Lady Irwin College has celebrated 77 years in 2009.The education in this college aims towards capacity building for entrepreneurship, improved quality of life and overall development of the students. It is a nodal and template institution for Home Science education in the country.

The disciplines in the college are artistic, creative, culturally rooted and contemporary. The programmes are scientifically planned which include education in textile technology, food processing, metabolism, environment, sustainable technologies, food safety, health and disease and human development. The focus of college is to have holistic education for the all round development of the students.

High standard of education is maintained in pedagogical strategies and course structuring by the faculty members. The curriculum is internationally competitive. The college hopes to improve the talent and nurture creativity among its students for playing positive role in the society.

Brief history

From a modest beginning with 11 students in 1932, Lady Irwin College has provided higher education for generations of women. Well into the eighth decade, the college now has over 1100 students on its records every year. From the initial teaching of a Certificate Course in Home Science, the courses have multiplied, keeping in tune with the times and the changing trends in higher education.

The college has an illustrious ancestry. It was established under the patronage of Lady Dorothy Irwin, by men and women concerned with national issues and the education of women. Among them were the Maharanis of Baroda and Bhopal, Sarojini Naidu, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, Annie Besant, Kamala Devi Chattopadhyay, Margaret Cousins and Sir Ganga Ram Kaula to name a few. The college has been a template for over 200 colleges and schools offering the discipline of Home Science in India and neighboring countries, providing guidance in development of curricula, programmes and infrastructure.

The buildings of the college campus have been classified and protected as heritage sites.

The college was run under the aegis of All India Women’s Education Fund Association till 1950. It was then affiliated to the University of Delhi and a B.Sc. Home Science degree course was introduced. The college started receiving financial assistance from the University Grants Commission and is continuing to do so. In 1969, the Lady Irwin College Society (Regd.) was established, commensurate with the requirements of Delhi University to serve as the Governing Body of the college.

Over the years, the college has added bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, and facilities for community outreach programmes, inter-college and international exchanges and networking, workshops and seminars, public events, sports and recreation. Since its inception, the staff and students of the college provide research advice and community extension services in nutrition, resource management, human development, and textiles and clothing.

Programmes offered in College

Today Lady Irwin College, a constituent college of Delhi University, has programmes leading to bachelor’s degrees in Home Science, Pass and Honours, Master’s degrees in five areas - Food and Nutrition, Human Development & Childhood Studies, Fabric and Apparel Science, Development Communication & Extension, and Resource Management & Design Application. A Post Graduate Diploma in Dietetics and Public Health Nutrition. Bachelor’s degrees in Education and Special Education (MR) are also offered. The college has on its rolls doctoral students in all specializations of Home Science.

The college has two prestigious programs:

(i) Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur Child Study Center- Houses play school, Crèche, Early intervention center in disabilities and daycare.

(ii) CAS/ UGC- Center for Advanced Studies. UGC granted DRS in 1985 and today grants CAS status (2007-12).

College Infrastructure

Over the last three years, the physical infrastructure of the college building designed by the famous architect, Walter George, has been refreshed to return to the traditional appearance along with modern facilities. The Delhi Government now recognizes the college building among the several heritage sites in Delhi, and has supported its repair and restoration. Some of the structures such as Hannah Sen Cottege, College Library and Director’s Bungalow are more than 75 years old.

The College has highly qualified teaching faculty, many of whom have received national and international recognition for their teaching, research and publications. The teachers also serve as consultants and resource persons for important governmental and voluntary agencies, as well as for universities all over the country and abroad. Teachers are also invited to lead research project in their areas of specialization for institutions like UGC, Government department, National and International agencies.

The college has well equipped laboratories and classrooms and library with about 45,000 books and periodicals. On its campus the college has programmes for the care and education of young children as well as children with disability. These programmes also function as laboratory pre-school and childcare centres and are an adjunct of the department of Human Development and Childhood Studies.

Perhaps the most accurate marker of the success of an academic institution is its alumnae. Graduates of Lady Irwin College occupy top executive positions in national organizations such as the Planning Commission and in international organizations like UNDP. Many are deans of college, eminent teachers and principals of schools.

The College is ideally situated in the cultural hub of Delhi. Art galleries, museums, exhibition grounds, theatre, music and dance facilities are accessible within a radius of a kilometre. It is well connected by Metro.