![Isabella Thoburn Degree College - [ITDC]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1584875359Logo.png?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
Isabella Thoburn Degree College (ITDC), Lucknow, is a private aided women’s degree college established in 1870. It is affiliated to the University of Lucknow and is recognised by UGC. The college is accredited by NAAC with Grade A. ITDC is widely regarded as one of the first women’s colleges in Southern Asia and operates under the Isabella Thoburn College Society, a trust of the Methodist Church in India.
ITDC does not currently appear in the NIRF ranking framework.
The 22-acre campus is located at 7 Faizabad Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The Sarah Chakko Memorial Library, named after a pioneering alumna of the college, is a central academic resource on campus.
- BA (Hons.): 10 subject options including English, Economics, History, Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Geography, and more. Annual fee: INR 12,000.
- B.Sc: Streams in Biology, Home Science, and Mathematics. Annual fee: INR 25,000.
- B.Com: General commerce programme. Annual fee: INR 25,000.
- BBA: Three-year management programme. Annual fee: INR 1,20,000. Total fees: INR 3,60,000.
- MBA: Two-year programme. Annual fee: INR 1,98,000. Total fees: INR 3,96,000.
- MA: Five subjects including Economics, English, Geography, Sociology, and Women Studies. Annual fee: INR 31,900.
- M.Sc: Biotechnology, Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Processing, and Zoology. Annual fee: INR 61,000.
- B.Ed and B.Lib: B.Ed over two years at INR 11,085 (Year 1) and INR 9,085 (Year 2). B.Lib: INR 25,000 for one year.
As per NIRF data, 88 undergraduate students secured placements in 2023-24 at a median salary of INR 3,34,000 per annum. Postgraduate students reported a median salary of INR 5,46,000 per annum for the same year.
ITDC Admission Dates 2027
ITDC admissions for the 2026-27 batch have concluded. The 2027-28 admission cycle opens with the ITDC entrance examination in May 2027. PG admissions for MA, M.Sc, and MBA programmes follow a separate merit-based process with applications accepted from June 2027.
| Event | 2027-28 Cycle (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| ITDC Entrance Exam (UG) | May 2027 |
| Result and Merit List (UG) | June 2027 |
| UG Admission and Fee Deposit | June to July 2027 |
| PG Application Window (MA / M.Sc / MBA) | June to July 2027 |
| PG Merit List | July 2027 |
| B.Ed Admission (State Process) | As per UP B.Ed JEE 2027 schedule |
| Academic Session Begins | July to August 2027 |
The course-wise exam requirement for ITDC admission is listed below. UG programmes require the ITDC entrance exam, while PG and professional programmes follow separate processes.
| Course | Exam Accepted | Mode of Admission |
|---|---|---|
| BA / B.Sc / B.Com (Hons.) | ITDC Entrance Exam | Merit-based, offline |
| BBA | ITDC Entrance Exam | Merit-based, offline |
| MA / M.Sc / MBA | Graduation merit + written test / interview | Merit-based, offline application |
| B.Ed | UP B.Ed Joint Entrance Exam | State counselling |
| B.Lib | Graduation merit | Merit-based, direct |
ITDC Courses and Fees
ITDC offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional programmes exclusively for women. Annual fees range from INR 12,000 for BA to INR 1,98,000 for the MBA programme. All courses are affiliated to the University of Lucknow.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Annual Fee | Total Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons.) - 10 subjects | 3 years (4-year NEP option) | 10+2 from recognised board | INR 12,000 | INR 36,000 (3-yr) / INR 48,000 (4-yr) |
| B.Sc (Biology / Home Science / Mathematics) | 3 years (4-year NEP option) | 10+2 with Science | INR 25,000 | INR 75,000 (3-yr) / INR 1,00,000 (4-yr) |
| B.Com | 3 years (4-year NEP option) | 10+2 from recognised board | INR 25,000 | INR 75,000 (3-yr) / INR 1,00,000 (4-yr) |
| BBA | 3 years | 10+2 with 45% | INR 1,20,000 | INR 3,60,000 |
| B.Ed | 2 years | Graduation with 50% + UP B.Ed JEE | INR 9,085 to 11,085 | INR 20,170 |
| B.Lib (Library Science) | 1 year | Graduation from recognised university | INR 25,000 | INR 25,000 |
| MA (Economics / English / Geography / Sociology / Women Studies) | 2 years | Graduation in relevant subject with 45% | INR 31,900 | INR 63,800 |
| M.Sc (Biotechnology / Chemistry / Nutrition / Zoology) | 2 years | B.Sc in relevant subject with 50% | INR 61,000 | INR 1,22,000 |
| MBA | 2 years | Graduation with 50% | INR 1,98,000 | INR 3,96,000 |
The Women Studies MA programme is a distinctive offering at ITDC, aligned with the college’s 155-year legacy in women’s education. B.Sc Home Science is offered at a stream level with specialisations in Nutrition and Food Processing available at the M.Sc level.
