Bethune College, Kolkata, is an autonomous government women’s college established in 1879. It is the oldest women’s college in India. The college is affiliated to the University of Calcutta and is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Admission is open only to women candidates.
As per NIRF College Ranking 2024, Bethune College is ranked 91 (Score: 52.50) among all colleges in India. The college holds NAAC A+ Grade accreditation.
The campus is located at Bidhan Sarani (formerly College Street area), Kolkata, West Bengal. The college buildings reflect heritage architecture dating to the 19th century. It is one of a small group of Central Government-aided autonomous colleges under the University of Calcutta offering both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
- Arts UG (BA Hons.) - Bengali, English, Hindi, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Sanskrit, Psychology. Total fee: INR 12,186 (3 years).
- Science UG (B.Sc Hons.) - Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Statistics, Zoology. Total fee: INR 13,746 (3 years).
- BA (Women Studies) - Total fee: INR 6,093 (3 years).
- Postgraduate (MA) - Applied Psychology, Bengali, English. Total fee: INR 21,320 (2 years).
- Postgraduate (M.Sc) - Applied Psychology, Botany, Mathematics, Zoology. Total fee: INR 22,360 (2 years).
- Diploma (DCA) - Diploma in Computer Applications. Fee: INR 2,800.
The total UG fee at Bethune College is INR 12,186 to 13,746 for the complete 3-year programme. PG programmes cost INR 21,320 to 22,360 over two years.
Bethune College is a liberal arts and science institution. Graduates primarily pursue postgraduate study, competitive examinations (UPSC/WBCS), teaching, research, and careers in media, law, and social work.
Bethune College Admission Dates 2026
Bethune College UG admissions for the 2026-27 session were processed through the University of Calcutta’s CUET-based centralised admission process. UG applications for 2026-27 are now closed. PG admissions for 2026-27 followed merit-based selection on UG marks.
| Event | 2026-27 Status | 2027-28 Tentative |
|---|---|---|
| CUET (UG) Registration | March to April 2026 (Concluded) | March 2027 |
| CUET (UG) Exam | May to June 2026 (Concluded) | May 2027 |
| University of Calcutta UG Admission Portal | June to July 2026 (Concluded) | June 2027 |
| Bethune College Merit List Publication | July 2026 (Concluded) | July 2027 |
| PG (MA/M.Sc) Application Window | June to August 2026 (Concluded) | June to August 2027 |
| Academic Session Commencement | August 2026 | August 2027 |
The table below shows the exam and admission basis for each programme family at Bethune College.
| Programme | Admission Basis | Open To |
|---|---|---|
| BA Hons. / B.Sc Hons. | CUET (UG) score | Women only |
| BA (Women Studies) | CUET (UG) score | Women only |
| MA (Bengali, English, Applied Psychology) | UG merit and/or admission test | Women only |
| M.Sc (Botany, Mathematics, Zoology, Applied Psychology) | UG merit and/or admission test | Women only |
| DCA Diploma | Class 12 merit | Women only |
Bethune College Courses and Fees
Bethune College offers 9 BA Honours subjects, 9 B.Sc Honours subjects, and the BA (Women Studies) programme at the undergraduate level. Postgraduate programmes are available in Applied Psychology, Bengali, English, Botany, Mathematics, and Zoology. All fees below are for the full programme duration.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA Hons. (8 subjects) | 3 years | Class 12 + CUET | INR 12,186 |
| BA (Women Studies) | 3 years | Class 12 + CUET | INR 6,093 |
| B.Sc Hons. (9 subjects) | 3 years | Class 12 (Science) + CUET | INR 13,746 |
| MA (Applied Psychology, Bengali, English) | 2 years | BA Hons in relevant subject | INR 21,320 |
| M.Sc (Applied Psychology, Botany, Mathematics, Zoology) | 2 years | B.Sc Hons in relevant subject | INR 22,360 |
| DCA Diploma | 1 year | Class 12 pass | INR 2,800 |
Bethune College is recognised for its History, English Literature, and Bengali programmes in the humanities stream. In science, the Botany, Zoology, and Mathematics departments have produced notable researchers and educators. The college follows the University of Calcutta’s semester-based CBCS curriculum for all UG and PG programmes.
Bethune College Admission Process
UG Admission (BA Hons. / B.Sc Hons.)
Bethune College admits only women candidates. UG admission is based on CUET (UG) scores, processed through the University of Calcutta’s centralised admission portal.
- Eligibility: Passed Class 10+2 from any recognised board. For B.Sc Hons., applicants must have studied the relevant science subject at Class 12 level.
- Exam: Valid CUET (UG) score in the relevant subject. CUET replaces class 12 merit as the primary admission criterion for University of Calcutta-affiliated colleges.
- Selection: CUET score-based merit list published on the University of Calcutta admission portal. Multiple rounds of merit list publication as per seat availability.
- Women-only: Bethune College does not admit male candidates to any programme.
