City College, Kolkata, is a government-aided undergraduate college established in 1881. It is affiliated to the University of Calcutta and recognised under UGC 2(f) and 12(B) status. The college is accredited NAAC B+.
As per NIRF 2025, City College does not appear in the NIRF College ranked list.
The college is located at 102/1 Raja Rammohan Sarani, in the heart of Kolkata, West Bengal. It is a compact urban campus of 0.89 acres with no residential hostel. The college has 77 full-time faculty members and a student strength of 2,600.
- BA (Hons.): Bengali, English, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Sanskrit
- B.Sc (Hons.): Botany, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Physiology, Zoology
- B.Com (Hons.)
- General (Multidisciplinary) programmes: BA, B.Sc (Physical Sciences, Biological Science), B.Com
Fees at City College are among the lowest at any UGC-recognised college in West Bengal. BA (Hons.) costs INR 3,230 in Year 1 and INR 2,810 per year subsequently. B.Com (Hons.) costs INR 3,440 in Year 1 and INR 3,020 per year after that. B.Sc Physics (Hons.) costs INR 4,400 in Year 1 and INR 3,980 per year subsequently.
City College follows the 4-year undergraduate programme under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, affiliated to the University of Calcutta. Admissions are through the West Bengal Centralised Admission Portal (WB-CAP), merit-based on Class 12 marks. No entrance examination is conducted.
City College Admission Dates 2026
City College, Kolkata, follows the West Bengal Centralised Admission Portal (WB-CAP) process for all UG admissions. The 2026-27 admissions have concluded. Physical verification phases for shortlisted candidates were completed through August 2026, and the 2026-27 batch began classes. The next cycle opens in 2027 after West Bengal Higher Secondary (Class 12) results.
| Event | 2026-27 Cycle (Concluded) |
|---|---|
| West Bengal HS (Class 12) Results | May 2026 |
| WB-CAP registration opens | June 2026 |
| Physical verification: 1st phase | June 26, 2026 |
| Physical verification: 2nd phase | August 3, 2026 |
| Physical verification: 3rd phase | August 19, 2026 |
| Classes begin | September to October 2026 |
The 2027-28 cycle will follow the same pattern, with WB-CAP opening after West Bengal Class 12 results expected in May 2027. The table below summarises the admission basis by programme.
| Programme | Admission Basis | Minimum Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons.) all subjects | WB-CAP merit in Class 12 | Class 12 in Arts/Humanities |
| B.Sc (Hons.) all subjects | WB-CAP merit in Class 12 PCM/PCB | Class 12 with relevant science subjects |
| B.Com (Hons.) | WB-CAP merit in Class 12 | Class 12 Commerce or Arts |
| General (Multidisciplinary) | WB-CAP merit in Class 12 | Class 12 in relevant stream |
City College Courses and Fees
City College offers 4-year undergraduate programmes under NEP 2020, affiliated to the University of Calcutta. Subjects are spread across Arts, Science, and Commerce. Fees are set by the West Bengal government and are among the most affordable at any affiliated college in Kolkata.
| Programme | Duration | Year 1 Fee | Annual Fee (Yr 2 onwards) | 4-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons.) all subjects | 4 years | INR 3,230 | INR 2,810 | INR 11,660 |
| BA General (Multidisciplinary) | 4 years | INR 3,080 | INR 2,660 | INR 11,060 |
| B.Com (Hons.) | 4 years | INR 3,440 | INR 3,020 | INR 12,500 |
| B.Com General | 4 years | INR 3,280 | INR 2,860 | INR 11,860 |
| B.Sc Physics (Hons.) | 4 years | INR 4,400 | INR 3,980 | INR 16,340 |
| B.Sc Botany/Zoology (Hons.) | 4 years | INR 4,400 | INR 3,980 | INR 16,340 |
| B.Sc Chemistry/Maths/Physiology (Hons.) | 4 years | INR 1,455 | INR 1,455 | INR 5,820 |
BA and B.Com Honours subjects offered at City College span Bengali, English, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Sanskrit, and Commerce. B.Sc Honours subjects include Botany, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Physiology, and Zoology. Students may exit the programme with a Certificate (after 1 year), Diploma (after 2 years), Degree (after 3 years), or Honours/Research degree (after 4 years) under the NEP exit framework.
City College Admission Process
All admissions to City College are through the WB-CAP portal (wbcap.in), the centralised online admission platform for West Bengal state-level colleges. The college does not conduct its own entrance examination or personal interview. Selection is entirely based on merit in the Class 12 board examination.
BA (Hons.) and BA General
- Eligibility: Class 12 pass from any recognised board, with relevant Humanities or Arts subjects
- Merit rank on WB-CAP determines allocation. Higher subject scores in the relevant language or social science subject carry additional weightage for Honours admission.
- Minimum aggregate: 45% in Class 12 (30% for SC/ST as per West Bengal norms)
B.Sc (Hons.) and B.Sc General
- Eligibility: Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) for Physics, Chemistry, or Maths Honours. Class 12 PCB is required for Botany, Zoology, or Physiology Honours.
- Merit in Science subjects used for branch-specific seat allocation
B.Com (Hons.) and B.Com General
- Eligibility: Class 12 from any stream, with Commerce preferred for Honours. Minimum 45% aggregate required.
- Merit in Commerce or aggregate marks used for allocation
Process
Candidates register on WB-CAP, submit subject preferences for multiple colleges, and receive a merit-based provisional allotment. Selected candidates complete physical document verification at the college in person. Fee payment online completes the enrolment. Multiple allotment rounds are conducted to fill remaining seats.
