The University Department of Geology, Udaipur was founded in June 1950 as the first post- graduate science department in Rajasthan. Prof. G. S. Mahajani, Vice Chancellor of the then Rajputana University (Rajasthan University since 1957) recalled "Priority considerations dictated that we should begin with Geology. Udaipur with its proximity to Aravalli range was chosen for its location. We were fortunate in securing in Dr. K. P. Rode a competent first incumbent". Founder Prof. Rode concurred "Udaipur was happily chosen for Geology as Mewar then was the center of mining industry with vast mineral potential in Rajasthan and on this very account the Rajasthan Government also chose Udaipur to locate its Department of Mines & Geology." The newly founded Department was accommodated in the then Maharana Bhupal Government College; the Department shifted to its present premises in October 1962. In same year a one-year post-M. Sc. course of M. Sc. Tech. Applied Geology was added. This course became very popular amongst students because it offered them opportunity of extensive field training at an operative mine and trained them to be competent exploration geologists. Over the years, Alumni of the Department have rendered commendable service to the growth and development of Mineral Industry and Ground Water Resources. The Department was started as a research & teaching institution. Through these five decades the department has produced-74 Ph. D. theses, several publications (research papers, Memoirs, Books, Reports, etc.) and successfully completed scores of research projects funded by various national and international agencies.

It has done pioneering work in the study of Precambrian Geology of Rajasthan with respect to its petrology, structural geology & tectonics, metallic & industrial minerals, and stratigraphy. The Department has also made significant contribution in studies of fossils (micro- & mega- ) of Rajasthan, Gujarat, South and East India. Department has organized a number of Seminars and Advanced Courses. Faculty members have collaborated with several foreign institutions also.
Because of its contribution in teaching and research the Department also received the supports of University Grant Commission, viz. COSIST (Committee on Strengthening of Infrastructure for Science & Technology) 01.04.1990 to 31.03.1995 and SAP (Special Assistance Programme) Phase - I: 01.02.1990 to 31.01.1995, Phase II: 21.11.1995 for five years, Phase III:01.04.2002 for five years.
The Department was transferred from University of Rajasthan , located at Jaipur to M.L. Sukhadia University located at Udaipur on 23rd.December.1998.