Kirori Mal College, Delhi

Kirori Mal College, established in 1954, is one of the leading institutions of higher learning constituent to the University of Delhi for all academic and administrative purposes. In a journey spanning over six decades, the college has evolved from its humble beginning to a bustling institution catering to thousands of students across the country. Founded in the aftermath of the country’s independence, Kirori Mal College is one of the oldest institutions of the University of Delhi and is located in the University Enclave, the heart of the city. Set up in the Nehruvian model of ‘a temple of higher learning for the spread of modernity’, the college continues to cherish its ideal of a providing an excellent yet affordable higher education to a large social cross-section of students as befitting a public-funded institution.

Welcome to Kirori Mal College, an institution of academic excellence, established in 1954, that has always strived to, and successfully maintained its place as one of the finest within the University of Delhi. We at Kirori Mal believe in providing for our students an environment rich in knowledge and supportive of their extracurricular interests.

The college encourages a quest for knowledge that is rooted in an ethical understanding of the world that we inhabit and this enthusiasm for learning along with a desire to evolve into socially responsible beings is reflected not only in the academic atmosphere but also visible in the field of extra-curricular activity. Our tradition of excellence in theatre, art and music only adds to the richness of the academic fabric of the college. You will encounter the unique combination of social activism, creativity and learning in every discipline and every corner of this institution. Over the years, the college has built up an impressive array of academic facilities such as a fully computerized library, a state of the art computer center and an active placement cell. Our endeavor is to make individuals more mature, responsible and socially aware

Kirori Mal College group is mindful of the key role an educational institution plays in the development of productive citizens and future professionals, and of the impact they can create on multiple levels of the society.

The college first came into existence as Nirmala College in 1951, started by the American Jesuits in an evacuee building in Qutab Road, Old Delhi in the wake of the partition. The college ran into problems right from the outset: the premises were unhygienic and inadequate and also there was a crunch of qualified faculty. More importantly the college was inundated by the students and staff of families uprooted by the partition which led to the founders abandoning the college to its fate. In such a context the University of Delhi, led by its visionary Vice-Chancellor Prof G D Mahajani, with active patronage and cooperation of the Union Government, took over the dilapidated institution and handed it over to Seth Kirori Mal Charitable Trust, a philanthropic organization dedicated to the spread of education in the state of old Punjab (including Haryana). In July 1954, the college with the name Kirori Mal College was established and was allotted land on the fringes of the University Enclave better known as the North Campus. The first President of the Indian Republic, Dr Rajendra Prasad, laid the foundation stone of the present college building in the summer of 1955, thus certifying the priority the Government of India accorded to the establishment and the flowering of this institution. With generous funds from both the Government of India (ensured by the then Education Minister Mr Humayun Kabir) and the Seth Kirori Mal Charitable Trust along with the tireless strivings of the famous architect duo Anand Apte and Jhabwala, a wild, stinking, hitherto uninhabitable tract of land was transformed into an impressive and imposing premises of a new, modern, secular institution of higher learning within the span of one year. The hallmark of the new building has been its unique, state of the art façade which still remains unaltered in the last 60 years as a mark of respect for the founding minds, especially the architect duo. It is a matter of pride and honour that the college building, especially its façade, owing to its unique design, building plan and structural layout, has been a subject of study in the courses of architecture and design in the School of Planning and Architecture, a premier institution in the country. Under the able stewardship of Ch. Hardwari Lal, the first Principal of the college (1954-57), Kirori Mal College began its first full-fledged functioning from the academic session 1956-57.

The college has come a long way since its inception 55 years ago. The farsightedness of its founding fathers has led this institution of higher learning to occupy an important place in the University of Delhi. To quote former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Deepak Nayyar: "Kirori Mal College is the jewel of Delhi University. It is one of the finest institutions and has in it all the requirements that a college needs to have to strive ahead and succeed." Over the years, the college has built up an impressive record of academic, sports and cultural achievements. Housed in an elegant building, the college has a fully computerised library, a state-of-the art computer centre, two internet labs, an active placement cell, a capacious seminar room, a well-equipped gymnasium, attractive lawns, and several other facilities. Apart from building a strong academic base Kirori Mal College also encourages students to take interest in various social issues. Several cultural and knowledge based programs are hosted by the college from time-to-time. Thus the college is one of it's kind which boasts of it's academic as well as creative excellence simultaneously. "Kirori Mal College situated at North campus of University of Delhi is today being represented all across the globe by leaders ranging from business to politics, music to films, academics to judiciary and yet they all love their tea at the college canteen" The students will find their stay in the college an enjoyable and fruitful experience.