Established in 1924, Indraprastha College for Women (IP College) is the oldest women's college in Delhi, India. It is a constituent college of the University of Delhi, located in the Civil Lines area of New Delhi. The origins of IP College trace back to 1904 when educationist Dr. Annie Besant and the Theosophical Society established the Indraprastha Girls' School in Chhipiwara, Old Delhi. The institution evolved into a college in 1924, with Leonara Gmeiner serving as its first principal.
As a constituent college of the University of Delhi, IP College adheres to high academic standards and has been recognized for its contributions to women's education. In 2020, it was ranked 11th among arts colleges in India by India Today.
IP College offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. Undergraduate courses include Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in subjects such as Economics, English, Geography, Hindi, History, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sanskrit, and Sociology, Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Computer Science & Bachelor of Mass Media and Mass Communication (BMMMC). Postgraduate courses include Master of Arts (M.A.) in disciplines including Economics, English, Geography, History, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, and Sanskrit. & Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Operational Research. The college is particularly noted for its BMMMC program, being the only college under the University of Delhi to offer this course.
Spanning a 21-acre urban campus near the banks of the Yamuna River, approximately 20 kilometers from Indira Gandhi International Airport, IP College provides a conducive environment for academic and extracurricular pursuits. Key facilities include well-equipped lecture halls, seminar rooms, departmental laboratories, and a computer center. Library with a collection of books, journals, and digital resources to support learning and research. Auditorium and conference rooms for hosting seminars, workshops, and cultural events. On-campus hostel facilities for female students. Sports facilities include a gymnasium, swimming pool, and courts for basketball, tennis, badminton, squash, as well as a shooting range and spaces for table tennis, judo, and other sports. Other facilities include medical facilities, a cafeteria, Wi-Fi-enabled campus, and an on-site bank branch.
The college hosts a variety of societies and clubs that cater to diverse interests, including: Cultural Societies: La Cadenza (Western Music), Alaap (Indian Music), Mridang (Indian Dance), Afroza (Western Dance), and Abhivyakti (Dramatics). Academic Societies: Arthagya (Economics), Ananta (Science), and various editorial and debating societies. Other Clubs: Eco Club, Enactus IPCW, National Service Scheme (NSS), National Cadet Corps (NCC), Quiz Club, and Women's Development Cell (WDC). The annual cultural festival, Shruti, is a highlight, showcasing the talents and creativity of the student body.
