GetMyUni's Verdict on Scottish Church College

Parvathy Krishnakumar

“Having produced influential personalities in history like Subhash Chandra Bose and Swami Vivekananda, Scottish Church College is one of the finest academic institutions in the country.” 

The brainchild of Rev.Dr. Alexander Duff, Scottish Church College, has maintained its reputation for academic excellence by providing a healthy educational environment. The college has been ranked among the top colleges for being one of the best liberal Arts and Science colleges in the country. It is a selective, coeducational college with high academic standards and sports achievements.

The college is famous for its academic excellence, highly experienced faculty, and impressive infrastructure. It has produced noteworthy alumni since its inception in 1830. Though it has strict rules and regulations that mandate discipline within the campus, the college offers students several opportunities to grow both academically and personally. 

However, the college falls behind in terms of certain aspects, such as well-equipped facilities for some departments, and it lacks in providing good placement opportunities to its students. Nevertheless, the college is still regarded as one of the best colleges in West Bengal with its long-standing reputation for its academic excellence and supporting professors.

Table of Contents

• Limited Yet Excellent Courses
• Talented & Friendly Professors
• Classic Infrastructure
• Limited Rooms in Hostels
• Culturally Engaging & Active Campus
• Mediocre Placements
• Final Verdict on Scottish Church College

Limited Yet Excellent Courses

As mentioned above, the college has maintained an excellent academic record since its inception, with well-structured courses and an inviting educational environment. Though the courses offered by the college are limited, each course at the college is well-received and has helped students pursue brilliant careers in their desired fields.

Primarily, the college offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the Arts, Science, Commerce and Education disciplines. The majority of the undergraduate courses offered by the college are Honours programs, and therefore, admission to these programs is challenging with high cut-off marks. Hence, the student body at the college is made up of intellectually outstanding students. 

One of the distinguishing features of the college is the possibility of students choosing the generic elective subjects along with the major courses, which enables them for interdisciplinary learning. Apart from that, the courses offered by the college in English, Chemistry, Economics and Physics are regarded among the best in the country. Some of the top courses offered by the college are as follows.

• BA (Hons) in English Literature
• BA (Hons) in Philosophy
• BA (Hons) in Political Science
• B.Sc (Hons) in Zoology
• B.Sc (Hons) in Physics
• B.Sc (Hons) in Economics
• B.Sc (Hons) in Mathematics
• B.Sc (Hons) in Chemistry
• B.Sc (Hons) in Botany
• B.Com (Hons) in Accounting and Finance
• Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA - Hons)
• Bachelor of Education (B.Ed)
• M.Sc in Botany
• M.Sc in Chemistry.

Course Fee Structure

The course fees at the college are comparatively lower than the other private colleges in the country. The course fees vary depending on the program, specialisation and course duration. The course fees include laboratory fees for the relevant programs, tuition fees, elective fees, a security deposit, which is refundable and a development fee. 

According to the latest fee structure, the course fees for BA and B.Sc programs range between INR 11,635 and INR 47,746 for the first year. The first-year fees for the B.Com program are INR 51,986 and INR 57,206 for the BBA program. 

The course fee for M.Sc Chemistry and Botany is INR 48,900 in the first year, which is inclusive of admission, tuition fees, laboratory and establishment charges, library fees, refundable security deposit and academic maintenance charges. The second-year fees for the postgraduate Chemistry and Botany programs are INR 43,100 and INR 40,400, respectively.

In addition to the nominal course fees, the college also offers scholarships to students based on their academic performance and their categories. Apart from that, the college also has scholarships for students who excel in particular areas.

Attendance Policy

According to the college rules, students must maintain a minimum attendance of 75% in all subjects in every semester. Only those students who have the minimum attendance will be allowed to appear for the end-semester examinations.

Talented & Friendly Professors

The professors at the college are not only highly qualified with excellent teaching experience, but they are easily approachable and supportive of the students. The professors are known to employ various teaching methods to ensure all students understand even the complex concepts thoroughly. More importantly, the professors treat all their students equally, regardless of their background. 

The faculty members at the college are committed to providing students with the necessary resources and adequate study materials to ensure they perform well in the examinations. Students can also approach their professors for doubt clarification or further discussions regarding their subjects without hesitation. While being friendly, the professors also play a crucial role in maintaining the overall discipline of the students.

