Presidency University, Kolkata is a public state university that began in 1817 as Hindoo College, making it one of the oldest centres of higher education in the Indian subcontinent. It was renamed Presidency College in 1855 and became a full university in 2010 under the Government of West Bengal. The University Grants Commission recognises it as a University of National Eminence, and NAAC awarded it an ’A’ grade with a CGPA of 3.13 out of 4 in June 2024.

In NIRF 2025, Presidency University, Kolkata was ranked in the 151-200 band under the University category and in the 51-100 band among State Public Universities. The university is known for liberal arts, social sciences, pure sciences, research training, and selective admission through WBJEEB entrance tests.

The main campus is located at 86/1 College Street, Kolkata and spreads across 9.15 acres in the city’s historic education area. The university also has a 10-acre New Town campus near Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, where newer academic and research facilities are placed.

  • Humanities and Social Sciences: Students can study BA Hons in Bengali, English, History, Sociology, Philosophy, Hindi, Political Science, and Performing Arts under 3-year and 4-year NEP formats. MA courses are also available in these subjects.
  • Natural and Mathematical Sciences: The university offers BSc Hons in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Geography, Geology, and Life Science, along with BSc Research in Biotechnology. MSc options include Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Applied Econometrics, Astrophysics, Applied Geology, Biotechnology, Geography, Life Science, Molecular Microbiology, and Virology.
  • Doctoral Programmes: PhD programmes are offered in 17 subjects across the two faculties.

For the full course, BA Hons fees are between INR 7,700 and INR 9,500. BSc Hons costs INR 10,500 in total. MA and MSc fees are between INR 5,040 and INR 7,180, while PhD fees are INR 26,000 for three years.

Scholarship support includes the Kanyashree Scholarship for female PG students and the Merit-cum-Means Scholarship. Students may also apply for central schemes through the NSP portal, including the Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means (K3) Scholarship.

According to NIRF 2025 data for the 2023-24 placement season, 3-year UG graduates received a median salary of INR 2.40 LPA, while 2-year PG graduates received a median salary of INR 4.30 LPA. Many students also move into doctoral fellowships, civil services, and research positions at national-level institutions.

Admission Update: Presidency University Kolkata UG and PG admissions for the 2026-27 session have concluded. The first selection list through PUBDET and PUMDET was released on 25 June 2026, and the academic session is now in progress.

Presidency University Kolkata Courses and Fees

Presidency University Kolkata runs undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes in Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Mathematical Sciences. Its fee structure is low because it is a state government university, while the academic focus remains research-based.

ProgrammeDurationEligibilityTotal Fees
BA Hons (Bengali, English, History, Sociology, Political Science, Hindi, Philosophy)3 to 4 years10+2 with 60% aggregate, subject prerequisites applyINR 7,700 to INR 9,500
BA Hons (Performing Arts)4 years (NEP)10+2, audition or aptitude assessment may applyAs per latest fee notification
BSc Hons (Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Statistics, Economics, Geography, Geology)4 years (NEP)10+2 with 60% in PCM or PCMBio, subject prerequisites applyINR 10,500
BSc Research (Biotechnology)4 years10+2 with Biology and ChemistryINR 13,400
MA (Bengali, English, Hindi, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, Performing Arts)2 yearsBachelor’s in relevant subject with 50 to 60%INR 6,180
MSc (Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Statistics, Astrophysics, Applied Econometrics and others)2 yearsBachelor’s in relevant subject with 50 to 60%INR 5,040 to INR 7,180
PhD (17 disciplines across both faculties)3 years (minimum)Master’s with 55%. NET-JRF preferred.INR 26,000

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

The science courses are especially strong in research training. MSc Astrophysics and BSc Research in Biotechnology are highly selective, while MSc Applied Econometrics is meant for students from economics and statistics backgrounds who want quantitative research skills.

Presidency University Kolkata Admission Process

Admission at Presidency University Kolkata depends on the course level. UG admission is based on PUBDET, PG admission is based on PUMDET, and PhD admission is through RET or direct shortlisting for eligible national-level fellowship holders.

BA Hons and BSc Hons Admission

For UG courses, WBJEEB conducts PUBDET as a subject-wise entrance test. The final merit list is prepared only from PUBDET scores, so Class 12 board marks are used for eligibility and not for final selection.

  • Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board with at least 60% aggregate (55% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD)
  • Subject prerequisites: PCM or PCMBio is needed for science courses. A humanities background is preferred for some BA courses but is not compulsory for every subject.
  • Selection stages: Online application through the university portal, PUBDET subject paper, provisional merit list, document verification, and seat confirmation

PUBDET cut-offs change by subject and category. Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry are usually among the more competitive science subjects. Students should check subject-wise previous cut-off trends on the WBJEEB portal before applying.

