Presidency University, Kolkata is a public state university established in 1817 as Hindoo College, one of the oldest educational institutions in the Indian subcontinent. Renamed Presidency College in 1855, it attained full university status in 2010 under the Government of West Bengal. The university is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) as a University of National Eminence and holds a NAAC ’A’ grade with CGPA 3.13 out of 4 (awarded June 2024).
As per NIRF 2025, Presidency University, Kolkata is placed in the 151-200 band in the University category and in the 51-100 band among State Public Universities.
The main campus at 86/1 College Street, Kolkata covers 9.15 acres in the heart of the city’s historic education district. A second campus of 10 acres at New Town (near Biswa Bangla Convention Centre) houses newer research and academic facilities.
- Humanities and Social Sciences: BA Hons in Bengali, English, History, Sociology, Philosophy, Hindi, Political Science, and Performing Arts (3-year and 4-year NEP frameworks). MA programmes are offered in all these disciplines.
- Natural and Mathematical Sciences: BSc Hons in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Geography, Geology, and Life Science. BSc Research in Biotechnology. MSc in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Applied Econometrics, Astrophysics, Applied Geology, Biotechnology, Geography, Life Science, Molecular Microbiology, and Virology.
- Doctoral Programmes: PhD in 17 disciplines spanning both faculties.
BA Hons fees range from INR 7,700 to INR 9,500 for the full programme duration. BSc Hons fees are INR 10,500 total. MA and MSc fees range from INR 5,040 to INR 7,180. PhD fees are INR 26,000 across three years.
The university administers the Kanyashree Scholarship for female PG students and the Merit-cum-Means Scholarship. Central government schemes including the Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means (K3) Scholarship are available on the NSP portal.
As per NIRF 2025 data, the median salary for 3-year UG graduates was INR 2.40 LPA and for 2-year PG graduates INR 4.30 LPA in the 2023-24 placement season. A significant share of graduates proceed to doctoral fellowships, civil services, and research roles at national institutions.
- Presidency University Kolkata Admission Dates 2026
- Presidency University Kolkata Courses and Fees
- Presidency University Kolkata Admission Process
- Presidency University Kolkata Placements and Career Outcomes
- Presidency University Kolkata Rankings
- Presidency University Kolkata Scholarships
- Presidency University Kolkata Campus and Infrastructure
- Presidency University Kolkata vs Jadavpur University vs University of Calcutta
- Presidency University Kolkata FAQs
Presidency University Kolkata Admission Dates 2026
Admissions for the 2026-27 session were anchored by two entrance tests conducted by WBJEEB: PUBDET for UG programmes and PUMDET for PG programmes. Applications opened on 19 May 2026. The UG and PG selection lists were released in June 2026 and the academic session is now in progress.
| Event | Date (2026-27 Cycle) |
|---|---|
| Application Portal Opens | 19 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply (UG and PG) | 10 June 2026 |
| PUBDET (UG Entrance Test) | 12 to 14 June 2026 |
| Provisional Merit List Released | 24 June 2026 |
| First Selection List Released | 25 June 2026 |
PhD admission for the 2026-27 Odd Cycle is currently open. Candidates holding a valid NET/JRF, CSIR-NET, GATE, or ICMR-JRF qualification may apply for direct admission, while others must clear the university’s Research Entrance Test (RET) followed by an interview.
| Course Family | Entrance Exam | Conducted By |
|---|---|---|
| BA Hons / BSc Hons (UG) | PUBDET | WBJEEB |
| MA / MSc (PG) | PUMDET | WBJEEB |
| PhD | Research Entrance Test (RET) or NET/JRF Direct | Presidency University |
Presidency University Kolkata Courses and Fees
Presidency University Kolkata offers programmes across Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural and Mathematical Sciences at UG, PG, and doctoral levels. As a state government university, fees are among the lowest for any research-intensive institution in India. The table below covers the main programme families with their fees drawn from the university’s published fee structure.
| Programme | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA Hons (Bengali, English, History, Sociology, Political Science, Hindi, Philosophy) | 3 to 4 years | 10+2 with 60% aggregate, subject prerequisites apply | INR 7,700 to INR 9,500 |
| BA Hons (Performing Arts) | 4 years (NEP) | 10+2, audition or aptitude assessment may apply | As 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 apply | INR 10,500 |
| BSc Research (Biotechnology) | 4 years | 10+2 with Biology and Chemistry | INR 13,400 |
| MA (Bengali, English, Hindi, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, Performing Arts) | 2 years | Bachelor’s in relevant subject with 50 to 60% | INR 6,180 |
| MSc (Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Statistics, Astrophysics, Applied Econometrics and others) | 2 years | Bachelor’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 |
Science specialisations stand out for their research depth. The MSc in Astrophysics and the BSc Research programme in Biotechnology are particularly selective. The MSc in Applied Econometrics draws candidates from economics and statistics backgrounds seeking quantitative research training.
