Elphinstone College is a government-aided autonomous college established in 1856, located in Kala Ghoda, Fort, South Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is affiliated to Dr. Homi Bhabha State University (HBSU), Mumbai, and is managed by the Government of Maharashtra. The college is recognised by UGC. Elphinstone College holds NAAC Grade A accreditation with a CGPA of 3.05/4.0.
The college building is a Grade 1 Heritage Structure (Maharashtra) and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 2018 as the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai. Elphinstone College also received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2004.
The campus sits in the Fort heritage precinct of South Mumbai, within walking distance of Churchgate and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway stations. The college library holds over 90,000 volumes.
- BA (3 years) with streams in English, History, Economics, Sociology, Political Science, and Applied Psychology
- B.Sc (3 years) in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Botany, Zoology, Microbiology, and related disciplines
- B.Com (3 years) in Commerce
- B.Sc Information Technology and B.Sc Biotechnology (self-financed, 3 years each)
- MA (2 years) in Applied Psychology and English
- M.Sc (2 years) in Information Technology, Industrial Biotechnology, and Applied Psychology
The college offers heavily subsidised fees for aided programmes. Total BA and B.Com fees are approximately INR 14,000 to 16,500 for the full three-year duration. B.Sc fees are approximately INR 22,140 for three years. Self-financed programmes (B.Sc IT, B.Sc Biotechnology) range from INR 52,000 to INR 87,540 for the full duration.
Students receive access to national and state government scholarships including SC/ST post-matric scholarships, OBC scholarships, Central Sector Scholarships, and multiple endowment scholarships administered by the college.
Elphinstone College alumni have pursued careers in academia, civil services, law, medicine, finance, and the arts. Notable alumni include former Chief Justice of India Y.V. Chandrachud, former Governor of Maharashtra C. Subramaniam, and industrialist Jamshed Bhabha.
- Elphinstone College Admission Dates 2026
- Elphinstone College Courses and Fees
- Elphinstone College Admission Process
- Elphinstone College Career Outcomes
- Elphinstone College Scholarships
- Elphinstone College Campus and Infrastructure
- Elphinstone College vs St. Xavier’s College vs Wilson College
- Elphinstone College FAQs
Elphinstone College Admission Dates 2026
Admissions for the 2026 to 2027 academic session are managed through the HBSU centralised online portal for UG programmes. PG programme admissions are linked to CUET-PG 2026 scores. Merit rounds for UG are typically conducted in June and July, with subsequent rounds extending into August for unfilled seats.
| Event | Date / Status (2026 to 2027 Cycle) |
|---|---|
| UG Online Application (HBSU Portal) | May to June 2026 (as per HBSU schedule) |
| UG Merit List Round 1 | June to July 2026 |
| UG Merit List Round 2 and 3 | July to August 2026 |
| CUET-PG 2026 (for PG admissions) | Conducted March 2026 |
| PG Counselling (CUET-PG based) | July to August 2026 (in progress) |
| UG Programme Commencement | July to August 2026 |
The table below covers the programmes offered and the corresponding admission route for the 2026 to 2027 cycle.
| Programme | Admission Route | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| BA, B.Sc, B.Com | HBSU Online Portal (Merit) | Class 12 board percentage |
| B.Sc IT, B.Sc Biotechnology | HBSU Online Portal (Merit) | Class 12 board percentage |
| MA, M.Sc, M.Com | CUET-PG 2026 | CUET-PG score plus merit |
Elphinstone College Courses and Fees
Elphinstone College offers 25 programmes across 18 departments in the Arts, Science, and Commerce streams. The college also operates a Junior College (HSC level) on the same campus. Fees for government-aided programmes are heavily subsidised under the Maharashtra fee regulation framework.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees (Full Duration) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA | 3 years | Class 12 (Arts/Science) with 45% | INR 14,000 to 16,500 |
| B.Com | 3 years | Class 12 (Commerce/Science) with 45%; Mathematics required | INR 14,000 to 16,500 |
| B.Sc (Pure Sciences) | 3 years | Class 12 (Science) with 45% | INR 22,140 |
| B.Sc Information Technology | 3 years | Class 12 (any stream) with 45% | INR 67,560 to 74,340 |
| B.Sc Biotechnology | 3 years | Class 12 (Science) with 45% | INR 51,970 to 87,540 |
| MA (Applied Psychology / English) | 2 years | Graduation with 50% in relevant subject | INR 42,000 to 65,000 |
| M.Sc (IT, Biotechnology, Applied Psychology) | 2 years | Relevant graduation with 50% | INR 1,08,000 |
The college offers specialisations in English, History, Economics, Sociology, Political Science, and Applied Psychology under the BA stream. The B.Sc stream covers Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Botany, Zoology, and Microbiology. Both B.Sc IT and B.Sc Biotechnology are self-financed programmes with higher fee structures.
