The Catholic Exarchate of Sagar was created in 1968 bifurcating parts from the dioceses of Bhopal, Ajmer and Jaipur. It became a diocese in 1977.  Msgr. Clemens Thottungal, cmi was its first bishop.  Msgr. Joseph Pastor Neelankavil, cmi then succeeded him.  Msgr. Anthony Chirayath is the present bishop, who is also the first diocesan priest of the diocese.  He became bishop on 25th March 2006, Feast of the Annunciation. He is also the first Diocesan Bishop of North Indian Syro-Malabar Dioceses.