Cotton College State University

Cotton University, formerly known as Cotton College, is a prestigious public state university in Guwahati, Assam. During British rule, Assam was the only province without a college, making Guwahati the ideal location for one. Recognizing this need, Sir Henry John Stedman Cotton, K.C.S.I., then Chief Commissioner of Assam, announced on November 3, 1899, the establishment of a college in Guwahati. Named Cotton College in his honor, it was inaugurated on May 27, 1901, by Sir Henry Cotton himself.

Over the years, the institution evolved significantly. Initially affiliated with Calcutta University, Cotton College later became a constituent of Gauhati University in 1948. Marking its centenary, the college hosted a year-long celebration from May 27, 2001, to May 26, 2002, with its closing ceremony attended by then Vice President of India, Krishan Kant. India Post also recognized this milestone by issuing a ₹4 stamp featuring one of its heritage buildings in May 2002.

In 2011, Cotton College State University was established, with Cotton College as a constituent unit. The transformation into Cotton University took place in 2017 under the Cotton University Act, 2017. Today, it stands as a premier higher education institution in Assam.

Scholarships available at Cotton College State University

Cotton University in Guwahati, Assam, offers a range of scholarships to support its students' academic and research endeavors. These scholarships are designed to promote academic excellence, provide financial assistance to economically disadvantaged students, and encourage research activities.

Institutional Scholarships:

1. Mahendra Nath Bhattacharyya and Jaya Bhattacharyya Memorial Scholarship: This one-time scholarship of ₹10,000 is awarded annually to one male and one female student from economically weaker sections, with a family income below ₹1,00,000. The scholarship is sponsored by Dr. Indra Kumar Bhattacharyya, a former principal and alumnus of Cotton College.
   
   
2. Tanushree Hazarika Memorial Fellowship: Aimed at meritorious female hostel boarders from low-income families (annual income ≤ ₹50,000), this fellowship provides ₹2,000 per month throughout the three-year undergraduate program. It is sponsored by Mr. Prabir Hazarika in memory of his daughter, Tanushree Hazarika.
   
   
3. Micro Research Fellowship: This fellowship offers ₹3,000 to selected undergraduate (6th semester) and postgraduate (4th semester) students interested in conducting original research projects. The grant supports the research process, culminating in a paper or report.
   
   
4. Scholarship for Economically Weaker Students: Each year, 150 scholarships of ₹2,000 are awarded to students from families with an annual income less than ₹5,00,000 and who demonstrate good academic performance.

Government and External Scholarships:
Cotton University also facilitates various government-sponsored scholarships, including:

1. UGC-CSIR Junior Research Fellowship: For students who qualify in national-level tests conducted by UGC/CSIR and similar organizations.
   
   
2. Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme for North Eastern Region: An initiative by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to promote higher education among students from the North Eastern states, offering financial support for general degree courses, technical, and professional programs.
   
   
3. Post Matric Scholarships for SC/ST/OBC Students: State-sponsored scholarships for students belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.

For detailed information on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines, students are encouraged to visit the university's official website or contact the scholarship office. By offering these scholarships, Cotton University aims to foster an inclusive educational environment, enabling students from diverse backgrounds to achieve their academic goals.