Elphinstone College: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Mumbai Campus Life

About Elphinstone College Mumbai

Elphinstone College, established in 1856, is a historic government institution located in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It functions as a constituent college of Dr. Homi Bhabha State University, a state cluster university, and is renowned for its Victorian Gothic heritage building in the Fort area of Mumbai.

The college holds an NAAC A+ grade and is ranked 15th in the NIRF 2025 college category. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs primarily in Arts, Science, and Commerce, with a student body drawn from across Maharashtra. Elphinstone is noted for its academic rigor, heritage conservation recognized by UNESCO, and a strong tradition of preparing students for competitive exams and public service careers.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

Elphinstone College Mumbai offers undergraduate admissions primarily based on merit in the qualifying 10+2 examination, without requiring entrance exams like MH-CET for science or commerce courses. The admission process involves offline application form submission at the college campus, followed by merit list publication and document verification.

Admission Process

Elphinstone College Mumbai offers admission primarily through merit-based selection for undergraduate courses and entrance exam-based selection for postgraduate courses. Applications are submitted online or offline, followed by merit list publication and document verification.

Undergraduate Admission (BA, BSc, BCom)

Steps to Apply

1. Visit the official Elphinstone College website or the college campus to obtain the application form.
2. Fill out the application form with accurate academic and personal details.
3. Submit the completed form along with the application fee either online or in person at the college admissions office.
4. Wait for the merit list based on 10+2 qualifying exam marks to be published by the college.
5. If selected, report to the college with required documents and pay the admission fee to confirm your seat.

Postgraduate Admission (MA, MSc)

Steps to Apply

1. Ensure you have a relevant bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks.
2. Register and apply through the official college admission portal or at the college office.
3. Submit CUET PG entrance exam scores as part of the application.
4. Attend any required personal interview or group discussion if called.
5. Upon selection, complete document verification and pay the admission fee to confirm admission.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• 10th and 12th Mark Sheets
• Graduation Mark Sheets and Degree Certificate (for PG courses)
• CUET PG Scorecard (for PG courses)
• Proof of Identity (Aadhar card, Passport, etc.)
• Category Certificate (if applicable)
• Transfer Certificate (TC) from previous institution
• Passport-size Photographs

Cutoff 2025

Elphinstone College Mumbai admissions for undergraduate courses like B.A., B.Sc., and B.Com. are primarily merit-based, relying on the marks obtained in the Class 12 board examinations rather than entrance exam ranks. The cutoff trends show consistently high merit percentage requirements, typically above 90% for general category students, reflecting the college's competitive admission standards. The cutoff for Elphinstone College in 2025 remains merit-based, with general category students needing around 95% or higher in their Class 12 exams for popular courses. Cutoffs vary slightly by course and category, with reserved categories having lower percentage requirements but still maintaining competitive thresholds.

Placements 2025

Elphinstone College Mumbai's 2025 placement season saw around 60% of students securing jobs, primarily with mid-range and startup companies. The highest package offered was ₹6 LPA, while the average package ranged between ₹2 LPA and ₹3 LPA. Top recruiters included major IT firms and media houses, though placement opportunities remain limited compared to premier institutes.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

IT: Wipro, Infosys, TCS

Consulting: Career Launcher, Akademia

Core: Times of India, MET, DHL

Branch-wise Placement

Rankings & Accreditations

Elphinstone College Mumbai holds a strong position among Mumbai's top colleges, especially in science education, with a notable NIRF ranking of 15 in 2025. It has received an 'A+' grade from NAAC and is recognized for its historic legacy and academic environment.

NIRF 2025

Other Rankings

Accreditations

• NAAC: A+ Grade

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Elphinstone College Mumbai offers a variety of scholarships based on merit, financial need, and reserved categories, including government scholarships and college-endowed awards. These scholarships provide monthly stipends or fee waivers to support undergraduate and postgraduate students, with eligibility often linked to academic performance and income criteria.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• Tata Trusts: ₹50 per month for financially needy TYBA and TYBSc students

Comparison

Elphinstone College Mumbai is compared with Ramnarain Ruia College and Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey (SNDT) Women's University as they are prominent Mumbai-based government and state universities offering strong undergraduate and postgraduate programs in arts and sciences, with recognized NIRF rankings and NAAC accreditations, making them peer institutions for students seeking quality higher education in Mumbai.

Key Strengths

• Elphinstone College Mumbai: Historic government college with strong science programs, NAAC A+ accreditation, affordable fees, and high placement packages in IT and commerce sectors.
• Ramnarain Ruia College: Well-established private aided college known for quality arts and science education with good faculty and moderate fees.
• SNDT Women's University: Premier state university dedicated to women's education with diverse programs and strong research focus.