Presidency University Kolkata Admission Process
BA Hons and BSc Hons Admission
UG admission is entirely entrance-based through PUBDET, a subject-specific test administered by WBJEEB. Merit lists are drawn from PUBDET scores alone. Class 12 board marks do not count in the final selection.
- Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board with minimum 60% aggregate (55% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD)
- Subject prerequisites: PCM or PCMBio for science programmes. Humanities stream preferred but not mandatory for some BA programmes.
- Selection stages: Online application via university portal, PUBDET subject paper, provisional merit list, document verification, seat confirmation
PUBDET cut-offs vary by subject and category. Science subjects such as Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry tend to be the most competitive. Candidates are advised to check subject-specific cut-off trends from previous cycles on the WBJEEB portal before applying.
MA and MSc Admission
PG admission is through PUMDET, also conducted by WBJEEB. Each subject has a dedicated test paper. A candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree in the relevant or allied discipline.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50 to 60% marks in the relevant subject (55% for SC/ST/OBC)
- For MA Performing Arts: additional aptitude assessment may apply
- Selection stages: PUMDET score, subject-wise merit list, counselling and document verification
PhD Admission
PhD candidates are admitted through the Research Entrance Test (RET) conducted by the university. Candidates holding a valid UGC-NET/JRF, GATE, CSIR-NET, or ICMR-JRF qualification are eligible for direct admission. An interview follows shortlisting.
- Eligibility: Master’s degree in the relevant discipline with minimum 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD)
- Two cycles per year (Odd and Even) with separate notifications on the official portal
Presidency University Kolkata Placements and Career Outcomes
Presidency University graduates pursue diverse career pathways including research fellowships at premier institutions, civil services, academia, analytics, and the private sector. As per NIRF 2025 data, the median salary for 3-year UG graduates was INR 2.40 LPA and for 2-year PG graduates INR 4.30 LPA in the 2023-24 placement season.
A significant portion of graduates from science disciplines proceed to doctoral programmes at IISc, IITs, JNU, TIFR, IACS, and CSIR national laboratories, often supported by CSIR-NET/JRF, DST-INSPIRE, or PMRF fellowships. Humanities and social science graduates sit for UPSC CSE, NET-JRF, and West Bengal state civil services examinations in large numbers, with consistent representation across IAS, IPS, and IFS selections.
Private sector recruitment covers data analytics, IT services, finance, consulting, and media. Entry-level roles in analytics and economics research typically offer INR 4 to 8 LPA for PG graduates. The career outcomes table below outlines the primary pathways by discipline group.
| Career Pathway | Discipline Group | Typical Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Research and Doctoral Fellowship | Science, Economics, Social Sciences | PhD at IITs/IISc/TIFR/IACS with CSIR-JRF or DST-INSPIRE funding |
| Civil Services | Humanities, Social Sciences | UPSC CSE, IES, WBCS, consistent alumni representation |
| Academia and Teaching | All disciplines | UGC-NET/SET qualified, lecturer and assistant professor roles |
| Private Sector Analytics and IT | Mathematics, Statistics, Economics | INR 4 to 8 LPA starting range in analyst and associate roles |
| Finance and Consulting | Economics, Statistics | INR 5 to 9 LPA entry roles in banking, policy research, consulting |
Presidency University Kolkata Rankings
Presidency University, Kolkata participates in NIRF and holds positions in the University and State Public University categories for 2025. The university’s research output, doctoral student strength, and peer perception scores contribute to its ranking profile.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2025 Rank |
|---|---|---|
| NIRF | University | 151-200 band |
| NIRF | State Public University | 51-100 band |
The university’s NAAC ’A’ grade with CGPA of 3.13 out of 4 (June 2024) and its UGC designation as a University of National Eminence reflect its standing as a premier liberal arts and sciences institution in eastern India.
Presidency University Kolkata Scholarships
Presidency University administers several scholarship programmes alongside state and central government schemes. Financial support is available across merit-based, need-based, and category-based categories for enrolled students.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Kanyashree Scholarship | Female PG students, annual application required | Financial support per applicable state norms |
| University Merit-cum-Means Scholarship | Strong academic performance plus demonstrated financial need | Partial fee support |
| Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means (K3) | Meritorious students with family income below state threshold | INR 5,000 to INR 8,000 per month |
| Reliance Foundation Scholarship | UG and PG students, merit-based online selection | Varies by programme level |
| NSP / PM-USP Scheme | 80% or above in Class 12, parental income at or below INR 4.5 Lakhs per annum | INR 82,000 per annum |
| Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST/OBC) | Reserved category students enrolled in degree programmes | Full to partial tuition support via OASIS portal |
Presidency University Kolkata Campus and Infrastructure
The main campus at College Street, Kolkata spans 9.15 acres in the heart of the city’s historic education corridor. The New Town campus adds 10 acres near Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, providing expanded research and academic space. The Himalayan Field Research Centre at Kurseong supports natural science fieldwork for doctoral and postgraduate students.