MA and MSc Admission

PG admission is done through PUMDET, which is also conducted by WBJEEB. Each subject has its own test paper, and applicants need a Bachelor’s degree in the relevant or allied subject.

  • Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with 50 to 60% marks in the relevant subject (55% for SC/ST/OBC)
  • For MA Performing Arts: an additional aptitude assessment may be required
  • Selection stages: PUMDET score, subject-wise merit list, counselling, and document verification

PhD Admission

PhD applicants are selected through the university’s Research Entrance Test (RET). Candidates with valid UGC-NET/JRF, GATE, CSIR-NET, or ICMR-JRF qualifications can be considered for direct admission. Shortlisted candidates also appear for an interview.

  • Eligibility: Master’s degree in the relevant discipline with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD)
  • The university releases separate Odd and Even cycle notifications, with two PhD admission cycles in a year

Presidency University Kolkata Placements and Career Outcomes

Students from Presidency University move into research fellowships, civil services, teaching, analytics, private companies, and higher studies. In the 2023-24 placement season, NIRF 2025 data shows a median salary of INR 2.40 LPA for 3-year UG graduates and INR 4.30 LPA for 2-year PG graduates.

Many science graduates join PhD programmes at IISc, IITs, JNU, TIFR, IACS, and CSIR national laboratories with support from CSIR-NET/JRF, DST-INSPIRE, or PMRF fellowships. Students from humanities and social sciences often prepare for UPSC CSE, NET-JRF, and West Bengal state civil services, and alumni have appeared in IAS, IPS, and IFS selections.

Private sector jobs are seen in data analytics, IT services, finance, consulting, and media. PG graduates entering analytics and economics research usually receive INR 4 to 8 LPA at the entry level.

Career PathwayDiscipline GroupTypical Outcome
Research and Doctoral FellowshipScience, Economics, Social SciencesPhD at IITs/IISc/TIFR/IACS with CSIR-JRF or DST-INSPIRE funding
Civil ServicesHumanities, Social SciencesUPSC CSE, IES, WBCS, consistent alumni representation
Academia and TeachingAll disciplinesUGC-NET/SET qualified, lecturer and assistant professor roles
Private Sector Analytics and ITMathematics, Statistics, EconomicsINR 4 to 8 LPA starting range in analyst and associate roles
Finance and ConsultingEconomics, StatisticsINR 5 to 9 LPA entry roles in banking, policy research, consulting

Presidency University Kolkata Rankings

Presidency University, Kolkata appears in NIRF 2025 under both the University and State Public University categories. Its ranking profile is linked to research output, doctoral enrolment, and peer perception.

Ranking BodyCategory2025 Rank
NIRFUniversity151-200 band
NIRFState Public University51-100 band

The university also has a NAAC ’A’ grade with a CGPA of 3.13 out of 4, awarded in June 2024. Its UGC recognition as a University of National Eminence adds to its position as an important liberal arts and sciences university in eastern India.

Presidency University Kolkata Campus and Infrastructure

The College Street main campus covers 9.15 acres in Kolkata’s old education belt. The New Town campus, located near Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, adds another 10 acres for academic and research growth. Natural science fieldwork for PG and doctoral students is supported by the Himalayan Field Research Centre at Kurseong.

The central library has more than 3,00,000 books, journals, and e-resources. Students also get an e-library section for online academic access. The university has 111 laboratories across science departments for UG, PG, and doctoral work. Both campuses have Wi-Fi, and smart classrooms are used for modern teaching. Facilities for differently-abled students are available on the main campus.

Hostel accommodation is provided separately for male and female students. Hostel fees are between INR 4,580 and INR 4,820 per semester and include accommodation with mess, library access, indoor sports, and campus connectivity. The university has about 3,166 enrolled students and 208 faculty members, which supports closer academic guidance than many larger institutions can offer.

Presidency University Kolkata Scholarships

Presidency University students can apply for university-level, state-level, and central scholarship schemes. These include merit-based, need-based, and category-based support.

ScholarshipEligibilityCoverage
Kanyashree ScholarshipFemale PG students, annual application requiredFinancial support per applicable state norms
University Merit-cum-Means ScholarshipStrong academic performance plus demonstrated financial needPartial fee support
Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means (K3)Meritorious students with family income below state thresholdINR 5,000 to INR 8,000 per month
Reliance Foundation ScholarshipUG and PG students, merit-based online selectionVaries by programme level
NSP / PM-USP Scheme80% or above in Class 12, parental income at or below INR 4.5 Lakhs per annumINR 82,000 per annum
Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST/OBC)Reserved category students enrolled in degree programmesFull to partial tuition support via OASIS portal

Presidency University Kolkata vs Jadavpur University vs University of Calcutta

Students looking at public universities in Kolkata often compare Presidency University Kolkata with Jadavpur University and the University of Calcutta. All three have long academic histories, but their course spread, campus size, admission route, and academic focus are different.

