Which is the first medical college in India?

Medical College, Kolkata, also known as Calcutta Medical College, is the first medical college in India and is a government-run medical institution and hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It was established on January 28, 1835, by Lord William Bentinck during British rule, and it holds the distinction of being one of the oldest medical colleges in Asia. It was the first institution in the region for the introduction of Western medical education in English. In this article, we will explore the history of Medical College, Kolkata, and its ranking in India

The foundation of modern medical education in India dates back to the British era, with the establishment of various institutions to provide medical training. The evolution of the Indian medical system was influenced by colonial policies, the demand for trained personnel, and the vision of several eminent individuals.

The Indian Medical Service (IMS)

• The British East India Company established the Indian Medical Service (IMS) in 1764 to cater to the healthcare needs of Europeans in British India.
• Over time, the demand for trained native doctors grew, leading to institutional developments in medical education.

Establishment of Native Medical Institution

• On 9 May 1822, the British Government devised a plan to induct native doctors into the civil and military establishments of the Bengal Presidency.
• To facilitate medical education in local languages, The Native Medical Institution was founded on 21 June 1822.

Foundation of Medical College Kolkata

• In 1833, the William Bentinck Committee emphasised the necessity of a medical college for native students.
• As a result, the Medical College Kolkata was established on 28 January 1835.
• This institution aimed to train Indian students irrespective of caste and creed in Western medical practices.

Admission Process

• The first batch of students was admitted on 20 February 1835.
• Out of 100 applicants, only 20 students were selected through a rigorous entrance examination.
• Upon course completion, students had to pass a final examination, after which they received the 'President of the Committee of Education' certificates.
• Graduates were eligible to practice medicine and surgery as 'Native Doctors' in public service.

Early Foundations of the University

The university's inaugural Senate comprised several distinguished figures, including:

• Alexander Duff
• Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
• Prosunno Coomar Tagore
• Prince Golam Mohammad
• William Gordon Pratt
• Frederick John Mouat

Who were the first graduates from Calcutta Medical College?

The first two individuals to earn degrees from the university were Bankimchandra Chatterjee and Juddoonath Bose

Who were the first women graduates from Calcutta Medical College?

The university also made history by awarding degrees to its first female graduates Chandramukhi Basu and Kadambini Ganguli

Milestones in Medical Education

Notable Alumni and Contributors

• Eminent supporters like Ram Kamal Sen and Dwarkanath Tagore played a crucial role in encouraging medical education.
• Dwarkanath Tagore financed the overseas education of four students, three of whom—Gopal Chandra Seal, Dwaraka Nath Bose, and Bhola Nath Bose—cleared the MRCS (Member of the Royal College of Surgeons) examination in 1846.
• One student remained in England, earning an MD degree from the University College of London, becoming the first Indian to qualify for the Indian Medical Service (IMS).
• So, the college has some pretty impressive people who graduated from here, like:
• Sir Nilratan Sarkar
• U. N. Bramhachari
• Bidhan Chandra Roy
• Balai Chand Mukhopadhyay
• Ram Baran Jadab

Source:medicalcollegekolkata

Infrastructure Development

Mission and Vision Statement

Mission: To be recognised as a premier medical institution through quality education, research, innovation, community collaboration, and excellent patient care.

Vision: To advance healthcare by:

• Offering high standards of medical education at undergraduate, postgraduate, and super-speciality levels.
• Providing top-tier patient care in a well-equipped hospital setting.
• Promoting cutting-edge medical research.
• Addressing the healthcare needs of both rural and urban underserved communities.

What is the ranking position of Medical College, Kolkata, in India?

In 2024, the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) placed Medical College, Kolkata, at the 44th position among medical institutions in India.

Conclusion

Medical College Kolkata has played a pivotal role in shaping modern medical education in India. From its establishment in 1835 to its evolution as a leading medical institution, it has significantly contributed to medical research, healthcare, and the training of professionals who have made remarkable contributions to society.