Bethune College: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Kolkata Campus Life

About Bethune College Kolkata

Bethune College, established in 1879, is located in Kolkata, West Bengal. It is a government women's college affiliated with the University of Calcutta and operates under the Department of Higher Education, Government of West Bengal. The college was founded by John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune and is renowned as the first women's college in India and Asia.

The college holds an A+ grade accreditation from NAAC (valid as of 2023) and was ranked 91st nationally in the NIRF 2024 college category. It offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs primarily in Arts and Science streams, with a student strength of over 1,200 and a dedicated faculty team. Bethune College is recognized for its academic excellence and has received support under the UGC's College with Potential for Excellence (CPE) scheme and DST-FIST.

Key Highlights

Overview

Bethune College, established in 1879, is located in Kolkata, West Bengal. It is a government women's college affiliated with the University of Calcutta and operates under the Department of Higher Education, Government of West Bengal. The college was founded by John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune and is renowned as the first women's college in India and Asia.

The college holds an A+ grade accreditation from NAAC (valid as of 2023) and was ranked 91st nationally in the NIRF 2024 college category. It offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs primarily in Arts and Science streams, with a student strength of over 1,200 and a dedicated faculty team. Bethune College is recognized for its academic excellence and has received support under the UGC's College with Potential for Excellence (CPE) scheme and DST-FIST.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

Bethune College Kolkata admission for the 2026 academic session follows a merit-based process primarily through the West Bengal Centralized Admission Portal (WBCAP). Undergraduate admissions for BA and BSc (Hons) courses begin with online application submission, followed by merit list publication, document verification, and counseling. Postgraduate admissions for MA and MSc courses also follow merit-based selection with some entrance test components for non-Calcutta University candidates.

Admission Process

Bethune College Kolkata offers admission primarily through a merit-based system for both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs. UG admissions require completion of 10+2 from a recognized board, while PG admissions require a relevant bachelor's degree. Applications are submitted online via the college portal or the West Bengal Centralized Admission Portal (WBCAP), followed by document verification and fee payment.

Undergraduate Admission (B.A./B.Sc. Honours)

Steps to Apply

1. Visit the official Bethune College admission website or WBCAP portal from June 18, 2025, to register and fill out the online application form.
2. Select up to four honours subjects and upload required documents guidelines.
3. Submit the application form online; no application fee is required.
4. Wait for the merit list based on 10+2 marks released by the college or WBCAP.
5. Attend physical document verification by the deadline (August 28, 2025).
6. Pay the admission fees to confirm the seat.

Postgraduate Admission (M.A./M.Sc.)

Steps to Apply

1. Obtain the application form from the official Bethune College website during the PG admission window (e.g., November 15-18, 2025).
2. Submit the completed application form along with required documents and a letter addressed to the Principal stating personal and academic details.
3. Admissions are strictly merit-based on the qualifying bachelor's degree marks.
4. Attend document verification as scheduled by the college.
5. Pay the prescribed fees to finalize admission.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• 10th and 12th Mark Sheets (Original and self-attested copies)
• Graduation Mark Sheet and Degree Certificate (for PG admission)
• Proof of Identity (Aadhar card, passport, etc.)
• Address Proof
• Caste Certificate (if applicable, for reservation benefits)
• Transfer Certificate from previous institution
• Passport-size Photographs
• Application Form printout signed by candidate and guardian

Placements 2025

Bethune College Kolkata recorded limited placement activity in 2025, with only 2 out of 271 undergraduate students placed, reflecting a placement rate of about 1%. The median package stood at ₹3 LPA, with top recruiters including TCS, Cognizant, Wipro, and Genpact. Many students prefer higher education over immediate employment, indicating a strong academic focus.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

IT: TCS, Cognizant, Wipro

Consulting: Genpact

Branch-wise Placement

Rankings & Accreditations

Bethune College, Kolkata, is ranked within the 151-200 band nationally by NIRF in 2025, showing a decline from its 91st position in 2024. It holds a strong position in India Today rankings for the B.A. category at 74th in 2025. The college maintains a stable rank of 35 in the Outlook Science category as of 2024. It is accredited with an A+ grade by NAAC.

NIRF 2025

Other Rankings

Accreditations

• NAAC: A+ (Valid till 2028)

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Bethune College Kolkata provides a variety of scholarships funded by the West Bengal government, central government, and private trusts, aimed at supporting meritorious and economically disadvantaged students. Key financial aids include merit-cum-means scholarships, state-specific schemes like Kanyashree Prakalpa, and college-endowed awards, with additional support through fee waivers and campus employment opportunities.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship: Financial aid for single girl child students meeting eligibility criteria
• INSPIRE Scholarship: Award for meritorious students in science streams

Comparison

Bethune College Kolkata is compared with Lady Brabourne College and Presidency College, Kolkata, as all three are prominent government-affiliated women's colleges in Kolkata offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses in arts and sciences, with strong academic reputations and NAAC accreditation.

Key Strengths

• Bethune College Kolkata: Oldest women's college in Asia with strong legacy, NAAC A+ accreditation, and affordable fees focused on arts and sciences.
• Lady Brabourne College Kolkata: Renowned for empowering women from diverse backgrounds with good academic programs and NAAC A grade.
• Presidency College Kolkata: Prestigious institution with a long history, high NIRF rank, NAAC A++ grade, and strong placement records across disciplines.

