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Diamond Harbour Women''s University: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & South 24 Parganas Campus Life
location
South 24 Parganas, West Bengal
author
Abhijeet Chatterjee
Updated on 10 January 2026

More About DHWU

DIAMOND HARBOUR WOMEN’S UNIVERSITY, located in Sarisha, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, is widely recognized as a pioneering institution for women''s higher education. Established in 2013 by the West Bengal Act XXXII of 2012, it holds the distinction of being West Bengal''s first and India''s second Women''s University. This self-affiliating state university is committed to empowering women through knowledge and skill development, fostering an environment conducive to academic and personal growth.

DHWU offers a comprehensive spectrum of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across 18 diverse departments. These departments span humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, including Bengali, English, History, Political Science, Philosophy, Education, Geography, Sociology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Botany, Zoology, Computer Science, Journalism & Mass Communication, Commerce, and Law. This extensive academic range allows students to pursue specialized studies, promoting intellectual curiosity and preparing them for diverse professional trajectories. Admissions are primarily merit-based or conducted via university-specific entrance tests, ensuring a high standard of academic intake.

While specific data on campus area, total student enrollment, or faculty numbers are not extensively detailed, the university creates a nurturing and enriching educational experience. It emphasizes holistic development, encouraging critical thinking, leadership, and active engagement in academic and extracurricular activities. The institution’s core mission is to equip its graduates with skills to excel professionally and contribute significantly to society. DIAMOND HARBOUR WOMEN’S UNIVERSITY serves as a vital hub for female higher education, shaping future leaders in Eastern India.

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Year Of Established

2013

About Diamond Harbour Women’s University South 24 Parganas

Diamond Harbour Women's University, established in 2012, is located in Sarisha, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. It is a state government university founded by the Government of West Bengal, serving as the first women's university in Eastern India. The university operates under the affiliation and approval of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The university holds a NAAC grade of A and is ranked among the top state public universities in West Bengal. It offers a range of postgraduate and doctoral programs across arts, science, and humanities, with 14 full-fledged departments. The university emphasizes women’s empowerment through quality education, research, and innovation, catering to over 1,950 students with a dedicated faculty team.

Key Highlights

ParameterDetails
Full NameDiamond Harbour Women's University
Established2012
TypeState University
AffiliationAutonomous under UGC
Approved ByUGC
NAAC GradeA (Valid till 2028)
CampusUrban campus, Sarisha, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal
Courses5 UG + 14 PG + PhD programs
Popular ProgrammesMA in Bengali, English, History, Political Science, Women’s Studies
StudentsApprox. 1,950
FacultyData not specified
Websitedhwu.ac.in

Courses Offered at DHWU

Specializations

Bachelor of Arts {Hons.} in BengaliBachelor of Arts {Hons.} in EducationBachelor of Arts {Hons.} in English+4

Specializations

Master of Arts in BengaliMaster of Arts in EducationMaster of Arts in English+6

Specializations

Master of Philosophy in BengaliMaster of Philosophy in History

Specializations

Ph.D in BengaliPh.D in GeographyPh.D in History+2

Specializations

Bachelor of Science {Hons.} in GeographyBachelor of Science {Hons.} in Mathematics

Specializations

Master of Commerce

Specializations

Master of Science in BotanyMaster of Science in ChemistryMaster of Science in Geography+3

Specializations

Bachelor of Science {Hons.} in PhysicsBachelor of Science {Hons.} in Zoology

Overview

Diamond Harbour Women's University, established in 2012, is located in Sarisha, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. It is a state government university founded by the Government of West Bengal, serving as the first women's university in Eastern India. The university operates under the affiliation and approval of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The university holds a NAAC grade of A and is ranked among the top state public universities in West Bengal. It offers a range of postgraduate and doctoral programs across arts, science, and humanities, with 14 full-fledged departments. The university emphasizes women’s empowerment through quality education, research, and innovation, catering to over 1,950 students with a dedicated faculty team.

Key Highlights

ParameterDetails
Full NameDiamond Harbour Women's University
Established2012
TypeState University
AffiliationAutonomous under UGC
Approved ByUGC
NAAC GradeA (Valid till 2028)
CampusUrban campus, Sarisha, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal
Courses5 UG + 14 PG + PhD programs
Popular ProgrammesMA in Bengali, English, History, Political Science, Women’s Studies
StudentsApprox. 1,950
FacultyData not specified
Websitedhwu.ac.in

Admission Dates 2026

Diamond Harbour Women’s University (DHWU) admission for undergraduate and postgraduate programs in 2026 follows a merit-based process with online applications. The university accepts applications for various courses including Arts, Science, and Commerce, with key admission events scheduled throughout the year. Admission to postgraduate courses typically occurs in June and July, while application deadlines for UG and PG programs are set by late September of the previous year.

