On behalf of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata, I extend a warm welcome to you, dear students. It gives me immense joy to christen you as Xavierians as you enter the portals of this University.

In the next few years, you will receive not only academic training, but you will also be given the opportunity to imbibe the values and principles which are an integral part of the Xavierian identity. You will carry forward the Xavierian legacy and we will help you to emerge as men and women for others. You will learn the importance of social responsibility and take the mantle of leadership in the future.

In the past few years, we have overcome many challenges and emerged as one of the major Higher Education Institutions of repute in Eastern India. We are expanding in terms of knowledge, infrastructure and resources. Each year we welcome students from across the country and they are offered the best opportunities.

At the 4th Convocation Ceremony held in February 2023, 770 students were awarded with their degrees qualifying certificates. The Honouris Causa (D.Litt.) was conferred on Mamata Banerjee, Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal. On this occasion, she announced the establishment of the Mother Teresa Chair Professorship for Peace at SXUK, which will be funded by the State Government.

This Academic Year, we are introducing the 4-Year Undergraduate Programme w.e.f. July 2023 as per the UGC guidelines. The change is necessary and crucial since it is in keeping with emerging trends in global education. It will provide our students a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to learning.

The New Curriculum will enable students to choose from a wide range of courses. After three years they will earn a Bachelor’s Degree with Major and they can choose to enrol in the two-year Master’s Degree programme. Completion of four Years (i.e. eight Semesters) in the Course will make them eligible for a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours. Thereafter, they can complete their Master’s Degree in our year. If a student is inclined towards research, the last two semesters will provide them the opportunity to undertake specialised research work and consequently they will be awarded a Bachelor’s Degree with Research.

The introduction of the 4-Year Undergraduate Programme will help students focus on their professional interests and promote vocational training. Emphasis on practical learning-outcomes and skill development will give them a better chance of succeeding in competitive fields.

The New Curriculum will be accompanied by changes in pedagogy and methods of evaluation. It will also introduce the Academic Bank of Credits Facility for re-entry within seven years.

Last year, St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata introduced two academic programmes under the Faculty of Science: M.Sc. in Computer Science and M.Sc. in Statistics. New laboratories have been set-up with state-of-the-art technology for the benefit of the students enrolled in these programmes. Our aim is to provide adequate training and support to our students, so that they are able to meet the challenges of the industry when they enter the professional world.

Hostel life in St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata is pulsating with energy and enthusiasm. As a resident student, you will find a home away from home with a healthy balance of academic activities and extra-curricular activities. The hostel provides well equipped rooms and all the necessary facilities. Hostel students can use the Central Library till 10:00 p.m. and have access to a wide range of resources on campus to help them cope with their academic needs.

We will complete the construction of the second building for the Girls’ Hostel soon. This will further help outstation students enjoy a hassle-free and safe environment inside the campus. The second Academic Block is also under construction, and we are hopeful that with the expansion of the University we will be able to accommodate more students in the future.

Once session commences, you will find yourself engaged in a plethora of academic and cultural activities on campus. You will get ample opportunities to explore your creative potential and hone your organisational skills by joining various societies.

There is a need to make learning more experiential and relevant to young people. Therefore, we encourage our students to move beyond the conventional classroom and participate in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities. We strive to empower our students through a holistic value-based education, giving them independence and the responsibility of learning from their successes and failures to become true Xavierians.

May God bless all of us and guide our steps.

Rev. Dr. J. Felix Raj, S.J.
Vice-Chancellor
July 3, 2023