Geography is a subject that does not categorise under any stream. The faculty of Arts and of Science want to claim it as their component, but geography maintains its stand and denies to abide to the strict norms of division. This is an interesting fact and if you find it so, you should consider studying geography from one of the best Geography Colleges in India.
Presidency College of Kolkata, established in 1949-50, is the best college for geography in the country. It offers a bachelor’s degree in science in geography. The various activities related to the subject, taking place throughout the year, including seminars, quiz, debates etc, make it the best. The Geographical Institute, a society set up in 1970, is a unique student body that aids study.
The Deccan Education Society set up in 1884 founded the Fergusson College of Pune in 1885, to further education of students. It is today affiliated to the Bombay University. The college offers undergraduate degree in geography.
Department of Geography, Tourism and Travel Management under the Madras Christian College, gives to its students of geography, an exceptional degree ( honours in geography, tourism and travel management). The college was set up in 2005 and very soon has become a sought after college for those interested in geography. It has six semesters and offers great placement opportunity.
The Presidency College of Chennai commenced its courses in 1949. Students are offered undergraduate, post-graduate, master of philosophy and also PhD. in geography by this institute.
Jawahar Lal Nehru University (JNU) is a premier university of India. The School of Social Sciences, set up in 1970, grants masters and M Phil. degree in geography. It has the largest faculty in the university and encourages inter-departmental activities to help in all round development of students.
Mahila Maha Vidyalaya (for women) constituted in 1916, a component college under the Benares Hindu University (BHU), offers master’s degree in geography.
The Loreto College in Kolkata, (established under the Religious of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary) was founded by Mary Ward, a catholic nun. It offers honours, general, method paper and B. Ed in geography. The department has a vast curriculum. It follows the course structure of the Calcutta University. Apart from that, it has a course in Geographic Information System (GIS) for honours students.
Jamia Milia Islamia’s Faculty of Natural Sciences, set up in 1971, offers geography courses. You can pursue undergraduate, post graduate, and research from this institution. It also has a course in Computer Assisted Cartography (advanced diploma).
The Mohammedan Anglo Oriental College was established under the British rule in 1875. In 1920 it was granted the Central University status by an Act of Indian Legislative Assembly. Since then, the Aligarh Muslim University has been imparting education in numerous subjects. The Faculty of Science has two departments to choose from for those wanting to study geography – the Department of Geography and the Department of Geology.
Lady Brabourne College in Kolkata was founded in 1939 for women’s education. It offers B. Sc and M. Sc. Degree in geography.
Apart from these best colleges, there are a few other colleges in the metros that are good for Geography. In Delhi, you can opt for colleges under the University of Delhi, namely the Miranda House, Kirori Mal College, Kamala Nehru College and Shaheed Bhagat Singh College. The Delhi School of Arts and Commerce is a viable option. In Kolkata other colleges for geography include City College, Deshbandhu College, Sivanath Sastri College, and South Calcutta Girls’ College. Mumbai has a few good geography colleges like the Elphinstone College, RamNarain Ruia College and Uran College of Commerce and Arts. In Chennai you can choose between Queen Mary’s College or Apollo College of Education. Both are very good options.
Other colleges that you may consider are the Xavier’s College for Women in Aluva and the Isabella Thoburn College of Lucknow.
Geography offers opportunities galore. But it is a sad fact that very few opt for a degree in geography. There is a need for more geography specialists today. They have a huge number of job choices. And today there are good Geography Colleges in India, which not only teach but train students in a way to be practically informed and able professionals in India and abroad. So all those who are still deciding on a course, do think about the bright future in geography and prefer geography above the rest.
