Established in 1939, Handique Girls´ College has been one of the most significant nerve centres of women´s education in North East India. The college was the realisation of a long-cherished dream of Rajabala Das, a visionary and pioneer in women´s education, who also served as its founding principal. The institution owes a great deal to the patronage and philanthropy of the late Radha Kanta Handique, whose support was instrumental in establishing the first institution of higher education for women in the undivided state of Assam.
Founded in 1939 by the visionary educator Late Mrs. Rajabala Das against the backdrop of India´s nationalist movement, Handique Girls´ College stands as one of the oldest and most respected institutions for women´s higher education in North-East India. Mrs. Das´s unwavering commitment to women´s empowerment found strong support in the philanthropy of Late Radha Kanta Handique, whose generosity played a pivotal role in establishing this premier centre for women´s education during pre-independence India. The college began its journey in a modest building within the Panbazar Girls´ High School campus and was initially known as Gauhati Girls´ College. Its present name honours the legacy of Radha Kanta Handique, remembered with enduring gratitude by generations of stakeholders.
For over eight decades, Handique Girls´ College has provided a nurturing and inclusive academic space for young women to dream, aspire, and grow. The college promotes excellence not only in academics but also in leadership, creativity, and social responsibility. With students from diverse ethnic, cultural, and regional backgrounds, the campus celebrates pluralism and promotes unity through education.
As an affiliated college of Gauhati University, the institution follows university-designed curricula. However, in response to evolving academic and professional demands, the college offers a range of value-added initiatives such as career-oriented programmes, certificate courses, student mentoring schemes, and co-curricular engagements. These initiatives are designed to enrich the students´ learning experience and equip them to meet the challenges of the modern world as active contributors in a global knowledge society.
Recognising that education today is both a privilege and a responsibility, the college encourages students to engage with their immediate communities and the broader world. The vibrant alumnae network, with members excelling in various professional and social fields, attests to the college´s legacy of nurturing women who lead, serve, and inspire. The college is committed to fostering a sense of social responsibility and civic engagement among its students.
Since its inception, the college has been guided by a succession of visionary principals and dedicated members of the Governing Body who have upheld the ideals of academic excellence and social commitment.