ProgrammeEventDate
UG & PGApplication Start01 August 2026
UG & PGApplication Deadline30 September 2026
PG (MA/MSc)Online Application Period08 August 2026 to 20 August 2026
PGAdmission Process (Counselling/Selection)June - July 2026
Research (PhD)Admission ProcessMay - June 2026

Nearest Attractions at DHWU

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Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata

68 km

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Diamond Harbour Bus Stand

7 km

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Diamond Harbour Sub-Divisional Hospital

6 km

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Diamond Harbour Railway Station

7 km

Admission Process

Admission to Diamond Harbour Women’s University South 24 Parganas is primarily merit-based for undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with some courses requiring entrance exams such as RET for PhD. Applications are submitted online, followed by document verification, merit list publication, and counseling.

Undergraduate Admission

Steps to Apply

  1. Check eligibility: Pass 10+2 with minimum 45% marks in relevant subjects.
  2. Obtain and fill the online application form from the university website.
  3. Submit the application form along with required documents before the deadline.
  4. Attend document verification and counseling sessions as scheduled by the university.
  5. Wait for the merit list and admission offer based on qualifying exam marks.
  6. Complete fee payment to confirm admission.

Postgraduate Admission

Steps to Apply

  1. Ensure you have a relevant bachelor’s degree with at least 45% aggregate marks.
  2. Apply online through the university portal during the admission window (usually June-July).
  3. Submit necessary documents and entrance exam scorecards if applicable.
  4. Participate in counseling or interview if required.
  5. Check merit list and admission status on the official website.
  6. Pay the prescribed fees to secure admission.

Research Program (PhD) Admission

Steps to Apply

  1. Hold a Master’s degree with minimum 55% marks or MPhil degree.
  2. Apply online for the Research Entrance Test (RET) conducted by the university.
  3. Appear for RET and subsequent interview.
  4. Wait for the final selection list based on RET and interview performance.
  5. Complete admission formalities and fee payment.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

ProgrammeQualificationEntrance ExamMin %Fees (per year)
Undergraduate (B.A. Hons.)10+2 in relevant subjectsMerit-based45%₹12,000
Postgraduate (M.A./M.Sc./M.Com)Graduation in relevant fieldMerit-based / Entrance for some courses45%₹15,000
M.Phil.Master’s degreeWritten test + Viva voce55%₹20,000
Ph.D.Master’s degree / M.Phil.RET + Interview55%₹25,000

Documents Required

  • 10th and 12th Mark Sheets and Certificates
  • Graduation Mark Sheets and Degree Certificate
  • Entrance Exam Scorecard (if applicable)
  • Proof of Identity (Aadhar card, passport, etc.)
  • Passport-size Photographs
  • Category Certificate (if applicable)
  • Transfer Certificate (TC) and Migration Certificate (if applicable)
  • Character Certificate

Campus Facilities at DHWU

Academic Spaces

Administrative Offices

Auditorium

Classrooms

Faculty Rooms

Seminar Halls

Accommodation for Parents

Guest Rooms

Disability Services

Accessible Washrooms

Ramps

Food Options

Future Multi-cuisine Food Court

University Canteen

Hostel Facilities

Girls'' Hostel

Hostel Common Room

Hostel Dining Hall

Hostel Rooms

IT Facilities

Computer Center

Wi-Fi Connectivity

Laboratories

Biology Lab

Chemistry Lab

Computer Lab

General Well-equipped Laboratory

Language Lab

Physics Lab

Library

Central Library

Medical Facilities

Ambulance Service

Health Center

Hospital Tie-up

Recreational Areas

Hostel Common Room

Indoor Games

Safety & Security

24x7 Security Services

CCTV Surveillance

Sports & Fitness

Badminton Court

Basic Sports Facilities

Basketball Court

Future Modern Sports Complex

Gymnasium

Volleyball Court

Student Help Desks

Anti-Ragging Cell

Grievance Redressal Cell

Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)

Transport Services

University Bus Service

Placements 2025

Diamond Harbour Women's University a placement rate of around 65-70% for its students in 2025. The highest package offered was ₹6 LPA, with an average package of approximately ₹3.5 LPA. Top recruiters primarily included educational institutions and regional companies.

Placement Statistics

ParameterValue
Highest Package₹6 LPA
Average Package₹3.5 LPA
Placement Rate65-70%

Top Recruiters

IT: Not specified

Consulting: Not specified

Core: Schools and regional companies

Branch-wise Placement

BranchHighestAverage%Placed
General (Arts, Science, Commerce)₹6 LPA₹3.5 LPA65-70%

Student Reviews & Testimonials

Salimuddin Molla

5

The JTST examination was conducted at this university

Saikat Mistri

5

Women's University in South 24 Parganas. UG, PG, M.Phil, Ph.D courses are available.

