Elphinstone College is a government arts, science, and commerce college established in 1856. It is a constituent college of Dr. Homi Bhabha State University (HBSU), Mumbai. The college holds an NAAC A grade and is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Sections 2(f) and 12(B).
As per NIRF Colleges 2025, Elphinstone College does not appear in the NIRF ranked college list.
The college is housed in a Grade-I heritage building on Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Fort, South Mumbai. Separate hostel facilities for boys and girls are available near the campus, with accommodation overlooking Marine Drive.
Elphinstone College offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across arts, science, and commerce:
- B.Sc — 13 specialisations spanning traditional sciences and newer tracks including Information Technology, Biotechnology, Data Science and Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and Cyber Security and Digital Forensics; total fees INR 16,044 to INR 67,386 over three years
- B.A — 9 specialisations including English, History, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, and Applied Psychology; total fees INR 15,256 over three years
- B.Com — three-year programme; total fees INR 18,056
- MA — specialisations in Applied Psychology and English; total fees INR 42,390 to INR 65,374 over two years
- M.Sc — Information Technology and Industrial Biotechnology; total fees INR 1,08,000 over two years
The college placement cell facilitates campus recruitment. The average package stands at INR 3 LPA and the highest recorded offer is INR 6 LPA.
- Elphinstone College Admission Dates 2026
- Elphinstone College Courses and Fees
- Elphinstone College Admission Process
- Elphinstone College Placements
- Elphinstone College Rankings
- Elphinstone College Scholarships
- Elphinstone College Campus and Infrastructure
- Elphinstone College vs St. Xavier’s College vs Ruparel College
- Elphinstone College FAQs
Elphinstone College Admission Dates 2026
Admissions for the 2026-27 session were anchored entirely on Class 12 HSC board marks. No entrance examination is required for undergraduate programmes. Candidates applied through the HBSU digital education portal (hbsu.digitaledu.in).
| Event | 2026-27 Cycle Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | May 2, 2026 |
| Registration Closes | May 22, 2026 |
| First Merit List | May 25, 2026 |
| Second Merit List | May 30 to 31, 2026 |
| Third Merit List | June 4, 2026 |
| Hostel Admissions Open | June 20, 2026 |
| Academic Session Commences | June 2026 |
Postgraduate admissions run on a separate schedule. The MA Applied Psychology intake involves a written PsyMAT test, with 2026 results declared on June 9. The table below summarises the admission basis for each programme family.
| Programme | Admission Basis | Test Required |
|---|---|---|
| B.Sc, B.A, B.Com | HSC marks via HBSU merit list | None |
| MA Applied Psychology | PsyMAT score plus interview | PsyMAT (written test) |
| MA English | Graduation marks via merit list | None |
| M.Sc IT, M.Sc Industrial Biotechnology | Graduation marks via merit list | None |
Elphinstone College Courses and Fees
Elphinstone College offers 25 programmes across 18 departments. Fees are subsidised under the government college structure and are among the lowest in South Mumbai for arts, science, and commerce programmes.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Sc (General Science) | 3 years | 10+2 PCM or PCB, min. 45% | INR 16,044 |
| B.Sc Biotechnology | 3 years | 10+2 PCB, min. 45% | INR 51,966 |
| B.Sc Information Technology | 3 years | 10+2 with Mathematics, min. 45% | INR 67,386 |
| B.A | 3 years | 10+2 any stream, min. 45% | INR 15,256 |
| B.Com | 3 years | 10+2 any stream, min. 45% | INR 18,056 |
| MA Applied Psychology | 2 years | Graduation with Psychology, PsyMAT | INR 65,374 |
| MA English | 2 years | Graduation with English | INR 42,390 |
| M.Sc Information Technology | 2 years | B.Sc IT or equivalent | INR 1,08,000 |
| M.Sc Industrial Biotechnology | 2 years | B.Sc Biotechnology or equivalent | INR 1,08,000 |
The B.Sc programme spans 13 specialisations. Traditional science tracks include Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Mathematics, Microbiology, Statistics, and Computer Science. Newer offerings cover Data Science and Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and Cyber Security and Digital Forensics. The B.A programme offers 9 specialisations, with Applied Psychology being the most competitive for admission.
Elphinstone College Admission Process
All undergraduate admissions are governed by Dr. Homi Bhabha State University. Candidates register on the HBSU digital education portal during the announced window and track merit list releases for their chosen programme and specialisation.
B.Sc, B.A, and B.Com
Minimum eligibility is 45% marks in Class 12 (HSC or equivalent). Subject requirements differ by science stream:
- B.Sc General Science tracks: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or Biology (PCM or PCB)
- B.Sc IT: Mathematics as a compulsory 12th subject
- B.Sc Biotechnology: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB)
- B.A and B.Com: Open to all 10+2 streams
There is no entrance examination for UG admission. Candidates appear on a merit list based on HSC aggregate. Document verification is completed at the college within the stipulated window after each merit list. The 2026 first merit list cutoff for General Category applicants was approximately 95.2% for B.Sc, 94.8% for B.Com, and up to 99% for competitive B.A specialisations including Applied Psychology.
