkhand. Technical sessions/talks and screening of technical films are organised regularly for the benefit of the members on subjects as varied as 'Ground water' to ‘Missile technology". Besides this, outstation technical visits are also organised periodically. Another interesting feature, which has met with great success, is our ‘continuing education programme’. Short term courses on various subjects are arranged from time to time with great success with the participation from various organisations all over the country.
The centre has been actively engaged in voicing its concerns over many issues from time to time and call on engineers to face the challenges to emphasis on the engineer's role in Society and engineers as managers.
The News Letter started in September 1983 is being published regularly but with a new name 'DISHA', and it is circulated to all the members of Jharkhand State Centre covering entire Jharkhand State.
The Centre has been organising cultural programmes to inculcate bond among members and their families. Independence Day and Republic Day are celebrated with family members every year. Telecom Day and World Environment Day are also celebrated every year.
At present more than 4900 corporate members and 7500 student members are enrolled with Jharkhand State Centre. This is an achievement in comparison to 87 corporate members in 1961. Jharkhand State Centre is designated as 'A' category centre by the Institution of Engineers (India).
From a little hut to a campus with a two storied building, two-conference halls, each capable of seating 100 people, office, library, guesthouses and an auditorium for 300 people, 3 class rooms for continuous education has been an impressive journey. This has been possible only due to the hard work by fellow members, State Government, Public Sector Undertakings and Private Sector Organisations.
It may not be out of place to mention that Jharkhand State Centre was adjudged as the Best State Centre in the year 2007-08, 2008-09, 2010-11 and 2015-16. The Centre also received Best Technician Chapter Award in the year 2015-16. Lastly it is worth to mention that the Centre was also awarded the Best Technical Activities in 2015-16.