Bathinda is one of the oldest towns in the state of Punjab and has many historical associations. There is an ancient "Fort" in Bathinda, which is believed to have been in existence for the last 1800 years. It is believed that Rao Bhatti, son of Bal Band who became ruler of Punjab in 336 Bikrami Sambat established the modern town of Bathinda in Lakhi Jungle area in the third century and the city was captured from him by Sur Brars. Bala Rao Bhatti inhabited the city in 965 AD naming it Bhatinda after his surname. The city also remained the capital of Raja Jaipal. It was also called "Whatinda" and "Bitunda'' which finally came to be known as Bathinda. In the year of 1000 Mahmud Gazni besieged the Bathinda Fort which fell in his way from North West to the rich Ganges Plains. Later Mohammad Gori attacked and captured the Fort of Bathinda in 1189, but Prithavi Raj Chauhan the ruler of this region managed to recover the possession of the fort thirteen months later in 1191. The fort is also associated with the first woman ruler of India "Razia Sultana" who ruled India during 1236-1240. Razia Sultana was imprisoned in the Fort in 1240. Tenth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh Ji visited the town in 1705 on his way to Talwandi Sabo (Damdama Sahib) after battles of Muktsar. Guru Ji stayed in the fort for some days. With the formation of Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU) on May 5, 1948, Bathinda district came into existence on August 20, 1948. Its headquarters were originally at Faridkot which were later on shifted to Bathinda in 1953.

Government Rajindra College, Bathinda is one of the premier institutions of the Malwa region, established in 1940. It was founded in the memory of Maharaja Rajinder Singh of Patiala. One can find its reference in Encyclopedia Britannica Vol. III Pg. 564.  The college was established as a Primary School in the year 1904 and turned into an Intermediate College in 1940. The undergraduate courses in humanities were started in the year 1950. Studies in the field of Science were started in 1955, B.Sc classes in the year of 1962 and the Commerce stream was introduced in the year 1968. At present the college runs PG courses (Physics, Mathematics, Pol Sc., History and Philosophy), UG courses (BCA, BBA, B.Com. (Hons.), B.Sc. (Med and Non-Med), B.Com., and  BA) and Diploma courses in Services and Beverages, Diploma in Food Production. Pacing with the modern world and to meet its requirements the college has started two new courses B.Sc. (Hons.) in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science and PG Diploma in Computer Networking and Hardware.

Moving ahead with the times, the college was the first in Punjab to introduce online admission portal in 2014. In 2016, the college was accredited B+ grade by NAAC.

The Higher Education Institute Society, Govt. Rajindra College, Bathinda was established on 22nd Dec, 2005 under the Societies Registration Act 21 (1860). This society runs courses under self-financed scheme. At present the college is imparting education to more than 4000 students and the girls outnumber the boys.

The college has Rajindra Auditorium, large play grounds and an open-air theatre named 'Balwant Gargi Theatre'. The library stocks more than 49,232 books and subscribes to several journals. The modern facilities like e-library, Inflibnet membership are available to the students as well as the faculty. Students are encouraged to participate actively in extra-curricular activities.

82nd foundation year (2021) of the college is dedicated to the bright and secure future of the students.