Cotton University
Cotton University, formerly known as Cotton College, is a public state university located in Guwahati, Assam, India. It was established in 2017 by the provisions of an Act from the Assam Legislative Assembly which merged Cotton College State University and Cotton College. The university has progressed to become one of the top 200 institutions of the country. However, as of 2024, Cotton University is ranked 373rd in the NIRF, whereas Gauhati University holds a commendable 40th position in the same ranking.
Cotton College was established in 1901 by Sir Henry Stedman Cotton, chief commissioner of the former British province of Assam. It was the oldest institute of higher education in Assam and all of Northeast India. Cotton College became a constituent college of Gauhati University in 1948, and then of Cotton College State University when it was established in 2011, by an Act of the Assam Government. The Cotton University Act, 2017, was enacted to resolve problems between the college and the university.
Accreditation
Cotton University, then Cotton College, was accredited with an "A++" grade and a cumulative grade point average of 3.76 on a four-point scale by the 18th SC Executive Committee of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council on 5 November 2016, reflecting high institutional quality. As of 6 September 2024, the university's accreditation status was revised to an "A" grade with a CGPA of 3.05 on a seven-point scale.History
In 1899, Manik Chandra Baruah wrote to the British government asking to open a college in Guwahati, in so far as Assam was the only province with no college and that Guwahati was the most convenient location. In response, Sir Henry Stedman Cotton, K.C.S.I., then the Chief Commissioner of Assam, announced on 3 November 1899 that a college would be opened in Guwahati. Cotton College, named by the public, was inaugurated on 27 May 1901 by Cotton himself. Before 1948, It was affiliated with Calcutta University and began with five professors which included Frederick William Sudmerson, the first principal of the college, and 39 students.The college was the centre of the freedom movement as well as literary and cultural movements of the state, which aimed to build Assam's identity as a distinct, integral component of India. When Gauhati University was established in 1948, Cotton College became affiliated with it as a constituent college. In 2015, the college was declared a Special Heritage College.
On 16 October 1992, the college was named as a center of excellence, an occasion celebrated in a solemn ceremony with Shankar Dayal Sharma, then President of India, and it officially became a post-graduate college.
Cotton College State University
Cotton College State University was created through an Act of the Government of Assam. This act received the assent of the Governor of Assam on 3 September 2011, published in the Assam Gazette on 5 September 2011. The Cotton College became its constituent college.The election for the university's first Academic Council and University Court was held on 22 February 2013 with three and five members elected respectively.
Cotton University
Over time, conflicts emerged between the university and the college chiefly over the custody of properties. The Assam Legislative Assembly passed an amendment in 2015 that the university and the college be run as separate institutes. The bill, called The Cotton University Act 2017, was passed by the Assam Legislative Assembly on 2 March 2017 in order to resolve these problems. By this act, the university and college would be completely merged. Upon enforcement, the university was renamed Cotton University. By ordinance, the governor of Assam, Banwarilal Purohit became chancellor, who then appointed Bhabesh Chandra Goswami as the first vice chancellor in July 2017.Campus
Cotton University's campus spans 39.82 acres in Panbazar, Guwahati, an area known for its bustling streets and key landmarks, including the BSNL office, Reserve Bank of India, Gauhati High Court, and Handique Girls College. The Dighalipukhuri bus stop, situated nearby, connects to several key townships, contributing to the area's vibrant atmosphere.Controversy
On 6 October 2018, violence broke out in connection with student politics at Cotton University in Guwahati, as the university prepared for its upcoming campus elections. Nabajit Dutta, a candidate for the position of general secretary, and another student, Trinayan Baruah, were attacked by unknown assailants in the Japorigog area. Both students sustained injuries but were able to escape. A formal complaint was filed at the Dispur police station following the incident.On 8 December 2019, a video of Cotton University students chanting slogans of "Azaadi" gained attention on social media amid ongoing protests against the Citizenship Amendment Bill in Assam. The video, shared by Facebook user Ivan Ahmed, depicted students expressing their discontent with the government. The chants included demands for freedom from the CAB and targeted specific leaders such as Assam's the then Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the then Finance and Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and the then Education Minister Siddhartha Bhattacharya. The students were heard chanting "Sarbananda se azaadi, Himanta se azaadi, Bharat se azaadi, Siddhartha se azaadi," along with calls for liberation from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. The Students’ Union of Cotton University had organized a rally called Rono Hunkaar, or 'War Cry,' to protest the controversial bill, which aims to provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented non-Muslims from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. This legislation has faced significant opposition from residents of Assam and other northeastern states. The Northeast Students’ Organisation announced a regional shutdown to mark collective dissent against the CAB, which was scheduled for final review in the Rajya Sabha.
On 8 January 2020, students of Cotton University in Guwahati hoisted black flags to protest against the attack on students and teachers at Jawaharlal Nehru University, which has been a controversial institution often labeled as anti-nationalist. The Cotton University students expressed solidarity with the victims and demanded government action against the attackers. Sudarshan Kaushik Sarma emphasized concerns about student safety, stating that if safety could not be ensured in the national capital, other regions would also be at risk. The Assam Students' Forum also called for the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the incident.
