Brief History

Established on 2 June 1997 during the 84th National Assembly, the institute began as Rigney Pelkhang with a principal, two teachers, and 21 students, with the aim of promoting traditional arts and addressing youth unemployment. It was upgraded to the College of Rigney in 2017 and renamed the College of Zorig Chusum in 2018. The college introduced National Diploma courses in Jimzo (Sculpture), Lhadri (Painting), Trezo (Gold and Silver Smithing), Tshemzo (Tailoring ), and Tshemdrup (Embroidery). With 1,232 graduates (2001 to 2025) now serving as professionals and entrepreneurs while building better livelihoods, the college continues to offer competency-based training (BQF Levels 2 and 3, and Diplomas) to preserve and promote Bhutan’s rich heritage.