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{{Short description|University in Guwahati, India}}
{{Short description|University in Guwahati, India}}
{{Copy edit|date=October 2021}}
 
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2016}}
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| chairman =  
| chairman =  
| chancellor = [[Governor of Assam]]
| chancellor = [[Governor of Assam]]
| vice_chancellor = Prof. Bhabesh Chandra Goswami<ref>{{cite web|title=Vice Chancellor|url=http://cottonuniversity.ac.in/vc.php|publisher=Cotton University|access-date=1 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801234843/http://cottonuniversity.ac.in/vc.php|archive-date=1 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| vice_chancellor = Prof. Ramesh Ch. Deka<ref>{{cite web|title=Vice Chancellor|url=https://cottonuniversity.ac.in/index_page_details?page=Q1RwbkNkVzEzMVA2R0N1eEhiUGNDUT09&title=vice-chancellor|publisher=Cotton University|access-date=1 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801234843/http://cottonuniversity.ac.in/vc.php|archive-date=1 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| president =  
| president =  
| city = [[Guwahati]]
| city = [[Guwahati]]
Line 32: Line 32:
| logo =  
| logo =  
}}  
}}  
'''Cotton University''' (formerly known as ''Cotton College'') is a public [[state university (India)|state university]] located in [[Guwahati]], [[Assam]], [[India]]. It was established in 2017 by the provisions of an Act enacted by [[Assam Legislative Assembly]] to merge the Cotton College State University and Cotton College. The university made its way to become one of the top 200 institutions of the country by figuring in the band of 150–200 in the [[National Institutional Ranking Framework]] rank list in May 2020.
'''Cotton University''' (formerly known as ''Cotton College'') is a public [[state university (India)|state university]] located in [[Guwahati]], [[Assam]], [[India]]. It was established in 2017 by the provisions of an Act from the [[Assam Legislative Assembly]] which merged Cotton College State University and Cotton College. The University has progressed to become one of the top 200 institutions of the country (appearing on the list of 150–200 in the [[National Institutional Ranking Framework]] rank list in May 2020).


Cotton College was established in 1901 by [[Sir Henry Stedman Cotton]], the Chief Commissioner of the erstwhile [[British Raj|British]] province of Assam. It had been the oldest institute of higher education in Assam, and the whole [[Northeast India]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Cotton College Merges with Cotton State University » Northeast Today |url=https://www.northeasttoday.in/cotton-college-merges-with-cotton-state-university/ |access-date=6 June 2018 |work=Northeast Today |date=1 June 2017}}</ref>
Cotton College was established in 1901 by [[Sir Henry Stedman Cotton]], Chief Commissioner of the former [[British Raj|British]] province of Assam. It was the oldest institute of higher education in Assam and all of [[Northeast India]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Cotton College Merges with Cotton State University » Northeast Today |url=https://www.northeasttoday.in/cotton-college-merges-with-cotton-state-university/ |access-date=6 June 2018 |work=Northeast Today |date=1 June 2017}}</ref> Cotton College became a constituent college of [[Gauhati University]] in 1948, and then of Cotton College State University when it was established in 2011, by an Act (Act XIX of 2011) of the Assam Government. The Cotton University Act, 2017, was enacted to resolve problems between the college and the university.<ref name="ndtv">{{cite news |last1=Singh |first1=A. |title=Assam Assembly Passes The Cotton University Act 2017: Cotton College To Merge With Cotton College State University |url=https://www.ndtv.com/education/assam-assembly-passes-the-cotton-university-act-2017-cotton-college-to-merge-with-cotton-college-sta-1667587 |access-date=6 June 2018 |work=NDTV.com |date=8 March 2018}}</ref>
 