On 7 January 2022, at least 15 students from Cotton University were injured in a clash between two hostels: Mahendra Nath Deka Phukan and Sita Nath Brahma Choudhury. The altercation arose over the results of the university's student union general elections. One of the injured students, Pragyan Protim Bora, was severely hurt and was initially taken to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital before being transferred to a private hospital in the city the following day. According to Prithviraj Rajkhowa, assistant commissioner of police in Guwahati, the incident occurred around 10:30 PM on Wednesday, shortly after the election results were announced. The elections, which took place on Tuesday, were closely contested. The MNDP hostel, supported by the Satra Mukti Sangram Samiti, secured three key positions: vice-president, general secretary, and assistant general secretary. In contrast, the SNBC hostel, backed by the Asom Chatra Parishad, managed to win only the presidency. SMSS is affiliated with Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi’s Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti, while the ACP is the student wing of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s key ally, the Asom Gana Parishad. Rustom Raj Brahma, the officer in charge of the Panbazar police station, noted that both hostels filed First Information Reports against each other. The MNDP hostel accused students from the SNBC hostel of attacking them with sticks and bamboo, as well as pelting stones, resulting in injuries to over 15 students from the MNDP hostel. A similar FIR was lodged by the SNBC hostel against the MNDP hostel, containing similar allegations.
On 2 July 2022, several students at Cotton University in Guwahati were injured during a clash between two hostels in the early hours of Saturday. Around 1:45 AM, inmates of a boys' hostel reportedly threw bricks, bottles, and other objects at another hostel. Several students who were asleep at the time sustained injuries, with some retaliating by throwing similar objects. One student was seriously injured and required admission to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital. The circumstances leading to the clash remain unclear; however, university sources indicated that tensions on campus had increased following the general secretary of the students' union's decision to join the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. On the preceding Thursday, students, particularly those residing in various hostels, held a demonstration on campus, expressing their belief that he had been supported as an apolitical candidate and arguing that it was "unethical" for him to join a political party. Following the incident, a case was filed, and an investigation was initiated by the police and the students were arrested.
On 14 November 2022, Guwahati Police arrested Anupam Mali for allegedly attacking Rapido driver Sajid Choudhury on November 10 near the Guwahati Railway Station. The incident involved a group of Cotton University students following their elections. CCTV footage showed Mali carrying a wooden log during the assault. While Trinayan Baruah, an Asom Chatra Parishad leader, was present, he was not directly involved in the attack. The case raised concerns about the safety of app-based drivers, especially during late hours, with calls for more government action.
A 21-year-old female student from Cotton University in Guwahati was reported to have died by suicide at her residence in Goreswar, located in Assam's Tamulpur district, on 2 December 2022. According to police, the victim was a BA fifth-semester student at the university. Her body was discovered hanging from the ceiling fan at her home. Authorities found a suicide note and are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding her tragic decision. The note indicated that the student attributed her actions to her difficult financial situation, stating, "My economic condition is extremely bad; I am ugly; I hate my life."
On 24 February 2023, a Higher Secondary student from Cotton University, Surya Narayan Das, was reported missing. Surya last spoke to his mother at 8:30 PM on Thursday, shortly before leaving his hostel room in Uzan Bazaar at 9 PM after dinner. In response to the report, the Latasil Police initiated a search operation to locate the missing student. He was never found and was later declared dead.
On 6 March 2023, four students from Cotton University were arrested by Panbazar police for their alleged involvement in two separate assault incidents. The students, identified as Mriganka Kashyap, Hrishikesh Das, Mausam Mahanta, and Sanjay Rangthal, are all undergraduates in their sixth semester. Kashyap and Das, who reside at the MNDP hostel, are accused of attacking the district general secretary of the BJP Guwahati city unit. Meanwhile, Mahanta and Rangthal allegedly assaulted an employee of NF Railway at the Guwahati Railway Station. Sanjay, who was initially absconding, was apprehended at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. The arrests were made following two First Information Reports lodged at the Panbazar Police Station, leading to charges under sections 143, 279, 294, 307, and 326 of the Indian Penal Code.
On 27 November 2023, an alleged assault occurred involving students from Cotton University in Guwahati. The incident took place on the university campus, where a woman was reportedly attacked by a group of male students, said to be residents of the MNDP hostel. According to reports, the group of students was initially involved in an altercation with a man they accused of theft. When the woman and her husband attempted to intervene, they were allegedly assaulted by the students. The woman later reported that she was struck on the head, resulting in her losing consciousness. Following the incident, the students reportedly fled to the MNDP hostel and secured the gates. Authorities from the Panbazar police station responded to the scene, and the woman was taken for a medical examination. Panbazar police station Officer-in-Charge Bhargab Borbora stated that a formal First Information Report was anticipated to be filed. Investigations were ongoing based on the woman’s account. The woman alleged that approximately six male students were involved in the attack, but one individual who physically assaulted her had not been identified. In contrast, students from the MNDP hostel denied the allegations, asserting that the woman was inebriated and was standing near the hostel gate. They claimed that she was accidentally knocked down by two individuals fleeing the scene after being chased by security personnel. However, police officials maintained that the woman was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. This event is part of a broader context of previous allegations involving Cotton University students, particularly concerning incidents of violence or altercations.