The central library holds over 3,00,000 books, journals, and e-resources, with a dedicated e-library section for online research access. The university runs 111 laboratories across its science departments, equipped for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral research. Wi-Fi coverage extends across both campuses, and smart classrooms support contemporary teaching formats. Facilities for differently-abled students are available across the main campus.
Separate hostel facilities are available for male and female students. Hostel fees range from INR 4,580 to INR 4,820 per semester, covering accommodation with mess, library access, indoor sports, and on-campus connectivity. With around 3,166 enrolled students across all levels and 208 faculty members, the student-to-faculty ratio supports close academic mentorship uncommon at larger institutions.
Presidency University Kolkata vs Jadavpur University vs University of Calcutta
Aspirants from West Bengal who are considering Presidency University Kolkata frequently compare it with Jadavpur University and the University of Calcutta. All three are public institutions in Kolkata with strong academic legacies, but they serve distinct aspirant profiles and differ significantly in size, scope, and focus.
| Parameter | Presidency University Kolkata | Jadavpur University | University of Calcutta |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1817 (university: 2010) | 1955 | 1857 |
| Type | Public state unitary university | Public state unitary university | Public state affiliating university |
| Academic Focus | Liberal arts and pure sciences | Engineering, technology, arts and sciences | Wide range across affiliated colleges |
| UG Admission | PUBDET (WBJEEB) | WBJEE for Engineering, WBJEEB tests for arts and science | Merit-based across affiliated colleges |
| NIRF University 2025 | 151-200 band | Top 10 (University category) | Top 25 (University category) |
| Campus | 9.15 acres (main) plus 10 acres (New Town) | Over 80 acres, south Kolkata | Multiple sites across the city |
| Annual Fee Range | INR 2,000 to INR 3,500 | INR 3,000 to INR 6,000 | INR 2,000 to INR 5,000 (varies by college) |
| Research Depth | Strong, focused doctoral output in sciences and humanities | Very strong in engineering and technology research | Broad but distributed across affiliated colleges |
Jadavpur University leads for engineering and technology aspirants, with a stronger NIRF rank and a large self-contained campus. Presidency University is the preferred choice for aspirants focused on pure sciences and liberal arts who value an intimate, research-intensive environment with highly selective admission. The University of Calcutta offers greater seat volume and course variety through its affiliating structure, though teaching quality varies across its constituent colleges. Presidency’s compact size and research culture make it best suited for aspirants who prioritise academic depth over seat availability.
Presidency University Kolkata FAQs
Ques. What is the admission process for BA and BSc Hons at Presidency University Kolkata?
Ans. UG admission is through PUBDET (Presidency University Bachelor’s Degree Entrance Test), conducted by WBJEEB. Applications typically open in May. Shortlisting is based entirely on PUBDET scores. Class 12 board marks do not count in the final merit calculation. Candidates must meet the minimum 60% aggregate eligibility (55% for SC/ST/OBC) to apply.
Ques. What is the total fee at Presidency University Kolkata?
Ans. As a state government university, fees are very low. BA Hons total fees range from INR 7,700 to INR 9,500 for the full programme. BSc Hons fees are INR 10,500 total. MA and MSc fees range from INR 5,040 to INR 7,180. PhD fees are INR 26,000 for three years. Hostel fees are INR 4,580 to INR 4,820 per semester.
Ques. Is Presidency University Kolkata a good choice for research careers?
Ans. Yes. Presidency University is one of the most research-oriented public universities in eastern India. A large share of its science graduates proceed to PhD programmes at IISc, IITs, TIFR, IACS, and CSIR institutes, funded through CSIR-JRF or DST-INSPIRE fellowships. The high faculty-to-student ratio supports individualised research mentorship that is uncommon at larger universities.
Ques. What is the NIRF ranking of Presidency University Kolkata?
Ans. As per NIRF 2025, Presidency University Kolkata is placed in the 151-200 band in the University category and in the 51-100 band among State Public Universities. The university also holds a NAAC ’A’ grade with CGPA 3.13 out of 4, awarded in June 2024.
Ques. Does Presidency University Kolkata have a hostel?
Ans. Yes. Separate hostel facilities are available for male and female students. Hostel fees range from INR 4,580 to INR 4,820 per semester, including accommodation, mess facility, Wi-Fi, library access, and indoor sports. Hostel seats are limited and allocated based on merit and distance from home.
Ques. Is Presidency University Kolkata better than Jadavpur University?