It became the constituent college of [[Gauhati University]] in 1948, and then that of the Cotton College State University, when Cotton College State University was established by an Act (Act XIX of 2011) of the Assam Government in 2011. The Cotton University Act, 2017 was made to resolve the problems between the college and the university.<ref name="ndtv">{{cite news |last1=Singh |first1=A. |title=Assam Assembly Passes The Cotton University Act 2017: Cotton College To Merge With Cotton College State University |url=https://www.ndtv.com/education/assam-assembly-passes-the-cotton-university-act-2017-cotton-college-to-merge-with-cotton-college-sta-1667587 |access-date=6 June 2018 |work=NDTV.com |date=8 March 2018}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
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[[File:Cotton College , Guwahati , Assam, India.jpg|thumb|Main structure of the University]]
[[File:Cotton College , Guwahati , Assam, India.jpg|thumb|Main structure of the University]]
[[File:Assam Cotton College.jpg|thumb|A structure at Cotton University]]
[[File:Assam Cotton College.jpg|thumb|A structure at Cotton University]]
Under public demand, Manick Chandra wrote a letter in 1899 to the British government to open a college in Guwahati, as Assam was the only province without a college and Guwahati was most convenient for the people. In response, [[Sir Henry Stedman Cotton]], K.C.S.I., the then Chief Commissioner of Assam, announced on 3 November 1899 that a college would be opened in Guwahati. The name decided by the public, the Cotton College, was inaugurated on 27 May 1901 by Cotton himself. It was affiliated to the [[Calcutta University]].<ref name="shillong">{{cite news |title=Assam’s Cotton College becomes Cotton University |url=http://www.theshillongtimes.com/2017/06/02/assams-cotton-college-becomes-cotton-university/ |access-date=6 June 2018 |work=The Shillong Times |date=2 June 2017}}</ref> The college was started with five professors, which included Frederick William Sudmerson, the first principal of the college, and 39 students.
In 1899 Manick Chandra wrote to the British government asking to open a college in Guwahati, insofar as Assam was the only province with no college and that Guwahati was the most convenient location. In response, [[Sir Henry Stedman Cotton]], K.C.S.I., then the Chief Commissioner of Assam, announced on 3 November 1899 that a college would be opened in Guwahati. Cotton College, named by the public, was inaugurated on 27 May 1901 by Cotton himself. It was affiliated with [[Calcutta University]]<ref name="shillong">{{cite news |title=Assam's Cotton College becomes Cotton University |url=http://www.theshillongtimes.com/2017/06/02/assams-cotton-college-becomes-cotton-university/ |access-date=6 June 2018 |work=The Shillong Times |date=2 June 2017}}</ref> and began with five professors which included Frederick William Sudmerson, the first principal of the college, and 39 students.


The college was the centre of the freedom movement and the literary and cultural movements of the state to build the identity of Assam as a distinct integral component of India. As Gauhati University was established in 1948, the college was affiliated to it and became its constituent college.<ref name="gos">{{cite news |last1=Goswami |first1=P. |title=Cotton College to Cotton University – Emotions and Debates |url=https://www.timesofassam.com/headlines/cotton-college-to-cotton-university-emotions-and-debates/ |access-date=6 June 2018 |work=Times of Assam |date=21 July 2011}}</ref> It was declared as Special Heritage College in 2015.<ref name="shillong"/>
The college was the centre of the freedom movement as well as literary and cultural movements of the state, which aimed to build Assam's identity as a distinct, integral component of India. When [[Gauhati University]] was established in 1948, Cotton College became affiliated with it as a constituent college.<ref name="gos">{{cite news |last1=Goswami |first1=P. |title=Cotton College to Cotton University – Emotions and Debates |url=https://www.timesofassam.com/headlines/cotton-college-to-cotton-university-emotions-and-debates/ |access-date=6 June 2018 |work=Times of Assam |date=21 July 2011}}</ref> In 2015, the college was declared a Special Heritage College.<ref name="shillong"/>


On 16 October 1992, the college was declared as a center of excellence,<ref>{{Cite book|last=L. Cremonini, L., Paivandi, S. and Joshi, K.M.|title=Mergers in Higher Education: Practices and Policies|publisher=Studera Press|year=2019|isbn=9789385883941|pages=115}}</ref> an occasion celebrated in a solemn ceremony with [[Shankar Dayal Sharma]], the then [[President of India]]. It officially became a post-graduate college.<ref name="gos"/>
On 16 October 1992, the college was named as a center of excellence,<ref>{{Cite book|last=L. Cremonini, L., Paivandi, S. and Joshi, K.M.|title=Mergers in Higher Education: Practices and Policies|publisher=Studera Press|year=2019|isbn=9789385883941|pages=115}}</ref> an occasion celebrated in a solemn ceremony with [[Shankar Dayal Sharma]], then [[President of India]], and it officially became a post-graduate college.<ref name="gos"/>


