University of Calcutta, Kolkata was established in 1857, during the administration of Lord Canning, the Governor General of India, the University of Calcutta is the oldest of the modern universities in India. It is a state government administered affiliating and research university that has been recognized as a centre of excellence by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate as well as Ph.D programs. Science and business disciplines offered by the university are in high demand as these fields are expected to have better job opportunities. Most of the programs are organized on an annual basis, though some programs use semester system. Most of the university departments offer masters programs that are one or two years in duration. Research programs offered by the university are conducted in specialized institutes as well as individual departments.