One Critically Injured In Road Accident In Kolkata
The victim who was on a motorcycle attempted to overtake the bus from behind and head straight towards Red Road, only to end up under its wheels.
St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) is preparing for significant academic and infrastructural expansion as it heads towards its seventh convocation on 21 February, 2026, to be held at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, New Town. Rev. Dr. Arturo Sosa, S.J., Superior General of the Jesuits, has consented to attend as Chief Guest, while West Bengal Governor Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose is expected to preside. The university also aims to honour Dr. Shashi Tharoor with an honorary D.Litt., which will be conferred at the ceremony.
Since its establishment in 2017, the university has undergone significant transformation, with a second academic building nearing completion. The institution has invested extensively in infrastructure, including new classrooms, laboratories, a library, and moot court facilities. An auditorium with around 2,000 seats is planned, along with two smaller halls.
Speaking to reporters, SXUK Vice-Chancellor Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj said 1,085 students, including 24 PhD recipients, will graduate this year. “We began with 400 students in 2017; today we have over 4,000. We decided to go with fewer students but ensure quality education,” he said. He further emphasised that alumni participation has played an important role in the university’s growth.
The university plans to launch B.Tech programmes in 2026, with M.Tech to follow. Other proposed courses include Integrated MBA, Integrated B.Ed., a School of Design, and nursing programmes – B.Sc. and M.Sc.- with a long-term plan to establish a medical college. “Many girls travel to other states for nursing education due to limited options in West Bengal. That’s why we have thought about this approach,” Prof. Felix Raj noted.
SXUK has also introduced an AI-powered Learning Management System in collaboration with UK-based Shiksak. The university is preparing for its NAAC accreditation under the revised framework in 2026.
Value-added, and skill development courses, along with Indian and foreign language options, are also set to be introduced into the academic curriculum. The university further plans to offer certificate courses in various subjects based on student demand.
With multiple new programmes under consideration and preparations underway, the university now appears to be entering a new phase of academic expansion.
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