College History
Genesis and Background
Hiralal Mazumdar Memorial College for Women, an institution committed to the empowerment of women through higher education, was established in 1959 by the Biswarup Sevashram Trust. The College was founded with the objective of providing university education in a supportive and inclusive academic environment for deserving students, irrespective of religion, caste, or creed. Academic activities commenced on 10 August 1959 with a small cohort of students enrolled in undergraduate general courses in Bengali, English, Economics, History, Sanskrit, Political Science, and Philosophy.
Over the years, the College has witnessed significant growth in both academic offerings and student strength. At present, the institution caters to 1,326 students enrolled in odd semesters across 27 undergraduate courses. Of these, 18 programmes are offered as Major (Honours) courses under the three streams of Arts, Science, and Commerce, encompassing a total of 21 programmes. In alignment with contemporary academic and professional demands, the College currently offers 36 Special Certificate, Add-on, and Value-Added Courses aimed at enhancing students’ employability and preparing them for the global job market. The College is supported by a dedicated team of 111 teaching staff members, of whom 30 possess doctoral degrees. In addition, 26 non-teaching staff members and 4 security personnel contribute to the smooth administration, safety, and overall functioning of the institution.
Hiralal Mazumdar Memorial College for Women received full statutory recognition from the Government of West Bengal in 1999, following which it emerged from the administrative control of the Trust. The College was initially affiliated with the University of Calcutta; however, since 2008, its affiliation has been transferred to West Bengal State University, Barasat, North 24-Parganas. While adhering to the academic framework of its affiliating university, the College continuously strives to design its own academic strategies, adopt innovative teaching-learning practices, and implement progressive methods of evaluation to ensure academic excellence. The College has been granted recognition under Sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act and remains steadfast in its pursuit of quality and excellence in higher education. In 2023, the institution achieved a notable milestone by securing a CGPA of 3.33 (A+) in the Third Cycle of NAAC Re-accreditation, marking a significant advancement from its earlier B++ grade. This achievement has further strengthened the College’s resolve to nurture students into competent, committed, creative, and compassionate women capable of contributing meaningfully to society and the nation.
To foster a vibrant academic and research culture, the College has established several institutional bodies, including the Research Development Cell, Incubation Centre, Institutional Innovation Council, and Equal Opportunity Cell. Through these initiatives, the College continues its efforts to evolve into a dynamic knowledge hub that promotes innovation, inclusivity, and holistic development.