Lady Brabourne College Review & Verdict by CollegeDekho

The campus at a Glimpse

Lady Brabourne College, positioned opposite the Park Circus Maidan, is renowned for its lush green lawns and gardens, solidifying its standing as a premier institution for women's education in India. Over time, the college has undergone both structural and academic expansions, gaining acclaim for fostering an exceptional academic atmosphere. Emphasizing the academic well-being of its students, the college takes pride in its dedicated and diligent faculty.

The institution's track record in university examinations consistently surpasses the university average, underscoring its commitment to unwavering teaching standards. The faculty goes beyond academic support, actively encouraging and aiding students in their extracurricular pursuits, there by cultivating a holistic learning environment.

While Lady Brabourne College is often the top choice for many female candidates, it is essential to address certain concerns expressed by students. Some students have noted that the number of permanent faculties in each department falls short of the desired strength. Visiting faculties often handle classes and syllabus completion, leading to compromises in the educational experience. There have been complaints about mismanagement due to a perceived negligent approach by some faculty members. Additionally, practical files are reportedly returned to students only a few days before final examinations, causing inconvenience.

Critics have raised questions about the quality of classroom teaching on various fronts. Despite these concerns, the positive aspect of the campus environment remains a notable feature that attracts prospective students. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive evaluation of both the strengths and weaknesses of Lady Brabourne College.

Lady Brabourne College NIRF Rankings: Average to Poor!

In 2021, Lady Brabourne College was ranked between #101 and #150 among 200 colleges in India by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). This represents a decline from the college's ranking in 2020 when it was ranked #94 among 200 colleges in the country. The college has been unable to maintain its NIRF ranking in recent years. Despite this, the college has received NAAC "A" accreditation, indicating its overall quality and commitment to excellence.

As per India Today rankings stream-wise, LBC has been able to be nothing more than consistent in the arts and science stream. A brief outline is mentioned below: 

Our Take:

Based on the provided data, the college's ranking is not particularly noteworthy, prompting consideration of the factors contributing to this outcome. Questions arise about whether the cause lies in academics, infrastructure, placements, or other aspects. Lady Brabourne College is affiliated with Calcutta University and holds a certain reputation among external observers. However, a decline in the NIRF ranking over the years is evident, with the college failing to secure a position in the top 200 colleges. Other rankings also do not appear to be sufficiently attractive to draw LBC admissions.

Overall, The college's drop in NIRF ranking might be influenced by factors like heightened competition from other colleges, alterations in the NIRF ranking methodology, or a decline in specific areas of the college's performance. Nonetheless, the college's NAAC "A" accreditation indicates its continued strength as an institution with a high level of quality.

Lady Brabourne College Academia & Batch Size

Lady Brabourne College adheres to the academic structure outlined by Calcutta University, a commendable alignment. However, a closer examination of the actual report is essential. The institution has implemented a choice-based credit system and incorporated the National Education Policy 2020 into its curriculum, signalling a commitment to modern educational frameworks.

Academic excellence often goes hand in hand with having a qualified and experienced faculty. If Lady Brabourne College is known for academic rigour, it likely attracts professors and educators who are experts in their respective fields. This can contribute significantly to the quality of education provided.

The availability of a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in different disciplines allows students to choose programs that align with their interests and career goals. This diversity can contribute to a well-rounded education and cater to a broad range of academic interests.

A focus on academic excellence may also mean that the college encourages and supports research activities. Students, particularly those at the postgraduate level, may have opportunities to engage in research projects, contributing to both their academic and personal development.

Despite the college's claim to implement a choice-based credit system, students often find limited options due to constraints imposed by the available resources. A recurrent grievance among students pertains to the small batch sizes, which can potentially hinder the learning experience. Notably, 28% of the total seats are reserved for students belonging to the SC/ST category, reflecting the college's commitment to inclusivity. The distribution of seats course-wise is mentioned below for the reference of the students. 