Elphinstone College Admission Process
Elphinstone College follows a centralised merit-based admission process. Admission to aided UG programmes is purely through Class 12 board percentage with no entrance examination required.
UG Admission (BA, B.Sc, B.Com, B.Sc IT, B.Sc Biotechnology)
The minimum eligibility is Class 12 pass from a recognised board with at least 45 percent aggregate (40 percent for reserved category candidates). B.Com requires Mathematics as a subject in Class 12. Applications are submitted through the HBSU online portal. Shortlisted candidates attend document verification and fee payment at the college.
Typical closing cutoffs for General category candidates in the first merit round reflect the college’s high demand in South Mumbai.
- BA: around 99 percent (first merit list)
- B.Sc: around 95 percent (first merit list)
- B.Com: around 94.8 percent (first merit list)
- B.Sc IT: around 95 percent (first merit list)
- B.Sc Biotechnology: around 97.8 percent (first merit list)
Subsequent merit rounds are held for unfilled seats, with cutoffs dropping in each successive round. Reserved category cutoffs are lower as per Maharashtra reservation norms.
PG Admission (MA, M.Sc, M.Com)
PG programme admissions are based on CUET-PG scores. Candidates must hold a relevant undergraduate degree with at least 50 percent aggregate (45 percent for reserved categories). CUET-PG is conducted by NTA, typically in March each year. Shortlisted candidates are called for document verification at the college after centralised counselling.
Elphinstone College Career Outcomes
Elphinstone College does not conduct formal campus placement drives. As an arts, science, and commerce college, the primary career pathways for graduates are higher education, competitive examinations, and direct industry entry in relevant fields.
| Career Pathway | Common Post-Graduation Options |
|---|---|
| Arts (BA) Graduates | Civil Services (UPSC/MPSC), Law (LLB), Journalism, MBA, MA/M.Phil/PhD |
| Commerce (B.Com) Graduates | CA/CMA/CFA certifications, MBA, Banking and Finance, M.Com, Government services |
| Science (B.Sc) Graduates | M.Sc/PhD research, Medical entrance (NEET PG for integrated paths), IT industry, GATE-based admissions |
| B.Sc IT Graduates | Software development, MCA, M.Sc IT, IT industry roles |
| B.Sc Biotechnology Graduates | M.Sc Biotechnology, research institutes, pharmaceutical and biotech industry |
The college has a distinguished alumni record spanning the judiciary, civil services, business, and academia. Alumni include former Chief Justice of India Y.V. Chandrachud, former Governor of Maharashtra C. Subramaniam, and industrialist Jamshed Bhabha. The college’s South Mumbai location and century-old academic reputation make graduates recognisable candidates in competitive public-sector and professional examinations.
Elphinstone College Scholarships
Elphinstone College students are eligible for a wide range of Government of India and Government of Maharashtra scholarship schemes, in addition to several endowment scholarships administered directly by the college.
| Scholarship / Scheme | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Central Sector Scholarship (Government of India) | Top 20 percentile in Class 12 board; family income below INR 8 Lakhs per annum | INR 10,000 per annum (UG Year 1 and 2); INR 20,000 (UG Year 3 and beyond) |
| SC/ST Post-Matric Scholarship | SC/ST category; family income limits as per GoI norms | Full tuition and maintenance as per government rates |
| OBC Post-Matric Scholarship | OBC category; income limits as per GoI norms | Tuition and maintenance support per government rates |
| Minority Community Scholarship (GoI) | Minority community; 50% in previous exam; family income below INR 2 Lakhs | Partial tuition and maintenance support |
| Rajarshri Shahu Maharaj Merit Scholarship (Maharashtra) | First class in qualifying exam; Maharashtra domicile | As per Maharashtra government norms |
| Dadiba M. Sethna Endowment Scholarship | High-scoring Junior College (HSC) students | Monthly stipend |
| College Centenary Scholarship | Merit-based; college-specific criteria | Partial fee waiver |
| EBC (Economically Backward Class) Scholarship | Family income below prescribed limit; Maharashtra domicile | Fee concession per state norms |
The college administers 27 monthly merit scholarships in addition to endowment-based schemes. Most government scholarships require an online application through the respective state or central scholarship portal within the prescribed deadlines each academic year.
Elphinstone College Campus and Infrastructure
The Elphinstone College campus is located in Kala Ghoda, Fort, South Mumbai, at the centre of the city’s historical and cultural precinct. The main building, completed in the 19th century in the Gothic Revival style, is a Grade 1 Heritage Structure under Maharashtra’s heritage conservation framework and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 2018.
