As education remains the first and foremost priority of any nation in order to grow and progress, contribution in education is always valuable. The level of literacy and education of a nation is critical for any form of social uplifting and prosperity. Considering it as the most important form of corporate social responsibility, WAPDA took an initiative in March 2004 and established WAPDA Cadet College Tarbela for providing quality education at extremely low charges.

The college started with an initial intake of 40 cadets in 8th class in April 2004 and was formally inaugurated on May 27, 2004 by Mr. Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, the then Federal Minister for Water & Power. So far 18 batches of cadets have completed their education and are now serving in all walks of life, especially the Armed Forces of Pakistan. The present strength of the college is about 450 cadets who are getting quality education from class 8th to 12th.

The college is located inside WAPDA Colony, near Ghazi town of District Haripur, about 30 kilometers from G.T Road and 22 kilometers from Motorway (M1). It is situated on the scenic bank of river Indus amidst green mountains and barrage reservoir. The college was initially spread over an area of about 49 acres. In 2018, WAPDA allotted 20 acres additional land for College sports grounds.

Each year, a batch of nearly 140 cadets is selected in 8th grade after qualifying a written test and interview. After selection the cadets go through a rigorous training till grade 12, but they are at liberty to join any field best suited to their mental aptitude and interest.