Top Science Colleges in Kolkata

Kolkata continues to uphold its legacy as one of India’s intellectual and academic hubs, particularly for natural science education. From century-old institutions to research-driven public universities, the city offers a wide range of choices for students pursuing B.Sc. or M.Sc. degrees.

But when it comes to selecting a college with strong academics, verified rankings, and a practical teaching approach, the options narrow down to a few standout names. So, here's a curated list of the top 5 science colleges in Kolkata to help you make an informed decision for your academic future.

1. Presidency University, Kolkata 

Originally founded as Hindu College in 1817, Presidency University is now a state-run public research university and one of the most academically rigorous colleges in India. With an ‘A’ grade accreditation from NAAC and 21st rank under the university category in the NIRF 2024 rankings, the college brings in a cutting-edge curriculum and research-led pedagogy in the discipline of sciences.

At both the B.Sc. and M.Sc. levels, Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Geology, and Statistics programmes are the top picks among the aspirants. 

Admission Process: UG admissions are through PUBDET, and PG through PUMDET, both conducted by WBJEEB.

Approximate Fees: ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 per year for most B.Sc./M.Sc. programmes.

Approximate Placement Package: ₹4 to ₹7 LPA depending on stream and placement year.

2. Jadavpur University, Kolkata

Established in 1955, Jadavpur University is another top state-funded public university in Kolkata and beyond, known for its academic autonomy, robust curriculum, and science research excellence. Not only has it been accredited with an A++ grade by NAAC, but it has also bagged the 10th position in the NIRF 2024 rankings under the university category.

The Faculty of Science here offers highly popular B.Sc. and M.Sc. programmes in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Geological Sciences, Geography, and Instrumentation Science.

Admission Process: B.Sc. admissions to this college are based on Class 12 marks. M.Sc. admissions are through department-level entrance exams.

Approximate Fees: ₹1,200 to ₹5,000 annually, depending on the level and department.

Approximate Placement Package: ₹3 to ₹6.5 LPA depending on department and recruiter.

Also Read: Top 5 Engineering Colleges in Kolkata  

3. Scottish Church College, Kolkata 

Dating back to 1830, Scottish Church College has long been a key part of Kolkata’s academic landscape, offering a structured and well-grounded science education under the University of Calcutta. The college holds an ‘A’ grade from NAAC and was placed 88th in the NIRF 2024 rankings under the colleges category.

Its B.Sc. programmes in Mathematics, Microbiology, Economics, and Computer Science are highly sought after. At the postgraduate level, M.Sc. programmes in Botany and Chemistry remain the top choices. 

Admission Process: B.Sc. admissions are based on Class 12 marks; M.Sc. admissions follow departmental criteria, including merit and/or entrance tests.

Approximate Fees: ₹17,800 to ₹1,41,000 annually, depending on the course type and level.

Approximate Placement Package: ₹3 to ₹5.5 LPA based on course and recruiter.

Also Read: Top B.Com Colleges in Kolkata 

4. St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata 

Founded in 1860, St. Xavier’s College is a premier autonomous institution in Kolkata, known for experienced faculty and a strong academic culture. It holds an A++ grade from NAAC and has secured the 8th position in the NIRF 2024 rankings under the college category.

The college’s science departments offer highly sought-after B.Sc. programmes in Physics, Chemistry, Microbiology, Computer Science, and Statistics, while M.Sc. programmes in Biotechnology, Physics, and Microbiology are equally popular for postgraduate aspirants.

Admission Process: Admissions to both B.Sc. and M.Sc. programmes are merit-based and conducted through the official college admission portal, with occasional written tests for postgraduate courses.

Approximate Fees: ₹45,000 to ₹75,000 per year, depending on the course and level.

Approximate Placement Package: ₹4 to ₹7.5 LPA, with top roles in analytics, life sciences, and IT sectors. 

5. Asutosh College, Kolkata 

With its origin tracing back to 1916, Asutosh College stands as one of Kolkata’s top co-educational institutions, combining legacy with a dynamic science curriculum. Affiliated to the University of Calcutta, the college has earned an ‘A’ grade from NAAC and was ranked 95th in the NIRF 2024 list of top colleges in India.

The in-demand B.Sc. programmes include Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Zoology. Likewise, Applied Geology, Botany, and Computer Science are the most popular M.Sc. programmes. 

Admission Process: Admissions to B.Sc. courses are based on 10+2 merit; M.Sc. programmes require merit-based or entrance-based selection as per departmental rules.

Approximate Fees: ₹14,000 to ₹60,000 annually, depending on course and programme level.

Approximate Placement Package: ₹3 to ₹5 LPA based on academic stream and hiring trends.

Also Read: Top Law Colleges in Kolkata  

To wrap up, while rankings and reputations matter, finding the right science college also depends on how well a program aligns with your long-term aspirations, whether that’s research, industry, or interdisciplinary innovation. Use this list as the beginning point, but go deeper.

Visit college campuses if possible, explore faculty publications, reach out to current students, and review each college’s academic calendar and infrastructure. Choosing the right science college will shape both your academic journey and future contributions to science and society.