Elphinstone College, Mumbai is a government-aided autonomous institution established in 1856, one of the oldest colleges in India. It is a constituent college of Dr. Homi Bhabha State University (HBSU), Government of Maharashtra, and holds NAAC A Grade accreditation. Located in the Fort and Kala Ghoda precinct of South Mumbai, the college offers liberal arts, pure sciences, and commerce education at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
As per NIRF Colleges 2025, Elphinstone College is ranked 15 among colleges in India.
The college is situated at Fort, Mumbai, in a heritage precinct near CST railway station and the city’s financial district. It has 18 departments and offers 25 programmes across arts, science, and commerce streams.
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) - 3 years, disciplines including English, History, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Hindi, Marathi, and other languages
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) - 3 years, specialisations in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biotechnology, Information Technology
- Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) - 3 years
- Master of Arts (MA) - 2 years, Applied Psychology
- Master of Science (M.Sc) - 2 years, select science disciplines
- Certificate and Vocational Programmes - short-term add-on programmes in various disciplines
Being a government-aided institution, fees at Elphinstone College are nominal. BA fees are approximately INR 15,000 to 16,000 per year. B.Com fees are approximately INR 15,000 per year. B.Sc fees range from INR 18,000 to INR 3.22 Lakhs depending on the applied science specialisation. MA (Applied Psychology) fees are approximately INR 42,000 to INR 65,000 for the full 2-year programme.
Elphinstone College offers Government of India scholarships, Maharashtra state scholarships, and institution-specific awards including Bombay Municipal Corporation scholarships and College Centenary scholarships for meritorious and economically weaker students.
The college’s HSC cutoffs for the General category in 2025 were: BA at 99%, B.Com at approximately 94.8%, and B.Sc at approximately 95.2%, reflecting the extremely competitive nature of admissions to this heritage government-aided institution.
- Elphinstone College Admission Dates 2026
- Elphinstone College Courses and Fees
- Elphinstone College Admission Process
- Elphinstone College Rankings
- Elphinstone College Scholarships
- Elphinstone College Campus and Infrastructure
- Elphinstone College vs Wilson College vs St. Xavier’s College Mumbai
- Elphinstone College FAQs
Elphinstone College Admission Dates 2026
Admissions for the 2026-27 session at Elphinstone College are conducted through the HBSU centralised online admission portal. The process is merit-based using HSC (Class 12) marks, with no separate entrance test for BA, B.Com, or B.Sc. Merit lists are released in rounds, and candidates must confirm their admission within the specified window after each round.
| Event | Details / Status |
|---|---|
| HBSU Online Registration | Open (admission.hbsu.ac.in portal) |
| Admission Basis | HSC (Class 12) Merit - No separate entrance test |
| Merit List Rounds | Multiple rounds (July to August 2026) |
| MA / M.Sc Admission | Graduation merit; specific dates notified by department |
| Session Commencement | August to September 2026 |
Course-wise eligibility and admission routes for Elphinstone College’s major programmes are as follows. Given the extremely high HSC cutoffs, candidates should apply in the first round to maximise the chance of a seat in their preferred stream.
| Course | Admission Basis | Key Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| BA | HBSU merit list (HSC marks) | Class 12 (any stream); General cutoff ~99% (2025) |
| B.Com | HBSU merit list (HSC marks) | Class 12 (Commerce preferred); General cutoff ~94.8% |
| B.Sc | HBSU merit list (HSC marks) | Class 12 with PCM or PCB; General cutoff ~95.2% |
| MA (Applied Psychology) | Graduation merit | BA/B.Sc graduation with Psychology; 50% aggregate |
| M.Sc | Graduation merit / Department test | B.Sc in relevant subject with 50% aggregate |
Elphinstone College Courses and Fees
Elphinstone College, as a government-aided autonomous institution, offers education at nominal fees compared to private colleges. The college covers 18 departments across arts, science, and commerce, with 25 programmes at the UG and PG levels. Fees are regulated by the state government and HBSU.
| Course | Duration | Annual Fees (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| BA | 3 years | INR 15,000 to 16,000 |
| B.Com | 3 years | INR 15,000 (approx.) |
| B.Sc (Pure Sciences - Physics, Chemistry, Maths) | 3 years | INR 18,000 to 25,000 |
| B.Sc (Applied Sciences - IT, Biotechnology) | 3 years | INR 1.50 to 3.22 Lakhs |
| MA (Applied Psychology) | 2 years | INR 42,000 to 65,000 (total) |
| M.Sc | 2 years | INR 25,000 to 75,000 (varies by subject) |
The BA programme at Elphinstone College spans subjects including English Literature, History, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Hindi, Marathi, and other Indian languages. The B.Sc in Biotechnology and IT are the applied science programmes with higher fees due to laboratory infrastructure requirements. Elphinstone College’s South Mumbai location and heritage status make it the most competitive government-aided arts and science destination in the city.
