St Xavier’s College, Burdwan has been granted autonomous status by the University Grants Commission (UGC), becoming the first institution affiliated with the University of Burdwan to receive this recognition.

Established in 2014, the college applied for autonomy in November last year. The approval was confirmed on February 20 following a commission meeting held on January 30, 2026. The autonomous status will remain valid for five academic years, from 2026–27 to 2030–31. The university has been asked to issue the required notification within 30 days.

College authorities explained that delays in publishing undergraduate results under the university system had caused difficulties for students, especially those seeking admission to postgraduate programmes. With autonomy, the college will now be able to conduct examinations, set question papers, and release results independently.

The institution also plans to introduce courses in emerging disciplines such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Administrators believe that academic flexibility will help attract high-performing students and align programmes with evolving industry demands.

Faculty members noted that in the past two years, final semester undergraduate results were declared as late as September, affecting students applying for master’s programmes.

Located in Sreepally, Burdwan, the college currently offers undergraduate programmes in arts, science, and commerce, with around 750 students enrolled. Following this development, the number of colleges affiliated with Burdwan University will reduce from 68 to 67.

The development reflects a wider trend across West Bengal, where affiliated colleges are increasingly opting for autonomy to remain competitive with private institutions offering contemporary, career-oriented courses.

Other developments include Loreto College applying for autonomy from the University of Calcutta, while Scottish Church College is also preparing to submit its application. Earlier, Behala College became autonomous in July 2025. Additionally, St Xavier’s College, Calcutta had secured autonomy in 2006, and three colleges run by the Ramakrishna Mission also operate with autonomous status.