Although some senior professors are more devoted to traditional teaching techniques, the newer professors ensure students have interactive learning experiences by including group discussions, case studies and other academic activities. Additionally, the professors also give equal importance to theoretical and practical learning for the relevant subjects. 

Most professors are actively involved in research activities, which makes them well-connected to industrial development. This helps them enhance their teaching skills and provide the relevant information and training to help students excel in academic and professional fields.

Overall, based on the students’ reviews on online platforms, the professors at the college are not only highly educated, well-experienced personnel but also a bunch of good human beings who offer a welcoming and educational environment to the students. 

Classic Infrastructure

The college has a well-facilitated infrastructure, which is a blend of traditional architecture with modern facilities. Since it was established over a century ago, the college’s infrastructure holds heritage value and retains the remnants of the greatest minds created here. Moreover, it boasts an environmentally sustainable campus with roof water harvesting reservoirs, solar panels and vermicomposting units. It also provides high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the campus. 

The college has made the necessary renovations and modernisation while keeping the old-world charm. In a time where contemporary architecture is taking over most of the academic institutions, the historically relevant infrastructure of the college gives students an enriching and unique educational experience.

The classrooms at the college are spacious enough to accommodate around 100 students and well-lit with proper ventilation. Though the style of these classrooms is primarily traditional, the college has included modern facilities and technologies, such as projectors, whiteboards, air-conditioning, etc., to cope with the ever-evolving academic needs of the newer generations.

The college has designated laboratories for the relevant departments, which are well-maintained and adequately equipped with modern devices and instruments to provide a well-rounded, practical learning environment. Similar to the other academic infrastructure, the laboratories are also of traditional layouts. The labs are spacious and can accommodate large groups of students. 

The major attraction of the college infrastructure is its massive general library, which houses more than 2 lakh resources, such as books, journals, research papers, etc. The library is automated to ensure students have hassle-free access to these resources. It is said to be a treasure trove of knowledge, which is equally beneficial for the students, scholars and professors. 

The library also consists of digital resources, such as e-books, e-journals and online databases, which can be accessed using the computer systems available within the library. The college is in the process of digitalising the library altogether.

Apart from the well-equipped academic infrastructure, the college also has separate facilities for different types of sports, like badminton, basketball, volleyball, cricket, football and hockey. The main ground is also used for athletic events. In addition to these sports facilities, the college also has a gymnasium that is well-facilitated with the necessary equipment to ensure students maintain their physical health.

The college also has multiple canteens located in different buildings, which makes it easier for the students to relax between their classes without having to commute further away from their classes or labs. Other types of food and beverages are available at these canteens at affordable prices. The canteens also have spacious seating areas that can accommodate multiple number of students. The canteens are the primary hangout spots for students.

Apart from these facilities and amenities, the college also has seminar halls, a large auditorium and a medical centre to ensure students have a conducive and safe learning environment. Students have mentioned that the college provided them with well-rounded campus facilities, which enhanced their college experience.

Limited Rooms in Hostels

Scottish Church College is among the first colleges to offer single occupancy rooms in their rooms, in the state. Single rooms are available to undergraduate students at affordable fees. The college has 5 hostels in total, 2 for girls and 3 for boys, which are all located within close proximity to the college campus. 

Although some students have mentioned on online forums that the facilities and amenities provided by the college hostels are not adequate, most students are satisfied with the stay provided.

Each hostel has separate wardens and housekeeping staff members who maintain the overall cleanliness and hygiene of the hostel rooms and common areas. Similar to the college infrastructure, these hostels are also built several years back, and therefore, the infrastructure is outdated. However, students who expect luxurious facilities may be disappointed. 

Timely meals are served twice a day, for breakfast and dinner. The girls' hostels occasionally also serve evening snacks. The food quality is generally decent and is served through hygienic mess facilities in the dining areas. The food menu is predominantly Bengali dishes with varieties included for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. The hostel mess is run by the students, and they are in charge of the food menu. 

The safety and security of the students living in the hostels are assured by the 24/7 security guards present at the entrances. The hostels also have strict rules and regulations regarding the curfew timing and guest visitors. The hostel staff is generally supportive and always ready to assist students with their issues.