Cotton College celebrated its centennial with a year-long program from 27 May 2001 to 26 May 2002. [[Krishan Kant]], the then [[Vice President of India]] graced the closing ceremony. [[India Post]] issued a ₹  4.00 commemorative postage stamp on 25 May 2002, as part of the centenary celebration.
Cotton College celebrated its centennial with a year-long program from 27 May 2001 to 26 May 2002. [[Krishan Kant]], then [[Vice President of India]] graced the closing ceremony. [[India Post]] issued a ₹4.00 commemorative postage stamp on 25 May 2002 as part of the centenary celebration.


===Cotton College State University===
===Cotton College State University===


Cotton College State University was created via an Act of the Government of Assam (Act XIX of 2011). This act received the assent of the Governor of Assam on 3 September 2011, and was notified via the [[Assam Gazette]] on 5 September 2011. The vision of this new University is to be a world-class one, excelling in both teaching and research, developing knowledge and skills with an emphasis on this part of our country, providing broad-based education to students to take on the challenges of tomorrow via modern curricula, learning and assessment methods, upholding the highest ethical standards, and providing a clean, efficient and transparent administration. The Cotton College became its constituent college.<ref>{{Cite web|title = UGC team to visit Cotton University|url = http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/ugc-team-to-visit-cotton-university-115022701260_1.html|access-date = 12 October 2015}}</ref>
Cotton College State University was created through an Act of the Government of Assam (Act XIX of 2011). This act received the assent of the Governor of Assam on 3 September 2011, published in the [[Assam Gazette]] on 5 September 2011. The Cotton College became its constituent college.<ref>{{Cite web|title = UGC team to visit Cotton University|url = http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/ugc-team-to-visit-cotton-university-115022701260_1.html|access-date = 12 October 2015}}</ref>


The election to the university's first Academic Council and University Court was held on 22 February 2013 with three and five members, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Cotton College State University elections – Indian Express|url = http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/cotton-college-state-university-elections/1079322/|website = archive.indianexpress.com|access-date = 12 October 2015}}</ref>
The election for the University's first Academic Council and University Court was held on 22 February 2013 with three and five members elected respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Cotton College State University elections – Indian Express|url = http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/cotton-college-state-university-elections/1079322/|website = archive.indianexpress.com|access-date = 12 October 2015}}</ref>


===Cotton University===
===Cotton University===


There had been conflicts between the university and the college mainly on the custody of properties. The [[Assam Legislative Assembly]] made an amendment in 2015 that the university and the college run as separate institutes.<ref name="karma">{{cite news |last1=Karmakar |first1=S. |title=What's in a name? A lot if it's Cotton |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1170309/jsp/northeast/story_139673.jsp |access-date=6 June 2018 |work=The Telegraph |date=8 March 2017}}</ref> The bill called The Cotton University Act, 2017 was passed by the Assam Legislative Assembly on 2 March 2017 to resolve the problems.<ref name=ndtv/> By this act, the university and the college would be completely merged.<ref name="karma"/> Upon enforcement, the university was renamed to Cotton University.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cotton University|url=http://cottonuniversity.ac.in/|publisher=Cotton University|access-date=2 July 2017}}</ref> By ordinance, the Governor of Assam, [[Banwarilal Purohit]] became the Chancellor, who appointed Bhabesh Chandra Goswami as the first Vice Chancellor in July 2017.<ref>{{cite news |title=Prof Bhabesh Chandra Goswami is the new Cotton University VC |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/prof-bhabesh-chandra-goswami-is-the-new-cotton-university-vc/1104799 |access-date=6 June 2018 |work=www.outlookindia.com/ |date=12 July 2017}}</ref>
Over time, conflicts emerged between the University and the College chiefly over the custody of properties. The [[Assam Legislative Assembly]] passed an amendment in 2015 that the university and the college be run as separate institutes.<ref name="karma">{{cite news |last1=Karmakar |first1=S. |title=What's in a name? A lot if it's Cotton |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1170309/jsp/northeast/story_139673.jsp |access-date=6 June 2018 |work=The Telegraph |date=8 March 2017}}{{dead link|date=February 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> The bill, called The Cotton University Act 2017, was passed by the [[Assam Legislative Assembly]] on 2 March 2017 in order to resolve these problems.<ref name=ndtv/> By this act, the University and College would be completely merged.<ref name="karma"/> Upon enforcement, the university was renamed Cotton University.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cotton University|url=http://cottonuniversity.ac.in/|publisher=Cotton University|access-date=2 July 2017}}</ref> By ordinance, the Governor of Assam, [[Banwarilal Purohit]] became Chancellor, who then appointed Bhabesh Chandra Goswami as the first Vice Chancellor in July 2017.<ref>{{cite news |title=Prof Bhabesh Chandra Goswami is the new Cotton University VC |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/prof-bhabesh-chandra-goswami-is-the-new-cotton-university-vc/1104799 |access-date=6 June 2018 |work=www.outlookindia.com/ |date=12 July 2017}}</ref>