Our Take:

Lady Brabourne College's academic curriculum mirrors that of Calcutta University, ensuring alignment with the university's standards. However, student feedback highlights concerns regarding faculty shortages, which hinder effective and engaging classroom instruction. Despite the institution's claim of implementing a choice-based credit system, students express limitations in course selection due to a restricted range of available options. 

A recurring concern among students is the need for larger batch sizes. They argue that expanding batch sizes would provide more opportunities for female students to pursue their desired courses. 

This review delves into the challenges faced by students at Lady Brabourne College, particularly regarding faculty availability and the practical implementation of the choice-based credit system. We also propose potential improvements in these areas:

• To tackle faculty shortages at Lady Brabourne College, the institution may explore options like hiring more faculty members or embracing alternative teaching approaches like online lectures or blended learning models.
• While the choice-based credit system aims to grant students more autonomy in selecting courses, its practical implementation seems restricted. To improve its effectiveness, the college could broaden the array of elective courses and ensure that course availability aligns with student demand.
• Consideration of increasing batch sizes could provide more female students with opportunities to pursue their desired courses, thus addressing concerns related to limited access.

Lady Brabourne College Academic Departments

Lady Brabourne College, located in the bustling city of Kolkata, offers a wide range of academic programs in the Arts and Science streams. Here is a list of all departments at Lady Brabourne College Kolkata:

Science 

• Postgraduate Department Of Botany
• Postgraduate Department Of Chemistry 
• Computer Science (General) Department
• Department Of Economics
• Postgraduate Department Of Geography
• Postgraduate Department Of Mathematics
• Postgraduate Department Of Microbiology
• Postgraduate Department Of Physics
• Department Of Statistics
• Postgraduate Department Of Zoology

Arts 

• Postgraduate Department Of Bengali
• Postgraduate Department Of English
• Department Of Hindi
• Department Of History
• Persian Department
• Urdu Department
• Department Of Philosophy
• Postgraduate Department Of Political Science
• Sanskrit Department
• Sociology Department
• Library Department
• Women's Studies (General) Department

Our Take:

In the Arts stream, students appreciate the Bengali department for the blend of classical and contemporary literature, while the English department earns praise for its robust foundation in language and critical thinking. The History department's in-depth coverage of Indian and world history and the Philosophy department's engaging discussions are commendable. Moving to the Science stream, the well-equipped laboratories and hands-on experiments in the Physics department stand out. Rigorous training and problem-solving emphasis in the Mathematics department, and a strong foundation in zoological principles in the Zoology department are recognized.

However, we feel that there is room for improvement. The Bengali department could enhance creative writing workshops and provide more exposure to Bengali theatre and cinema. The English department might strengthen interdisciplinary studies and offer a broader range of English literature. Historical research methodologies and fieldwork opportunities could be emphasized in the History department. The Physics department can increase the research opportunities and exposure to advanced concepts. The Chemistry department could improve internship links with pharmaceutical or chemical industries for enhanced practical experience.

Lady Brabourne College Infrastructure 

Lady Brabourne College offers various amenities such as a fully stocked library, expansive and comfortable hostel, computer lab, communal area, clean canteen, fitness centre, a sizable auditorium, solar panels, rainwater harvesting system, and numerous other features.

Classrooms: The classrooms are old as the college is very old but they have maintained it well. There were no smart classrooms till the recent past but now they have incorporated smart classrooms in some of the classes. The classroom can have better facilities like projectors in all classes. 

Library: Lady Brabourne College's library operates under a library committee comprising librarians and faculty from various disciplines, ensuring efficient daily operations. The library is organized into three sections: 

• The main library 
• Library Annex located within the main college building 
• Electronic library housed in the Rama Choudhury building

Gymnasium: The college provides students access to three separate gyms located within the premises, including one in the recently built Roma Chaudhuri Building, another in the Student’s Common Room, and a third in the College Hostel. These gyms are furnished with contemporary equipment and amenities.

