Vinoba Bhave University is the fruit of a decade long people’s endeavors. Post-graduate courses were started in 1972 in St. Columba`s  College with teaching in History and Economics. Subsequently, it was converted into Post Graduate Centre of Ranchi University . By January 1983, post graduate teaching in four more subjects-English, Hindi Political science and Mathematics was begun on the approval of the Government of Bihar. In 1985, the Bihar state the father of Bhoodan Movement, Sant Vinoba Bhave. Finally, by Act 3 of 1990 the Bihar state assembly amended the Bihar state Universities Act 1976, adding Vinoba Bhave University having its   territorial jurisdiction over the entire North Chhotanagpur Division with its headquarters at Hazaribag. Later on it expanded to almost entire Jharkhand State on induction of all Sanskrit Ayurvedic and Homeopathic colleges of Jharkhand. The foundation stone of the University was laid on 17th January 1990 by the then Chief Minister of Bihar, Dr. Jagganath Mishra
After two  years, (Late) Dr. Vinodini Terway was appointed the first Vice Chancellor of the University. She took over the  charge on 17th of September 1992. Thus Vinoba Bhave University came into being : a long cherished dream finally crystallized.
The University soon got a motto and a crest-an extract from Vinoba`s jee`s couplet - 'JEEWANAM SATYA SODHANAM', and an emblem consisting of a Mandala or Astamandala , an ancient vedic and Tantrik symbol for equanimity and enlightenment-a transuniversal expression of men’s attempt to understand  the unknown in which he finds  himself. At the centre of the astamandala is a Lamp with the flame representing  the learning that dispels the darkness  of ignorance and prejudice. The base of the circle holding the astamandala and the lamp, again is rooted in ancient Indian culture depicting the contours of Mauryan sculpture. The letters are in the Pali style.