Government Polytechnic Kanpur was established in 1962. the institute was started with only two branches Civil Engg. and Mechanical Engg. with admission capacity of 180 students, now it's admission capacity is 720 students and it is running 12 disciplines of engineering.

The institute is one of the four premier institutions to run Multi Point Entry and Credit system in UP.

Campus amenities and atmosphere makes it a best polytechnic of UP. NITTTR Chandigarh has declared this institute as best technical institute of northern region of India in year 2002-03.