Maharaja's College is a premier government arts and science college located in Kochi, Kerala. Established in 1875, it stands among the oldest higher education institutions in India, with a rich legacy spanning nearly 150 years. The college is affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University and recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). With a student strength of ~4,000+ and a faculty count of ~150, it offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across disciplines like Arts, Science, and Commerce. Notable accreditations include an NAAC A grade and consistent top rankings in Kerala for arts and science education.
Maharaja's College Highlights
Founded in 1875, Maharaja's College Kochi is affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University and is a government institution. The college has a student strength of ~4,000+ and a faculty base of ~150. Its flagship programs include B.A., B.Sc., and M.Sc. courses, with annual fees ranging from INR 2,000–7,000. Admissions are primarily merit-based, with some programs requiring entrance exams. The campus is centrally located in Ernakulam and features historic architecture, modern labs, and hostels.
Particulars | Details |
Established | 1875 |
Type | Government |
Approvals/Accreditations | UGC, NAAC A |
Student Intake / Strength | ~4,000+ |
Faculty | ~150 |
Flagship Program & Fees | B.Sc. (INR 6,000–7,000 per year) |
Entrance Exams | Merit / University Entrance (PG) |
Official Website |
Maharaja's College Rankings
Maharaja's College Kochi has consistently featured among the top arts and science colleges in Kerala and India. In the India Today 2024 rankings, it was placed in the top 50 for Arts and Science. The college is also recognized by NIRF for its academic excellence and research output.
Year | Ranking Body | Category | Rank |
2024 | India Today | Arts & Science Colleges | Top 50 |
2023 | NIRF | College | Top 100 |
Maharaja's College Courses & Fees
The college offers a wide array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in Arts, Science, and Commerce. Popular courses include B.A. in English, Economics, Malayalam, B.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Botany, Zoology, and M.Sc. in Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. Annual fees for most programs range from INR 2,000–7,000. Eligibility for UG is typically 10+2, while PG requires a relevant bachelor’s degree.
Program | Level | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
B.A. English | UG | 3 years | 10+2 | INR 6,000–7,000 |
B.Sc. Chemistry | UG | 3 years | 10+2 (Science) | INR 7,000 |
M.Sc. Physics | PG | 2 years | B.Sc. Physics | INR 8,000–10,000 |
B.Com | UG | 3 years | 10+2 | INR 5,000–6,000 |
Maharaja's College Admission Process
Admissions to undergraduate programs are primarily merit-based, considering marks in the qualifying examination (10+2). For postgraduate programs, selection is through university entrance exams followed by counseling. Application windows typically open in May–June each year. Document verification and fee payment are mandatory for final admission.
Application Window: May–June (UG & PG)
Entrance Exams (if any): University PG Entrance
Selection Stages (GD/PI/WAT/etc.): Counseling, Document Verification
Step | Details | Indicative Timeline | Documents |
Online Application | Register on college portal | May–June | Photo, 10+2/UG Marksheet, ID Proof |
Merit List / Entrance Exam | UG: Merit; PG: Entrance Test | June–July | Admit Card (PG) |
Counseling | Choice filling, seat allocation | July | All original certificates |
Document Verification | Physical verification at campus | July–August | Original documents |
Fee Payment & Enrollment | Final admission confirmation | August | Fee receipt |
Maharaja's College Scholarships
Multiple scholarships are available for meritorious and economically disadvantaged students. Government schemes include SC/ST, OBC, and minority scholarships. The college also offers merit scholarships for top performers in each program.
Scholarship | Eligibility | Benefit | How to Apply |
Post-Matric Scholarship | SC/ST students | Tuition fee waiver, stipend | Apply via state scholarship portal |
Merit Scholarship | Top 5% students in each program | Cash award, fee concession | Automatic consideration |
OBC Scholarship | OBC category students | Fee reimbursement | Apply through college office |
Minority Scholarship | Minority community students | Stipend, fee support | Online application |
Maharaja's College Campus & Facilities
The campus spans over 15 acres in central Ernakulam, featuring heritage buildings, modern labs, and hostels. Facilities include a well-stocked library with digital resources, specialized science labs, seminar halls, and sports grounds. Hostel accommodation is available for both boys and girls, with separate dining facilities. The college is easily accessible via public transport and is located close to major city landmarks.
Library / Digital Resources: Central library, e-journals, study spaces
Labs / Research Centres / Special Equipment: Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology labs
Classrooms / Seminar Halls / Auditoriums: Smart classrooms, seminar halls, historic auditorium
Hostel / Dining: Separate hostels for boys and girls, mess facilities
Sports / Gym / Grounds: Cricket, football, athletics ground, gymnasium
Connectivity / Transport: City bus, metro, railway station within 2 km
Maharaja's College Placements
Placement support is provided for select programs, especially in science and commerce. In 2024, the highest package offered was INR 8 LPA, with an average package of INR 3–4 LPA. Top recruiters include TCS, Wipro, and regional firms. Alumni also pursue higher studies and government jobs.
Year | Highest Package | Average Package | Median Package | Top Recruiters |
2024 | INR 8 LPA | INR 3–4 LPA | INR 3 LPA | TCS, Wipro, Federal Bank |
2023 | INR 7 LPA | INR 3 LPA | INR 2.8 LPA | Infosys, EY, Local SMEs |
Maharaja's College Notable Alumni
Maharaja's College Kochi boasts an illustrious alumni network, including national leaders, scientists, writers, and artists. Alumni have excelled in fields such as literature, politics, science, and cinema.
Name | Role / Achievement |
K. R. Narayanan | Former President of India |
O. N. V. Kurup | Jnanpith Award-winning poet |
John Abraham | Film Director |
V. R. Krishna Iyer | Former Supreme Court Judge |
V. T. Bhattathiripad | Social Reformer |


