Recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and affiliated to the Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam, Chatia College is a premier institute of higher learning in Sootea, Dist.- Biswanath, Assam offering Bachelor of Arts (BA) Regular & Honours programmes under the Choice based Credit System (CBCS). It was established in the year 1982 with the unwavering endeavour of some leading citizens and the public of greater Sootea area. The College is situated at the heart of Sootea around 1 km away from the NH – 15 in its own plot of land which covers an area of about 7.5 acres. The College has Arunachal Pradesh to the North, the mighty Brahmaputra river to the South, the Ghiladhari river to the East, and the Dekorai river to the West. About 72 villages comprise the areas immediately surrounding the College. The serene and eco-friendly campus with two playgrounds for various sports and games adds to the beauty of this institution.

Former MLA, Late Robin Saikia contributed greatly to this institution by facilitating mobilization of funds from the ABITA in the initial construction purpose of the institution. The role played by Shri Padma Hazarika, present MLA of Sootea Constituency in establishing the institution, displaying his incredible versatility as the Chief architect of the College is universally acknowledged. The College is affiliated to Gauhati University. It is situated in a rural area with the objective of giving boost to students belonging to SC/ST/Minority categories besides a large number of tea garden students.

The motto of the College is ‘tamasho ma jyotirgamai’ which translates into “lead us from darkness to the light”. The College has provided an atmosphere where students from diverse ethnic and linguistic communities collectively pursue their goals to build a strong academic and cultural environment.

The College is also a centre of Distance Education to the Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU) and the institute of Distance and Open Learning (IDOL) of the Gauhati University.