Campus & Infrastructure

Elphinstone College is located in the historic Fort area of Mumbai, Maharashtra, housed in a stunning Victorian-era Gothic heritage building. The campus reflects classic British architectural design with spacious classrooms, labs, and a large library, offering a scholarly atmosphere in a compact urban setting.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: Over 100,000 books, journals, and periodicals with UGC Network Resource Centre
• Labs: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer labs equipped with sophisticated instruments
• Classrooms: Large classrooms with some smart classroom facilities and projectors

Hostel

Other Facilities

• Gymkhana with gymnasium equipped with modern fitness equipment
• Auditorium for cultural and extracurricular events
• Sports facilities including cricket, football, kabaddi, and rugby
• Wi-Fi enabled campus (limited free usage)
• Cafeteria providing snacks and meals at reasonable cost
• Health center with first aid facility
• Guest house/waiting rooms for visiting faculty and family members

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the admission process for undergraduate courses at Elphinstone College?

Admission is merit-based, relying on Class 12 marks from recognized boards. Candidates apply through Dr. Homi Bhabha State University's common admission portal, and selection is based on multiple merit lists (cut-offs) published by the university.

What are the eligibility criteria for B.Sc, B.A., and B.Com courses?

Candidates must have passed Class 12 (10+2) from a recognized board with minimum aggregate marks: generally 40% for B.A., 45% for B.Sc., and 40-45% for B.Com, depending on the category and course.

How can I apply for admission to Elphinstone College?

Application forms are available online via the Dr. Homi Bhabha State University admission portal. Candidates must register, fill the form with academic details, upload documents, and wait for merit list publication.

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

The fees are very affordable as it is a government college; exact fees vary by course but are generally low compared to private colleges, making it highly competitive to get admission.

Are there scholarships or financial aid options available at Elphinstone College?

The college offers scholarships based on merit and reserved category benefits government norms. Students can also apply for education loans through banks with the college as the institution.

What are the placement opportunities and average packages for Elphinstone College graduates?

Elphinstone College primarily focuses on academic excellence; formal campus placements are limited. Students often pursue internships and higher studies, with some securing roles in local firms and startups.

Which companies recruit from Elphinstone College?

There is no formal placement cell; however, students have interned or been recruited by local businesses and NGOs, especially in commerce and arts sectors.

What is the curriculum structure for B.Sc and B.A. courses?

The curriculum follows Dr. Homi Bhabha State University guidelines, combining theoretical knowledge with practical lab work (for science courses), projects, and seminars throughout the three-year program.

How experienced and qualified is the faculty at Elphinstone College?

The faculty includes experienced professors with advanced degrees in their fields, many of whom have contributed to research and publications, maintaining the college's academic reputation.

Does Elphinstone College offer research opportunities for undergraduate students?

Research is encouraged through projects and seminars, especially in science departments with well-equipped labs, though formal research programs are limited at the undergraduate level.

What hostel facilities are available for students at Elphinstone College?

The college provides separate hostels for boys and girls, including Government College Hostel and Telang Memorial Girls Hostel, each accommodating around 50 students with basic amenities and security.

How is the food quality and mess facility in the hostels?

Hostel mess food is generally acceptable but not highly rated; students often prefer eating outside due to limited variety and hygiene concerns.

What extracurricular clubs and activities does Elphinstone College have?

The college has active NSS and NCC units, sports teams (football, cricket, rugby), and cultural clubs that organize events and fests, fostering leadership and teamwork skills.

Is the Elphinstone College campus safe for students, especially for girls?

The campus is located in a busy area of Mumbai with security measures in place; the girls' hostel is considered safe with controlled access and staff supervision.

How convenient is the commute to Elphinstone College from different parts of Mumbai?

Located in Fort, Mumbai, the college is well connected by local trains, buses, and taxis, making daily commute feasible from most parts of the city.

Are laptops or specific technical devices required for courses at Elphinstone College?

Laptops are not mandatory but recommended for research, assignments, and accessing online resources; computer labs are available for student use on campus.

Is there a dress code or uniform requirement at Elphinstone College?

There is no strict dress code; students are expected to dress modestly and appropriately for academic and official events.

How does Elphinstone College compare to other government colleges in Mumbai?

Elphinstone is one of the oldest and most prestigious government colleges with a strong academic legacy, competitive cut-offs, and heritage infrastructure, often preferred for arts and science courses.

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

With low fees and quality education, the ROI is high, especially for students seeking affordable education in arts, science, and commerce in Mumbai.

Does Elphinstone College have a strong alumni network?

The college boasts a distinguished alumni base including freedom fighters and scholars, which provides networking opportunities, though formal alumni engagement is limited.