An emerging area of the nickel N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes and their applications in homogeneous catalysis is highlighted in the review. The review paints a holistic perspective through extensive classification, synthesis and the applications of the nickel N-heterocyclic carbene complexes in homogeneous catalysis. It provides an up-to-date account of the developments of the field along with an in-depth analysis to identify potentially interesting areas for the future research in the area.