Auditorium: The College has an air-conditioned auditorium with basic amenities and capacity to seat approximately 350 people. It has provision for state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities and is a place for hosting seminars, conferences, workshops and cultural programmes. 

Medical Facilities: LBC has a medical unit which is located next to the student's common room.  This unit is well equipped with a bed, wheelchair and First-aid box with medicines. A doctor is available once a week for consultation.

Hostel: Lady Brabourne College Hostel is situated in the adjacent premises of the College and can accommodate more than 250 girls. There are two separate blocks for both Undergraduate and Postgraduate students. The residential complex is good but students often complain about the food quality in the mess. 

Canteens: After endless complaints about college canteens about hygiene and space paucity, the college has now come with a properly maintained canteen which is spacious and is also accessible for the students living in the hostel. However, students are still not satisfied with the quality of food. 

Our Take:

The fundamental infrastructure at Lady Brabourne College (LBC) is deemed satisfactory. However, there is room for enhancement in certain areas. The classroom facilities, for instance, could be improved by incorporating more projectors and smartboards. The library, while functional, has the potential to accommodate a more extensive collection of books spanning various streams.

The college's sports infrastructure is identified as an area that could benefit from development. Additionally, there is room for improvement in the quality of food provided within the campus. In this third-party review, we assess the existing infrastructure at LBC, acknowledging its strengths while highlighting specific areas that could be refined for an overall enhanced experience for the students.

Lady Brabourne College Internships and Placements

Lady Brabourne College placement is looked after completely by the Lady Brabourne College Placement Cell. Details of the Lady Brabourne College placement procedure, higher education assistance, internships and advice on jobs are offered by the Lady Brabourne College Placement Cell. 

Despite having a separate cell for internships and placements, the scenario at LBC is not satisfactory. As per the reviews on social platforms, most of the internships are bagged by the students themselves. It is rare but the teachers also help the students in getting internships through their contacts. The average placement package is also 20000-25000 per month. The highest package offered to the student is INR 40,000 per month while the lowest salary offered is INR 15,000 per month. 

Lady Brabourne College Top Recruiters 

Some of the top recruiters who have been doing campus placements at LBC are mentioned below. 

Our Take:

The current internship and placement situation at Lady Brabourne College needs considerable improvement. While some students secure internships through college, many take the initiative to find opportunities independently. Based on student reviews, it is observed that 6-semester students are rarely placed within the college. The packages offered by the 2-3 visiting companies are generally below expectations, averaging around INR 3-4 LPA after graduating. 

Students often express dissatisfaction with the quality of internships provided by the college, leading them to explore opportunities externally, although these external internships may not offer stipends. Overall, the placement scenario does not align with the college's reputed standing, and the average package falls below the standard average.

Lady Brabourne College Diversity and Demographics 

LBC being a women's college and a limited number of seats does not represent a very diverse culture. Most of the students here are local as there are seats reserved for West Bengal candidates and also for SC/ST candidates. Some limited students come from neighbouring states. The students often give priority to other prestigious colleges of Calcutta University. Being one of the oldest women's colleges in the country, it has witnessed and contributed to the evolution of women's education.

The college has a history of promoting women's empowerment through education. By providing women with access to quality education, Lady Brabourne College has contributed to breaking gender barriers and fostering a sense of independence among its students. The college's rich history often translates into a vibrant cultural and academic environment. This heritage can inspire a sense of pride among students and faculty, fostering a positive atmosphere for learning and personal development.

LBC initially reserved 50% of its seats for Muslim women, with the remaining for Hindus, Parsees, Sikhs, Jains, and other communities. The hostel was exclusively for Muslims but started admitting Hindu students later due to a shortage of Muslim applicants.

Lady Brabourne College Diversity Representation 

There is hardly any representation of diverse cultures at LBC. As per reports of India Today, Lady Brabourne College has 96% representation from the state of West Bengal while only 4% of students are from neighbouring states. 

