The Department of Philosophy, Manipur University was established in 1986 under the supervision of Prof. I. R. Babu the then Dean, School of Humanities, Manipur University by introducing bridge course in philosophy. It became an independent department by commencing PG Programme with 12 students in 1987 under the dynamic leadership of Shri Elangbam Nilakanta Singh a noted scholar, poet and teacher of philosophy.
In the beginning teachers like Dr. L. Bhagyachandra, Dr. K. Manikchand Singh, Dr. M. Kirti Singh, Dr. A. Dorendra Singh, Dr. S. Lokendrajit Singh Dr. G. Ranjit Sharma, Shri A. Haridas Sharma, Dr. Kh. Ghanashyam Singh and many others have taught or associated with the department.
Prof. S. Shyamkishore Singh was the first regular Head of the Department.
A number of eminent philosophers from India and abroad have lectured in the department from time to time. Philosophers from India include Prof. S. P. Banerjee, Prof. Kalyan Bagchi, Prof. Bhuvan Chandel, Prof. Rekha Janchi and many others frequently visited the department and delivered lectured.