Fergusson College

Fergusson College is an autonomous private educational institution in western India, situated in the city of Pune. It was founded in 1885 by the Deccan Education Society and was the first privately governed college in India. Professor Vaman Shivram Apte was the first principal of the college. Social reformer, journalist, thinker and educationist Gopal Ganesh Agarkar served as the second principal of the college from August 1892 till his death in June 1895.The college is named after Scottish born Sir James Fergusson, the Governor of Bombay, who donated Rs 1,200. Since 1948, the college has been under the jurisdiction of the University of Pune.The college has two sections: The Junior Wing of the college is for students graduating from school. Courses are offered in Arts and Science streams, at the end of which students may appear for the Higher-Secondary State Certificate examination. The Senior Wing offers bachelor's degrees in 29 disciplines and master's degrees in 16 disciplines, spanning electronic and computer sciences, languages, humanities and social science, life sciences and creative sciences. The college also offers doctoral and vocational programs. Fergusson College is known for its close association with Indian politics. Its founders were pioneers of the Indian National Congress, as well as Hindu Nationalism, and the Indian Socialist Movement. The college has produced, several ministers and legislators, including two Indian Prime Ministers. Fergusson college was among the 19 colleges to get a heritage tag by the central government and UGC. The college will receive the financial help grom UGC for the conservation of campus and buildings.