==Organisation and administration ==
==Organisation and administration ==
===Faculties and Centres===
===Faculties and Centres===
# Faculty of Languages, Literature and Linguistics
# Faculty of [[Languages]], [[Literature]] and [[Linguistics]]
# Faculty of Physical, Chemical and Mathematical Sciences
# Faculty of [[Physical science | Physical]], [[Chemical science | Chemical]] and [[Mathematical Sciences]]
# Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
# Faculty of [[Humanities]] and [[Social Sciences]]
# Faculty of Earth Sciences
# Faculty of [[Earth Sciences]]
# Faculty of Life Sciences
# Faculty of [[Life Sciences]]
# Centre for Women's Studies
# Centre for [[Women's Studies]]
 
===Rankings===
{{Infobox India university ranking
| type = University and college
| NIRF_U_2020 = 151–200
|}}


== Academics ==
== Academics ==
===Academic programmes ===
===Academic programmes ===
====HSSLC====
====HSSLC====
Keeping the tradition of the erstwhile Cotton College, courses leading to [[Higher Secondary School Certificate|Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate]] is possible in the Arts and Science streams. This qualification is awarded upon successful completion of two years of study followed by relevant examinations under Assam Higher Secondary Educational Council.
In keeping with the former Cotton College's traditions, courses leading to [[Higher Secondary School Certificate|Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate]] are possible in the Arts and Science streams. This qualification is awarded upon successful completion of two years of study followed by relevant examinations under the Assam Higher Secondary Educational Council.


====Bachelors degrees====
====Bachelors degrees====
[[Bachelor of Arts]], [[Bachelor of Science]], [[Bachelor of Computer Application]], [[Bachelor of Liberal Arts]], [[Bachelor of Mass Communication and Journalism]] and [[Bachelor of Science (Hons) Biotechnology]] graduate degrees are offered. The degrees are awarded upon successful completion of three years of study followed by relevant examinations under Cotton University.
[[Bachelor of Arts]], [[Bachelor of Science]], [[Bachelor of Computer Application]], [[Bachelor of Liberal Arts]], Bachelor of Mass Communication and Journalism and Bachelor of Science (Hons) Biotechnology graduate degrees are offered. The degrees are awarded upon successful completion of three years of study followed by relevant examinations under Cotton University.


====Masters degrees====
====Masters degrees====
Postgraduate programmes leading to the degrees of [[Master of Arts]], [[Master of Science]], [[Master of Library and Information Science]], [[Master of Law]] and [[Master in Computer Application]] are offered. The degrees are awarded upon successful completion of two years of study followed by relevant examinations under Cotton University. Admission is done through a national level entrance examination.
Postgraduate programs leading to the degrees of [[Master of Arts]], [[Master of Science]], [[Master of Library and Information Science]], [[Master of Law]], [[Master in Computer Application]] and [[Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning]] are offered. The degrees are awarded upon successful completion of two years of study followed by relevant examinations under Cotton University. Admission is offered by way of a national-level entrance examination.


