About
OfficialBethune College is a public women's college in Kolkata, West Bengal, affiliated to the University of Calcutta since 1888.
- Established in 1879
- Government college under the Department of Higher Education, West Bengal
- Affiliated to University of Calcutta from 1888
- NAAC A+ grade (CGPA 3.
- Ranked 91st nationally in NIRF 2024 (college category)
- 17 undergraduate departments and 6 postgraduate courses
About
Bethune College is a Government College under the aegis of the Department of Higher Education, West Bengal. It is located at 181, Bidhan Sarani, Kolkata 700 006, West Bengal, India. The college's motto is "Vidya Vindatey Amritam", meaning knowledge provides immortal bliss.
History
Bethune College was established in 1879 and affiliated to the University of Calcutta from 1888. It is described as the first women's college in India as well as in Asia. The college owes its origin to John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune, who established Calcutta Female School in 1849. 16th June, 1879 has been accepted as the foundation day of the college. In 1883, Kadambini Ganguly and Chandramukhi Bose passed the BA examination from Bethune College, becoming the first female graduates of Calcutta University and the entire British Colonial Empire.
Academics
At present, Bethune College has 17 Undergraduate Departments, all Honours Courses except Women's Studies, and 6 Postgraduate Courses. The institution's vision is to mold students into dynamic global citizens who are intellectually stimulated, technologically equipped, socially aware, and sympathetic. Its mission is to give learners access to higher education that promotes capacity building and holistic development through a quality teaching-learning process.
Recognition
The college was reaccredited by NAAC in 2015 with an 'A' grade and was accredited with A+ in the 3rd cycle NAAC in 2023, with a CGPA of 3.It secured 91st rank nationally in NIRF ranking 2024 under the college category. In 2020, it received financial support under the DBT Star College Scheme of the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
Rankings at a glance
NIRF 2024
#91
Overall national ranking
Quick stats
Courses offered
16
Avg placements
₹2.98 lakh / yr
Total intake
Not yet verified
Hostel
Yes
Data last verified October 2026 · compiled from official sources