St. Francis College for Women

Chronicle of SFC Evolution

St. Francis College for Women, a Catholic Minority Institution, draws inspiration from the teachings of Jesus Christ and embodying the spirit of the Sisters of Charity of St. Bartolomea Capitanio and St. Vincenza Gerosa. Firmly rooted in faith and service, the college strives to provide holistic education—nurturing not only the intellect, but also the character, and conscience of every student.
The college’s mission extends beyond academic excellence, emphasizing moral integrity, social responsibility, and the overall development of the individual, with the aim of shaping young women into compassionate leaders and responsible citizens

Foundation and Formative Years (1959–1977)

Established in 1959 in Secunderabad, Telangana, St. Francis College for Women in response to the growing demand for quality education for women. It was the only Catholic women’s college in the region at the time, initially operating from St. Francis High School campus with just 22 students enrolled in the PUC Arts program.
In 1964, the college marked a significant milestone by celebrating the graduation of its first batch of BA and BSc students. Over the years, the college introduced new courses to meet changing educational and career aspirations, notably expanding its academic offerings with the launch of the B.Com program in 1972. However, increasing student strength and limited space necessitated a shift to a larger campus.

Relocation to Begumpet (1977)

In 1977, the college relocated to a 4-acre campus in Begumpet, Hyderabad, enabling improved infrastructure and academic growth. The foundation stone was laid on 16th February 1977 by Mother Angela Maria Campanile, Superior General of the Sisters of Charity, and the new campus was inaugurated on 25th June 1977. This transition marked the beginning of a new chapter in the college’s history, creating a more conducive environment for holistic education and the overall development of students.

Academic Growth and Recognition

Over the decades, St. Francis College for Women has evolved into a premier institution for women’s higher education in South India. Affiliated to Osmania University, it gained recognition under UGC Sections 2(f) and 12(B) in 1964. The conferment of Autonomy in 1988 ushered in academic flexibility and curriculum innovation.
In 2004, the UGC granted the college the status of “College with Potential for Excellence.” The Institution adopted the Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS) and now offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, and a research program in Microbiology. In keeping with its inclusive mission, the college ensures access for students from SC/ST/BC and other socially and economically disadvantaged groups.

Current Profile and Campus Facilities

Today, St. Francis College for Women stands as a distinguished institution with over 3,500 students, more than 180 faculty members, and 106 support staff. The campus boasts modern infrastructure—smart classrooms, well-equipped labs, a digital library, and dedicated spaces for sports and the arts.
The college is recognized for its innovative teaching methodologies, strong value-based education, and a dynamic placement cell that prepares students for both professional and academic success. Community engagement, environmental awareness, and social outreach remain integral to its identity.

Legacy and Vision for the Future

From its humble beginnings in 1959 to its present status as a premier autonomous institution, St. Francis College for Women has remained unwavering in its mission to educate and empower women.
Anchored in the founding principles of service, charity, and excellence, the college continues to impact lives—preparing generations of young women to lead with vision, compassion, and confidence.

LAND MARK YEARS IN THE HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE

1959 – 72

1959 : Inception of the college at Secunderabad

1960 : Introduction of B.A. Curriculum

1962 : Introduction of B.Sc. (B.Z.C.) Curriculum

1968 : Introduction of B.Sc. (M.P.C.) Curriculum

1969 : Inception of NSS

1971 : Inception of NCC

1972 : Introduction of B.Com

1977 – 1994

1977 : Degree College shifts to new site at Begumpet, Hyderabad.

1981 : Inception of Sports.

1984 : Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the College.

1988 : Autonomy granted; B.Sc. (Computer Science) introduced.

1990 : Introduction of B.Sc. (Computer Science/Statistics) and B.Com. Professional.

1994 : Vocational Courses introduced.

1995 – 2003

1995 : Inauguration of PG block; First PG programme (M.S.W).

1996 : Introduction of B.Sc. (Biochemistry).

1997 : Introduction of B.Sc. (Microbiology).

1998 : Introduction of B.C.A., B.Com. (Computers), and M.Sc. (Computer Science).

1999 : NAAC Accreditation with 5 stars.

2002 : Introduction of B.Sc. (Biotechnology), PGD-HRM, and M.Com.

2003 : Introduction of M.Sc. (Microbiology & Mathematics).

2004 – 2010

2004 : ‘College with potential for Excellence’ by UGC

2005 : Introduction of Choice and Credit Based Semester System

2006 : NAAC Re-accreditation at ‘A’ level

2007 : CCNA (Diploma) introduced

2008 : Golden Jubilee Celebration of the College; Introduction of Bachelor in Management Studies (B.M.S)

2009 : Extension of Autonomous status till 2015 by UGC

2010 : Signing MOU with British Council (UK) for English Language Teaching Centre; PG Autonomy

2011 – 2015

2011 : Introduction of B.Com. (International Business), M.Sc. (Organic Chemistry), M.Sc. (Finance), M.A. in Mass Communication & Journalism (MCJ) Signing MOU with St. Ambrose University, IOWA, USA for study abroad programme

2012 : Introduction of B.Com (IPP), B.Sc. Hons (Software Engineering) & M.Sc. Applied Psychology Addition of 4 Floor to the main building

2013 : Signing MOU with American Consulate for starting ‘American Corner’, Introduction of B.Sc. Applied Nutrition, 25 years of Autonomy of the College

2014 : Sports Indoor Stadium Introduction of B.Voc. (IM) & B.Voc. (RM & IT). Extension of CPE till 2019

2015 : Signing of MOU with University of East London

2016 – 2020

2016 : Adoption of UGC-CBCS. Signing of MOU with Xavier University Aruba. Signing of MOU with Gregorian Pontifical University Rome.

2017 : Extension of Autonomy Status till 2021.

2018 : 30 years of Autonomy of the College. Signing of MOU with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Signing of MOU with the Learning House.

2019 : Ranked among the top 100 colleges in India by NIRF, MHRD, Government of India. Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of the College.

2020 : Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. Ranked 73 among colleges in India by NIRF, MHRD, Government of India. MOU with Tally Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

2021 – 2025

2021 : NAAC Re-accreditation at ‘A’ level. Ranked among top 100 colleges in India by NIRF, MHRD, Government of India. Extension of Autonomous Status till 2026.

2022 : Introduction of M.A. English, M.Sc. Data Science & M.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics. Introduction of PG Diploma in Fintech, Analytical Chemistry, Fitness & Nutrition Management, Travel & Tourism, Business Analytics & Data Science.

2023 : Inception of SFC Wings. Ranked 98 among colleges in India by NIRF, MHRD, Government of India.

2024 : DST Wise Kiran Curie Lab. Introduction of B.Sc. (Mathematics/Economics/Statistics), B.A. (Mass Comm./Literature/Psychology), M.Sc. Computer Science (AI & ML) & M.Com (Finance & Analytics).

2025 : MoU with Case Western Reserve University, Ohio. MoU with Indian Public Enterprise (IPE). MoU with Don Bosco International Media Academy, Paris. Renovation of Gym by Francis Alumni Association. Inauguration of the Canteen.