Campus & Infrastructure

Bethune College is located in the heart of Kolkata at 181, Bidhan Sarani, featuring a heritage campus with a blend of historic and modern academic buildings. The campus includes landscaped gardens, spacious classrooms, and well-equipped laboratories, providing a conducive environment for women's education.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: About 100,000 books and journals, 1,100 new books added annually, two separate libraries for Arts and Science, fully automated with LIBSYS and RFID technology
• Labs: 29 laboratories equipped with latest technology and instruments
• Classrooms: 52 classrooms including 15 smart classrooms with ICT facilities

Hostel

Other Facilities

• Gymnasium with physical fitness equipment
• Badminton court
• Auditorium with ICT facilities
• Canteen providing affordable meals
• CCTV surveillance and 24x7 security
• Wi-Fi enabled campus
• Solar power units and LED lighting for energy efficiency
• Elevator in Centenary Building

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility criteria for admission to Bethune College undergraduate courses?

Only female candidates who have passed 10+2 from a recognized board with English as a compulsory subject are eligible. Subject-specific cutoffs apply, e.g., B.Sc. Zoology requires 65% in Biology and 60% aggregate. Admission is merit-based without entrance exams for most courses.

How can I apply for admission to Bethune College for the 2025-26 session?

Applications are submitted online via the West Bengal Centralized Admission Portal (WBCAP) from June 18, 2025. The last date for document verification is August 28, 2025. No physical presence is required during the application process.

What is the fee structure for undergraduate courses at Bethune College?

Tuition fees for B.Sc. semester courses are approximately ₹660 per semester. Fees must be paid online through QR code or official portals before exams or document verification.

Are scholarships available at Bethune College?

Yes, scholarships are offered based on merit and reserved category status for SC/ST/OBC students from West Bengal. Candidates must meet eligibility criteria and apply through the college’s scholarship cell.

What are the placement opportunities and average packages at Bethune College?

Bethune College primarily focuses on academic excellence; formal campus placements are limited. Students often pursue internships and higher studies. Placement data and average salary packages are not prominently .

Which companies recruit from Bethune College for internships or jobs?

There is no formal placement cell with a fixed list of recruiters. Students typically secure internships through departmental contacts or external platforms rather than campus recruitment drives.

What specializations and courses are offered in the science stream at Bethune College?

B.Sc. Honours courses include Zoology, Botany, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Psychology. The college offers a four-year semester system with options for research under the Choice-based Credit Framework (CCF).

How experienced and qualified is the faculty at Bethune College?

The college has well-qualified faculty with many holding PhDs. Departments maintain a good teacher-student ratio, and faculty members are involved in research and seminars regularly.

What are the hostel facilities available for students at Bethune College?

The college provides a girls’ hostel in Salt Lake with 136 seats. The hostel is secure, well-maintained, and offers nutritious meals, common rooms, and study areas with round-the-clock supervision.

How is the food quality in the Bethune College canteen?

The college canteen serves fresh, hygienic, and affordable food with seating for around 40 people. Students generally find the food quality decent and suitable for daily meals.

What extracurricular clubs and activities are available on campus?

Bethune College hosts various clubs including sports like badminton, chess, and carrom, cultural activities, and ethics and value education programs such as Bratachari. The college also organizes seminars and events in its auditorium.

Is the Bethune College campus safe for students?

The campus is monitored by CCTV cameras, has high boundary walls, security guards at the main gate, and fire safety equipment in all buildings. The girls’ hostel has strict security protocols.

What is the daily commute like for students attending Bethune College?

The college is located in central Kolkata with good public transport connectivity. Many students use buses, metro, or shared autos. The hostel is located in Salt Lake, which is about 15 km from the main campus.

Are laptops or specific technology devices required for coursework at Bethune College?

Laptops are not mandatory but recommended for research and assignments. The college has computer labs with internet access and ICT-enabled classrooms to support digital learning.

Does Bethune College have a dress code or uniform policy?

There is no strict dress code or uniform policy for students. However, modest and appropriate attire is encouraged to maintain decorum on campus.

How does Bethune College compare to other women’s colleges in Kolkata in terms of academics and reputation?

Bethune College is one of the oldest and most prestigious women’s colleges in Kolkata, known for strong academics, especially in arts and sciences. It holds NAAC A accreditation and has a respected alumni network.

What is the return on investment (ROI) for studying at Bethune College?

With low tuition fees and quality education, Bethune College offers a high ROI, especially for students seeking affordable higher education in arts and sciences in Kolkata.

Does Bethune College have an active alumni network?

Yes, the college has a well-established alumni association that organizes events and supports current students through mentorship and networking opportunities.

Are part-time jobs or internships available for students during their studies?

Part-time jobs on campus are limited, but students often find internships through external organizations or departmental recommendations to gain practical experience.

What research opportunities are available for undergraduate students at Bethune College?

The college offers research options under the Choice-based Credit Framework (CCF) in honours courses, allowing students to engage in projects alongside their regular curriculum.