The National Test House (NTH), formerly known as the Government Test House, boasts a rich legacy dating back to its establishment in 1912. Initially founded in Calcutta by the Railway Board, its primary objective was to address the needs of the Indian Railways by focusing on import substitution. Over time, the scope of its services expanded significantly.

From 1916 to 1918, the Indian Industrial Commission recognized the need for an Indian Stores Department, which was later absorbed by NTH. This transformation positioned NTH as a crucial entity responsible for the regular testing of general stores required by various government departments, including the Defense Department.

In 1934, the Industrial Intelligence and Research Bureau (later known as the Industrial Research Bureau), a precursor to the modern CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), was established by the Government of India. NTH became its home and played a pivotal role in conducting research focused on the indigenous development of raw materials.