On this day, the syndicate of Calcutta University announced that women candidates could appear for all university examinations. This was brought about by the candidature of Chandramukhi Bose, who, with Kadambini Ganguly, became the first women graduates of India.
According to the Bethune College website, in 1876, Bose had wanted to take the entrance examination of Calcutta University, which male candidates alone were allowed to appear for. The university syndicate only allowed her to be privately examined.
On January 27, 1877, Bose passed in all subjects. Three months later, the syndicate revised its stand and allowed women to take the entrance examination.
Bose’s and Ganguly’s desire to study further had Bethune School starting college classes. They became graduates in 1883. After her MA, Bose joined her alma mater as a teacher in 1884 and eventually became the first principal of Bethune College. Ganguly became the first Indian woman practising doctor trained in western medicine.
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