About SJC

St. John's College, Agra

WELCOME TO ST JOHN'S COLLEGE, AGRA

St. John’s College, Agra, was established in 1850 by the Church Missionary Society of England through the efforts of the Agra C.M.S. Association which came into being in 1840. The first Principal of the College The Rev. Thomas Valpy French, a distinguished fellow of University College, Oxford, was a man of great vision and missionary zeal. At its inception, the College formulated its own curriculum and conducted its own examination. From 1862 to 1888 the College remained affiliated to Calcutta University and later up to 1927 to Allahabad University. In 1927 with the formation of Agra University, the then Principal of the College Dr. A.W. Davies became its first Vice-Chancellorand the College was affiliated to the Agra University.

About SJC

St. John's College, Agra, is a distinguished minority institution affiliated with Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University (DBRAU), Agra, and recognized as one of the oldest and most prestigious Christian colleges in North India. Established in 1850 by the Church Missionary Society (CMS), it operates under the Agra Diocesan Council of the Church of North India (CNI) and is committed to providing quality higher education rooted in Christian values, academic excellence, and holistic development. The college is accredited with an 'A' grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Sections 2(f) and 12(B). It offers programs in Arts, Science, Commerce, Education, and Management, emphasizing inclusivity, research, and community service.

History and Establishment

The college was founded in 1850 by Rev. Thomas Valpy French and Rev. Robert M. Winter as a Cambridge Mission initiative to promote Christian education in the region. Initially known as St. John's College, it started as a small school and evolved into a full-fledged degree college. Key milestones include:

• 1850: Establishment with initial classes in missionary premises.
• 1869-1870: Construction of the main building (designed in Gothic style) under Rev. H.C. Carney.
• 1890s: Expansion with science faculties and affiliation to Calcutta University.
• Post-independence: Affiliation shifted to Agra University (now DBRAU) in 1927.
• 1948: Introduction of B.Ed. program.
• Recent developments: Addition of self-financed courses in Management and Computer Applications.

The college has produced notable alumni, including former President Shankar Dayal Sharma, freedom fighters, and prominent academics. It celebrated its sesquicentennial (150 years) in 2000 and continues to uphold its motto: "Education's Light Leads to Eternity."

Vision and Mission

Vision: To be a premier institution fostering intellectual growth, moral integrity, and social responsibility, illuminating lives through knowledge and faith.

Mission:

• Impart value-based, career-oriented education accessible to all sections of society.
• Promote research, innovation, and excellence in teaching-learning.
• Develop disciplined, ethical citizens committed to national development and global harmony.
• Preserve Christian minority ethos while embracing diversity.

The college emphasizes "discipline, dedication, and devotion" as core principles.

Academic Structure

Affiliated to DBRAU Agra, St. John's College offers a wide range of programs:

• Undergraduate: BA, BSc (Maths/Biology), BCom, BBA, BCA, BEd.
• Postgraduate: MA (English, Psychology, Geography), MSc (Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Zoology, Botany), MEd.
• Other: Diploma courses, PhD in select subjects (Chemistry, Physics, etc.).

Faculties include:

• Faculty of Arts (13 departments, e.g., English, Hindi, Economics, Psychology).
• Faculty of Science (8 departments, e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Zoology).
• Faculty of Commerce.
• Faculty of Education (BEd/MEd).
• Self-financed: Faculty of Management (BBA) and Computer Applications (BCA).

Admissions are merit-based through DBRAU portals or direct applications, with reservations for Christian minorities and SC/ST/OBC categories. The college has over 4,000 students and 150+ faculty members.

Research and Facilities

The college promotes research with UGC-funded projects, seminars, and publications. Key facilities:

• Central Library: Over 1,00,000 books, journals, and e-resources.
• Laboratories: Well-equipped for Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Psychology, Geography, and Computer Science.
• Computer Centres and Language Lab.
• Auditorium, Conference Halls, and Sports Grounds.

Campus and Location

Spread over 50 acres in Agra Cantt (M.G. Road, near Subhash Park), the campus features historic Gothic architecture, lush gardens, a chapel, hostels (for boys and limited girls), and modern amenities like WiFi, canteen, and banking. It is known for its serene, disciplined environment.

Rankings and Recognition

• NAAC 'A' Grade (multiple cycles).
• Consistently ranked among top colleges in Agra by India Today and other surveys.
• Recipient of CMS heritage status and awards for academic excellence.