ABOUT US
Gargi College, a premier constituent college of the University of Delhi (DU), is an esteemed women's institution dedicated to empowering female scholars through holistic, value-based education. Established as a beacon of academic excellence in South Delhi, it fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and societal responsibility among its students. Named after Gargi Vachaknavi, the 7th-century Vedic philosopher symbolizing fearless inquiry and scholarly boldness, the college spans a lush 15-acre green campus in Siri Fort Road, Green Park, New Delhi. It currently enrolls over 6,000 students and employs more than 240 faculty members, offering 24 programs across 18 departments. Accredited with an A+ grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), Gargi is renowned for its vibrant campus life, research initiatives, and cultural fests like Reverie, one of DU's largest.
History and Establishment
Gargi College was founded on March 28, 1967, amid a nationalist movement in the 1920s to provide higher education for Indian women, even before independence. It began modestly with 207 students, two courses, and 16 faculty members, quickly evolving into a leading South Campus college. By 2004, it received the "College with Potential for Excellence" (CPE) grant from the University Grants Commission (UGC), funding research and community projects. In 2009, the Department of Biotechnology awarded it Star College Status and a Bioinformatics Infrastructure Facility—one of only two in DU—enhancing undergraduate access to advanced science tools. The college's growth reflects its commitment to women's education, progressing from basic arts and sciences to interdisciplinary programs.
Affiliation and Governance
Affiliated with the University of Delhi since inception, Gargi operates under DU's South Campus framework, adhering to its academic standards and governance. It is recognized by UGC under Sections 2(f) and 12(B), ensuring national validity of degrees. The institution promotes inclusivity, with reservations for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD categories and supernumerary seats for foreign students.
Mission and Vision
Gargi's motto embodies the spirit of its namesake: fostering "scholarly excellence, fearless astuteness, divergent thinking, and the relentless ability to question." The vision is to create a nurturing, secure learning environment that empowers women to challenge norms, innovate, and contribute to society. It emphasizes ethical leadership, research, and community service, aligning with DU's goal of accessible, transformative education in a rapidly evolving world.
Academic Programs
Gargi offers a diverse array of undergraduate (UG) and select postgraduate (PG) programs across four streams: Arts and Humanities, Commerce, Science, and Education. Admissions are through CUET UG/PG, with a focus on interdisciplinary learning via DU's Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS). Key programs include:
| Category |
Key Programs |
Departments Involved |
| UG |
B.A. (Hons) in English, Hindi, History, Political Science, Economics, Philosophy; B.Sc. (Hons) in Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Mathematics, Microbiology, Computer Science; B.Com (Hons) |
18 departments including Humanities (e.g., English, History), Sciences (e.g., Botany, Microbiology), Commerce |
| PG |
M.A. in English, Hindi, Mathematics; M.Sc. in Mathematics, Microbiology |
English, Mathematics, Microbiology (limited seats; merit-based post-CUET PG) |
| Other |
B.Ed, Add-on certificates in GIS, Journalism, Foreign Languages |
Education, Vocational Studies |
The curriculum integrates field trips (e.g., to National Museum or Jaipur for History), seminars by global scholars, and vocational training for careers in education, research, civil services, media, and tourism. Recent pass rates exceed 99%, with 45-50% first divisions and top DU rankings.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Nestled in a prime South Delhi location near Siri Fort, Gargi's 15-acre campus blends greenery with modern amenities for comprehensive student support:
| Facility |
Description |
| Academic |
Smart classrooms, advanced labs (e.g., Bioinformatics Facility, science/computer labs), central library with digital resources, seminar halls |
| Sports & Recreation |
Large sports field for professional training in judo, basketball, taekwondo, volleyball, tennis; indoor facilities; chess champions (DU 2012) |
| Support Services |
Auditorium, canteen, medical center, girls' hostels (limited), Wi-Fi-enabled campus, NSS/NCC/Equal Opportunity Cell |
| Other |
Women's Development Centre for gender sensitization, Eco Club (Avani) for sustainability, amphitheater for events |
The campus hosts DU SOL classes and promotes eco-friendly initiatives.
Achievements and Research
- Rankings: NIRF 31st among colleges (2023-2024); NAAC A+ (valid till 2027).
- Research: CPE and Star College grants support projects (INR 1+ crore); faculty publications in journals; student research in biotech/history.
- Extracurricular: Reverie fest (2018: one of DU's largest); NSS/NCC events for social awareness; DU sports titles (e.g., judo runners-up).
- Notable: 10 students annually in DU's top 3; 35 in South Campus top 5; alumni in civil services, media, and academia.
Student Life and Enrollment
With a diverse, all-women cohort from across India, Gargi nurtures holistic growth through 20+ student societies (e.g., cultural, literary, technical). Annual events like fests and workshops build leadership and community ties. Fees are affordable (UG: INR 10,000-20,000/year), with scholarships for merit/SC/ST/minority students.
