Hooghly Women’s College stands today as one of the most distinguished and historic institutions in the district, and proudly holds the distinction of being the first women’s college established in Hooghly district through the efforts of local educationists, most notably Sri Nripendranath Dhar, a renowned advocate and educationist and the missionaries. The origins of this institution trace back to a small study centre the “Mission House” established by Christian missionaries on the bank of the river Ganga in Chuchura. The initiative began on 1 August 1941. However, other sources note that the "Mission House" functioned with 17 students in 1943.
After independence, with a favourable environment for women’s education, local educationists and social reformists renewed their efforts. In a meeting with district and education officials, a formal decision was taken on 12 December 1948, to start classes. Accordingly, on 1 August 1949, the college officially began first-yearclasses with 41 students and four teachers in the same "Mission House" building.A significant milestone was achieved in 1951 when the foundation stone of the main building—at the site where the college now stands in Pipulpati, Chinsurah—was laid by His Excellency Dr. Kailash Nath Katju. The building was inaugurated the following year, in 1952, by Dr. Bidhan Chandra Ray, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the college’s journey.
Since then, Hooghly Women’s College has flourished steadily, expanding its academic programmes and strengthening its infrastructure. Despite many challenges along the way, the college has continued to progress with resilience and purpose, fulfilling its mission of providing quality higher education to young women from the region and beyond.
We take immense pride in the rich legacy that defines Hooghly Women’s College. Today, the institution comprises 9 Humanities departments and 8 Science departments, each committed to fostering academic excellence and holistic development through dedicated teaching and strong institutional support.
Academically, the college follows the curriculum prescribed by the University of Burdwan. In addition, we remain deeply committed to exposing students to diverse cross-cutting issues and development-oriented practices. These include professional skill enhancement, initiatives under the Equal Opportunity Cell, psychological and career counselling programmes, and various other value-based activities. Our state-of-the-art science laboratories, the well-equipped digital central library with an extensive collection of books, and departmental seminar libraries collectively contribute to an enriching learning environment. The NSS unit plays an active role in cultivating students’ sense of responsibility, leadership, and service to society. The college’s fully equipped hostel further ensures a safe, supportive, and secure atmosphere for residential students.
Our dedicated faculty members uphold the highest standards of teaching and remain committed to student-centric and experiential learning. The college offers a wide range of scholarships, endowments, and memorial awards that encourage academic merit and support students in need. Many of our students consistently secure placements or pursue higher studies, reflecting their readiness for professional and academic pursuits. With the implementation of NEP-2020, the institution is embracing a more holistic, flexible, and multidisciplinary academic model, aligning itself with national goals of excellence and innovation. Hooghly Women’s College was accredited with a B++ grade by NAAC in 2024.
I express my sincere gratitude to the entire Hooghly Women’s College community for their continued support, dedication, and belief in our shared mission. Together, we shall uphold the legacy built over the decades and strive to elevate Hooghly Women’s College to new heights. With collective effort, vision, and commitment, we aim to reinforce our position as a leading institution in the district and beyond.
Dr. Barnali Chattopadhya
Teacher-in-Charge
Hooghly Women’s College