Lady Brabourne College Demographic Representation 

There was just one international student in the previous session while no international student was in the current session. As LBC is a women's college, there is no concept of gender ratio in this college. 

Our Take:

Lady Brabourne College expresses a commitment to nurturing the overall growth of its students, covering academic, personal, and social aspects. Recognizing the diversity in students' backgrounds, the college aims to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all. Despite these intentions, Lady Brabourne College has not gained prominence as a preferred choice. While it has a history of embracing cultural diversity and celebrating students' diverse backgrounds, attracting students from outside the state remains a challenge. The college's local focus and lack of a compelling ranking may limit its appeal. To address this, we recommend expanding outreach through national education fairs, partnerships with out-of-state institutions, and promoting unique academic programs.

Lady Brabourne College Faculty and Management/Administration

A notable area of concern at Lady Brabourne College revolves around the quantity and calibre of its faculty. Across various departments, there is an evident shortage of faculty members, and the standard of teaching falls below the expectations of the candidates. The management and administration face challenges in fulfilling their responsibilities, contributing to delays in communication. Students frequently receive information at the last minute, requiring prompt reactions. Complaints from students about the administrative staff's poor attitude and occasional mistakes in addressing student concerns are common. In this third-party review, we delve into the challenges associated with faculty availability, teaching quality, and administrative effectiveness at Lady Brabourne College.

Our Take:

The management must proactively address the precise needs of the faculty members. The college leadership needs to ensure that students' issues are promptly attended to, aligning with their requirements, and avoiding unnecessary delays until the eleventh hour. 

Lady Brabourne College Location 

Lady Brabourne College is located in the lively city of Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, India. Found in the heart of Park Circus, a cosmopolitan neighbourhood renowned for its greenery, rich cultural heritage, and proximity to historical landmarks, the college provides a spacious and peaceful campus. This setting creates an ideal atmosphere for academic endeavours and personal development.

Kolkata, a vibrant city, serves as a melting pot of cultures, religions, and traditions. This rich diversity is mirrored in the student community and the surrounding area of Lady Brabourne College. Students from diverse backgrounds collaborate, creating a dynamic and inclusive learning atmosphere that encourages mutual understanding and respect for different viewpoints. 

Lady Brabourne College enjoys excellent connectivity through public and private transportation, making it easily reachable for students from various parts of Kolkata and neighbouring areas. Bus routes, metro stations, and taxi stands are all conveniently located within walking distance of the college campus. 

Our Take:

Pros:

• Students enjoy the calm and focused atmosphere on campus, fostering concentrated learning and personal well-being.
• They value the chance to experience various cultures and traditions both within the college and in the nearby community, enriching their understanding of the city's vibrant heritage.
• The college's convenient location near transportation, libraries, restaurants, and shopping centres is a significant benefit appreciated by students.
• The ease of commuting to the college through a variety of public and private transportation options is another aspect appreciated by students.

Cons:

• Some students propose the idea of expanding the campus to provide additional facilities and recreational spaces.
• The distance from significant corporate and industrial hubs might restrict opportunities for internships, placements, and collaborations between industry and academia.
• Intermittent traffic congestion in the nearby area could result in occasional delays for commuting students.

Lady Brabourne College Expectation vs Reality: Verdict! 

Lady Brabourne College appears to fall short of meeting some fundamental benchmarks expected by students. The reality on the ground does not align with the anticipated standards, particularly in the realms of academics and placements. Teaching quality is perceived as average, and a persistent shortage of faculty members poses a challenge. Although there have been commendable developments in infrastructure, further improvements are warranted. Immediate attention is required to enhance sports facilities and address concerns related to mess food. While the college's location may be advantageous for locals, a notable absence of diversity and demographics is observed.

The administration is identified as another area needing improvement, with calls for greater efficiency in delivering basic information and services to students promptly. In this third-party review, we provide a brief assessment of both the positive and negative aspects of Lady Brabourne College, emphasizing areas that require attention and potential strengths that can be built upon.

Final Review Checkbox!