Geology as a degree course leading to postgraduation was introduced for the first time in India at Presidency College, Calcutta (now Presidency University, Kolkata, West Bengal), in 1892. This marked the beginning of formal geological education in India.
First Institution in India: Presidency College became the pioneer in teaching geology at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Foundation for Indian Geology: The program trained early Indian geologists, many of whom later contributed significantly to mineral exploration, mapping, and tectonic studies.
Influence on Geological Research: It led to the establishment of geological surveys, research institutions, and mineral resource assessments in India.
Presidency College played a key role in shaping Indian geoscientists, many of whom later joined organizations like:
Geological Survey of India (GSI)
Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM)
Various mining and metallurgical industries
Helped India in natural resource exploration (coal, iron, petroleum, and precious minerals).
The 1892 initiative at Presidency College laid the academic foundation for geology in India, fostering generations of geologists, researchers, and mining experts who contributed to India’s economic and scientific progress.