Postgraduate Admission
MA Applied Psychology requires a relevant undergraduate degree with Psychology as a subject and a qualifying score in the PsyMAT written test. Shortlisted candidates also appear for a personal interview before final admission. MA English and both M.Sc programmes admit on graduation merit through the HBSU portal. M.Sc IT specifically requires a B.Sc IT degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognised university.
Elphinstone College Placements
Elphinstone College runs a dedicated placement cell that connects final-year students with industry recruiters. Campus recruitment is most active for B.Sc IT and B.Com graduates. Arts and traditional science graduates largely pursue higher education, government examinations, or careers in academia and research.
| Placement Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Placement Rate | 70% |
| Average CTC | INR 3 LPA |
| Highest CTC | INR 6 LPA |
Core campus recruiters include TCS, Wipro, Infosys, Capgemini, and HCL Technologies for IT roles. Commerce and management roles are offered by Bajaj Finserv, Reliance Industries, Mahindra Group, L&T, Times of India, and Career Launcher. The college is centrally located in South Mumbai, which provides students with access to a wide network of employers across Mumbai’s financial and commercial hubs. Alumni have built careers across the corporate sector, civil services, judiciary, and the arts.
Elphinstone College Rankings
Elphinstone College holds a national ranking in the India Today Arts colleges category. The college does not appear in the NIRF Colleges 2025 ranked list.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2026 Rank |
|---|---|---|
| India Today | Arts Colleges (India) | 47 out of 203 |
Within Mumbai, Elphinstone College is placed 7th in the Arts stream as per India Today 2026. Its NAAC A accreditation, government affiliation, and 170-year heritage underpin its standing in Maharashtra’s arts and science college landscape.
Elphinstone College Scholarships
Students at Elphinstone College can access scholarships from the Government of India, the Government of Maharashtra, and college endowment funds. Most awards are targeted at reserved category students, minority community members, and academically meritorious candidates with financial need.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Dadiba M. Sethna Endowment Scholarship | Meritorious junior college students | Monthly stipend |
| Bombay Municipal Corporation Endowment Scholarship | Research and postgraduate aspirants | Financial support for PG studies |
| College Centenary Scholarship | Academic merit | Partial fee waiver |
| Minority and Reserved Category Scholarships | SC, OBC, EBC, Minority category students | Partial to full fee waiver |
| Government of India Schemes (13 schemes) | Income and category based | Up to INR 40,000 per annum |
| Government of Maharashtra Schemes (6 schemes) | Income and category based | Varies by scheme |
Scholarship application procedures and deadlines are notified through the HBSU portal and the college notice board at the start of each academic year.
Elphinstone College Campus and Infrastructure
Elphinstone College occupies a Grade-I heritage building on Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Fort, South Mumbai. The structure is built in the Victorian Gothic style and is one of the oldest continuously operational academic campuses in Maharashtra.
Key facilities include a central library, science laboratories, computer labs, an auditorium, a cafeteria, a gymnasium, sports courts, and a medical room. Wi-Fi is available across the campus. Separate hostels for boys and girls are located near the campus overlooking Marine Drive, with annual hostel fees ranging from INR 14,060 to INR 17,480.
The college has 18 academic departments and a faculty strength of 27 members. The Fort location places the campus within walking distance of institutions such as the Bombay High Court, Reserve Bank of India, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, giving students direct exposure to India’s financial and cultural heritage. Alumni have served in the IAS, Indian judiciary, academia, and the arts.
Elphinstone College vs St. Xavier’s College vs Ruparel College
Aspirants in Mumbai comparing options for undergraduate arts, science, or commerce programmes frequently weigh Elphinstone College against St. Xavier’s College and D.G. Ruparel College of Arts, Science and Commerce. All three serve a similar applicant pool but differ significantly on funding model, NAAC grade, and campus location.
| Parameter | Elphinstone College | St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai | D.G. Ruparel College, Mumbai |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 1856 | 1869 | 1949 |
| Type | Government (HBSU) | Private Minority Institution | Government-aided |
| Location | Fort, South Mumbai | Dhobi Talao, Mumbai | Matunga, Mumbai |
| NAAC Grade | A | A++ | Accredited |
| NIRF Colleges 2025 | Not in ranked list | 89 | Not in ranked list |
| Key UG Courses | B.Sc (13 specialisations), B.A, B.Com | B.Sc, B.A, B.Com | B.Sc, B.A, B.Com |
| Admission Basis | HSC merit (HBSU portal) | HSC merit | HSC merit |
Elphinstone College is the oldest of the three and offers the lowest fee structure due to its government status. St. Xavier’s College holds a stronger NAAC profile (A++) and an NIRF rank of 89, reflecting higher research and institutional output. D.G. Ruparel College suits aspirants based in central and western Mumbai. First merit list cutoffs are the primary differentiator for most applicants across all three colleges.
Elphinstone College FAQs
Ques. What is the admission process for Elphinstone College?
