# Rajiv Gandhi Arts and Science College

Rajiv Gandhi Arts and Science College, is a general degree college located in Thavalakuppam, Puducherry. It was established in the year 1995 as Tagore Arts College (Annex). The institution was taken over by the Pondicherry Society for Higher Education (PONSHE) in 2004-2005 and was renamed in 2009 as Rajiv Gandhi Arts and Science College. The college is affiliated with Pondicherry University. It serves as a vital hub of higher education for the rural population. Located on a sprawling 5-acre campus, the college boasts a lush green environment with over 100 trees, creating a serene and eco-friendly learning atmosphere. With 75% of admissions reserved for rural students, 90% of whom are first-generation degree learners, the college plays a critical role in fostering socio-economic empowerment, especially among rural women. Currently, 90% of students successfully complete their degrees with more 50% rural women students, and 40% pursue higher education and 40% are placed after graduation. With a total student strength of 890 and a faculty strength of 31 teaching and 13 non-teaching staff, RGASC plays a pivotal role in empowering rural students, particularly women, through education. This college offers different courses in arts, commerce and science.

## Departments
### Science

* Computer Science
* Computer Application

### Arts and Commerce

* Business Administration
* Co-operative Management
* Commerce

## Academic Programs

The college offers five undergraduate programs:
* B.Sc. in Computer Science
* Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)
* Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
* B.Com. General
* B.Com. in Co-operative Management
The curriculum aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP), emphasizing multidisciplinary learning, internships, and skill development.

## Accreditation

The college is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The courses BBA and BCA are approved by AICTE AICTE.

## Vision

“To percolate education to rural and economically backward communities, ensuring equal opportunities for learning, social development, and upliftment of rural living standards.”

## Mission

Ensure equal educational opportunity for all students, regardless of background. Empower women through education. Improve the socio-economic conditions of the rural population through academic initiatives. Encourage student participation in socio-cultural and economic activities. Instill values such as discipline, sincerity, responsibility, and national integration

## Infrastructure

RGASC offers well-equipped facilities for both academic and extracurricular activities. The campus spans 5 acres, with facilities including:
* A library with extensive resources
* Two air-conditioned computer labs with over 100 computers, Digital and microprocessor Labs.
* Spacious and Smart Classrooms.
* A 400-meter athletic track and other outdoor sports facilities such as cricket ground.
* large indoor stadium for tennis, volleyball and basketball and outdoor sports facilities
* Well equipped auditorium.
* Neat student rest rooms for boys and girls and clean drinking water with RO facility.

## Student Development

The Mentor-Mentee Program offers personalized guidance and support to students, with a focus on both academic and emotional development. The college also conducts remedial classes for slow learners to help them succeed academically.

## Empowering rural women students

Special attention is given to empowering women students through initiatives like self-defense classes, which enhance physical safety and boost confidence, and mental wellness workshops, designed to support emotional well-being and resilience. These programs help students manage academic stress, improve mental health awareness, and provide them with coping mechanisms. As a college with a majority of rural women students, these efforts are key to fostering personal growth, security, and overall well-being, preparing them for successful futures both professionally and personally.

## Research and Innovation

The Innovation Council (IIC) promotes research, innovation, and entrepreneurship through workshops, hackathons, and incubation programs. The college's Entrepreneurship Development Cell collaborates with MSMEs to help students foster leadership skills and entrepreneurial growth.

## Career Guidance and Placement Cell

This cell was established in the year 2013-14 and plays an essential role in preparing students for the job market. Through a series of training programs, skill development workshops, and campus recruitment drives, the cell has successfully placed students nearly 40 % of students in companies such as TCS, Askan Technologies, Integra, Li Creative Technologies, Piramal Finance, and Lenovo Ltd. The cell has 6 MoUs with industries to offer internships, skill development training and industry exposure to help students enhance employability.

## Student Grievance Redressal

The college has a robust Grievance Redressal Cell, addressing concerns and grievances of students in a timely manner. College has a counselling centre to address the mental health of the students that are open on Tuesdays and Fridays to provide Mental wellness. Committees like the Parent-Teacher Association, Anti-Ragging Committee, and Alumni Association ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for the student community.

## Environmental Initiatives

The college campus is eco-friendly, adopting measures such as rainwater harvesting, energy conservation, e-waste management, Vegetable Garden and tree plantation. It is a SUP-free and smoke-free zone, with a focus on creating environmental awareness among students. Students of NSS and NCC frequently participate in beach cleaning drives of the nearby Pooranamkuppam beach.

## Campus Engagement

To promote holistic development, the college has established various committees such as IQAC, Red Ribbon Club, NCC, and NSS, which engage students in leadership training, social responsibility, and personality development. The NSS unit has adopted the village of Andiarpalayam, where students actively participate in village development programs, awareness programs and community service. College actively participates in Swactta Hi Seva cleanliness drives, Meri Life initiatives, Ek Ped ma ka Naam initiative, Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan etc.

## Social Media Presence

The college an active social media Page in Facebook and Instagram and also runs a YouTube channel named RGASC Campus chronicles run by students.