Education and Health in West Bengal - 1 | WBCS Preparation: All Subjects - WBCS (West Bengal) PDF Download

Education and health are crucial components of social infrastructure. In West Bengal, although infant mortality and malnutrition rates are lower on average compared to other Indian states, the prevalence of malnutrition is higher due to poor income. In terms of education, only one in four adults has completed secondary schooling.

Historical Perspective of Education in West Bengal 

West Bengal has played a pioneering role in shaping the modern education system in India. The introduction of Western educational models in India originated from Kolkata, with the establishment of the Asiatic Society by Sir William Jones in 1784 to promote oriental studies. Visionaries like Raja Rammohan Roy, David Hare, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and William Carey played key roles in founding modern schools and colleges in Kolkata. In 1884, West Bengal produced the first women graduates, Kadambini Ganguly and Chandramukhi Basu, with Kadambini Ganguly also becoming the first female physician.
 

Current Scenario of Education in West Bengal 

The education landscape in West Bengal encompasses primary and secondary education, higher education, and technical education. Primary and secondary schools are either government-run or operated by private bodies with government grants. Secondary schools fall under the authority of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE), and West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBSE). Missionary schools, including those run by organizations like Ramakrishna Mission and Missionaries of Charity, also contribute to education in the state.

• Higher Education
  West Bengal has a comparative advantage in higher education, with the state government implementing policy reforms and increasing public spending in this sector. Over the past six years, 16 new universities have been established, including both state-aided and private institutions. The Higher Education Department, now named the Department of Higher Education, Science and Technology, and Bio-Technology (HESTBT), oversees activities through various directorates.
• Technical Education
  The Technical Education, Training, and Skill Development Department of the Government of West Bengal is responsible for skill interventions in engineering and non-engineering trades. The department oversees numerous ITIs, polytechnics, and vocational training councils across the state.

Major Universities of West Bengal

Here is an overview of some prominent universities in West Bengal:

• Presidency University
  Presidency University, formerly known as Hindu College and Presidency College, is a public state university situated in Kolkata. Established in 1817 by prominent figures like Raja Rammohan Roy and Radhakanta Deb, the institution underwent changes, leading to the creation of Hindu School and Presidency College in 1855.
• University of Calcutta
  Informally referred to as Calcutta University, this public state university located in Kolkata was founded on January 24, 1857. Recognized as a Five Star University, it holds the distinction of being the first multi-disciplinary and secular Western-style university in Asia. Notably, it boasts four Nobel Laureates associated with the institution.
• IIT Kharagpur
  Established in 1951, the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur is the first among the IITs and holds recognition as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India. Its primary objectives include providing comprehensive education and cultivating professional skills in various disciplines.

• Visva Bharati University
  Founded by Rabindranath Tagore, Visva Bharati University in Shantiniketan, West Bengal, transitioned from a college to a university in 1951. Renowned for its contributions to higher learning, it has produced notable graduates such as Amartya Sen, Satyajit Ray, and R Siva Kumar.
• University of Kalyani
  Established on November 1, 1960, by the Kalyani University Act, 1960, the University of Kalyani is a state government-administered university in Nadia district. Governed by the Kalyani University Act, 1981, its activities encompass affiliating, research, and educational roles.
• IIM Calcutta
  The Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, established in November 1961, was the first national institute for post-graduate studies and research in management. Collaboratively formed by the Government of India, the Government of West Bengal, and the Ford Foundation, it plays a crucial role in professionalizing Indian management.

• University of North Bengal
  Located in Raja Rammohanpur near Siliguri, the University of North Bengal, established in 1962, aims to disseminate knowledge to meet socio-economic and technical manpower needs. It has a second campus in Danguajhar, Jalpaiguri district.
• Rabindra Bharati University
  Founded in 1962 in Kolkata, Rabindra Bharati University operates from the Tagore family home, Jorasanko Thakur Bari. It offers courses in performing arts, visual arts, humanities, and social sciences.
• Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya
  Established in 1974, this agricultural university in West Bengal focuses on providing higher education in theoretical and technical fields of agriculture, horticulture, and agricultural engineering.
• Netaji Subhas Open University
  Founded in 1997 in Salt Lake, Kolkata, Netaji Subhas Open University is a state open university specializing in distance education. It was honored with the Excellence in Distance Education Award in 2006.

• Jadavpur University
  Established in 1955 near Kolkata, Jadavpur University is a public state university offering engineering courses, research facilities, and programs in humanities.

Other Institutes in the State