Hooghly Mohsin College stands as one of India's most historically significant educational institutions, established in 1836 as the first seat of English education in the country. Located in Chinsurah, Hooghly District, West Bengal, this prestigious college has been nurturing academic excellence for 189 years as of 2025. Originally known as New Hooghly College for its first century, it was renamed Hooghly Mohsin College in 1936 during its centenary celebrations. The college is affiliated with the University of Burdwan since 1960 and offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across arts, science, and law disciplines to approximately 3,000+ students.
Hooghly Mohsin College Highlights
Hooghly Mohsin College represents a remarkable legacy of 189 years in higher education, making it one of India's oldest academic institutions. The college was established with funding from the trust of philanthropist Haji Mohammed Mohsin and began its journey on August 1, 1836 in Perron's house overlooking the Hooghly River. The institution has produced numerous distinguished alumni including freedom fighters, scientists, writers, and cultural icons who have significantly contributed to India's intellectual and cultural heritage. The college operates under the University of Burdwan affiliation and maintains separate departments for undergraduate, postgraduate, and law programs with a dedicated faculty serving thousands of students annually.
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Particulars |
Details |
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Established |
August 1, 1836 |
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Type |
Government Aided College |
|
Approvals/Accreditations |
University of Burdwan (Affiliated since 1960) |
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Student Intake / Strength |
Approximately 3,000+ students |
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Faculty |
Experienced faculty across Arts, Science, and Law departments |
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Flagship Program & Fees |
B.A. Honours, B.Sc. Honours, LL.B. - INR 5,000-15,000 annually |
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Entrance Exams |
Merit-based admission, University entrance requirements |
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Official Website |
Hooghly Mohsin College Courses & Fees
The college offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across multiple disciplines. The B.A. Honours program was introduced in 1909, while the History department received Honours affiliation in 1924. The institution expanded its academic offerings with the establishment of a Law Section in 1978, providing legal education alongside traditional arts and science programs. The fee structure remains affordable, reflecting the college's commitment to accessible higher education. Programs are designed to provide students with strong foundational knowledge and practical skills across various academic disciplines.
Program | Level | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
B.A. Honours | Undergraduate | 3 Years | 10+2 with relevant subjects | INR 15,000-20,000 |
B.A. General | Undergraduate | 3 Years | 10+2 from recognized board | INR 12,000-18,000 |
B.Sc. Honours | Undergraduate | 3 Years | 10+2 with Science subjects | INR 18,000-25,000 |
B.Sc. General | Undergraduate | 3 Years | 10+2 with Science subjects | INR 15,000-22,000 |
M.A. | Postgraduate | 2 Years | Bachelor's degree in relevant field |
INR 20,000-30,000 |
|
M.Sc. |
Postgraduate |
2 Years |
Bachelor's degree in Science | INR 25,000-35,000 |
LL.B. | Undergraduate | 3 Years | Bachelor's degree in any discipline |
INR 30,000-45,000 |
Hooghly Mohsin College Admission Process
The admission process at Hooghly Mohsin College follows the University of Burdwan guidelines and typically begins in May-June each year. The college primarily follows a merit-based admission system for most undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Applications are processed through both online and offline modes, with the college maintaining transparency in the selection process. The institution reserves seats as per government norms for various categories including SC, ST, OBC, and economically weaker sections. The admission process is designed to ensure fair and equitable access to quality higher education.
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Application Window: May-July annually
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Entrance Exams: Merit-based selection, no separate entrance exam
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Selection Stages: Merit list preparation based on qualifying examination marks
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Step |
Details |
Indicative Timeline |
Documents |
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Application Submission |
Online/Offline application with required documents |
May-June |
Mark sheets, certificates, photographs |
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Merit List Publication |
Category-wise merit lists published |
June-July |
Verification of submitted documents |
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Counselling & Admission |
Document verification and fee payment |
July-August |
Original certificates, migration certificate |
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Classes Commencement |
Regular academic sessions begin |
August |
College ID, library card issuance |
Hooghly Mohsin College Scholarships
The college has a rich tradition of providing financial assistance to deserving students, dating back to 1935 when Prafulla Kumar Das received a monthly stipend of INR 10 from Principal Kuruvilla Zachariah. The institution offers various scholarships, stipends, medals, and prizes to support students from different economic backgrounds. The college provides free studentship opportunities for general and scheduled caste students, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder academic pursuits. Government scholarships and state-sponsored schemes are also facilitated through the college administration to maximize student benefits.
