Old colleges of Visakhapatnam that still stand strong

Visakhapatnam is known to have some of the oldest educational institutions in India. A few of these colleges date back to the colonial period. Over the years, these institutions have played a key role in shaping the lives of young people across the state. Many Noble Laureates, freedom fighters, scientists, and philosophers have graduated from these prestigious colleges. These institutes offer various courses in arts and science. Vizag is the one of the preferred locations, for pursuing higher studies, due to the availability of student friendly facilities such as libraries, research labs, and training institutes in the city. These institutes continue to carry their legacy, by making advancements in the academic curriculum and teaching methods. Despite the origin of new colleges in the city, these old colleges in Visakhapatnam continue to be popular and spoken-about. These old colleges in Visakhapatnam, such as the Andhra University Physics Department, are known for their vintage architecture.

#1 Mrs. A.V.N. College

Mrs. A.V.N. (Ankitam Venkata Narasimha) College was established in 1878, with affiliation to Madras University. The college was initially started with a strength of 50 students. This college offers various courses like Bio-Chemistry, Fisheries, Electronics, Computer Science, Commerce, Physics, Zoology, and Statistics. The diploma courses were introduced in 2012. The college was awarded a NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) A-grade by the peer review team in 2018. This college was previously known as Hindu College. A few of the notable alumni from the college are Tenneti Viswanadham and C.R.Rao.

Where: Near Head Post Office, Behind KGH

#2 Andhra University

Andhra University was established in 1926, under the Madras Act of 1926. King Vikram Deo Verma, the Maharaja of Jeypore, has donated land and two million rupees for the establishment of the university. Andhra University is not just one of the oldest educational institutions in the country, but it is also the first residential and teaching-cum-affiliating university, mainly devoted to post-graduate courses in engineering and research. It is a vast campus that spreads across the centre of the city. A few of the notable alumni from this university are Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao, C.R. Rao, M. Venkaiah Naidu, and Trivikram Srinivas.

Where: Near Siripuram Circle.

#3 Dr Lankapalli Bullayya College

Dr Lankapalli Bullayya College was established in the year 1973. This college was named in honour of Dr Lankapalli Bullayya, who served as a Vice Chancellor of Andhra University. The campus offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in commerce, management, arts, and sciences. In 2010 engineering courses have been added. This campus is spread over 10 acres with grounds, laboratories, and other important facilities. The college has been granted the status of research centre in some departments by Andhra University, allowing students to pursue M. Phil and doctoral programmes.

Where: Resapuvanipalem, beside Tech Mahindra

#4 Dr V. S. Krishna Government Degree & P.G College

Dr V. S. Krishna Govt. Degree & P.G College was established in 1968. This is an autonomous college offering courses in arts, commerce, and science. This college was inaugurated by Khandubhai Kasanji Desai, then Governor of combined Andhra Pradesh. The college is well known for its ground and other sports activities. This is one of the oldest colleges in Visakhapatnam with a NAAC A-grade. 

Where: KRM Colony, Maddilapalem

#5 St. Joseph’s College for Women

St. Joseph’s College for Women was established in 1958, by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Annecy. This is the first women’s college in Visakhapatnam. This is an autonomous college offering science, commerce, and arts courses in graduation and post-graduation level. The campus is spread over 7.5 acres.

Where: Gnanapuram Road

#6 BVK College

BVK (Bharateeya Vidhya Kendram) College was established in 1980. The college is affiliated with the Board of Intermediate Education, Andhra Pradesh, offering courses in arts, humanities, and science streams. This college also offers degree courses with affiliation to Andhra University. It is one of the oldest colleges in Visakhapatnam with a NAAC B+ grade.

Where:  Seethammapetha, Dwaraka Nagar

#7 Andhra Medical College

Andhra Medical College (AMC) was established on 19 July, 1923. This is one of the oldest medical colleges in India. The first batch consisted of 50 students, who were trained for the Licentiate Certificate Standard A. The various departments are Anatomy, Anesthesiology, Biochemistry, Cardiology, Dental Surgery, Dermatology, Gastroenterology, General Medicine, and a few other departments.

Where: King George Hospital