The College is affiliated to Panjab University, Chandigarh for Three Year Degree Course in Humanities, Science (Medical & Non-Medical), Commerce & Business Management, Computer Science & Applications, Business Administration and M.A. in Political Science, History, Punjabi, M.Com., M.Sc.(IT) and PGDCA. The advent of Arya College, Ludhiana (Premier Post Graduate Institution of Northern India) in 1946 on the educational map of the country was the fulfillment of the long cherished desire of the people of Ludhiana and its surrounding areas. A few dedicated members of Arya Samaj met in 1945 and decided to raise funds to start a degree college to cater to the needs of the young students. Their mission was to keep aloft the torch of knowledge and awakening kindled by Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati. It was due to their untiring efforts that Arya College came into existence in Ludhiana in 1946. It was started in a building known as Malerkotla House. The same building was later used to house the Women Section when it was started in 1970. At present, the College is considered to be a premier post graduate educational institute of higher education of the northern India.
The College is centrally located in Civil Lines on Maharishi Dayanand Road. The College building is tastefully designed and bears an architectural grandeur. It is spread over about 10 acres tract of land. It has spacious science laboratories equipped with modern apparatus, separate and attractive library block having three reading-rooms and extensive play-grounds for major games. All the lecture rooms are well-furnished and commodious. Water-coolers fitted with aqua-guards provide safe and pure drinking water to staff and students. A high power generator has been installed in the main College and one in the women section for uninterrupted supply of electricity in the class rooms.