This institution is one of the oldest polytechnics in the state, was established in
1923. Originally named as Osmania Central Technical College and located in the Mint Compound at Saifabad. In 1931, it was renamed as Osmania Technical College. After India gained independence in 1947, the institution’s name was changed to Government Polytechnic, Hyderabad in 1954 and technical courses were introduced in three branches of study : Civil, Automobile and Mechanical.

In 1957, a course in the branch of Telecommunications (Electronics) was added. The institution was shifted to the present campus at Masab Tank in the academic year 1960-61. Subsequently, Diploma in Pharmacy was introduced in 1971-72. Diploma in Computers was introduced in 1986-87. 

There are at present seven diploma courses in engineering being offered. In the first shift, seven diploma programmes in engineering (Automobile, Civil, Computers, Electrical & Electronics, Electronics and Communications, Mechanical and Pharmacy) are being offered, while in the second shift, only three diploma programmes (Civil, Computers and Electronics& Communications) are being offered. Each branch has an intake of 60 students. This college has 50 highly qualified teaching and 150 non-teaching staff. An approximate number of 1800 students are on roles of whom nearly 650 students are girls. 

The institution has a hostel for boys attached to it. It has nearly 110 rooms accommodating nearly 440 students. Attached Hostel for girls with a capacity of 100 students is in the institution. There is an active training placement cell helping the students tone up their skills so that they are placed in reputed organizations. Being an old institution, it has a very big campus with structures housing the
class rooms and labs.  As the institute is located in the heart of the city Hyderabad, it has access to many engineering institutions and R&D organizations which is very much helpful in providing a bridge between the institute and the industry.  

This institution is recognized and approved by AICTE, New Delhi, and affiliated to State Board of Technical Education and Training, Telangana, Hyderabad.