Isabella Thoburn Degree College (ITDC) is the first Christian college for women in South Asia and the oldest women's college in Asia. Established in 1870 by American missionary Isabella Thoburn, the college has been empowering women through quality education for over 150 years. Affiliated with the University of Lucknow, ITDC continues to uphold its motto "We Receive to Give", preparing students for leadership and service in society.
Established on 18 April 1870 by Miss Isabella Thoburn, an American missionary of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the college began as a small school in a single room in the Aminabad bazaar of Lucknow with just six girls. By 1871, the school had expanded and moved to Lal Bagh, the house of the treasurer of the last Nawab of Awadh. On 12 July 1886, the institution was renamed Lucknow Women's College and began teaching Fine Arts classes under the University of Calcutta. After Miss Thoburn's death in 1901, the college was given its present name in her honour.
Today, Isabella Thoburn Degree College is an Associate College of the University of Lucknow and is run by the Isabella Thoburn Society of the Methodist Church in India.
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Institution Type
Private Women's College
Campus Location
Faizabad Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Affiliating Body
University of Lucknow
Official Recognition
NAAC A | UGC 2(f) & 12B
A comprehensive range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral
programmes across Arts, Commerce, Science, Education, and Library Science.
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
A 3-year undergraduate programme with specialisations in English, Hindi, History, Ancient Indian History, Geography, Economics, Education, Psychology, Political Science, Sociology, and Physical Education.
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)
A 3-year undergraduate programme in commerce, providing students with a strong foundation in accounting, finance, and business management.
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc)
A 3-year undergraduate programme in various science disciplines including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Clinical Nutrition, Home Science, and Dietetics.
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed)
A 2-year professional programme in teacher education, preparing students for careers in teaching and educational leadership.
Bachelor of Library & Information Science (BLISc)
A 1-year professional programme in library and information science, preparing students for careers in libraries, archives, and information management.
Master of Arts (MA)
A 2-year postgraduate programme offered in multiple disciplines including English, History, Geography, Economics, and Political Science.
Master of Science (M.Sc)
A 2-year postgraduate programme in various science disciplines including Zoology, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Certificate & Diploma Programmes
The college offers various certificate and diploma courses to help students enhance their skills and employability in diverse fields.
Oldest Women's College in Asia
Established in 1870, ITDC is the oldest women's college in Asia and the first Christian college for women in South Asia, with a legacy of over 150 years of empowering women through education.
NAAC A Grade & UGC Approved
ITDC holds NAAC A Grade accreditation and is approved by UGC under Section 2(f) and 12(B), ensuring high standards of academic quality and governance.
Sprawling 32-Acre Chand Bagh Campus
The historic Chand Bagh campus, once a royal garden, spans 32 acres and features student hostels, lecture rooms, laboratories, a library, a college chapel, and a large hall.
Diverse Academic Programmes
With over 20 departments and 3,000+ students, ITDC offers a wide range of UG, PG, and PhD programmes across Arts, Commerce, Science, Education, and Library Science.
Experienced Faculty & Holistic Education
The college has a faculty of over 100 highly qualified members who not only teach but also counsel and monitor students, fostering academic excellence and moral character development.
Rich Legacy & Notable Alumni
The college has produced generations of missionaries, academicians, and administrators. Principal Sarah Chakko (1905–1954) was the first woman President of the World Council of Churches.
Follow these official steps to secure your seat at Isabella Thoburn Degree College, Lucknow.
Note: Admissions to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are merit-based on qualifying examination marks. The college also conducts entrance tests for certain programmes. The application process is conducted online through the official college portal. Candidates are advised to check the college website for specific eligibility criteria and important dates for each programme.
01
Visit the official ITDC website (itcollege.ac.in) for admission announcements, application forms, and important dates for the academic year.
02
Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for your chosen programme:
UG Programmes: 10+2 with minimum prescribed marks from a recognised board.
PG Programmes: Bachelor's degree in the relevant discipline with minimum marks.
03
Complete the online application form on the official admission portal and submit all required documents and application fees.
04
Check the merit list published on the college website. Shortlisted candidates are called for document verification and admission confirmation.
05
Visit the ITDC campus for original document verification and attend the counselling session for seat confirmation.
06
Pay the prescribed fees to confirm your admission and complete the final enrollment process at Isabella Thoburn Degree College.
Become part of Asia's oldest women's college and build a successful future.