PG Admission (MA / M.Sc)
Postgraduate admission at Bethune College is based on graduation merit and may include a written test or interview for select subjects, as determined by the college for each academic session.
- Eligibility for MA: BA Hons. degree from a University of Calcutta-recognised institution in the corresponding subject, with a minimum required percentage.
- Eligibility for M.Sc: B.Sc Hons. in the corresponding subject with requisite marks as notified by the college.
- Applied Psychology: Available at both MA and M.Sc levels. Applicants with a BA Hons. (Psychology) background may apply for MA, and those with B.Sc Hons. (Psychology) for M.Sc.
DCA Diploma
The Diploma in Computer Applications is a one-year programme open to women candidates who have passed Class 12 from any recognised board. Admission is merit-based on Class 12 marks.
Bethune College Career Outcomes
Bethune College is a liberal arts and science institution and does not operate a structured campus placement programme. Career outcomes for graduates follow the patterns common to women’s liberal arts colleges affiliated to the University of Calcutta.
Humanities and social science graduates predominantly appear for UPSC (IAS/IPS), West Bengal Civil Service (WBCS), and State Public Service Commission exams. English and Bengali graduates also pursue teaching (SET/NET pathway), media, publishing, and law (CLAT for LLB). Science graduates from B.Sc Botany, Zoology, and Mathematics typically pursue M.Sc, then research or teaching. B.Sc Computer Science and DCA graduates enter IT services, BPO, and data-entry sectors in Kolkata.
| Stream | Common Career Pathways | Typical Entry-Level Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Humanities (BA Hons.) | WBCS/UPSC, teaching (SET/NET), media, social work | INR 3 to 6 LPA (government/teaching) |
| Science (B.Sc Hons.) | M.Sc/Ph.D, pharma QC, research, teaching | INR 3 to 6 LPA (private/research) |
| B.Sc Computer Science / DCA | IT services, data entry, BPO, software QA | INR 3 to 6 LPA |
| Psychology (BA/B.Sc/MA/M.Sc) | Counselling, HR, NGO, clinical psychology | INR 2.5 to 5 LPA |
Bethune College Rankings
Bethune College is ranked nationally in the NIRF College category. It is the only women’s college in the NIRF 2024 College top-100 list from Kolkata. The college holds NAAC A+ accreditation.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2024 Rank |
|---|---|---|
| NIRF | College (All India) | 91 (Score: 52.50) |
Bethune College Campus and Infrastructure
Bethune College is situated on Bidhan Sarani, in the intellectual hub of north-central Kolkata, close to the famous College Street area. The campus buildings are of significant heritage value, dating back to the 19th century when the college was established by John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune in 1849 as a school, later elevated to a college in 1879. The campus reflects the architectural character of colonial-era educational institutions in Kolkata.
The college has a central library with holdings in English, Bengali, Hindi, Sanskrit, and sciences, and access to University of Calcutta digital resources. Science departments have dedicated laboratory facilities for Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Physics, and Computer Science. The campus provides hostel accommodation for outstation women students. A student union and multiple cultural societies support co-curricular activities in theatre, literature, music, and social service.
The college has produced two of India’s first female graduates, Kadambini Ganguly and Chandramukhi Basu, in 1883, and counts among its alumnae Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. This heritage makes Bethune College one of the most historically significant higher education institutions for women in South Asia.
Bethune College vs Lady Brabourne College vs Loreto College
Women candidates applying to government-aided women’s colleges affiliated to the University of Calcutta in Kolkata most often compare Bethune College with Lady Brabourne College and Loreto College, both located in the city.
| Parameter | Bethune College | Lady Brabourne College | Loreto College, Kolkata |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 1879 (college), 1849 (school) | 1939 | 1912 |
| Type | Government Autonomous, Women’s | Government Aided, Women’s | Government Aided, Women’s |
| Affiliation | University of Calcutta | University of Calcutta | University of Calcutta |
| NAAC Grade | A+ | A+ | A+ |
| NIRF 2024 Rank (College) | 91 | Not in NIRF top 100 | Not in NIRF top 100 |
| Location | Bidhan Sarani (College Street area) | Suhrawardy Avenue | Middleton Row, Park Street |
| Notable for | Oldest women’s college in India, heritage, research | Large science and arts departments | English literature, social sciences, convent tradition |
Bethune College carries the strongest historical legacy and is the only women’s college from Kolkata in the NIRF 2024 College top-100. Lady Brabourne College offers a wider seat intake and strong science streams. Loreto College is preferred by aspirants seeking a convent-tradition educational environment with strong English literature and social science faculties. All three are Calcutta University-affiliated and follow the same CUET-based UG admission route.
Bethune College FAQs
Ques. Is Bethune College a women’s college only?
Ans. Yes. Bethune College is exclusively a women’s institution. Admission to all programmes, including BA Hons., B.Sc Hons., MA, M.Sc, and Diploma, is open only to women candidates. It is the oldest women’s college in India, established in 1879.
