History Division traces its origin in August 1945 when Historical Section (India) was set to compile the histories of operations conducted by the Indian Armed Forces during World War II. The Division published 25 volumes on various military aspects of the Indian role in the War. Meanwhile, in 1953, the History Division was set up as an Inter-Services Organisation to function as record, research and reference office of the Ministry of Defence and three Services HQs. The Division is entrusted with the responsibilities of maintaining historical and operational records related to three Services, Assam Rifles and Coast Guards. Besides, the Division compiles the official histories of operations conducted by the Indian Armed Forces from time to time. The Division has so far compiled 46 books covering various historical aspects of the Indian Armed Forces. The soft copy of the books are available in this portal under subject 'History Division Publications'. The Heraldry Cell of the Division advises the three Services HQs in naming the establishments and Ships, preparing Crests and Formation Signs and Badges, coining Mottoes, etc. The Division also maintains a library having more than 8,000 books on military history. The History Division works under the Joint Secretary (ESW/ Coord & Hist) in the Ministry of Defence.

Since the History Division is the repository of operational/historical records related to the Indian Armed forces, the declassified records have been made available to general public through Samar Abhilekh portal for ease in access in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur. This portal broadly contains declassified records related the three Services, MoD Annual Reports, rare military history books, Fauji Akhbars / Sainik Samachars, etc.