In this blog, we will look at some of the best colleges in Mumbai, such as:
- IIT Bombay
- University of Mumbai
- St. Xavier’s College
- Mithibai
- KC
- NM
- TISS
As I have mentioned in a previous blog of mine, “After having lived in Mumbai for all my teenage years and some more as a young adult, the city and I began morphing in a way that felt more natural than invasive. Let me tell you how and why: a lot of my firsts happened in the city.”
For instance, the first time I went to college was in Mumbai. One had the option of going to junior college (11th and 12th standard) post 10th standard board exams, and I opted for just that.
If you are in my shoes, I would say: do the same. If you live in the city, go to junior college instead of regular school. If you don’t live in the city, you can move there to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Why Mumbai, you may wonder! Well, it’s because: “the city embraces you with open arms, SRK style. This is the reason Mumbai is often called the mehbooba (beloved).”
Having said that, I have compiled a list of the 7 best colleges in Mumbai you can consider applying to. Here goes:
1. IIT Bombay – According to its Wikipedia page, “The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay is an internationally acclaimed autonomous public research university and technical institute in Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. IIT Bombay was founded in 1958. In 1961, the Parliament decreed IITs as Institutes of National Importance.” It is considered as one of the top IITs all over India, and many brilliant students flock to the institute from all across the country.
2. University of Mumbai – According to its Wikipedia page, “The University of Mumbai is a collegiate, state-owned, public research university in Mumbai. The University of Mumbai is one of the largest universities in the world. As of 2013, the university had 711 affiliated colleges. Ratan Tata is the appointed head of the advisory council.” It has beautiful, large and green campuses in Kalina and Fort.
3. St. Xavier’s College – According to its Wikipedia page, “St. Xavier’s College is a private, Catholic, autonomous higher education institution run by the Bombay Province of the Society of Jesus in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It was founded by the Jesuits on January 2, 1869.” Given its rich history of contributing to India and Mumbai’s educational and artistic endeavours, many notable celebrities have graduated from it including Shabana Azmi, Aditya Thackeray, Rajdeep Sardesai etc.
4. Mithibai – “The Mithibai College of Arts, Chauhan Institute of Science & Amruthben Jivanlal College of Commerce and Economics is a college affiliated to the University of Mumbai. The college was established in 1961 in Vile Parle, Mumbai by Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal. In 2018 it was granted autonomous status by UGC,” according to its Wikipedia page. The college is also well-known for a host of street food and fast food eateries spread all around it.
5. KC – “Kishinchand Chellaram College, commonly known as KC College, is a higher educational Autonomous institution in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It is affiliated to the HSNC University. It was the first college to be awarded an “A” grade by The National Assessment and Accreditation Council in Mumbai,” reads its Wikipedia page. It also has a law college located in Churchgate, apart from its main and more popular arts, science and commerce college.
6. NM – “Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics is a premier college for commerce and economics affiliated to University of Mumbai. The college was established in 1964 by Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal.” You will be happy to note that the college has been consistently ranked as one of the top ones for commerce and economics education in India.
7. TISS – “Tata Institute of Social Sciences is a multi-campus public research university in Mumbai, India. It is Asia’s oldest institute for professional social work education and was founded in 1936 in then Bombay Presidency of British India as the Sir Dorabji Tata Graduate School of Social Work by the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust,” according to its Wikipedia page. TISS also has campuses in Hyderabad and Guwahati. Its known for its culture of students’ activism, among other things.
These are the 7 best colleges in Mumbai according to rankings and students’ approval, but the city has many more colleges with academic excellence and historical importance. If you are someone who is looking to move to Mumbai to study, it’s a good choice but bear in mind that the cost of living in the metropolis is quite high.
What are some other colleges in Mumbai one should consider applying to?