On 12 December 2023, a female student at Cotton University in Guwahati attempted to take her own life by jumping from the second floor of the MCB administrative building. The student, who is enrolled in the first year of the Higher Secondary Arts stream, was promptly transported to Nemcare Hospital following the incident. She is currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit.
On 10 April 2024, another tragic incident occurred involving Kalina Barua, a first-year student at Cotton University, who died after jumping from her student residence, the Pranalaya PG. The incident has raised significant concerns about mental health awareness among students. Kalina's fall from the second floor resulted in severe injuries, and she was promptly taken to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital for urgent medical treatment. Unfortunately, despite the medical team's efforts, she succumbed to her injuries. The reasons behind Kalina's drastic decision remain unclear, leaving the university community in shock and mourning. This incident has prompted serious discussions regarding mental health support systems and the need for greater awareness among students at Cotton University.
On 3 August 2024, students residing in the SNBC hostel at Cotton University staged a protest to highlight the lack of basic facilities. The hostellers expressed their grievances regarding inadequate amenities, which have impacted their living conditions and overall experience at the university. The demonstration aimed to draw attention to their demands for improved infrastructure and services within the hostel.
On 14 August 2024, a former Cotton University student, Sanjan Gohain, was involved in an alleged assault on a security guard at the SNBC hostel on the university's campus. The incident reportedly occurred when the guard, Purbajyoti Kalita, attempted to stop Gohain and another individual from consuming alcohol on the premises. Despite the guard's intervention, Gohain allegedly continued drinking and urinated inside the hostel. The situation escalated when Gohain, with assistance from another person, physically attacked Kalita and damaged his clothing. Following the incident, Kalita filed a First Information Report at the Panbazar police station. It was noted that Gohain has a history of prior cases registered at the police station. Local residents have also indicated that late-night drinking at the SNBC hostel has been a persistent issue, contributing to disturbances in the neighborhood.
On 16 September 2024, an incident occurred at Cotton State University in Guwahati when a man was struck by a speeding water tanker near the Mahendra Nath Deka Phukan Hostel, resulting in serious injuries. Following the accident, students from the University reacted by protesting on the streets, expressing their frustration and demanding immediate action to improve safety measures. The students called for the establishment of a 'closed corridor' around the University premises to enhance pedestrian safety and prevent future accidents. Their demonstration caused significant traffic disruptions, as they blocked the road and insisted on a response to their demands. As of now, University authorities have not publicly addressed the students' concerns, underscoring the need for improved safety protocols in areas with high pedestrian traffic.
On February 10, 2025, a cultural procession organized by students of Cotton University was interrupted by the police near the university premises, leading to a verbal confrontation. The procession was part of the university’s Varsity Week celebrations. According to the police, the event was halted due to the absence of the necessary permissions. A police official stated that the students had not obtained prior approval for the procession, which led to its obstruction. However, Nirab Hazarika, the General Secretary of the Varsity Union Body, asserted that the request for permission had been submitted a day earlier, following police instructions to apply online. Despite this, the request was reportedly denied. Hazarika mentioned that students were informed about restrictions on processions due to the upcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 event, though the police later refuted this claim. Even after deciding to limit the procession within the campus, the students faced intervention from authorities. He also expressed disappointment that permission was denied for the event near Nehru Park and Khao Gali, areas not on the main public transport route. Hazarika further alleged that a similar procession by Handique Girls' College had taken place a day earlier, suggesting inconsistency in enforcement. However, the police maintained that no permissions were granted for such events. The Varsity Week celebrations began on February 7, 2025, and were scheduled to conclude on February 13, 2025.
On 12th September 2025, The University experienced student unrest following an alleged assault involving a 21-year-old student from Manipur. This incident led to the registration of a First Information Report against 11 individuals, including current and former students of the university. The alleged victim, Debashish Barman, reported that on September 8, he was abducted, confined in a hostel room, and physically assaulted by the accused. According to his complaint, the assailants dragged him by his legs, beat him with a guitar, tore his shirt, and threatened to kill him. They also allegedly tried to force him into making an obscene video. Following the FIR, students of the SNBC Boys' Hostel staged protests on campus, claiming that the university authorities and police were harassing them and that the legal action was unjustified. The Panbazar police registered a case against the 11 individuals based on Barman’s complaint, with charges including wrongful confinement and criminal intimidation. Despite the ongoing investigation, the university’s student union announced that the student elections would proceed as scheduled on September 24. The incident brought attention to student safety and the handling of disputes within academic institutions, with the investigation continuing to determine the facts and ensure justice.