“I wish I had known about these colleges before.”
That’s a common regret among many students who finish their Class 12th in humanities or commerce streams.
While IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS are household names, what about the top-tier institutions for students who don’t choose science? If you’re pursuing commerce or humanities, should you just settle for the nearest city college?
Absolutely not! India has world-class central universities and colleges that can transform your future—places like SRCC, St. Stephen’s, LSR, Miranda House, HCU, and EFLU. Yet, many students (and parents) aren’t aware of these options.
Many students unintentionally limit their options by picking local or lesser-known private colleges, unaware that India has world-class institutions for non-science students too—places that have produced CEOs, IAS officers, notable economists, foreign diplomats, authors, actors, and corporate leaders.
Why Central Universities & affiliated colleges are a better choice?
Affordable yet world-class education
A common myth is that high-quality education is expensive. However, India’s premier central universities offer world-class academics at a fraction of the cost of private universities.
For example:
- Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) charges only ₹30,000 per year for B.Com (Hons.), while private universities charge ₹2-5 lakhs per year for similar courses.
- Hyderabad Central University (HCU) has annual fees under ₹20,000, making them among the most affordable top-tier universities in the country.
- Despite their affordability, these institutions rank among India’s best and provide better placements than many private universities.
Graduates from these institutions have gone on to become:
- IAS & IFS Officers
- CEOs & Business Leaders
- Top Journalists, Economists, and Media Personalities
- Leaders in International Organizations like the United Nations & World Bank
- Highly paid consultants, investment bankers, and policy analysts
A prestigious alumni network
Being part of a reputed institution isn’t just about academics—it’s about who you study with. Your classmates will go on to become future leaders in their respective fields, giving you access to a powerful professional network.
- At St. Stephen’s College, you will study alongside future diplomats, economists, and policymakers.
- At SRCC, you will be surrounded by India’s top finance and commerce students, many of whom will secure jobs in global consulting firms and financial institutions.
- At Hindu College, Hansraj College, and Kirori Mal, you will share classrooms with aspiring business leaders, artists, actors, and civil servants.
High-Paying placements & career opportunities
A common concern among students pursuing humanities and commerce is whether they will get good job opportunities. The answer is a resounding yes—if you study in the right institution.
Placements & Career Pathways:
- SRCC graduates are recruited by McKinsey, BCG, JP Morgan, EY, Deloitte, and Goldman Sachs, with some earning ₹15-20 LPA in investment banking and consulting roles.
- Hansraj, Hindu College, and Kirori Mal College (KMC) graduates have found success in corporate leadership, entertainment, and media industries.
- St. Stephen’s alumni have gone on to become leading journalists, politicians, and IAS officers.
- HCU graduates have built careers in diplomacy, research, and international policy organizations.
Top Colleges & Universities you should consider
Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) – India’s Best Commerce College
If your goal is to work in finance, investment banking, consulting, or economics, SRCC is the most prestigious undergraduate commerce college in India.
Notable Alumni:
- Arun Jaitley (Former Finance Minister of India)
- Sanjiv Sanyal (Member, Economic Advisory Council – PMO)
- Rajat Sharma (Founder, India TV)
- Manish Maheshwari (Former Head, Twitter India)
St. Stephen’s College – The Best for Humanities & Economics
St. Stephen’s is Delhi University’s most prestigious college for humanities, producing IAS officers, economists, diplomats, and media icons.
Notable Alumni:
- Madhabi Puri Buch (Chairperson, SEBI)
- Dr. S Jaishankar (Union Minister for External Affairs, GoI)
- Shashi Tharoor (Member, Lok Sabha & Ex Deputy Secretary General – UN)
- Dr. DY Chandrachud (50th Chief Justice of India)
- Ajay Pal Singh Banga (President, World Bank Group)
Hindu College – A Top Choice for Arts & Commerce
Hindu College is one of DU’s best institutions for Economics, Political Science, and Commerce, known for its strong placement record and active alumni network.
Notable Alumni:
- Arnab Goswami (Journalist, Republic TV)
- Ajay Bijli (MD, PVR INOX Ltd.)
- Kuldip Singh Dhingra (Chairperson, Berger Paints)
- KC Mehra (Resident Director, Shapoorji Pallonji Group)
- Gautam Gambhir (Cricketer & Coach – Indian Men’s Cricket Team)
Hansraj College – A Blend of Business, Arts, & Media
Hansraj College has produced some of India’s most successful actors, business leaders, and journalists.
Notable Alumni:
- Richard Rekhy (Board Member, KPMG International)
- Naveen Jindal (Chairperson, Jindal Steel & Chancellor, OP Jindal Univ.)
- Wesley Mathias (Director – Private Banking, Standard Chartered Bank)
- Gunjan Saxena (First Indian Female Air Force Officer in Combat)
Kirori Mal College (KMC) – The Cultural & Business Hub
KMC is known for its strong academics and a rich tradition of producing some of India’s best actors, filmmakers, and corporate leaders.
Notable Alumni:
- GP Koirala (Former Prime Minister, Nepal)
- Madan Lal Khurana (Former Chief Minister, Delhi)
- Amitabh Bachhan (Actor)
- Harbans Mukhia (Historian)
Hyderabad Central University (HCU) – India’s Ivy League for Social Sciences
HCU is a leading research university known for its interdisciplinary approach to social sciences, liberal arts, and policy studies.
Notable Alumni:
- M Bhatti Vikramarka (Deputy CM, Telangana)
- Sanjay Subrahmanyam (Historian, UCLA Professor)
- Leela Prasad (Historian)
- Vani Sarraju Rao (Diplomat)
- Lavanya Vemsani (Historian)
How to get into these Institutions?
Admissions to these institutions are through CUET (Common University Entrance Test), a national-level exam designed to standardize the admission process across universities.
The CUET syllabus is based on Class 12 NCERT topics, ensuring that board exam preparation naturally aligns with CUET preparation.
Don’t just settle—dream big!
Most students don’t realise that an undergraduate degree can define their career trajectory. If you are serious about your future, don’t just pick the nearest college—aim for the best.
A degree from SRCC, St. Stephen’s, Hindu College, Hansraj, KMC, or HCU can open doors to international opportunities, top companies, and leadership roles.
Start planning, prepare for CUET, and secure your place in India’s most prestigious institutions. Your future starts here.