Ques. What is the total fee for BA or B.Sc at Bethune College?
Ans. The total fee for a 3-year BA Hons. programme at Bethune College is INR 12,186, and for B.Sc Hons. it is INR 13,746 for the full duration. These are among the lowest fees for an autonomous NAAC A+ college in India. The BA (Women Studies) programme fee is INR 6,093 for 3 years.
Ques. How is admission done at Bethune College for BA/B.Sc?
Ans. UG admissions at Bethune College are based on CUET (UG) scores, processed through the University of Calcutta’s centralised admission portal. Applicants must register for CUET (UG) in early 2027 for the 2027-28 session. Only women candidates may apply. Reserved category relaxation applies as per West Bengal state norms.
Ques. What is Bethune College’s NIRF ranking?
Ans. As per NIRF College Ranking 2024, Bethune College is ranked 91 out of all colleges in India, with a NIRF score of 52.50. It is the only women’s college from Kolkata to feature in the NIRF College top-100 list.
Ques. Does Bethune College have hostel facilities?
Ans. Yes. Bethune College provides hostel accommodation for outstation women students on campus. Seats are limited and typically allocated on priority to students from outside Kolkata. Hostel fee details and availability are announced by the college administration at the start of each academic session.
Ques. What postgraduate programmes does Bethune College offer?
Ans. Bethune College offers MA in Applied Psychology, Bengali, and English, and M.Sc in Applied Psychology, Botany, Mathematics, and Zoology. PG admission is based on UG merit and may include an entrance test. Total PG fees are INR 21,320 (MA) and INR 22,360 (M.Sc) for the full 2-year duration.
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The admission process for Bethune College, Kolkata for the academic year 2025–26 commenced on June 18, 2025, through the West Bengal Centralized Admission Portal (WBCAP). The application window closed on July 1, 2025. Subsequent merit lists were released, with the first merit list published on July 6, followed by the second merit list on July 17. Final admissions were completed by July 20. Classes for the first-year undergraduate students began on August 1, 2025
The fees for the courses are mentioned below:
B.Sc {Hons.}
BA {Hons.}
MA
M.Sc
Diploma in Computer Application [DCA]
At Bethune College, Kolkata, you do not have to pay any separate registration fee beyond the standard admission fee at the time of taking your seat. That admission fee covers your registration and tuition for the first few months.
Bethune College, Kolkata, has announced that undergraduate admissions for the academic year 2025–26 will be conducted through the West Bengal Centralized Admission Portal (WBCAP). The admission dates have not yet been released
Bethune College in Kolkata has not yet announced the specific admission dates for the 2025 academic session.
The fee per year for the BA in English is INR 1,181 at the Bethune College, Kolkata. Admission to the Bethune College Kolkata is strictly done on the basis of merit, i.e., the percentage of marks received by the candidate for her Higher Secondary or any equivalent exam. You must have done 10+2 with 75% marks with English (85% Marks) as a compulsory subject.
Bsc in psychology available
Yes, B.Sc. in Psychology course is offered in Bethune College. But the course is offered in honors mode.
You can check out the colleges offering the course at the page Top B.Sc Zoology colleges in india 2024.
Bethune College, Kolkata does not offer the Masters in Phycology course. You can check here for the Bethune College Courses.
The admissions have been concluded for the academic year 2023-24 at Bethune College Kolkata.
The hostel fee of Bethune College is not available in online mode. The fee details can be obtained by visiting the college only.
For admission to BA in Psychology Hons. at Bethune College, you need a minimum of 60% marks in class 12. Admissions are based on the merit of the best 4 subjects and hence, you should have maximum marks to get admitted. Read more: Bethune College Admissions
Yes, Bethune College offers BA Hons. in Psychology. Admission to the course is based on the merit score of class 12. Read more: Admissions at Bethune College
Application for admission to the 2023 batch in both UG and PG courses in Bethune College can be submitted online by logging on to the college’s official website.
Bethune College fees vary as per the course you have elected to study. It ranges from INR 1,371 to 6,561 per year. To know more details checkout Bethune College Courses and Fees
The admission to each course in Bethune College is selected based on the marks scored for the concerned subject. To read more click here Bethune College Admissions
Bethune College offers a bachelor of honors in computer science. The eligibility criteria for the course are 10+2 with Physics, Computer Science, Statistics-60% in Mathematics, and 60% in English.
You can apply for Bsc Psychology in Bethune college, if you have 10+2 with 60% marks with English (60% Marks) as a compulsory subject . To read more click here Bethune College Courses and Fees
The cut off ranges from 85% to 95% for Bachelor of Science in Psychology. You must have completed 10+2 with 60% marks with English (60% Marks) as a compulsory subject to get the admission.
Yes, you can pursue a course from Bethune college without CUET examination. For most of the courses the admssion process is based on the merit list and index marks.