In the year 1987 an independent Department of Cultural Affairs was created by the Government of Assam. The Directorate of Cultural Affairs came under the purview of Cultural Affairs Department. The Mandate of the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Assam is to preserve and promote all forms of art & culture.

The Department of Culture undertakes the activities that follow from the Cultural Policy adopted by the Government of Assam on 2nd January, 2006, Vide No. CAD 281/2003/23.