ISAMP was formed in 1975 at Ahmedabad, with the purpose of bringing together the large number of atomic physicists – largely a body of theorists, located mostly in and around Calcutta, Delhi, Bombay, Varanasi and Ahmedabad. It has grown in size and scope, from a handful to a few hundred. As years went by the character of atomic physics community changed from largely theoretical to a healthy mix of experiment and theory. This is reflected in the transactions of the society as well.

The Society holds a biennial national conference alternated by a biennial topical meeting.