The Department was started in 1954 with the help of part-time teachers. It started functioning as a full-fledged Department since 1958-59. The M.A. programme was started in 1986. French is also offered as a second language under Part- I of the undergraduate courses in Nizam College and University College for Women and in a number of private colleges affiliated to Osmania University. It is also offered as a compulsory subject in Hotel Management and Catering Technology College (B.H.M & C.T) and (B.C.T & C.A) and in MAM (Masters in Applied Management) Dual Degree Course.

The Department receives help in the form of donation of books and cooperation from French Embassy, Pro Helvetia, Zurich and International Association of Quebec Studies.