After welcoming boys into its degree college, the 105-year-old all-girls St. Agnes Pre-University College, located on the same campus, is set to become co-ed starting next academic year. The change comes as the Apostolic Carmel Congregation, which runs the educational institutions, responds to the growing demand for education at their campuses. With this move, the entire campus in Bendore will transition to a co-educational setup.
Sr. Noreen D’Souza, the principal of St. Agnes Pre-University College, shared that the decision to go co-ed was influenced by the increasing demand for inclusive education. “With the PU college also deciding to allow boys, the entire campus will be co-ed,” she said. Currently, the college offers arts, commerce, and science courses to around 1,300 girl students from across India and abroad. The college has already received inquiries from male students eager to enroll in the institution, which had been an all-girls establishment until now.
St. Agnes College, which shares the same campus, made the switch to a co-educational model three years ago when it began admitting male students into its post-graduate courses.
Founded in 1920, St. Agnes College is South India’s first Catholic women’s college and the second in the country. The institution has been a pioneer in empowering young women through education, reflecting the values and teachings of its founder, Mother Aloysia. Many former students expressed pride in seeing their alma mater evolve and embrace change.
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