Vidyasagar College for Women

About the Department

The Women’s Section of Vidyasagar College was the first government-aided institution for women’s higher education, symbolizing a significant step forward in advancing learning. It introduced B.Sc. courses in various science subjects, including Geography. In June 1960, the Women’s Section became an independent institution with separate affiliation under the University of Calcutta and was renamed Vidyasagar College for Women, governed by its own administrative body. By 1962, it had evolved into a full-fledged Honours department.

Over the years, the department has been enriched by the contributions of many distinguished educators. Currently, the department comprises five full-time faculty members (4 Assistant Professors and 1 Associate Professor) and two non-teaching staff (one permanent and one casual). Both teaching and non-teaching staff are dedicated to ensuring a dynamic and effective teaching-learning environment. Faculty members remain approachable and actively guide students, encouraging them to achieve their academic and career goals.

Admission to the first-year Honours program is strictly merit-based (through central portal of Calcutta University), with a large number of applicants vying for limited seats each year. The college adheres to state government policies on reservations for backward classes, ensuring that all norms are followed in the admission process.

The department boasts a seminar library with a collection of approximately 800 books, both old and new, and a subject-wise catalogue for easy reference. Although it lacks a dedicated reading room, the library provides valuable academic resources to students. The faculty emphasizes comprehensive teaching, often incorporating technology into their pedagogy. The department has two laboratories cum classroom in the old building shared with three colleges, and two lab cum classroom in the new building equipped with 14 PCs and three laptops installed with GIS software, all accessible to students.

A close bond between students and teachers has always been a defining characteristic of the department. Faculty members offer personalized counseling and guidance to students based on their individual interests and aptitudes. Established in 1962, the department has a proud legacy, with many of its graduates excelling in various fields.