===Doctoral programme===  
===Doctoral programme===  
The degree of [[Doctor of Philosophy]] (PhD) is offered in all postgraduate departments. Admission is open in June/July. Selection is based on written test and a viva voce. UGC/CSIR JRF/NET/SET qualified candidates are exempted from written test.
The degree of [[Doctor of Philosophy]] (Ph.D.) is offered in all postgraduate departments. Admission opens annually in June/July. Selection is based on a written test and a viva voce oral examination. UGC/CSIR JRF/NET/SET qualified candidates are exempted from written tests.


==Accreditation==
==Accreditation==
[[File:Cotton College Guwahati 2002 stamp of India.jpg|thumb|A 2002 stamp dedicated to Cotton University]]
[[File:Cotton College Guwahati 2002 stamp of India.jpg|thumb|A 2002 stamp dedicated to Cotton University]]
This institution has been accredited with cumulative grade point average of 3.76 on four point and grade A++ on 5 November 2016 by the 18th SC executive committee of the [[National Assessment and Accreditation Council]]. At the time, the cumulative grade point average score was the third highest among colleges in India.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cotton College Declared as 3rd Best College in India » Northeast Today |url=https://www.northeasttoday.in/cotton-college-declared-as-3rd-best-college-in-india/ |access-date=6 June 2018 |work=Northeast Today |date=7 November 2016}}</ref>
This institution was accredited with a cumulative grade point average of 3.76 on a four-point scale and grade A++ on 5 November 2016 by the 18th SC executive committee of the [[National Assessment and Accreditation Council]]. At the time, the cumulative grade point average score was the third-highest among colleges in India.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cotton College Declared as 3rd Best College in India » Northeast Today |url=https://www.northeasttoday.in/cotton-college-declared-as-3rd-best-college-in-india/ |access-date=6 June 2018 |work=Northeast Today |date=7 November 2016}}</ref>


==Student life==
==Student life==
===Hostels===
===Hostels===
# Krishna Kanta Handique Post Graduate Boys' Hostel (established in 1901; capacity 75 students in 22 rooms)
# Krishna Kanta Handique Post Graduate Boys' Hostel (established in 1901; capacity 75 students in 22 rooms)
# Swahid [[Muzammil Haque]] Boys' Hostel (established in 1902; capacity 64 students in 20 rooms)
# Swahid [[Muzammil Haque]] Boys' Hostel (established in 1902; capacity 64 students in 20 rooms)
# Rajanikanta Bordoloi Boys' Hostel (established in 1910; capacity 85 students in 30 rooms)
# Rajanikanta Bordoloi Boys' Hostel (established in 1910; capacity 85 students in 30 rooms)
# Swahid Ranjit Barpujari Boys' Hostel (established in 1913; capacity 93 students in 33 rooms)
# Swahid Ranjit Barpujari Boys' Hostel (established in 1913; capacity 93 students in 33 rooms)
Line 104: Line 108:
{{alumni|date=March 2018}}
{{alumni|date=March 2018}}


