Manipal Institute of Technology, formerly known as Manipal Engineering College and affiliated to Karnataka University, was established in 1957 by Dr. T. M. A. Pai, at a time when there was an acute shortage of Engineering Institutions in the Country.

As a result of the reorganisation of geographical boundaries of the three Universities in Karnataka during 1965, the Institute was later affiliated to the University of Mysore and since 1980-1981 the Institute is under the affiliation of Mangalore University.

Established as a co-operative venture, the Institute solely depended on the munificence of parents. At present, the admission is open to students all over India subjected to the admission rules of Government of Karnataka. The Institute does not receive grants from any source. The Sponsored candidates from Industries are also given admission under Management quota as per the guidelines of the Supreme Court of India. The Institute enjoys minority Institution status and its Management vests with Dr. T. M. A. Pai Foundation, Manipal. A separate Governing Council has been constituted for MIT by the Foundation.