The Exarchate of Ujjain of the Syro-Malabar Rite was erected by Pope Paul VI on July 29, 1968 by the Papal Bull "Apostolicum Munus" and entrusted to the Missionary Society of St. Thomas the Apostle of the Syro - Malabar Church.

It consists of three civil districts of M.P. - Ujjain, Shajapur and Raigarh, dismembered from the Diocese of Indore. Msgr John Perumattam was nominated the first Exarch of Ujjain. By the Papal Bull "Qui Divino Consilio" of Pope Pius VI dated February 26, 1977, the Exarchate of Ujjain was erected as diocese and the Exarch Msgr John Perumattam was appointed its First Bishop.