Ans. They serve different aspirant profiles. Jadavpur University ranks higher in NIRF University rankings and is the stronger choice for engineering, technology, and applied sciences. Presidency University is the preferred option for pure sciences, liberal arts, and humanities in an intimate, highly selective environment. If your goal is academia, research, or civil services in arts and science disciplines, Presidency has a strong track record.
Ques. What scholarships are available at Presidency University Kolkata?
Ans. The university offers the Merit-cum-Means Scholarship and the Kanyashree Scholarship for female PG students. External schemes available to enrolled students include the Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means (K3) Scholarship (up to INR 8,000 per month), the NSP/PM-USP Scheme (INR 82,000 per annum for eligible candidates), the Reliance Foundation Scholarship, and Post-Matric Scholarships for SC/ST/OBC students via the OASIS portal.
Ques. What career paths do Presidency University Kolkata graduates pursue?
Ans. Graduates follow diverse pathways. Science graduates commonly pursue doctoral fellowships at IISc, IITs, TIFR, and CSIR national laboratories. Humanities and social science graduates regularly qualify for UPSC CSE, WBCS, and UGC-NET examinations. Others join the private sector in analytics, finance, IT services, consulting, and media, with entry-level salaries in the INR 4 to 9 LPA range.
Comments
Found 38 Comments
Presidency University, Kolkata, does not offer B.Sc Nursing as part of its main university programs. Its primary courses are in arts, science (like B.Sc Life Science), commerce, and social sciences. The university’s School of Allied Health Sciences lists other health tech courses, but B.Sc Nursing is not shown on the official Presidency University program list.
At Presidency University, Kolkata, eligibility for B.Sc. (Hons.) in Psychology requires students to have studied Psychology, Biology, or Mathematics at the 10+2 level. Admission to Presidency University, Kolkata varies by program:
Yes, the candidates are required to clear the university's entrance exam, which tests their knowledge in physics, mathematics, and related subjects.
The fees for the BSc in Physics course is mentioned below:
You must have done 10+2 with 70% in aggregate with Physics & Chemistry + (Mathematics or Statistics) + Biology. The fee per year for the BSc in Economics honors is INR 2,050 at the Presidency University Kolkata, Kolkata. Admission is done based on the PUBDET score followed by counseling. Application form for all the courses offered by Presidency University, Kolkata can be filled online by visiting the official.
You must have done Bachelor's degree with 50% in English (Honours). Admission is offered on the basis of candidates’ score in PUMDET organized by WBJEEB. WBJEEB finalizes the admission after conducting counselling rounds for the selected candidates as per PUMDET merit list.
The fee per year for the MA in English course is INR 2,220 at the Presidency University, Kolkata. Admission is offered on the basis of candidates’ score in PUMDET organized by WBJEEB. WBJEEB finalizes the admission after conducting counselling rounds for the selected candidates as per PUMDET merit list. Admission fee is required to be paid at the time of final counselling round in the form of DD drawn in favour of “West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board” payable at Kolkata.
Yes, admission to the B.Tech course is ongoing at Presidency University. Students can apply through this link: https://presidencyuniversity.in/admission/school-of-computer-science-engineering/
In terms of rankings Presidency University, Kolkata has been placed at 151st position by NIRF whereas Presidency University Bangalore has not got such ranking. Presidency University Kolkata has highest placement package INR 13 LPA whereas Presidency University has highest package of INR 12 LPA. The average package of Presidency Kolkata is also better INR 7 LPA whereas Presidency Bangalore has only 5 LPA average package.
Presidency University, Kolkata offers BA honors in Political Science to the students. The per year fee of the course is INR 2 thousand. The eligibility of the course is to complete 10+2 with at least 60% marks in the aggregate.
Application form for all the courses offered by Presidency University, Kolkata can be filled online by visiting the official West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board (WBJEEB) portal. During the admission process candidates have to upload necessary documents for verification purpose.
the entrance exam registration for PU Kolkata will begin by March 2024 and that of JU Kolkata April 2024.
You must have done Bachelor's degree with 50% in History (Honours). The admission is based on the PUMDET score followed by counselling.
You can apply for PG admisisons on the vacant seat from the official website of the Presidency University, Kolkata.
Admission to PU Kolkata is done based on entrance exam and the application form for the same will be scheduled by February 2nd week 2024.
As of now, admission is over for this session and the seats are over for the desired course.
The admissions are based on the scores obtained in the entrance examinations. You can apply for the admission through official portal of the Presidency University Kolkata.
Yes, you need to crack the respective exams for the course to get admission into that particular course at the Presidency University Kolkata.
Yes. Presidency University do offer MA in Hindi to students. Check here to know more about the course. Presidency University MA Hindi
Admission process is open for MA courses (PU category) for session 2023. Candidates can apply by visting the official website of the college till 7th September 2023.