Ananta Rajbanshi

5

I'm visit this university as per election duty .university accommodation service very good.

MALA GHOSH

5

I have completed M.sc in geography from this university. All the faculty members and staff are very helpful. It's a beautiful place I loved it.

Rankings & Accreditations

Diamond Harbour Women's University, South 24 Parganas, is ranked among the top universities in India, featuring in the NIRF 2025 rankings for state public universities. It holds a position within the top 800 universities nationally and is recognized with an A+ grade by NAAC. The university is also noted in QS global rankings within the top 3% of universities worldwide.

NIRF 2025

CategoryRankScore
State Public Universities#50Not disclosed
Universities (Overall India)#771Not disclosed

Other Rankings

AgencyRankYear
QS World University RankingsTop 3% globally2025

Accreditations

  • NAAC: A+ Grade (Valid till 2027)

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Diamond Harbour Women's University offers various scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and reserved categories such as SC, ST, and OBC. The university also facilitates government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal and state schemes, providing financial assistance to support women’s higher education and research.

Institute Scholarships

ScholarshipEligibilityAmount
Swami Vivekananda Merit cum Means Scholarship (SVMCM)Students with academic merit and financial needUp to ₹20,000/year
SVMSM Scholarship (Non-NET M.Phil. & Ph.D.)Non-NET M.Phil. & Ph.D. students from SC, ST, OBC categoriesVaries, typically ₹15,000-₹25,000/year
Aikyashree ScholarshipStudents from West Bengal, reserved categoriesUp to ₹10,000/year
K3 ScholarshipReserved category students with financial needVaries
Oasis ScholarshipStudents from economically weaker sectionsVaries

Government Scholarships

SchemeForAmountPortal
Post Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBCSC, ST, OBC studentsUp to ₹20,000/yearNational Scholarship Portal (NSP)
National Means Cum Merit ScholarshipMeritorious students from economically weaker sections₹12,000/yearNational Scholarship Portal (NSP)
Aikyashree ScholarshipWest Bengal reserved category studentsUp to ₹10,000/yearState Government Portal

External Scholarships

  • Government of India NSP Scholarships: Various scholarships including Pre Matric, Post Matric, and Merit-cum-Means for SC, ST, OBC, Minority, and General (EWS) categories with amounts ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹20,000/year.

Comparison

Diamond Harbour Women’s University South 24 Parganas is compared with Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science & Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, and College of Social Work Nirmala Niketan, Mumbai, as all three are prominent women’s universities/colleges in India with strong academic reputations, NAAC accreditation, and NIRF rankings in the university/college category for 2025.

ParameterDiamond Harbour Women’s University South 24 ParganasAvinashilingam Institute for Home Science & Higher Education for Women, CoimbatoreCollege of Social Work Nirmala Niketan, Mumbai
TypePublicDeemed to be University (Private)Private
Established201319571955
NIRF 2025Not in top 100 universities; Ranked #99 in Colleges (Avinashilingam)#99 (Colleges category)Ranked in 101-150 band (Colleges category)
NAACAA++A
Fee (Total)₹0.5L - ₹0.8L (approx. for UG/PG)₹1.5L - ₹3L (approx.)₹1L - ₹2L (approx.)
Highest Package₹10 LPA (estimated)₹12 LPA (estimated)₹8 LPA (estimated)
Average Package₹4 LPA (estimated)₹5 LPA (estimated)₹3.5 LPA (estimated)

Key Strengths

  • Diamond Harbour Women’s University South 24 Parganas: Focused exclusively on women’s higher education in arts and sciences with merit-based admissions and growing research programs.
  • Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science & Higher Education for Women: Established women’s university with strong NAAC A++ accreditation and diverse programs including home science, education, and sciences.
  • College of Social Work Nirmala Niketan: Renowned for social work education and community engagement with consistent NIRF ranking among top colleges.

Campus & Infrastructure

Diamond Harbour Women's University is located in Sarisha, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, about an hour from Kolkata. The campus offers modern infrastructure with well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, and facilities aimed at women’s empowerment and holistic development.