City College Campus and Infrastructure
City College occupies a compact 0.89-acre campus at 102/1 Raja Rammohan Sarani, central Kolkata. The location in the historic College Street area places it in close proximity to the University of Calcutta’s main campus, the Presidency University campus, and the wider Kolkata academic belt.
The campus has dedicated classroom blocks for each department, a central library with 47,526 volumes, and a playground facility. The library supports research and study for the college’s 15 departments across Arts, Science, and Commerce streams. Being a compact urban campus, City College does not have residential hostel facilities. The majority of students commute from across Kolkata and the surrounding districts.
The college has 77 full-time faculty members supported by 29 contractual teachers (SACT). With a student strength of 2,600, the student-to-faculty ratio is maintained at a level conducive to classroom instruction in humanities and science subjects. City College’s 145-year history in Kolkata’s academic landscape, its central location, and its government-aided fee structure make it a practical choice for students seeking an affordable Calcutta University degree in the city centre.
City College vs Scottish Church College vs Surendranath College
City College competes for the same applicant pool as other government-aided undergraduate colleges affiliated to Calcutta University in central Kolkata. The comparison below covers three well-established institutions in the Kolkata academic corridor.
| Parameter | City College, Kolkata | Scottish Church College, Kolkata | Surendranath College, Kolkata |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 1881 | 1830 | 1884 |
| Type | Government-aided, affiliated CU | Government-aided, affiliated CU | Government-aided, affiliated CU |
| NAAC Grade | B+ | A | B+ |
| Programmes | BA, B.Sc, B.Com (Hons. and General) | BA, B.Sc, B.Com (Hons. and General) | BA, B.Sc, B.Com (Hons. and General) |
| Admission | WB-CAP merit | WB-CAP merit | WB-CAP merit |
| Campus | 0.89 acres, central Kolkata | Larger campus, College Street area | Central Kolkata |
| Hostel | No | Available (limited) | No |
Scottish Church College holds a stronger NAAC A Grade and has a broader subject offering with some PG programmes. Surendranath College is at a comparable tier to City College with a similar NAAC B+ grade and subject mix. City College’s key advantage is its 0.89-acre urban campus placement at Raja Rammohan Sarani, which is well-connected by metro, bus, and tram to all parts of Kolkata. For students with a strong preference for central city location and the lowest possible fees, City College and Surendranath College are comparable options. Scottish Church College is the stronger choice for those prioritising NAAC ranking and subject variety.
City College Kolkata FAQs
Ques. What is the total fee for BA at City College, Kolkata?
Ans. The total fee for a 4-year BA (Hons.) programme at City College, Kolkata, is INR 11,660. Year 1 costs INR 3,230, and each subsequent year costs INR 2,810. For BA General (Multidisciplinary), Year 1 is INR 3,080 and subsequent years are INR 2,660, totalling INR 11,060 over four years. Fees are set by the West Bengal government for government-aided colleges.
Ques. How are admissions done at City College, Kolkata?
Ans. All admissions to City College are through WB-CAP (wbcap.in), the West Bengal Centralised Admission Portal. No separate entrance test is conducted. Selection is based entirely on merit in the Class 12 board examination. Candidates register on WB-CAP, list their college and subject preferences, and receive a merit-based seat allotment.
Ques. When does City College open admissions for 2027-28?
Ans. The 2027-28 admission cycle is expected to open on WB-CAP in June 2027, after West Bengal Higher Secondary (Class 12) results are declared in May 2027. No entrance examination is required. Candidates should register on the WB-CAP portal when it opens and list City College as a preference for their chosen programme.
Ques. Is City College, Kolkata, NAAC accredited?
Ans. Yes. City College, Kolkata, is accredited NAAC B+. The college has UGC 2(f) and 12(B) recognition, meaning it is eligible for central government grants and its degrees are fully recognised for higher studies and government employment purposes.
Ques. Does City College have hostel facilities?
Ans. No. City College, Kolkata, does not have a residential hostel on campus. The college occupies a compact 0.89-acre campus in central Kolkata. Most students commute daily from their homes across Kolkata and nearby districts. The college’s central location near Metro stations and major bus routes makes daily commuting feasible for students from most parts of the city.
Ques. What is the duration of BA at City College, Kolkata?
Ans. BA, B.Sc, and B.Com programmes at City College follow the 4-year UG framework under NEP 2020, as per Calcutta University norms. Students may exit after 1 year (Certificate), 2 years (Diploma), 3 years (Degree), or 4 years (Honours/Research degree). Most students pursuing Hons. programmes complete all four years for the Honours degree.
Ques. Which subjects does City College offer for BA Hons.?
Ans. City College offers BA (Hons.) in six subjects: Bengali, English, History, Philosophy, Political Science, and Sanskrit. For B.Sc Honours, the college offers Botany, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Physiology, and Zoology. B.Com (Hons.) is also offered. General (Multidisciplinary) programmes are available in BA (Physical Science and Biological Science streams) and B.Com.
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Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for admission at City College Kolkata:
The fee for the BCom Hons course is mentioned below:
City College Kolkata has not started the admission procedure for the 2022-2023 session. It is expected that the admission procedure will be started soon on the official website of the college.
City College has not yet started the admission for the 2022 session. Whenever the admissions will be started, you can get the same information on the official website of the City College.
The total fee of City College Bachelor of Commerce is INR 6,690. The first-year fee of the course is INR 2,230. The same amount of INR 2,230 has been charged for the second and the third years.
The college has not yet announced the dates of admission commencement. The college is likely to announce the admission dates soon on its official website. Read More: City College Admission 2022