Elphinstone College Admission Process
All admissions at Elphinstone College are centralised through the Dr. Homi Bhabha State University (HBSU) online portal. The process is entirely merit-based on HSC (Class 12) scores, with no entrance examination for UG programmes. Seat allocation follows a round-wise merit list system.
BA, B.Com, and B.Sc (Pure Sciences) Admission
Eligibility requires Class 12 from a recognised board with the relevant subject combination. The HBSU portal opens for online registration, and candidates indicate their college and programme preferences in order. Merit lists are published in multiple rounds. Candidates must pay the admission fee and submit documents within the stipulated window after each merit list. HSC cutoffs at Elphinstone College for the General category are among the highest in Mumbai:
- BA: ~99% (General category, 2025)
- B.Com: ~94.8% (General category, 2025)
- B.Sc: ~95.2% (General category, 2025)
SC/ST/OBC/NT/SBC category candidates are eligible under government reservation norms and have correspondingly lower cutoffs. SEBC (Socially and Educationally Backward Classes) reservation applies as per Maharashtra state norms.
B.Sc (Applied Sciences - IT and Biotechnology) Admission
B.Sc IT and B.Sc Biotechnology have a separate, higher fee structure and follow the HBSU portal merit process. Eligibility requires Class 12 with PCM (for IT) or PCB (for Biotechnology). These are self-financed programmes and fees are not government-regulated.
MA and M.Sc Admission
MA Applied Psychology requires a BA or B.Sc graduation with Psychology as a subject and a minimum of 50% aggregate. M.Sc admissions require graduation in the relevant science subject with 50% aggregate. Departmental merit lists are published separately from UG merit lists and candidates must apply to individual departments at Elphinstone College.
Elphinstone College Rankings
Elphinstone College is consistently ranked among the top 20 colleges in India by NIRF, reflecting its long-standing academic reputation, faculty quality, and student outcomes. The college is ranked 15 in NIRF Colleges 2025, placing it among the premier government-aided arts and science colleges in the country.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2025 Rank |
|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Colleges | 15 |
Elphinstone College’s NAAC A Grade accreditation and NIRF rank 15 in the Colleges category confirm its standing as one of Mumbai’s most academically reputed undergraduate institutions. As a 170-year-old government-aided autonomous college, it attracts the city’s top HSC students in arts, science, and commerce.
Elphinstone College Scholarships
Elphinstone College offers a large portfolio of scholarships sponsored by the Government of India, the State of Maharashtra, and the college itself. These cover merit, financial need, and social category criteria. Given the low nominal fees at Elphinstone, many eligible students can substantially offset their education cost through scholarship grants.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Government of India Scholarships (13 schemes) | SC/ST/OBC/Minority/EWS students as per GoI norms | As per central government scheme guidelines |
| Maharashtra State Scholarships (6 schemes) | Maharashtra domicile; merit or socioeconomic criteria | As per state government scheme guidelines |
| Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) Endowment Scholarship | 2nd and 3rd year BA/B.Sc students based on merit | INR 40 per month (institutional endowment) |
| College Centenary Scholarship | BA and B.Sc students from economically weaker sections | Monthly stipend (institutional endowment) |
| Merit Scholarships (27 awards) | Top-ranked BA and B.Sc students in annual examinations | INR 40 per month each |
The Swami Vivekananda Merit Cum Means Scholarship and Eklavya Scholarship from the Maharashtra government are also available to eligible Elphinstone College students. Candidates should apply through the Maharashtra state scholarship portal and the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at the start of each academic year.
Elphinstone College Campus and Infrastructure
Elphinstone College is situated in the Fort and Kala Ghoda heritage precinct of South Mumbai, one of the city’s most iconic cultural and historical neighbourhoods. The college building itself is a heritage structure dating to the 19th century, adjacent to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) and near the Bombay High Court. The location gives students unparalleled access to Mumbai’s legal, financial, and arts districts.
