Bachelor of Science [B.Sc]

Our Origin & Growth

It had taken, decades for the College to take shape. At the behest of Sir Thomas Munro a Committee of public instruction was formed in 1826. In 1836 the duties of the Committee of public instruction was taken over by "The Committee of Native Education." The plan drawn up by the Committee did not commend themselves to Lord Elphinstone who in turn proposed nineteen resolutions which were passed unanimously. The gist of the resolutions was as follows:"That it is expedient that a Central Collegiate Institution or University should be established at Madras". "The Madras University to consist of two principal departments, a College for the Higher Branches of Literature, Philosophy and Science, and a High School for the Cultivation of English Literature and of the vernacular languages of India and the elementary departments of Philosophy and Science".

Recognition of the Government

These proposals of Lord Elphinstone which were afterwards known as the "Fundamental Rules" were approved by the Members of Council and received the sanction of the Government in January 1840.

First Meeting of the Governing Body

In a month's time the governing body of the University was formed and it held its first meeting on 8th February 1840. The governing body requested Thiru. Mount Stuart Elphinstone to select a suitable person for the post of Headmaster.

The Preparatory School

Thiru. Cooper accepted the invitation and came to Chennai. He and his Staff opened the preparatory School in a rented building in Egmore known as Edinburgh Home on 15th October 1840 which eventually grew into Presidency College. Thiru. Cooper remained in the Preparatory School for only a few months and soon after Thiru. Powell's arrival and before the opening of the High School department in April 1841, he returned to Calcutta. The preparatory School was shifted to Popham's Broadway in 1841.

The High School

The High School was opened on 4th April 1841 in Egmore (in the Building now housing the Presidency Magistrate Court) on the Pantheon Road, Egmore. Ten years rolled on after the formation of the department of higher education. In the meantime an Elementary School was also started.

Department of Collegiate Education

On 22nd April 1852 the then Governor, Fort. St. George Sir Henry Pottinger, Constituted a body called the 'University Board' with a President and sixteen members. In the beginning of 1853, the institution entered upon the second epoch in its history. It underwent reorganisation and was developed downwards and upwards. TM High School classes were rearranged, a primary school was established and a separate collegiate department was instituted. In 1855 the collegiate department was transferred to the newly created Department of Public Instruction and the Institution formally received its present name Presidency College. With the removal of ban on starting law classes the college started law classes as well.

The University of Madras

The year 1857 marks the beginning of the third epoch in the history of the College. The present University of Madras was founded in 1857. It always be a source of pride to Presidency College that it is the mother of the University of Madras. From 1857 onwards, the College has been providing instruction in the courses prescribed by the University.

Buildings

The president and Governor of the University of Madras wanted to provide adequate buildings for the University. In 1864, designs for a big building to accommodate Presidency College were called for and a prize of Rs.3000/‑ was offered to the best design. The foundation stone a new college building on the Marina was laid on October 1867 by His Excellency Lord Napier, The Governor of Madras. The College took three years to build and on its completion the opening ceremony was performed by his Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh on 25th March 1870.

Shedding of Lower Classes

The lower classes posing a hindrance to the rapid growth of the College were shed, with Elementary School in 1856, High School in 1884 and the Law classes in 1891.

NAAC Accreditation

In 1998 the College was Accredited with Four Stars by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council. In March 2005 the National Assessment and Accrediation Council reaccredited the college and awarded the Grade "A" (85% to 90%).

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