Ans. Undergraduate admissions at Elphinstone College are merit-based on Class 12 HSC board marks. You register through the HBSU digital education portal during the announced window. Merit lists are released in phases and you complete document verification at the college within the stipulated timeframe after your list is published.
Ques. What is the minimum percentage required for Elphinstone College admission?
Ans. The minimum eligibility is 45% marks in Class 12. However, the actual merit cutoff is much higher. The 2026 first merit list General Category cutoff was approximately 95.2% for B.Sc, 94.8% for B.Com, and up to 99% for high-demand B.A specialisations. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee selection.
Ques. Does Elphinstone College offer hostel facilities?
Ans. Yes. Separate hostels for boys and girls are located near the campus, with accommodation overlooking Marine Drive. Annual hostel fees range from INR 14,060 to INR 17,480. Hostel admissions are handled separately after the UG merit list process concludes each year.
Ques. What B.Sc specialisations are available at Elphinstone College?
Ans. Elphinstone College offers 13 B.Sc specialisations. Traditional tracks include Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Mathematics, Microbiology, Statistics, and Computer Science. Newer specialisations include Information Technology, Biotechnology, Data Science and Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and Cyber Security and Digital Forensics.
Ques. What is the NAAC grade of Elphinstone College?
Ans. Elphinstone College holds an A grade from NAAC. The college is recognised by UGC under Sections 2(f) and 12(B) and is a constituent college of Dr. Homi Bhabha State University, Mumbai.
Ques. What is the average placement package at Elphinstone College?
Ans. The average placement package is INR 3 LPA, with the highest offer at INR 6 LPA. Campus placements are most active for B.Sc IT and B.Com graduates. Many arts and traditional science graduates pursue higher studies or government examinations after completing their degree at Elphinstone College.
Ques. How does Elphinstone College compare to St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai?
Ans. Elphinstone College is a government institution established in 1856 with a NAAC A grade and significantly lower fees. St. Xavier’s College is a private minority institution established in 1869 with a higher NAAC A++ grade and an NIRF Colleges 2025 rank of 89. Both admit students on HSC merit. Elphinstone is preferable on cost, while St. Xavier’s has a stronger accreditation record.
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Elphinstone College, Mumbai, does not offer a BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications) course. The college provides traditional UG programs like B.A., B.Com., and B.Sc. (including B.Sc. IT), but BCA is not listed among its regular courses under Dr. Homi Bhabha State University/Mumbai University.
Elphinstone College B.Sc Biotechnology is offered as 3 Years Full Time program, with total intake of 35 seats. The minimum eligibility criteria for B.Sc is 10+2. The total fees for Elphinstone College B.Sc Biotechnology is INR 89,286 for the complete course duration.
Elphinstone College Application Forms for admission to various undergraduate programs would be available in offline mode only from the college premises. The steps to apply are mentioned below.
SSLC/10th marks card, PUC/12th marks card, any entrance marks cards (if applicable), TC.
Address For Correspondence:
ELPHINSTONE COLLEGE 156, M.G. Road,
Fort, Mumbai-400 032.
Email: info@elphinstone.ac.in
Tel.: (022) 2284 4060, 2284 3797
Website: www.elphinstone.ac.in
The eligibility of BSc. is to complete 10+2 with Science subjects and from a recognised board. The year-wise fee details are given below:
3D Designing course is not available in Elphinstone College, Mumbai. There are courses offered in the fields of Arts, Science and Commerce only.
The admission process for session 2023 has not started yet by Elphinstone College Mumbai. You can check here for information about the admission process and any new updates regarding dates. Elphinstone College Admission
Elphinstone College, Mumbai does not offer a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Biology but you can apply to other colleges such as Poddar Group of Institutions, Singhania University, Woxsen University, etc. To know more colleges, do visit Top B.Sc Biology Colleges in India 2022.
The total fee of Elphinstone College B.Sc. Information Technology is INR 67,385. The year-wise fee details of the course are mentioned below:
The average hostel fee of Mumbai University Hostel varies from INR 6.60 thousand to INR 9.30 thousand per year. The hostel fee increases or decreases according to the number of facilities you take in the hostel residence.
Yes, Elphinstone College offers B.Sc. Statistics to the students. The total fee for the course is INR 16,045. The eligibility criteria of the course is to complete 10+2 with at least 40% marks in the aggregate.
Yes, you can get admission to the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Biotechnology on the basis of scores of the last qualifying examination followed by the counseling process. The registration process for the course is closed now for the 2022 – 2025 academic session.
If you want to take admitted to the college, then you are required to clear the previous education qualification with valid marks as admission will be done through the merit marks.
The eligibility criteria for the courses include you must have a 12th qualification or equivalent education from a recognized university. You must have a relevant subject in the previous qualification.
Elphinstone College does not offer BAF course to the students. There are only four courses offered to the students by the college. These courses are B.Sc., BA, B.Com. and Certification.
The total fee for Elphinstone College BSc Information Technology is INR 67,385. The first-year fee of the course is INR 22,315. The second and third-year fees of the courses are INR 22,195 and INR 22,875 respectively.