Salesian College is a premier Catholic higher education institution established in 1938 by the Salesians of Don Bosco, a religious congregation founded by St. John Bosco in Italy. Known for its commitment to nurturing the mind, heart, and character of young people, the college upholds a legacy of academic excellence and moral formation. Rooted in the Salesian philosophy of reason, religion, and loving-kindness, the institution is dedicated to the holistic development of students from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds.
Campuses and Affiliation
Salesian College operates two fully functional campuses in West Bengal, India:
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Sonada Campus: Nestled in the scenic hills of Darjeeling, the Sonada campus is the original site of the college. It provides a tranquil environment for higher education, ideal for focused academic and spiritual growth. The campus is also noted for its environmentally sustainable practices and community outreach programs in the rural Himalayan region.
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Siliguri Campus: Established in 2009, the Siliguri campus is located in one of the most commercially vibrant cities of North Bengal. It is equipped with modern infrastructure, state-of-the-art classrooms, digital labs, media studios, and a rich central library. This campus attracts students from across the region and neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
Salesian College is affiliated with the University of North Bengal and recognized under sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act, making it eligible for central assistance and academic recognition.
Academic Programs
The college offers a diverse range of Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Vocational programs. The curriculum is regularly updated in alignment with NEP 2020 and UGC guidelines. Key academic offerings include:
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Undergraduate Courses:
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Arts: English, History, Political Science, Philosophy, Sociology, Education, Geography
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Science: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science
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Commerce & Management: B.Com (General & Honours), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
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Professional: Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA), Bachelor in Mass Communication & Journalism (BMCJ)
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Postgraduate Courses:
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MA in English, Education, and Psychology
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M.Com in Commerce
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Vocational and Add-On Courses:
The college offers skill-based certificate courses in areas such as IT, digital marketing, photography, creative writing, and film studies.
Infrastructure and Facilities
Salesian College provides world-class infrastructure to support both academic and extracurricular pursuits:
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Modern Classrooms with Smart Boards
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Computer Labs with High-Speed Internet
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Media and Communication Studio
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Science Laboratories
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Library with Digital Access
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Auditoriums and Seminar Halls
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Hostels for Boys and Girls
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Cafeteria and Sports Facilities
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Wi-Fi Enabled Campuses
The campuses are designed to be student-friendly and environmentally conscious, with efforts toward green energy, waste management, and water conservation.
Mission, Vision, and Core Values
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Vision: To educate and empower young people, especially the marginalized, to become responsible citizens and agents of social transformation.
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Mission: To provide quality higher education that integrates academic competence, ethical formation, and social responsibility.
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Core Values: Integrity, Inclusivity, Academic Excellence, Discipline, Creativity, and Service.
The institution’s motto, “Flamma Ardens et Lucens” – “A flame that enlightens and enlivens” – represents its commitment to nurturing intellectually competent and socially committed individuals.
Student Life and Co-curricular Activities
Salesian College believes in the all-round development of students. A vibrant campus life includes:
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Student Clubs and Societies: Literature Club, Eco Club, NSS, NCC, Music and Drama Clubs, Tech Club, Debate Society, and more.
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Annual Events: Cultural Fest (Bosco Fest), Youth Parliament, Inter-college Competitions, National Seminars, and Workshops.
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Community Engagement: Students actively participate in outreach activities like teaching in rural schools, organizing health camps, and environmental awareness drives.
Career and Placement Support
The college has a dedicated Career Guidance and Placement Cell (CGPC) that organizes:
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Campus recruitment drives
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Internship programs
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Career counseling sessions
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Industry-academia interactions
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Skill-building workshops
Graduates of Salesian College have found success in fields such as education, media, IT, civil services, and corporate management, both in India and abroad.
Accreditation and Achievements
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Accredited by NAAC with a high grade for its consistent academic quality and institutional excellence.
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Selected as a Mentor Institution under the UGC Paramarsh scheme.
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Recognized as a Top Performing College in North Bengal by various educational surveys.
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Collaborations with national and international institutions for academic exchange and research.