Welcome message from the Principal

It is with great pride and a delectation I welcome you to the illustrious Bethune College. It has a rich history, originating from the Calcutta Female School established in 1849 by John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune and evolving into the first women's college in Asia in 1879. The college is renowned for its commitment to women's education and empowerment, and has witnessed the emergence of many notable figures. Bethune College played a pivotal role in the advancement of women's education in India, providing access to higher learning for women who were previously excluded.The college's legacy extends beyond academics, with students actively participating in social welfare activities , contributing to the freedom movement in the past and consistently nurturing generations of women who have gone on to become trailblazers in various fields. Bina Das was only 21 when she opened fire on Bengal Governor Stanley Jackson at Calcutta University in 1932. But in Calcutta's Bethune College, women like her were not rare. In fact, the institution played a pivotal role in shaping women like her, especially those who called undivided Bengal their home, who fought for freedom from British rule. There are also women like Sarala Devi Chaudhurani, Kadambini Ganguly and Chandramukhi Bose, who did not pick up weapons, but urged literacy and education for girls and championed women's rights and protections, paving the way for several reforms for girls and women in pre-Independence India - a war of a different kind. Illustrious teachers like Kamini Roy , the notable poet Krishna Chandra Bhattacharya, famous philosophers like Chintaharan Chakraborty and Gopinath Bhattacharya, and the famous scholar and academician Sushobhan Chandra Sarkar served this College at different times. From the very inception, Bethune College made a mark in producing notable students.

On entering the college premises, the two distinct features that captivate attention are the heritage buildings and the greenery that wraps itself around these hallowed structures. There are 18 undergraduate and 6 postgraduate programs prospering in the college at present .Today, as we navigate an increasingly dynamic and complex world, we remain committed to our core values of academic rigor, character building, inclusivity, and innovation. We believe that education must not only inform, but also transform. Our goal is to create an environment where young women are encouraged to think critically, act ethically, and lead with confidence.

At Bethune College, we cherish our past, celebrate our present, and prepare for a future where our students contribute meaningfully to society as scholars, professionals, citizens, and human beings. We remain deeply committed to our founding ideals of academic excellence, inclusivity, and social responsibility. Our mission is not only to impart knowledge but also to cultivate critical thinking, compassion, and confidence in every student who walks through our gates. In an ever-changing world, we strive to nurture young women who are not only well-educated but also empowered to lead with integrity, courage, and conviction.

Our college continues to grow with new opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, research, and innovation with ICT-enabled classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, a central library enriched with rare archival materials and modern digital resources, and an environment conducive to holistic growth, we aim to provide our students with the tools to excel in every sphere of life. In keeping with the National Education Policy 2020, Bethune College emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, value-based education, and experiential pedagogy. We are proud to support a vibrant student community engaged in research, outreach, debate, fine arts, NSS activities. A strong placement cell and alumni network connect our students to opportunities across academia, civil services, corporate sectors, and international higher education.

Equity and access remain at the core of our institutional mission. Under the aegis of State Government there multiple scholarship and financial aid schemes to ensure that no deserving student is denied education due to economic constraints. Our Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) work tirelessly to promote a fair, inclusive, and empowering campus for all. The dedication of our faculty, the vibrant enthusiasm of our students, and the unwavering support of our alumni community together sustain the unique spirit of Bethune. As we look to the future, we remain rooted in our heritage while embracing new challenges with resolve. Let us continue to work together to build a nurturing and intellectually vibrant environment that uplifts every individual and contributes meaningfully to society.

I invite you to be a part of this journey of learning, growth, and transformation

With best wishes

Dr. Rajyasri Roy
Principal, Bethune College