Thapar Polytechnic College, Patiala (Formerly Thapar Polytechnic, Patiala) came into existence in 1956 due to the missionary zeal of the visionary Late Lala Karam Chand Thapar. It is a privately -managed Government aided institution affiliated to Punjab State Board of Technical Education and Industrial Training, Chandigarh. In 1956, it offered 3-year Diploma Courses in Civil Engg., Electrical Engg and Mechanical Engg. with a total intake of 120 students. During the past over five decades, it has established itself into a leading Polytechnic and presently it is offering 07 Diploma Courses i.e. Diploma in Civil Engg., Electrical Engg. Mechanical Engg, Computer Engg, Architectural Assistantship, Electronics & Communication Engg. and Information Technology with a total annual intake of 270 students. It is one of the three organizations on Thapar Technology Campus, the other two are, Thapar University (formerly Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology) and Thapar Centre for Industrial Research & Development. It has been registered as a Society under Registration of Societies Act 1860. It was declared the Best Polytechnic in Northern Region for the years 1999-2000 & 2005-06.