*[[Amulya Barua]], Assamese Poet
*[[Amulya Barua]], Assamese poet
*[[Nayandeep Deka Baruah]],<ref>[http://www.tezu.ernet.in/dmaths/people/faculty-pages/ndb-web2016.pdf Curriculum Vitae]. tezu.ernet.in</ref> Indian mathematician and professor
*[[Nayandeep Deka Baruah]],<ref>[http://www.tezu.ernet.in/dmaths/people/faculty-pages/ndb-web2016.pdf Curriculum Vitae]. tezu.ernet.in</ref> Indian mathematician and professor
*[[Bhupen Hazarika]], [[Bharat Ratna]], Famous playback singer
*[[Bhupen Hazarika]], [[Bharat Ratna]], Famous playback singer
*[[Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya]], Indian Writer
*[[Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya]], Indian writer
*[[Surya Kumar Bhuyan]], former president of [[Asam Sahitya Sabha|Asom Sahitya Sabha]]
*[[Surya Kumar Bhuyan]], former president of [[Asam Sahitya Sabha|Asom Sahitya Sabha]]
*[[Kopil Bora]], Assamese Actor
*[[Kopil Bora]], Assamese actor
*[[Maitrayee Patar]], Indian writer and singer
*[[Gopinath Bordoloi]], [[Bharat Ratna]], Former Chief Minister of Assam
*[[Gopinath Bordoloi]], [[Bharat Ratna]], Former Chief Minister of Assam
*[[Homen Borgohain]], Indian writer
*[[Homen Borgohain]], Indian writer
*[[Nirupama Borgohain]], Indian Journalist
*[[Nirupama Borgohain]], Indian journalist
*[[Parineeta Borthakur]], Assamese Actress
*[[Parineeta Borthakur]], Assamese actor
*[[Upendranath Brahma]], former president of the [[All Bodo Students' Union]].
*[[Upendranath Brahma]], former president of the [[All Bodo Students' Union]].
*[[Ambika Charan Choudhury]], Indian litterateur, historian and activist
*[[Ambika Charan Choudhury]], Indian litterateur, historian and activist
*[[Moinul Hoque Choudhury]], Indian politician
*[[Moinul Hoque Choudhury]], Indian politician
*[[Rita Chowdhury]], Indian Writer
*[[Rita Chowdhury]], Indian writer
*[[Ardhendu Kumar Dey]], Indian politician
*[[Ardhendu Kumar Dey]], Indian politician
*[[Lalit Kumar Doley]], Indian politician
*[[Lalit Kumar Doley]], Indian politician
*[[Akhil Gogoi]], Peasant leader and MLA, Sibsagar, Assam
*[[Akhil Gogoi]], Peasant leader and MLA, [[Sibsagar (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Sibsagar]], Assam
*[[Ranjan Gogoi]], 46th Chief Justice of India
*[[Ranjan Gogoi]], 46th [[Chief Justice of India]]
*[[Bhupendra Nath Goswami]],Indian meteorologist
*[[Bhupendra Nath Goswami]], Indian meteorologist
*[[Indira Goswami]], Indian writer
*[[Indira Goswami]], Indian writer
*[[Jitendra Nath Goswami]], Indian scientist
*[[Jitendra Nath Goswami]], Indian scientist
Line 143: Line 148:
*[[Sarat Chandra Sinha]], former Chief Minister of Assam
*[[Sarat Chandra Sinha]], former Chief Minister of Assam
*[[Sonaram Sutiya]], scholar, freedom fighter and educationist
*[[Sonaram Sutiya]], scholar, freedom fighter and educationist
*[[Jerifa Wahid]], Actress
*[[Jerifa Wahid]], Actor
* Arup Jyoti Das, Athor
* [[Riniki Bhuyan Sarma]], Indian businesswoman
 
===Noted faculty===
* [[Abu Nasr Waheed]], educationist, was a professor of Arabic and Persian at Cotton College.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shamsul 'Ulema, Abu Nasar Waheed |url=https://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Shamsul_%E2%80%98Ulema,_Abu_Nasar_Waheed |website=Banglapedia}}</ref>


===List of principals===
===List of principals===
Line 318: Line 328:


== References ==
== References ==
{{Commons category|Cotton University}}
 
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


Latest revision as of 19:54, 21 July 2023



Cotton University
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
MottoApramattena Veddhavyam
Motto in English
Knowledge in any field
TypePublic
Established1901 (125 years ago) (1901)
ChancellorGovernor of Assam
Vice-ChancellorProf. Ramesh Ch. Deka[1]
Location
Guwahati
,
Assam
,
India

26°11′12″N 91°44′51″E / 26.1868°N 91.7476°E / 26.1868; 91.7476
Campusurban
ColorsOrange, Blue, Green    
AffiliationsUGC
Websitecottonuniversity.ac.in

Cotton University (formerly known as Cotton College) is a public state university located in Guwahati, Assam, India. It was established in 2017 by the provisions of an Act from the Assam Legislative Assembly which merged Cotton College State University and Cotton College. The University has progressed to become one of the top 200 institutions of the country (appearing on the list of 150–200 in the National Institutional Ranking Framework rank list in May 2020).

