Jadavpur University, a prestigious state university, was established on 24th December 1955 under the Jadavpur University Act (West Bengal Act XXXIII of 1955). Its roots trace back to the National Council of Education, Bengal (1906), an initiative born out of India’s anti-colonial Swadeshi Movement, aiming to foster self-reliance by empowering youth through world-class education. The university’s mission has been to deliver global knowledge, technical education, and awareness of socio-economic realities, nurturing individuals capable of driving societal progress.

With a focus on innovation in science, technology, humanities, and social sciences, Jadavpur University has consistently expanded academic frontiers. It actively contributes to research, policy formulation, and technological development—benefiting governments, industries, and underprivileged communities. The university’s ability to blend conventional and emerging technologies reflects its commitment to fostering sustainable development for all sectors of society.

Historical Legacy: Shaping India’s Educational Renaissance

The history of Jadavpur University is intertwined with the Indian freedom movement, particularly the Swadeshi Movement (1905-1906). During this period, British colonial hegemony had to be confronted, and education became a tool for national resistance. The National Council of Education (NCE) was founded to provide scientific, literary, and technical education on national lines, independent of colonial influence, promoting self-reliance through education.

The establishment of the NCE was made possible through the efforts and contributions of visionaries such as:

• Raja Subodh Chandra Mallik
• Brajendra Kishore Roychowdhury of Gouripur
• Sir Rash Behari Ghosh (the first President of NCE)
• Rabindranath Tagore
• Sri Aurobindo Ghosh

In 1910, the NCE merged with the Society for the Promotion of Technical Education in Bengal, which managed the Bengal Technical Institute. This institute later evolved into the College of Engineering and Technology, Bengal, functioning as a de facto university by 1940. Following India’s independence, the Government of West Bengal, in collaboration with the Government of India, enacted legislation to formally establish Jadavpur University on 24th December 1955.

Academic Excellence and Research Impact

Today, Jadavpur University stands as a premier institution, offering a diverse array of programs across disciplines such as engineering, arts, science, and interdisciplinary studies. It is recognized for its renowned faculty, commitment to advanced research, and emphasis on policy support for both national and international bodies. The university’s pioneering efforts benefit industries, governments, and disadvantaged communities, ensuring that education and innovation serve as tools for social upliftment.

With a strong foundation in both tradition and modernity, Jadavpur University continues to be a beacon of academic excellence, research leadership, and social responsibility, inspiring future generations to shape a better world.

Campus:  Main Campus – A Hub of Academic and Cultural Activity

The main campus of Jadavpur University, spread across 60 acres, is located in Jadavpur, Kolkata. It houses the major engineering, arts, and science departments, along with a wide range of academic, recreational, and cultural facilities, making it a vibrant center for student life.

Key features of the main campus include:

• Auditoriums: The campus boasts seven auditoriums, each used for conferences, cultural events, and academic activities:
  • H.L. Roy Auditorium
  • Triguna Sen Auditorium
  • K.P. Basu Memorial Hall
  • Vivekananda Hall
  • Anita Banerjee Memorial Hall
  • Gandhi Bhavan
• Open-Air Theatre: A unique attraction of the main campus, the Open-Air Theatre accommodates around 3,000 spectators, providing space for concerts, plays, and open discussions.

Sports Complex

The university also emphasizes sports and physical fitness through its 6-acre sports complex. The complex includes:

• Badminton and Tennis courts
• Kabaddi court
• Playground for organizing cricket, football, and other sports events.
  This area serves as a hub for students to unwind, engage in competitions, and develop teamwork skills.

Amenities and Facilities

Jadavpur University provides a wide range of facilities to enhance students' academic and personal well-being:

• Canteens and Cafeteria: The campus has six canteens serving diverse cuisines, fostering social interaction.
• Amenities Center and Guest House: Students and visitors benefit from guest accommodations and multipurpose facilities.
• Health Center and Gymnasium: The university promotes wellness through a health center and gym for students and staff.
• PWD Centre: Dedicated support for students with disabilities.
• Banks, Post Office, and Bookshops: Essential services are available within the campus, ensuring convenience for students and faculty.

Central Library (Jadavpur Campus)

The Central Library at the Jadavpur main campus spans 41,500 square feet (3,860 m²) and serves as an essential resource hub for students, faculty, and researchers. It houses an extensive collection of books, journals, and other materials that support both academic and interdisciplinary learning.

Library Collections

• Books: 6,46,296 volumes
• Bound Journals: 80,700 volumes
• Theses and Dissertations: 13,000+
• Non-Book Materials: 37,000 items, including reports, pamphlets, maps, and micro-forms
• Print Journals: 1,159 titles
• Online Journals: 1,448 subscriptions

The Central Library provides access to approximately 3,000 additional online journals through national consortia such as INFLIBNET and INDEST. This brings the total access to over 11,000 journals, supporting research across various disciplines.

Digital Resources

• Databases: The library subscribes to 30 databases, including renowned platforms such as Scopus and EconLit.
• E-Books: Access to 10,000+ e-books (as of 2018), with continuous updates to digital resources.

Salt Lake Campus Library

The Salt Lake campus also houses a library with 6,500 square feet of space, complementing the facilities available at the main campus. It provides additional resources tailored to the needs of the academic programs offered on that campus.

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