The college library holds over 90,000 volumes across arts, science, and commerce disciplines, with digital resources and reading rooms available to students. The campus includes department-specific science laboratories, computer laboratories, an auditorium, a gymnasium, a cafeteria, and a medical centre. Separate hostel facilities are available for male and female students.
The college is directly accessible from Churchgate and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway stations, both within a 10-minute walk. The campus is Wi-Fi enabled across common areas and faculty departments. The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, one of Mumbai’s largest annual cultural events, takes place immediately adjacent to the campus, giving students direct access to the city’s active arts community.
Elphinstone College vs St. Xavier’s College vs Wilson College
Aspirants comparing arts, science, and commerce options in South and Central Mumbai frequently place Elphinstone College alongside St. Xavier’s College and Wilson College. All three are government-aided autonomous colleges offering BA, B.Sc, and B.Com programmes at similar subsidised fee levels.
| Parameter | Elphinstone College | St. Xavier’s College | Wilson College |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Govt-aided Autonomous | Aided Autonomous (Jesuit) | Aided Autonomous |
| Location | Fort (Kala Ghoda), South Mumbai | Dhobi Talao, South Mumbai | Girgaon, Mumbai |
| NAAC Grade | A (3.05) | A++ (3.72) | A (CGPA not publicly confirmed) |
| Established | 1856 | 1869 | 1832 |
| Streams Offered | Arts, Science, Commerce | Arts, Science, Commerce | Arts, Science, Commerce |
| UG Total Fees (Aided) | INR 14,000 to 22,000 | INR 25,000 to 75,000 | INR 15,000 to 25,000 |
| Admission Basis | HBSU Merit (HSC marks) | HBSU Merit (HSC marks) | HBSU Merit (HSC marks) |
| Notable Recognition | UNESCO World Heritage Site (building) | NAAC A++ (highest grade) | Oldest college in Mumbai |
St. Xavier’s holds the highest NAAC grade and is particularly strong in English, Economics, and Life Sciences. Elphinstone College carries the UNESCO World Heritage designation for its campus building and has a long civil-services alumni record. Wilson College is the oldest college in Mumbai and offers a comparable fee structure with a strong arts tradition. All three draw from the same HSC merit pool, making admission cutoffs the primary differentiator for most aspirants.
Elphinstone College FAQs
Ques. Is Elphinstone College government or private?
Ans. Elphinstone College is a government-aided autonomous college managed by the Government of Maharashtra. It is affiliated to Dr. Homi Bhabha State University (HBSU), Mumbai, and recognised by UGC. Fees for aided programmes are heavily subsidised.
Ques. What is the NAAC grade of Elphinstone College?
Ans. Elphinstone College holds NAAC Grade A accreditation with a CGPA of 3.05 on a 4-point scale. The accreditation was awarded in January 2017.
Ques. What is the cutoff for BA at Elphinstone College?
Ans. The first merit list cutoff for BA (General category) at Elphinstone College typically falls around 99 percent based on Class 12 board marks. Cutoffs vary by subject combination and decrease in subsequent merit rounds. Reserved category cutoffs are lower as per Maharashtra norms.
Ques. Does Elphinstone College have hostel facilities?
Ans. Yes. Elphinstone College provides separate hostel facilities for male and female students. The campus is located in the Fort area of South Mumbai with easy access to Churchgate and CST railway stations.
Ques. Is entrance exam required for admission to Elphinstone College?
Ans. No entrance exam is required for UG (BA, B.Sc, B.Com) admissions. Selection is purely merit-based on Class 12 board percentage through the HBSU centralised portal. PG admissions (MA, M.Sc) require a valid CUET-PG score.
Ques. What is the total fee for BA at Elphinstone College?
Ans. The total fee for the BA programme at Elphinstone College is approximately INR 14,000 to INR 16,500 for the full three-year duration. This is the heavily subsidised government-aided rate. Self-financed programmes like B.Sc IT carry higher fees of INR 67,560 to INR 74,340 for three years.
Ques. Is Elphinstone College good for B.Sc?
Ans. Elphinstone College has a strong reputation for pure science programmes including Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Botany, and Zoology. The college’s South Mumbai location, low fees (INR 22,140 for the full three years), and access to Mumbai’s research and industry ecosystem make it a competitive choice. Admission cutoffs for B.Sc are high, typically around 95 percent in the first merit round for General category.
Ques. Is Elphinstone College a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Ans. Yes. The Elphinstone College building forms part of the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018. The building also holds a Grade 1 Heritage Structure status under Maharashtra’s conservation framework and received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award in 2004.
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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.