ITDC Admission Process
Admission at ITDC is through a college-conducted entrance examination for all undergraduate programmes. The exam is held annually in May. Students are admitted in order of merit on the entrance test, subject to seat availability in each programme.
UG Admission (BA / B.Sc / B.Com / BBA)
Candidates must have passed 10+2 from a recognised board. ITDC conducts its own written entrance examination. Subject combinations for BA are chosen at the time of admission. The college follows a merit list published after the entrance exam, with document verification and fee payment completing the process.
PG Admission (MA / M.Sc / MBA)
Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in the relevant subject with minimum 45% (50% for M.Sc). PG admissions are through offline application forms, followed by a merit list based on graduation performance and, for some programmes, a written test or interview.
B.Ed Admission
B.Ed admission follows the state-level UP B.Ed Joint Entrance Examination (UP B.Ed JEE) process, conducted by Lucknow University. Candidates are allotted seats through a centralised state counselling based on their JEE rank and college preferences.
B.Lib Admission
The one-year B.Lib programme admits candidates on the basis of graduation merit. Candidates with any bachelor’s degree from a recognised university are eligible to apply. Seats are limited and allocated in order of merit.
ITDC Career Outcomes
ITDC is a traditional liberal arts and science college focused on women’s education. Placement pathways for graduates vary by programme. Arts and science graduates primarily pursue government services, teaching, civil services, and higher education. BBA and MBA graduates enter management and corporate roles.
As per NIRF 2024 data, 88 undergraduate students secured placements from ITDC in 2023-24 at a median salary of INR 3,34,000 per annum. Among postgraduate students, 36 students were placed at a median salary of INR 5,46,000 per annum in the same year.
| Career Pathway | Typical Outcome | Relevant Programmes |
|---|---|---|
| Government Services (Civil / State) | UPSC / UPPSC / SSC preparation post-graduation | BA, MA (Economics, Sociology, History) |
| Teaching and Education | School / college faculty roles after B.Ed or MA | B.Ed, MA, M.Sc |
| Corporate and Management | Entry-level roles in BFSI, FMCG, retail, HR | BBA, MBA |
| Research and Academics | NET/JRF qualification for lecturer and research roles | M.Sc (Biotechnology, Chemistry, Zoology) |
| Library and Information Science | Librarian roles in schools, colleges, public institutions | B.Lib |
ITDC’s MBA programme attracts students seeking affordable management education in Lucknow. The total MBA fee of INR 3,96,000 over two years is among the most accessible in the city for women candidates.
ITDC Rankings
ITDC is ranked by India Today in the undergraduate streams of Arts, Science, and Commerce. The college does not participate in NIRF.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2024 Rank | 2023 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| India Today | Arts (BA Colleges) | 42 out of 186 | 42 out of 173 |
| India Today | Science (B.Sc Colleges) | 47 out of 211 | Not available |
| India Today | Commerce (B.Com Colleges) | 43 out of 229 | Not available |
The college’s consistent India Today Arts ranking at 42nd position over two consecutive years reflects its standing among the leading arts colleges for women in India. The NAAC A grade accreditation validates the quality of its academic processes and infrastructure.
