History and Milestones

A Journey of Growth & Excellence

From a modest beginning in 1956, St. Francis de Sales College has developed into one of the premier educational institutions of Nagpur, steadily expanding its academic programmes, infrastructure, research and student support.

1956

The Foundation of SFS College

St. Francis de Sales College was founded in 1956 by Archbishop Eugene D’Souza. He was assisted by Fr. M. M. Balaguer S.J., who laid the foundations of the College. The institution began with a Pre-University Arts class in 1956 under its first Principal, Fr. Michael Machado. Classes were initially held in the wings of St. Francis de Sales School, Sadar. The following year, the College moved to Seminary Hills, to the Red Building. Mr. Raja took over as Principal, another class was added to Arts, and Pre-University Science was introduced.

1958–1961

Building the Academic Foundation

In 1958, Fr. M. M. Balaguer S.J., as Principal, conceived and drew up a Master Plan for the College buildings and departments. Through his efforts, the first phase of the new building, equipped with spacious lecture rooms and science laboratories, was constructed in 1959. He established useful and cordial contacts with the University and UGC and introduced various co-curricular and extra-curricular activity cells such as sports, NSL and NCC. The Government of Maharashtra also handed over three acres of land for construction of a Women’s Hostel along the slopes of Governor’s House. By the end of his three-year principalship, the College had developed into a full-fledged Arts and Science institution teaching up to BA and BSc level.

1961

Guidance, Counselling & Recognition

In 1961, Fr. A. J. Malin took over as Principal for one year. A psychologist by training, he was responsible for establishing the SFS College Department of Guidance and Counselling. The department was accommodated in a building at Mohan Nagar for the convenience of school teachers and the public. It prepared teachers for the Diploma in Guidance and Counselling and provided guidance and testing facilities to the public. The College also received UGC recognition under 2(f) and 12(B) in 1961.

1962–1972

Expansion of Science & Higher Learning

Fr. Bowe, an Irish Dominican, succeeded Fr. Malin in 1962 but became seriously ill within a month. Fr. R. Falleiro then became Principal and served from 1962 to 1972. During this decade, the Men’s Hostel and Science Building, initiated during Fr. Balaguer’s tenure, were completed. Additional sections were introduced in Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Botany and Zoology, leading to greater student enrolment and the appointment of additional lecturers. With permission from Nagpur University, the College also started a Post Graduate Diploma in Co-operation. Permanent recognition from Nagpur University was received in 1962 after a favourable inspection report.

1970–1972

Crossing New Milestones

The College had the privilege of a visit from the Papal Pro-Nuncio to India, Archbishop M. J. Lemieux OP, who donated twenty-four thousand rupees towards the completion of the main building. Student enrolment crossed the one-thousand mark, reaching 1,089 students in 1970–71, including 824 in Science, 262 in Arts and three in the Diploma for Educational and Vocational Guidance. In 1972, an additional Non-Resident Students’ Centre was established through a UGC grant and funds collected by the College.

1972–1993

The Era of Consolidation

In 1972, Fr. L. Fernandes took over as Principal and continued until 1993. A significant development during this period was the emergence of the Junior College for Classes XI and XII. During the Jubilee year of 1981, the College had 930 students, 52 lecturers and 42 non-teaching staff members. During this period, construction of the unfinished Main College Building was also undertaken, supported by generous contributions from benefactors, staff, students, ex-students and the public.

Growth & Development

Infrastructure, Research & Skill Development

The College subsequently enhanced its physical infrastructure with a projected built-up area of 3,329 square metres and mobilised funds of Rs. 5 crore. A UGC Minor Research Project worth Rs. 9,02,100 was acquired. The institution also received Rs. 27,38,267 under the UGC Merged Scheme of the XI Plan for skill-oriented programmes. A six-month, 300-hour Career Oriented Certificate Course in Hardware and Networking was sanctioned in July 2013 with an allocation of Rs. 10,00,000. The College also strengthened its identity as a centre for higher learning and research through its research committee and support for faculty projects.

2011–2015

Research, Accreditation & Institutional Excellence

The College hosted the Chemistry & Biotechnology International Conference on “Chemistry for Mankind – Innovative Ideas in Life Sciences” from 10–12 February 2011. The institution was assessed and accredited with an ‘A’ Grade with a CGPA of 3.23 by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), Bengaluru, in 2015. The completed College building now houses the administrative office, laboratories and classrooms. With its continued focus on academic excellence, the College has developed into one of the premier educational institutions of the city.

Institutional Development

Infrastructure: Projected built-up area of 3,329 sq. metres with Rs. 5 crore mobilised for development.

Research: UGC Minor Research Project support worth Rs. 9,02,100 was acquired.

Skill Development: Rs. 27,38,267 was received under the UGC Merged Scheme for skill-oriented programmes.

Career-Oriented Education: A six-month, 300-hour Hardware and Networking certificate course was sanctioned in 2013.

Research Culture: The College has a research committee that assists faculty in preparing and submitting projects to funding agencies.

NAAC Accreditation: The institution received an ‘A’ Grade with a CGPA of 3.23 in the 2015 assessment.

Academic Milestones

A timeline of major programmes introduced as SFS College expanded its academic offerings.

1962–63: BA courses in English Literature, Hindi Literature, Marathi Literature, History, Political Science, Philosophy and Economics were introduced.

1962–63: BSc courses in Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology and Mathematics were introduced.

1978: Junior College began.

1985–86: BSc Biochemistry was introduced.

1985–86: BSc Electronics was introduced.

1995–96: BA Sociology was introduced.

1998: BA Communicative English commenced.

1999–2000: BSc Computer Science was introduced.

2001–02: MSc Chemistry was introduced.

2002–03: Bachelor of Computer Science (B.C.S.) was introduced.

2005–06: MSc Biotechnology was introduced.

2005–06: BSc Biotechnology was introduced.

2008–09: BCA and BCCA were commenced.

2019–20: MSc Physics and MSc Mathematics were introduced.

2023–24: BSc Data Science, BSc Information Technology, MA English, MSc Computer Science, B.Com and BBA were introduced.

From 1956 to a New Era of Learning

From its humble beginning with a Pre-University Arts class, SFS College has continually expanded its academic horizons, infrastructure, research culture and professional programmes, carrying forward its enduring commitment to excellence, service and holistic education.