ParameterPresidency University KolkataJadavpur UniversityUniversity of Calcutta
Founded1817 (university: 2010)19551857
TypePublic state unitary universityPublic state unitary universityPublic state affiliating university
Academic FocusLiberal arts and pure sciencesEngineering, technology, arts and sciencesWide range across affiliated colleges
UG AdmissionPUBDET (WBJEEB)WBJEE for Engineering, WBJEEB tests for arts and scienceMerit-based across affiliated colleges
NIRF University 2025151-200 bandTop 10 (University category)Top 25 (University category)
Campus9.15 acres (main) plus 10 acres (New Town)Over 80 acres, south KolkataMultiple sites across the city
Annual Fee RangeINR 2,000 to INR 3,500INR 3,000 to INR 6,000INR 2,000 to INR 5,000 (varies by college)
Research DepthStrong, focused doctoral output in sciences and humanitiesVery strong in engineering and technology researchBroad but distributed across affiliated colleges

Jadavpur University is stronger for engineering and technology aspirants because of its higher NIRF position and large self-contained campus. Presidency University is better suited to students who want pure sciences, liberal arts, or humanities in a small and selective academic setting. The University of Calcutta gives students more seats and a wider course range through its affiliated colleges, but teaching quality differs by college. Presidency works best for students who care more about academic depth and research culture than about seat availability.

Presidency University Kolkata FAQs

Ques. How does Presidency University Kolkata select students for BA Hons and BSc Hons?

Ans. UG seats are filled through PUBDET, or the Presidency University Bachelor’s Degree Entrance Test, conducted by WBJEEB. Applications usually begin in May. The merit list is based fully on PUBDET scores, and Class 12 marks are not added to the final merit score. Applicants must still meet the eligibility rule of 60% aggregate, or 55% for SC/ST/OBC candidates.

Ques. How much does it cost to study at Presidency University Kolkata?

Ans. The fees are low because it is a state government university. BA Hons total fees are between INR 7,700 and INR 9,500. BSc Hons costs INR 10,500 in total. MA and MSc fees fall between INR 5,040 and INR 7,180. PhD fees are INR 26,000 for three years. Hostel charges are between INR 4,580 and INR 4,820 per semester.

Ques. Can Presidency University Kolkata help students move into research?

Ans. Yes. Presidency University is known as a research-focused public university in eastern India. Many science students go on to PhD programmes at IISc, IITs, TIFR, IACS, and CSIR institutes with CSIR-JRF or DST-INSPIRE fellowship support. Its strong faculty-to-student ratio also helps students receive closer research guidance than they may get at larger universities.

Ques. What rank did Presidency University Kolkata get in NIRF 2025?

Ans. In NIRF 2025, Presidency University Kolkata was placed in the 151-200 band in the University category and the 51-100 band among State Public Universities. NAAC also awarded the university an ’A’ grade with a CGPA of 3.13 out of 4 in June 2024.

Ques. Are hostel facilities available at Presidency University Kolkata?

Ans. Yes. The university has separate hostels for male and female students. Hostel fees range from INR 4,580 to INR 4,820 per semester and include accommodation, mess facility, Wi-Fi, library access, and indoor sports. Seats are limited and are allotted on the basis of merit and distance from the student’s home.

Ques. Should students choose Presidency University Kolkata or Jadavpur University?

Ans. The better choice depends on the student’s goal. Jadavpur University has a higher NIRF University rank and is stronger for engineering, technology, and applied sciences. Presidency University is a better fit for pure sciences, humanities, and liberal arts in a smaller and highly selective environment. Students aiming for academics, research, or civil services in arts and science subjects can consider Presidency because of its strong record in these areas.

Ques. Which scholarships can Presidency University Kolkata students apply for?

Ans. Students may apply for the Merit-cum-Means Scholarship and the Kanyashree Scholarship for female PG students. Other available schemes include the Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means (K3) Scholarship with support up to INR 8,000 per month, the NSP/PM-USP Scheme offering INR 82,000 per annum for eligible students, the Reliance Foundation Scholarship, and Post-Matric Scholarships for SC/ST/OBC students through the OASIS portal.

Ques. What do students usually do after graduating from Presidency University Kolkata?

Ans. Graduates take different routes after completing their courses. Science students often join doctoral fellowships at IISc, IITs, TIFR, and CSIR national laboratories. Humanities and social science students often appear for UPSC CSE, WBCS, and UGC-NET. Some students join analytics, finance, IT services, consulting, and media roles, where entry-level salaries are usually in the INR 4 to 9 LPA range.