The Dawn of Education: India’s First College Through the Ages!

Imagine, for a moment, studying in a serene and picturesque campus, adorned with lush greenery and remarkable architecture, steeped in a rich tapestry of history. Often, in the relentless pursuit of success, we overlook the hidden gems that have shaped our collective heritage. Allow me to introduce you to one such extraordinary institution, a beacon of tradition and excellence that not only exemplifies architectural grandeur but also embodies a legacy of scholarly achievement. This illustrious gem, often eclipsed by more prominent peers, provides a matchless academic journey and a profound historical connection that will both inspire and enthral you.

This is only one indication of the antiquity of The CMS College (Church Missionary Society College), Kottayam in the history of higher education not just in Kerala, but in India as a whole. Yes, CMS College, Kottayam – The College Cotym in its original orthographic avatar – was born 200 years ago, established in 1815. It is one of the earliest Western-style college in India. The college is considered to be the oldest and prestigious institution of higher education. This college is located in the Kottayam district of Kerala.

It offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in arts, commerce, and sciences. It also offers different vocational degree courses. Affiliated to the Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, it has been given Autonomous status by the University Grants Commission, India. CMS College, Kottayam and Presidency College Calcutta, established in the same year, are the two earliest western-style colleges of India. The college is ranked 92nd among colleges in India by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in 2024. 

History

Founded by the Church Missionary Society of England, in 1817 when no institution existed in what was then the princely state of Travancore to teach English. CMS College Kottayam was patronised by Col. John Munro, the East India Company Resident, and Dewan of Travancore. The Rev. Benjamin Bailey was the first principal. 

In the early years of the Old Seminary the curriculum included the study of Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Mathematics, History, and Geography besides English, Malayalam, Sanskrit, and Syriac. In 1838, the college moved to a wooded hillock, the present site commanding views of the distant Western Ghats. One of the oldest buildings in the campus is Room 52, or the "Grammar School", as it was originally called. A college magazine in Malayalam was started in 1864 by Principal Richard Collins, after whom the college library is named.

It provided free education to all its students until 1855 when the fee of one Rupee per month per student was collected. The number of students in 1870 was 129. In 1840, the number of students in the college was 220. In 1890, two-year classes were started, and the first batch of students, initially all men, was presented for the F.A. Examination in 1892. Female students were not admitted to the college until 1938. In 1950, Degree classes were started, and by 1960 the number of students in the college had risen to 1,250. Postgraduate classes were started in 1959.  

Today the college is at a historical juncture as we look back at the two centuries we have traversed, College and the land of Kerala can legitimately claim to have arrived at a symbiotic relationship at its best. The College has been the primal fount from which flowed the strong currents of knowledge and critical intelligence that changed the scholastic and socio-cultural landscape of Kerala. 

CAMPUS AREA

Imagine a college nestled in the heart of Kerala, where the architecture blends the charming elegance of British colonial design with the warm, traditional aesthetics of the region. Picture corridors lined with rich wooden panels that emit a soothing aroma, and lush, verdant backyards that invite students to unwind amidst nature. The classrooms exude a cosy, intimate atmosphere, fostering a serene environment conducive to learning. A peaceful church adds to the tranquil ambiance, set against a backdrop of a lush green forest. It’s a place where the smell of the wood mingles with the freshness of the forest, creating a uniquely inviting and serene educational haven.

The college's infrastructure is designed to support and enhance the educational experience of its students, providing state-of-the-art facilities and resources.

At the heart of CMS College's academic ecosystem lies the Main Academic Block—a bustling hub of classrooms, faculty offices, and admin havens. These classrooms are like spacious and well-ventilated decked out with projectors and smart boards, making learning feel like a futuristic experience. Each academic department flaunts its own building, complete with specialised facilities for its unique quirks.

LIBRARY

For those who crave a peaceful study session, the library's reading rooms are the epitome of tranquillity. The science labs are like playgrounds for nerds brimming with high-tech gadgets and gizmos for every scientific whim, whether you're into Physics, Chemistry, Botany, or Zoology.

SPORTS GROUND 

When it comes to sports, the college’s sports complex is a veritable Olympics in its own right. With facilities for cricket, football, basketball, volleyball, and badminton, it’s practically a field day every day. And if gym life is more your scene, the well-equipped gymnasium has all the gear you need to lift, stretch, and flex your way to peak wellness.

CANTEEN & AUDITORIUM 

The cafeteria is the culinary heart of the college, offering a smorgasbord of meals and snacks that cater to every taste bud and dietary need, making sure you never have to endure another soggy sandwich again. For hostel residents, communal dining halls offer regular meals that are more about camaraderie than culinary critique.

The Administrative Block is where the magic happens, housing the Principal, Registrar, and other administrative wizards who keep the college running smooth. For health emergencies, the college has basic medical facilities and emergency ties with nearby hospitals.

The college auditorium is the grand stage for all things spectacular, from seminars to cultural extravaganzas. It’s equipped with top-notch audio-visual gear and has seating arrangements that would make even the most crowded concert feel intimate.

Smaller meetings find their home in the conference rooms, which come equipped for everything from academic discussions to top-secret brainstorming sessions. Meanwhile, the campus itself is a green oasis, with lush gardens and pathways designed for relaxation and reflection.

CMS College is also eco-conscious, sporting waste management systems and energy-efficient tech, proving that you can be green while going for gold. 

CMS College takes pride in its commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. It regularly organises outreach programs, social service activities, and awareness campaigns. The college's initiatives often focus on issues such as education for underprivileged communities, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness.

The college now has 17 Undergraduate, 18 Postgraduate departments and 8 Ph.D Programmes . There are six research centres in the college  leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy which is conducted in the departments of Botany, Zoology, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, English, and Commerce. They have 2586 students, 149 teaching faculty members and 72 administrative staff. 

Achievements and Recognition

Over the years, CMS College has garnered numerous accolades for its academic performance and contribution to society. Its alumni include prominent figures in various fields, further testifying to the college's impact on personal and professional development.

The 2006 Malayalam film Classmates was filmed here and was dedicated to the 1946-48 batch. 

Over the years, CMS College has produced numerous distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields, including professors, researchers, and educational leaders, renowned authors and poets, influential politicians and public servants, successful entrepreneurs and corporate leaders.

Conclusion

CMS College Kottayam's infrastructure reflects its commitment to providing a comprehensive and supportive educational environment. From its well-equipped academic buildings and state-of-the-art laboratories to its modern hostels and recreational facilities, the college ensures that students have access to the resources and amenities needed for their academic and personal growth. The college not only supports effective teaching and learning but also fosters a holistic educational experience, making CMS College a distinguished institution in the realm of higher education.

You can also read: Top 10 Gujarat College Campuses Every Student Should Consider: Here’s Why!