The College was founded on the 19th July, 1915 through the pioneering efforts of Dr. ANNIE WOOD BESANT and the noble band of Theosophical workers who came under her inspiration especially her paternal uncle Prof. Ernest Wood. It was originally named as WOODS NATIONAL COLLEGE. The event will always be remembered as a land mark in the history of Rayalaseema as the College was at that time, the only institution to cater to the needs of higher education in this region. It also brought the people of the area into closer contact with international programs for the propagation of culture and spiritual ideals of the Theosophical Society and also the National movement for political liberation under the inspiration of Dr. Annie Besant. After the demise of Dr. Annie Besant it was named as Besant Theosophical College as a mark of gratitude to this great soul. It was originally managed by the Theosophical Educational Trust which later renamed as Besant Centenary Trust.

Loan/ Scholarship Provisions:

Coming to the scholarship, the college has many scholarship run by the college and the local government where ths students who belonged to the economically poor background but are meritorious get upto upto 5 laks of scholarship.

Besant Theosophical College, Madanapalle Facilities

Library
The College Library has on stock about 1,00,000 books on various subjects and bound periodicals. Some rare and out of print books and journals are also available. There are separate wings for P.G., U.G., and Computer Science Courses.
I.T Infrastructure
The College has Computer Laboratories need Special mention as this is the era of Information Technology.
Laboratories
The College has well-equipped Laboratories for the following Subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Botany, Horticulture, Biotechnology, Computer Science & Statistics.
Sports
The college has Games and sports are essential in a students life for they alone give necessary strength and resistance to the body. Thanks to the efforts of Staff in the physical Education Department, girls and boys have won laurels at different levels in various games.
Auditorium
The college has an auditorium facility for events and seminars.
Gym
The college has a Gym facility for the students.
Alumni Associations
The college has a good networking for the alumni association.
Boys Hostel
The college has a boy’s hostel facility which provides good hostel accommodation for the students.
Girls Hostel
The college has a girl's hostel facility which provides good hostel accommodation for the students.
Cafeteria
The college has a canteen facility for staff and students.
Medical/Hospital
The college has a health center with a first aid facility for the students.