ITDC Campus and Infrastructure
The ITDC campus occupies 22 acres at 7 Faizabad Road, Lucknow. The campus is centrally located and accessible from major parts of the city. The college has over 3,000 enrolled students and more than 100 faculty members across 20+ departments.
The Sarah Chakko Memorial Library is the main academic library on campus, named after Dr. Sarah Chakko, a former principal of Isabella Thoburn College who later became the first woman president of the World Council of Churches. The college also has science laboratories for Biology, Chemistry, and Zoology, used by B.Sc and M.Sc students.
The campus includes hostel facilities for outstation students, a common room, canteen, and grounds for sports and co-curricular activities. The college has an active cultural scene with annual fests and student societies aligned with its 155-year tradition of women’s education.
ITDC vs Loreto College vs Mahila PG College Lucknow
Women aspirants in Lucknow choosing between degree colleges for arts, science, and commerce often shortlist ITDC, Loreto College Lucknow, and Mahila PG College Lucknow. All three are women-only institutions affiliated to the University of Lucknow, but they differ in governance, programme depth, and campus scale.
| Parameter | ITDC Lucknow | Loreto College Lucknow | Mahila PG College Lucknow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | 7 Faizabad Road, Lucknow | Hazratganj, Lucknow | Lucknow |
| Type | Private Aided (Methodist Church) | Private Aided (Catholic) | Government Women’s College |
| Affiliation | University of Lucknow | University of Lucknow | University of Lucknow |
| Gender | Women only | Women only | Women only |
| NAAC Grade | A | A | Not publicly listed |
| Established | 1870 | 1942 | 1960 |
| Management Programmes | BBA and MBA offered | BBA offered | Limited |
| India Today Arts 2024 | #42 out of 186 | Not ranked | Not ranked |
ITDC has the longest history among the three and is the only one with a dedicated MBA programme. Loreto College is strong in arts and cultural activities and is centrally located in Hazratganj. Mahila PG College offers lower fees due to government funding and is preferred by students from economically weaker sections.
ITDC FAQs
Ques. Is Isabella Thoburn Degree College a women’s college?
Ans. Yes. ITDC is an exclusively women’s degree college. Admission is open only to female candidates across all programmes including BA, B.Sc, B.Com, BBA, MBA, MA, M.Sc, B.Ed, and B.Lib.
Ques. What is the NAAC grade of ITDC Lucknow?
Ans. ITDC holds NAAC Grade A accreditation. The college is affiliated to the University of Lucknow and is recognised by UGC.
Ques. What entrance exam is required for admission to ITDC?
Ans. ITDC conducts its own entrance examination for UG programmes (BA, B.Sc, B.Com, BBA). The exam is held annually in May. For B.Ed, admission follows the state-level UP B.Ed Joint Entrance Examination. PG admissions (MA, M.Sc, MBA) are merit-based through offline applications.
Ques. What is the fee for BA at ITDC Lucknow?
Ans. The annual fee for the BA programme at ITDC is INR 12,000. Over three years, the total fee is INR 36,000. Under the NEP 4-year structure, the total fee is INR 48,000.
Ques. What is the MBA fee at ITDC?
Ans. The MBA annual fee at ITDC is INR 1,98,000. The total fee over two years is INR 3,96,000. This is among the more affordable MBA options for women candidates in Lucknow.
Ques. What is the India Today ranking of ITDC?
Ans. As per India Today 2024, ITDC ranked #42 out of 186 in the Arts (BA) category, #47 out of 211 in Science (B.Sc), and #43 out of 229 in Commerce (B.Com) nationwide.
Ques. Does ITDC have a hostel facility?
Ans. ITDC has hostel facilities on campus for outstation women students. Candidates are advised to contact the college directly for current hostel seat availability and fee details, as these are allocated on a priority basis.
