About Mohindra College

Govt. Mohindra College, Patiala is one of the oldest institutions in the North India. Established in 1875, the College owes its existence to the munificence and philanthropic zeal of His Highness Maharaja Mohinder Singh of Patiala. With the opening of this institution of higher learning the Princely town of Patiala became a place of importance on the educational map of India. At the time of its inception it was the only institution of its kind in a vast area stretching from Lahore to Delhi. The College is a living monument of rare magnificence and breath-taking grandeur.

The foundation stone of the building was laid by His Excellency Lord Northbrook, the then Viceroy of India on 30th March, 1875. Nine long years saw the building of the College taking shape with its imposing towers built in the Gothlic style, the deep 'n' pillared verandhas and the sprawling campus grounds. His Excellency Lord Ripon, the then Viceroy of India performed the opening ceremony on 17th March, 1884 . He hailed it as ‘a magnificent architectural monument’. A beautiful blend of the Roman and English architecture, in the night, the facade lighted luminous edifice dazzles in its kaleidoscopic splendour.

The College became an important educational institution in the country, attracting students from far and wide. The gift of free education to all made it popular with all sections of the society. The tradition of imparting free education (now for girls only) upto the graduation level is still continuing. Initially the College imparted education in Sanskrit, Persian, and Arabic and the teaching of English and Mathematics commenced shortly afterwards. At that time the College was affiliated to the Calcutta University. In 1880, intermediate classes were started. In 1887, in commemoration of the 50th year of the reign of Her Majesty, Queen Victoria, the College was raised to B.A. standard of the Punjab University, Lahore. Post graduation in Mathematics was started in 1912, in Philosophy in 1922 and in Punjabi in 1949.

The visit to the College by Late Sh. S. Radhakrishnan, former President of India and the world renowned English novelist E.M.Forster are indicative of the stature of the College.

In recognition of its eminence as an institution of higher learning, which has played a significant role in educationally enriching this part of the country, the Govt. of India issued a commemorative postal stamp on Mohindra the College on March 14, 1988. A few years back, the State Govt. adjudged the College as one of the four ‘Model’ colleges of the State.

The College was awarded A+ Grade by the NAAC in April 2003. Now the College has been selected by the UGC as one of the ‘Colleges with Potential for Excellence’. These are the final stamps of approval attesting the excellent standards the College has been maintaining.

Carrying on with its goals the College has grown tremendously over the years. At present having a faculty of 113 teachers and the student strength of about 4000, the College has been providing access to higher education to a predominantly rural/agrarian people, equipping them with skills that have enabled countless alumni of the College make their mark in life. No wonder the list of old students of the College, who have risen to top positions in various spheres of life, reads like veritable list of "WHO IS WHO" of the country.