Cotton College was established in 1901 by Sir Henry Stedman Cotton, Chief Commissioner of the former British province of Assam. It was the oldest institute of higher education in Assam and all of Northeast India.[2] Cotton College became a constituent college of Gauhati University in 1948, and then of Cotton College State University when it was established in 2011, by an Act (Act XIX of 2011) of the Assam Government. The Cotton University Act, 2017, was enacted to resolve problems between the college and the university.[3]

History[edit | edit source]

Main structure of the University
A structure at Cotton University

In 1899 Manick Chandra wrote to the British government asking to open a college in Guwahati, insofar as Assam was the only province with no college and that Guwahati was the most convenient location. In response, Sir Henry Stedman Cotton, K.C.S.I., then the Chief Commissioner of Assam, announced on 3 November 1899 that a college would be opened in Guwahati. Cotton College, named by the public, was inaugurated on 27 May 1901 by Cotton himself. It was affiliated with Calcutta University[4] and began with five professors which included Frederick William Sudmerson, the first principal of the college, and 39 students.

The college was the centre of the freedom movement as well as literary and cultural movements of the state, which aimed to build Assam's identity as a distinct, integral component of India. When Gauhati University was established in 1948, Cotton College became affiliated with it as a constituent college.[5] In 2015, the college was declared a Special Heritage College.[4]

On 16 October 1992, the college was named as a center of excellence,[6] an occasion celebrated in a solemn ceremony with Shankar Dayal Sharma, then President of India, and it officially became a post-graduate college.[5]

Cotton College celebrated its centennial with a year-long program from 27 May 2001 to 26 May 2002. Krishan Kant, then Vice President of India graced the closing ceremony. India Post issued a ₹4.00 commemorative postage stamp on 25 May 2002 as part of the centenary celebration.

Cotton College State University[edit | edit source]

Cotton College State University was created through an Act of the Government of Assam (Act XIX of 2011). This act received the assent of the Governor of Assam on 3 September 2011, published in the Assam Gazette on 5 September 2011. The Cotton College became its constituent college.[7]

The election for the University's first Academic Council and University Court was held on 22 February 2013 with three and five members elected respectively.[8]

Cotton University[edit | edit source]

Over time, conflicts emerged between the University and the College chiefly over the custody of properties. The Assam Legislative Assembly passed an amendment in 2015 that the university and the college be run as separate institutes.[9] The bill, called The Cotton University Act 2017, was passed by the Assam Legislative Assembly on 2 March 2017 in order to resolve these problems.[3] By this act, the University and College would be completely merged.[9] Upon enforcement, the university was renamed Cotton University.[10] By ordinance, the Governor of Assam, Banwarilal Purohit became Chancellor, who then appointed Bhabesh Chandra Goswami as the first Vice Chancellor in July 2017.[11]

Organisation and administration[edit | edit source]

Faculties and Centres[edit | edit source]

  1. Faculty of Languages, Literature and Linguistics
  2. Faculty of Physical, Chemical and Mathematical Sciences
  3. Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
  4. Faculty of Earth Sciences
  5. Faculty of Life Sciences
  6. Centre for Women's Studies

Rankings[edit | edit source]

University and college rankings
General – India
NIRF (Universities) (2020)[12]151–200

Academics[edit | edit source]

Academic programmes[edit | edit source]

HSSLC[edit | edit source]

In keeping with the former Cotton College's traditions, courses leading to Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate are possible in the Arts and Science streams. This qualification is awarded upon successful completion of two years of study followed by relevant examinations under the Assam Higher Secondary Educational Council.

Bachelors degrees[edit | edit source]

Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Computer Application, Bachelor of Liberal Arts, Bachelor of Mass Communication and Journalism and Bachelor of Science (Hons) Biotechnology graduate degrees are offered. The degrees are awarded upon successful completion of three years of study followed by relevant examinations under Cotton University.

Masters degrees[edit | edit source]

Postgraduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Library and Information Science, Master of Law, Master in Computer Application and Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are offered. The degrees are awarded upon successful completion of two years of study followed by relevant examinations under Cotton University. Admission is offered by way of a national-level entrance examination.