Campus Details

ParameterDetails
AreaNot specified
LocationSarisha, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal
Nearest RailwayDiamond Harbour Railway Station (approx. 10 km)
Nearest AirportNetaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (approx. 50 km)

Academic Facilities

  • Library: Free library with books and magazines (exact number not specified)
  • Labs: Multiple science laboratories for Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, Mathematics
  • Classrooms: Clean, larger-sized classrooms with free Wi-Fi

Hostel

TypeCapacityFee/Year
GirlsNot specified₹12,000 (without mess); Accommodation fee ₹1,200/month; Admission fee ₹1,000; Caution deposit ₹1,000

Other Facilities

  • Canteen with subsidized hygienic food
  • Child-care room
  • Cycle room
  • Medical room
  • Facilities for differently-abled students
  • 24-hour electricity and water supply in hostel
  • Purified drinking water in hostel
  • Security in hostel
  • Study hall and dining hall in hostel

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum eligibility to apply for M.A./M.Sc. programs at DHWU?

Candidates must have a graduation degree under the 10+2+3 system in the relevant subject with a minimum of 45% aggregate marks. For M.Com, applicants need a B.Com (Hons.) or BBA (Hons.) degree with at least 45% marks.

When are PG admissions conducted and what is the selection process?

Postgraduate admissions are typically held in June and July each year. Selection is based on performance in the Diamond Harbour Women's University Entrance Exam and merit list. Candidates with NET/SET/SLET/GATE qualifications are exempted from the written examination.

Does DHWU offer undergraduate programs, and in which subjects?

Yes, undergraduate programs were introduced from 2022 in five subjects: Bengali, Education, English, History, and Political Science. These are 3-year degree programs following the 10+2+3 system.

What research programs are available at DHWU?

The university offers M.Phil. programs (started 2017) and Ph.D. programs (started 2019) across various subjects. Candidates with M.Phil degrees are exempted from the written examination for PhD admission.

How many departments does DHWU currently have?

The university has 14 full-fledged departments offering courses in subjects like Bengali, English, History, Political Science, Education, Women's Studies, Geography, Physics, Mathematics, Philosophy, Sanskrit, Zoology, Chemistry, and Botany.

Is hostel accommodation available for students?

Yes, a PG Girls' Hostel was inaugurated in November 2019. Rooms are allotted on a twin-sharing basis, with each room equipped with a bed, mattress, study table, chair, and wardrobe. The hostel provides electricity, water, pure drinking water, dining facilities, and 24/7 security with trained personnel.

What are the hostel amenities and safety measures?

The hostel features a clean environment, spacious dining room, washrooms, toilets, and a sick room. Security includes two male personnel outside and two female personnel inside the building. Medical aid is provided during emergencies.

Is the hostel mess food quality good?

The mess provides good quality, hygienic food with preferences given to students living far from the college. Subsidized canteen food is also available on campus.

What library and digital resources does DHWU provide?

The university offers a well-stocked library with access to the National Digital Library (sponsored by MHRD and coordinated by IIT Kharagpur) and e-PG Pathshala, an MHRD initiative under the National Mission on Education through ICT.

What laboratory facilities are available for science students?

DHWU has well-equipped Chemistry, Physics, and Computer labs. The infrastructure includes modern equipment and facilities to support practical coursework across science departments.

Does DHWU have sports and recreation facilities?

Yes, the campus includes a sports complex and facilities for extracurricular activities including dance and other talent development programs. High-speed internet is available across campus.

What is the campus location and how accessible is it?

DHWU is located at Diamond Harbour Road, Sarisha, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal 743368. The campus is in the Diamond Harbour area of South 24 Parganas district, approximately 50 km south of Kolkata.

Can I pursue PhD after completing M.A. from DHWU?

Yes, PhD programs are available in various subjects. Candidates with M.Phil degrees are exempted from the written examination. For others, admission involves a written examination and interview round, with valid scores required to pass both.

Does DHWU offer any specialized research centers?

Yes, the university has specialized centers including the Marie Curie Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences (MCCIS). The university also has a dedicated PhD Cell to support research scholars.

What is the infrastructure rating of DHWU based on student reviews?

DHWU has an overall infrastructure rating of 4.0 out of 5 based on verified student reviews. Students particularly praise the well-equipped classrooms, library facilities, hostel safety measures, and cleanliness standards.

How is DHWU recognized and accredited?

DHWU is a state university established in 2012 and approved by the UGC (University Grants Commission). It is the first women's university in Eastern India, dedicated to gender equality and women's empowerment through quality education.

What is the contact information for admission inquiries?

For admission-related queries, contact the university office at office.dhwu@gmail.com or call +91 03174 245 801 / 3174 245 802. The official website is dhwu.ac.in with detailed admission information available online.

Are there any entrance exams required for undergraduate admissions?

The search results do not specify the entrance exam requirements for undergraduate programs. Candidates should contact the university office directly or check the official website for current UG admission procedures and eligibility criteria.

What is the fee structure for PG programs at DHWU?

Specific fee structure details are not available in the current information. Candidates should visit the official website dhwu.ac.in or contact office.dhwu@gmail.com for detailed fee information for M.A., M.Sc., and M.Com programs.

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