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Scholarship |
Eligibility |
Benefit |
How to Apply |
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Merit Scholarship |
Top performers in examinations |
INR 2,000-5,000 annually |
Automatic selection based on results |
|
SC/ST Scholarship |
Students from scheduled castes/tribes |
Full/partial fee waiver |
Through college office with caste certificate |
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Economic Support Scheme |
Students from economically weaker sections |
Fee concession up to 50% |
Income certificate and application |
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Government Scholarships |
As per state government criteria |
Variable amounts |
Online portal applications |
Hooghly Mohsin College Campus & Facilities
The college campus is situated in a quiet corner of Chinsurah and features historic architecture including the main building and science blocks that create a unique academic ambience. The campus overlooks the Hooghly River and includes the original Perron's house where the college began its journey in 1836. The institution boasts one of the oldest and richest libraries in West Bengal, with the first library books arriving in May 1837. The library houses valuable books, rare records, and journals that serve both teachers and students, making it a treasure trove of academic resources spanning nearly two centuries.
Library / Digital Resources: Historic library established 1837 with rare books, journals, and digital resources
Labs / Research Centres / Special Equipment: Well-equipped science laboratories and research facilities
Classrooms / Seminar Halls / Auditoriums: Traditional classrooms, seminar rooms, and assembly halls
Hostel / Dining: Limited hostel facilities, local accommodation options available
Sports / Gym / Grounds: College grounds for sports and recreational activities
Connectivity / Transport: Located in Chinsurah with good connectivity to Kolkata and surrounding areas
Hooghly Mohsin College Placements
While Hooghly Mohsin College is primarily focused on undergraduate and postgraduate education in arts, science, and law, the institution has a strong tradition of producing successful professionals across various fields. The college's 189-year legacy has resulted in alumni achieving significant positions in government, academia, literature, science, and law. Many graduates pursue higher studies at premier institutions or enter competitive examinations for civil services and other government positions. The Law Section established in 1978 has particularly contributed to producing legal professionals who serve in various capacities within the judicial system.
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Year |
Highest Package |
Average Package |
Median Package |
Top Recruiters |
|
2024 |
INR 8-10 LPA |
INR 4-6 LPA |
INR 3-5 LPA |
Government Departments, Educational Institutions, Legal Firms |
Hooghly Mohsin College Notable Alumni
Hooghly Mohsin College has produced an extraordinary array of distinguished alumni who have significantly contributed to India's intellectual, cultural, and political landscape. The college nurtured some of the doyens of the 19th century Indian Renaissance, including literary giants, freedom fighters, scientists, and cultural icons. These alumni have left an indelible mark on Indian society through their contributions to literature, science, politics, and culture. The institution's legacy is reflected in the achievements of its graduates who have excelled in diverse fields and brought honor to their alma mater over nearly two centuries.
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Name |
Role / Achievement |
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Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay |
Composer of 'Bande Mataram', renowned novelist and writer |
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Dwijendralal Roy |
Eminent playwright, poet, and composer |
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Sanjib Chandra Chattopadhyay |
Distinguished writer and literary figure |
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Rangalal Bandyopadhyay |
Prominent poet and writer of Bengal Renaissance |
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Jyotis Chandra Ghosh (Biplabacharya) |
Freedom fighter and revolutionary leader |
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Syed Amir Ali |
Judge, jurist, writer, and historian |
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Dr. Upendranath Brahmachari |
Famous scientist and medical researcher |
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Shyamal Mitra |
Noted singer and cultural icon of India |