The hostel fees at the college are lower than that of private universities in the country. Based on the recent fee structure, the annual hostel fees for boys hostel is INR 47,700 and INR 50,700 for girls hostel. The yearly hostel fees are inclusive of mess charges for 10 months. Students can pay their hostel fees in instalments.

One of the significant factors that affect the housing conditions of the students at the college is the limited number of seats available in the hostel. Hence, several PGs and private hostels near the college are in high demand. Students can opt for these PGs based on their preferences and budgets. Typically, the monthly rents at these PGs range between INR 3000 and INR 4500.

Culturally Engaging & Active Campus

Apart from providing an academically stimulating environment, the college also offers a platform for students to pursue and participate in various extracurricular activities through its numerous clubs and events. Not only does it conduct multiple events, but the college also invites several talent shows through which students get the opportunity to be a part of popular programs.

The college has various departmental and other clubs and associations led by students. Being part of these clubs and societies helps students polish their critical thinking, problem-solving and interpersonal skills, which will help them in the professional world.

According to students’ reviews on online platforms, the college ensures budding talents with artistic calibre are recognised and nurtured by offering the required support and visibility. Though the college has strict rules and a generally disciplined atmosphere, students are welcome to showcase their talents and skills. 

The annual cultural event organised by the college is one of the popular inter-college events conducted in the state, where students from all over the state participate in various events and activities. The college has cultivated several famous personalities over the years, and these events have played a vital role in finding and helping them grow.

As mentioned earlier, the college is famous for its achievements in the sports field, where several student teams have won multiple competitions and tournaments. Overall, the college is an ideal place for students to pursue their interests and talents along with acquiring quality education.

Diversity on Campus

The student body at the college predominantly consists of students from the state, and therefore the widely spoken language within the campus is Bengali. However, students from other regions, especially North East India, are also part of the student population.

As it is a Christian minority college, students from several underrepresented communities are also part of the college. In terms of gender ratio, the college has maintained a good balance between the number of students from different genders. It also has a dedicated Women and Gender Development Cell that creates awareness among the students and the welfare of the students. 

The nominal fee structure of the courses offered by the college helps students from different socioeconomic backgrounds obtain quality education. The scholarships provided by the college also help students to manage their finances. Moreover, the college celebrates different festivals from various parts of the country, which instils a sense of cultural diversity among the students.

Dress Code

As it is a liberal arts and sciences college, it does not have a defined uniform imposed on the students. However, they are expected to maintain a formal and decent dress code by wearing attires appropriate to the academic setting.

Mediocre Placements

Though the college has maintained its academic reputation through the years, the placement records are not up to the mark in terms of salary packages. Several prestigious companies and organisations participate in the placement drives held on campus, yet the placements offered are not as competitive as the professional colleges.

Based on the previous years’ records, numerous companies re-visit the college for placements. The average placement rate at the college is around 80%, which is considerably lower than expected. 

According to the previous year’s statistics, students were offered job opportunities across different departments, like Customer Care, Operations, Service, etc. The highest salary package offered to the students was INR 7.7 LPA, and the average package was INR 4 LPA. Most number of placements were presented to graduates from BBA, B.Com, B.Sc Economics, BA Political Science and English programs.

Final Verdict on Scottish Church College

It can be concluded that Scottish Church College has maintained its long-standing reputation of being one of the finest colleges in the country through its academic excellence and renowned faculty members. Though it offers a lesser number of courses across different disciplines, the overall educational quality is of high standards. Students who are planning to pursue graduate studies in the Science and Arts subjects are highly encouraged to join the college.

Along with offering a solid academic environment, the college also ensures students have the platform to develop and polish their skills and talents. They are provided with ample opportunities to pursue their interests and participate in various programs.

Furthermore, its historically relevant campus infrastructure offers a conducive environment for students, with cherishable moments and memorable experiences. However, students are advised to connect with past and present students to learn more about the academic scenario and career prospects available in their desired fields. 

Some of the pros and cons of Scottish Church College are mentioned below to get a better idea about the college.

*Source: Scottish Church College Facebook and scottishchurch.ac.in