A Christian Minority Higher Educational Institution, St. Xavier's was founded in 1860 by a Catholic Minority Religious body, the Society of Jesus, and was affiliated to Calcutta University in 1862. While preference is shown to the educational and cultural needs of the Minority community, admission is open to all irrespective of caste, creed and nationality! St. Xavier's College offers UG and PG courses under five faculties : Arts, Science, Commerce, Business Administration, and Education. It also offers various professional certificate and diploma courses under Career Oriented Programmes and Computer Centre. St. Xavier's offers Ph.d in Physics, Biotechnology, Microbiology and Commerce.

The medium of instruction is English. However, candidates coming from vernacular medium schools are offered facilities to improve their skill in spoken English. As a Jesuit higher educational institution, St Xavier's pursues a policy in admission, formation and training, in favour of the Christian minority and the poor i.e. socially and financially marginalized including SC / ST / OBC. Financial assistance in terms of scholarships, direct financial assistance, book bank facility etc are generously offered to deserving and talented students, irrespective of caste and creed.

The College has three shifts:
I. Morning Session (6:00 A.M. - 9:50 A.M.) - B.Com. - for boys only.
II. Day Session (9:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.) - B.A., B.Sc., and B.Ed. - co-educational (for boys & girls).
III. Evening Session (3:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.) - B.B.A. and B.Com. - co-educational (for boys & girls).