Ques. When was Isabella Thoburn Degree College established?
Ans. The institution traces its origins to 1870, when it was founded by American Methodist missionary Isabella Thoburn as a school. It became a degree college affiliated to the University of Lucknow in 1886. It is recognised as one of the first women’s colleges in Southern Asia.
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ITDC invites online admissions for all undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) courses through the University of Lucknow Admission Portal. The admission process is merit-based and is as per the affiliating university guidelines. To apply for admission, follow the steps.
Step1-Online Registration: Go to the official website of the college and register using a valid mobile number and email ID.
Step 2-Select the interested programme and upload the details and attach the required documents.
Step 3:Pay the application fee and submit the form
Step 4:Merit lists are displayed on the website. If shortlisted, report to the college for counseling with all the required documents.
Step 5: After document verification and fee payment, admission is finalized.
B.Com admissions are closed for the 2025-26 academic year. Applications were open till June 29, 2025, via the college’s online portal for UG courses, including B.A., B.Sc., and B.Com
Isabella Thoburn Degree College, Lucknow, M.Sc. Biotechnology is offered as 2 Years full-time program. The minimum eligibility criteria for M.Sc. are a Graduation with 55%. The total fees for Isabella Thoburn Degree College, Lucknow, M.Sc. Biotechnology is INR 1.22 Lakhs for the complete course duration.
Isabella Thoburn Degree College (ITDC), Lucknow, does not require an entrance exam for admission to its M.Com (Master of Commerce) program. PG admissions (including M.Com) are done based on merit, i.e., candidates are selected according to their graduation marks.
Isabella Thoburn Degree College (ITDC), Lucknow, does not require an entrance exam for admission to its M.Com (Master of Commerce) program. PG admissions (including M.Com) are done based on merit, i.e., candidates are selected according to their graduation marks.
As of now, Isabella Thoburn Degree College in Lucknow has not announced the application dates online for B.Sc. admissions for the 2025–26 academic session, you can contact the college for the information about the offline admissions.
Isabella Thoburn Degree College in Lucknow offers admissions to its undergraduate programs through both merit-based selection and an entrance examination. The specific admission process depends on the course you are interested in.
Isabella Thoburn Degree College (ITDC) in Lucknow offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. Admissions are based on performance in entrance examinations such as the Uttar Pradesh State Entrance Examination (UPSEE). The fee for the MBA course is not available online.
Yes, Isabella Thoburn Degree College (ITDC) in Lucknow provides hostel facilities for female students. The college operates three hostels: Naunihal, Nishat Mahal, and Maitreyi Bhawan, offering double and triple occupancy rooms.
Direct admission to Lucknow University is not available for most courses, as the university follows a structured admission process that includes either entrance examinations or merit-based selection.
The fee for the BEd course is mentioned below:
Admission into the undergraduate programmes are on the basis of entrance examination, while admission into the postgraduate courses and professional courses are strictly on the basis of merit. The institute follows the traditional method of application. Candidates interested in admission are required to visit the institute to collect the application form for the respective courses.
You can get the application form (when it is released for this session) at the official page: ITDC Lucknow College Home Page.
ITDC Bangalore has not released the fee structure of M.Sc. Zoology or M.Sc. Botany in online mode.
B.Sc. Biology fee structure has not been provided by Isabella Thoburn Degree College in online mode. The fee details can be obtained by visiting the college only.
ITDC does not offer LLB course to the students. The institute offers B.com. but the fee structure of B.Com. has not been released on its official website. Distance learning is not available.
There is no entrance examination conducted for admission to PG courses in ITDC Lucknow.
ITDC Lucknow does not offer B.Sc. Zoology course to the students.
B.Sc. in Biotechnology is not available in ITDC Lucknow. The ITDC Lucknow offers B.Sc. in Biology, Home Science and Mathematics.
ITDC Lucknow has not disclosed the fee structure of B.Ed in online way. You need to visit the college for collecting the fee details for the B.Ed.