Pune's past and future in one frame — Fergusson’s timeless legacy meets the new DES University vision.
By Prashant for PuneriPages.in
If you’ve grown up in Pune, chances are you’ve either studied at, dreamt of studying at, or at least walked past the iconic gates of Fergusson College. It’s not just a college — it’s a part of the city’s soul. So when I first heard that the Deccan Education Society (DES), the parent body behind Fergusson and BMCC, had launched DES Pune University, my first reaction was: Wait, what does this mean for Fergusson?
That’s the question everyone’s been asking — students, parents, alumni, even some faculty. So I decided to dig in. I went through press releases, spoke to current students, reached out to alumni, and even got a quote from the university leadership. What I’ve put together here is an honest, no-fluff guide to this big academic shift.
Table of Contents
The Big Change Explained: The Ultimate Comparison Table
This is where most of the confusion lies, so let’s clear it up first.
| Feature | Fergusson College (Autonomous) | DES Pune University (Private) |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Awarded By | Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) | DES Pune University |
| Admissions | Based on HSC marks / SPPU CAP rounds | Based on its own entrance tests/criteria |
| Curriculum | SPPU syllabus with autonomy for internal changes | Fully independent curriculum developed by DES University |
| Status | Continues as an autonomous college under SPPU | A new, UGC-approved degree-granting university under DES |
So no — Fergusson is not going anywhere. It will still function the way it has been: under SPPU, with its autonomous status. DES Pune University is new, and it will function alongside, not over or instead of Fergusson.
The Vision: Why a New University After 140 Years?
I got in touch with Dr. Ravindra Pandit, Vice-Chancellor of DES Pune University, who shared this with me:
“Our vision is to build a future-ready university that blends academic excellence with industry relevance. The goal is not to replace Fergusson or BMCC, but to offer programs that aren’t possible under traditional frameworks.”
From what I gathered, this shift is about freedom — academic freedom, curriculum design freedom, and quicker implementation of interdisciplinary programs like Data Science, Liberal Arts, Global Studies, and more. In short: they want to build something modern, agile, and future-facing.
Worries and Hopes: What the Fergusson Community Thinks
Of course, not everyone is jumping with joy — and rightly so. I spoke to a few current students and alumni (on the promise of anonymity), and their thoughts reflect what many are quietly wondering:
“Fergusson is our pride. I just hope this new university doesn’t dilute the brand we’ve built over generations,” said a student currently pursuing Political Science.
“I’m curious but cautious. I don’t know how employers or society will view degrees from this new university. Fergusson has legacy value — this is new,” said a BMCC alum.
Some were excited about the idea of cutting-edge programs, but almost all agreed that how DES handles this transition will be crucial to earning trust.
An Expert’s Perspective: A Growing Trend
To get a big-picture view, I reached out to Dr. Smita Joshi, a respected former Dean from one of Pune’s top colleges. Here’s what she told me:
“This is part of a national trend. More legacy educational societies are becoming private universities to innovate faster. It allows freedom — but also demands strong internal governance. Students must do their homework before choosing.”
She’s right. It’s not about good or bad — it’s about clarity. If DES can maintain its culture of excellence, this could be a big win. But it needs to be done right.
The Ultimate FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I still get a Fergusson College degree from SPPU?
A: Yes, Fergusson College continues exactly as it is under SPPU.
Q: Is Fergusson College being merged or shut down?
A: Nope! Fergusson stays. DES Pune University is a separate initiative.
Q: What kind of courses will DES Pune University offer?
A: Think Liberal Arts, Data Science, Journalism, Global Studies — basically programs that benefit from flexibility.
Q: Are the fees going to be higher?
A: Yes, likely. Fergusson is partly government-aided. DES Pune University is private, so expect a different fee structure.
Q: Which one should I choose?
A: Depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re after legacy and stability, Fergusson is your best bet. If you’re open to new programs and ready to take a bit of a leap, DES Pune University might be for you.
Final Thoughts
This is not the end of Fergusson. And it’s not the beginning of its replacement either. It’s an evolution — or at least an experiment — by the same institution that gave us Fergusson.
I wrote this piece because I genuinely believe that big changes like these deserve clarity, not chaos. Pune deserves a clean, honest breakdown of what’s happening — and I hope I’ve done that here.
If you found this helpful, share it with your classmates, your parents, or anyone else confused about what’s really going on.
And as always — keep asking questions. Because that’s what great education is really about.
Stay tuned to PuneriPages.in for more updates on admissions, programs, student stories, and campus life at both Fergusson and DES Pune University.
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