Presidency University

Presidency University is one of the first institutes of Western-type higher education in Asia. It was established as Hindoo College in 1817 by a group of enlightened Indians and Englishmen. In 1857 it was under the newly founded Calcutta University.

Presidency College was an important centre of higher learning for Bengal. Although a Constituent College of Calcutta University, it's quality matched a few universities in India. This gave a unique dimension to its undergraduate teaching.

Presidency College became Presidency University in July 2010. It continued to grow in stature and become one of the leading institutions of future.

Presidency College stood for modern, western education in the English medium. However, Indian history and art and language was not neglected. This was borne out by the contribution of the students of the college to Bengali language and literature. The subjects which were initially taught were English, Bengali, Sanskrit, History, Geography, Chronology, Astronomy, Mathematics, Chemistry and some other science subjects. In addition, Law, Commerce and Engineering were taught for some time, but it was discontinued later.

Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and Anandaram Barooah, students of the college, enriched Bengali and Assamese literature. S.N.Bose, M.N.Saha, P.C.Mahalanobish, Amal Kumar Raychaudhuri, Shyamal Sengupta, Ashoke Sen made world-class contribution in the field of sciences and mathematics. Amartya Sen and Sukhamoy Chakraborty made contributions to economic theory in the decades after independence.

Departments in Presidency University

Bengali
Life Sciences
Chemistry
Economics
English
Geography
Geology
Hindi
History
Mathematics
Performing Arts
Physics
Philosophy
Political Science
Sociology
Statistics

Undergraduate Admission in Presidency University

For admission to UG courses (BA/ B.Sc.), candidates must appear for Presidency University Bachelors Degree Entrance Test (PUBDET). WBJEE Board conducts PUBDET for admission to various courses in Presidency University.

All the admission tests are conducted in English with the exception of Vernacular courses like Hindi and Bengali

The shortlisted candidates will be further intimated for counselling by the university.

Postgraduate Admission in Presidency University

WBJEE Board conducts common entrance examination titled PUMDET for admission to various Post Graduate courses in the Presidency University.

Research and PhD Program in Presidency University

Presidency University (earlier Presidency College) is noted for its research activities since the time of its inception. Acharya J. C. Bose, Prof. Alexander Pedler, and Acharya P. C. Ray were some of the eminent scholars who made their innovations and discoveries here. The laboratories and research infrastructure created over the years, offer excellent facility to conduct research at the highest level.

In recognition of the research potential of various departments, the University Grants Commission and other national agencies have time and again extended special provisions. The Economics Department was selected by the UGC as a ‘Centre of Excellence in Economic Studies’ in the Fifth Five-year Plan and the ‘Centre for Economic Studies’ was set up in the year 1972. The Department of Geology was also selected for prestigious COSIST and SAP by the UGC between 1986 and 2003 for contribution in the field of ‘Precambrian Crustal Evolution’.The Humanities department started a new trans-disciplinary initiative called Digital Humanities for digital intervention in critical analyses and cultural theory.

Candidates seeking admission to PhD program should have a Master’s degree with at least 55% of marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade.

A relaxation of 5% of marks or an equivalent relaxation of grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC-A/OBC-B as per UGC guide lines.

PhD Admission in Presidency University

Candidates for admission to the Ph.D. program should have a Master’s degree with at least 55% of marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade.

A relaxation of 5% of marks or an equivalent relaxation of grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC-A/OBC-B as per UGC guide lines.

Library of Presidency University

The Presidency University Library has a very unique and rich collection of books and periodicals which is very difficult to match.

Along with ancient manuscripts its also includes some of the rarest reference materials, important documents and journals. The University Library comprises two main units - the Arts Library and the Science library alongside the individual departmental libraries. With the vast stock of old and rare books as well as the growing maintenance demands, plans for further infrastructural development and expansion are underway.

Scholarships offered by Presidency University

A limited number of Merit-cum-means scholarships and free studentships are available for the deserving and meritorious students whose parent's/guardian’s monthly income does not exceed Rs. 25,000/- per annum. A limited number of Sheela Kanoria Foundation Scholarships of the value of Rs. 2000/- per month are available for disadvantaged female students.

Contact Details

Presidency University

86/1 College Street

Kolkata 700073

Website: www.presiuniv.ac.in