Doctoral programme[edit | edit source]

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is offered in all postgraduate departments. Admission opens annually in June/July. Selection is based on a written test and a viva voce oral examination. UGC/CSIR JRF/NET/SET qualified candidates are exempted from written tests.

Accreditation[edit | edit source]

A 2002 stamp dedicated to Cotton University

This institution was accredited with a cumulative grade point average of 3.76 on a four-point scale and grade A++ on 5 November 2016 by the 18th SC executive committee of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council. At the time, the cumulative grade point average score was the third-highest among colleges in India.[13]

Student life[edit | edit source]

Hostels[edit | edit source]

  1. Krishna Kanta Handique Post Graduate Boys' Hostel (established in 1901; capacity 75 students in 22 rooms)
  2. Swahid Muzammil Haque Boys' Hostel (established in 1902; capacity 64 students in 20 rooms)
  3. Rajanikanta Bordoloi Boys' Hostel (established in 1910; capacity 85 students in 30 rooms)
  4. Swahid Ranjit Barpujari Boys' Hostel (established in 1913; capacity 93 students in 33 rooms)
  5. Anundo Ram Barooah Boys' Hostel (established in 1913; capacity 99 students in 33 rooms)
  6. Seetanath Brahma Chaudhury Boys' Hostel (established in 1929; capacity 90 students in 25 rooms)
  7. Mahendra Nath Deka Phukan Boys' Hostel (established in 1955; capacity 110 students in 28 rooms)
  8. Padmashree Nalini Bala Devi Girls' Hostel (established in 1950; capacity 112 students in 25 rooms)
  9. Swahid Kanaklata Girls' Hostel (established in 1971; capacity 105 students in 21 rooms)
  10. Dr. Kamala Roy Girls' Hostel (established in 2001; capacity 60 students in 25 rooms)

Notable alumni and faculty[edit | edit source]

Noted alumni[edit | edit source]

Noted faculty[edit | edit source]

List of principals[edit | edit source]

The institute had 50 principals from 1901 till 2012.[17]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Vice Chancellor". Cotton University. Archived from the original on 1 August 2017. Retrieved 1 August 2017.
  2. ↑ "Cotton College Merges with Cotton State University » Northeast Today". Northeast Today. 1 June 2017. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Singh, A. (8 March 2018). "Assam Assembly Passes The Cotton University Act 2017: Cotton College To Merge With Cotton College State University". NDTV.com. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Assam's Cotton College becomes Cotton University". The Shillong Times. 2 June 2017. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Goswami, P. (21 July 2011). "Cotton College to Cotton University – Emotions and Debates". Times of Assam. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
  6. ↑ L. Cremonini, L., Paivandi, S. and Joshi, K.M. (2019). Mergers in Higher Education: Practices and Policies. Studera Press. p. 115. ISBN 9789385883941.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. ↑ "UGC team to visit Cotton University". Retrieved 12 October 2015.
  8. ↑ "Cotton College State University elections – Indian Express". archive.indianexpress.com. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Karmakar, S. (8 March 2017). "What's in a name? A lot if it's Cotton". The Telegraph. Retrieved 6 June 2018.[dead link]
  10. ↑ "Cotton University". Cotton University. Retrieved 2 July 2017.
  11. ↑ "Prof Bhabesh Chandra Goswami is the new Cotton University VC". www.outlookindia.com/. 12 July 2017. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
  12. ↑ "National Institutional Ranking Framework 2020 (Universities)". National Institutional Ranking Framework. Ministry of Education. 11 June 2020.
  13. ↑ "Cotton College Declared as 3rd Best College in India » Northeast Today". Northeast Today. 7 November 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
  14. ↑ Curriculum Vitae. tezu.ernet.in
  15. ↑ "Education". www.iitg.ac.in.
  16. ↑ "Shamsul 'Ulema, Abu Nasar Waheed". Banglapedia.
  17. ↑ "Principals of Cotton College". cottoncollege.org.in. Retrieved 22 March 2012.
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