The campus houses 18 department laboratories, a library, computer labs, and student activity spaces. Hostel accommodation is available for both male and female students, with fees regulated by the state government. The college’s central location in Fort, Mumbai, places it within walking distance of CST and Churchgate railway stations, making it highly accessible from across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Elphinstone College vs Wilson College vs St. Xavier’s College Mumbai
Mumbai HSC students targeting top government-aided and autonomous arts and science colleges typically compare Elphinstone College with Wilson College (Charni Road) and St. Xavier’s College (Fort). All three are among the oldest and highest-ranked colleges in Mumbai, drawing from the same pool of high-scoring HSC aspirants across arts, science, and commerce streams.
| Parameter | Elphinstone College | Wilson College | St. Xavier’s College |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 1856 | 1832 | 1869 |
| NIRF Colleges 2025 | 15 | Not in top 50 | Not in top 50 |
| NAAC Grade | A | A+ | A++ |
| Affiliation | HBSU (Government-aided Autonomous) | HBSU (Autonomous) | HBSU (Autonomous) |
| Fees (BA, per year approx.) | INR 15,000 to 16,000 | Comparable | Slightly higher |
| Location | Fort / Kala Ghoda | Charni Road | Fort |
| Programmes | BA, B.Com, B.Sc, MA, M.Sc | BA, B.Sc, B.Com | BA, B.Sc, B.Com, Mass Media |
Elphinstone College leads in NIRF rank among the three (rank 15). St. Xavier’s holds NAAC A++ grade and is widely regarded as the most selective, with cutoffs matching or exceeding Elphinstone. Wilson College has a strong NAAC A+ grade and a large arts community. All three are government-aided with comparable low fees. The decision often comes down to location preference and specific programme availability: Elphinstone for core sciences and economics, St. Xavier’s for mass media and life sciences, Wilson for arts and commerce.
Elphinstone College FAQs
Ques. What is the NIRF ranking of Elphinstone College?
Ans. Elphinstone College is ranked 15 in NIRF Colleges 2025, making it one of the top 15 colleges in India. The college holds NAAC A Grade accreditation and is a constituent of Dr. Homi Bhabha State University, Government of Maharashtra.
Ques. What is the cutoff for BA at Elphinstone College Mumbai?
Ans. The General category HSC cutoff for BA at Elphinstone College was approximately 99% in the 2025 admission round, making it one of the most competitive arts admissions in Mumbai. For B.Com, the General category cutoff was around 94.8%, and for B.Sc it was approximately 95.2%. SC/ST and OBC candidates are eligible under government reservation norms with correspondingly lower cutoffs.
Ques. How is admission done at Elphinstone College 2026?
Ans. Admission to Elphinstone College for 2026-27 is through the Dr. Homi Bhabha State University (HBSU) centralised online portal. There is no separate entrance test for BA, B.Com, or B.Sc. Candidates register on the HBSU portal, indicate preferences, and are allotted seats through a round-wise merit list based on Class 12 (HSC) scores. Candidates must confirm their admission within the stipulated window after each merit list.
Ques. What are the fees at Elphinstone College?
Ans. Elphinstone College is a government-aided autonomous institution, so fees are very low compared to private colleges. Annual BA and B.Com fees are approximately INR 15,000 to 16,000. B.Sc (pure sciences) fees are approximately INR 18,000 to 25,000 annually. B.Sc IT and Biotechnology are self-financed programmes with higher fees (INR 1.5 Lakhs to INR 3.22 Lakhs for the full course). MA Applied Psychology is approximately INR 42,000 to 65,000 for the full 2-year programme.
Ques. Does Elphinstone College have hostel facilities?
Ans. Yes, Elphinstone College offers hostel accommodation for male and female students, with hostel fees regulated by the state government. Given its location in Fort, South Mumbai, most students also commute from within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region using the suburban railway network.
Ques. What scholarships are available at Elphinstone College?
Ans. Elphinstone College students are eligible for 13 Government of India scholarship schemes, 6 Maharashtra state scholarships, and several institution-specific awards. These include Bombay Municipal Corporation endowment scholarships, College Centenary scholarships for economically weaker students, and 27 monthly merit scholarships for top-ranked BA and B.Sc students. Government scholarships including NSP and Swami Vivekananda Merit Cum Means Scholarship are also available for eligible Maharashtra domicile students.
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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.