University of Calcutta

One of the oldest modern universities in Asia, shaping excellence in education, research, and innovation.

Explore University

Center of Academic Excellence

Offering world-class programs across science, arts, commerce, engineering and technology.

Our Programs

Research & Innovation

Driving cutting-edge research, startups, and incubation through industry collaboration.

Innovation Cell

Vibrant Campus Life

A diverse student community with rich cultural, sports, and technical activities.

Campus Life

Technology Campus

Empowering future engineers and technologists through modern infrastructure.

Tech Campus

Our Journey Through Time

A legacy of excellence, innovation and leadership.

1900–1947

Colonial Era

The University of Calcutta was founded in 1857. Dr. Fredrick John, the education secretary to the then British Government in India, first tendered a proposal to the British Government in London for the establishment of a university in Calcutta, along the lines of London University, but at that time the plan failed to obtain the necessary approval. However, a proposal to establish two universities, one in Calcutta and the other in Bombay was later accepted in 1854 and the necessary authority was given through Wood's despatch. The Calcutta University Act came into force on 24 January 1857 and a 41-member Senate was formed as the policy making body of the university. When the university was first established it had a catchment area covering the area from Lahore to Rangoon (now in Myanmar)—the largest of any Indian university.[1]

1947–1999

Post-Independence Growth

In 1914, the University College of Science or Rajabazar Science College was established. A centralized Post-Graduate system of teaching and research was started in 1917. The Asutoish building was opened in 1926. The Asutosh Museum of Indian Art started in 1937.in 1937 when Dr. Syamaprasad Mookerjee was the Vice-Chancellor, he requested Rabindranath Tagore to compose a song to be adopted as the university song of the University of Calcutta. Tagore composed two songs instead of one. Later the second song, Subho Karmapathe Dharo Nirvayo Gaan was chosen to be the university song.The Institute of Nuclear Physics, the first of its kind in Asia, was founded under the leadership of Meghnad Saha in 1945

2000–2018

Modernization Era

The Modernization Era of the University of Calcutta, which began with its establishment in 1857 as the first full-fledged multidisciplinary, Western-style university in South Asia, marked a critical shift toward research-oriented, autonomous higher education. While initially functioning as an examining body similar to the University of London, the institution underwent significant transformations in the early 20th century to become a major center for advanced research and postgraduate stud

2019–Present

Innovation & Startup Era

Institution’s Innovation Council and incubation ecosystem.

University of Calcutta

Center of Academic Excellence

Research & Innovation

Vibrant Campus Life

Technology Campus

Innovation & Incubation Centre
University of Calcutta