Long-time back, students preferred only science stream after passing out from school. However, time has changed with the establishment of several companies in various sectors in India. Nowadays, many students prefer Arts and Commerce degree courses since they provide ample job opportunities. For example, a Commerce graduate will be able to secure a job with big Multinational companies and also in ecommerce sector, which is growing every day.
There are plenty of Arts colleges in Kerala. Many of these colleges exist since last several years and are constructed in a unique architectural style. Moreover, the alumni of these colleges were all eminent personalities in Malayalam Literature, Space, Science and much more. While few colleges consist of mixed students, there are few colleges which only accommodate women.
Government Arts College, Thiruvananthapuram is the oldest colleges situated near the heart of the city. The college offers BA, MA, B.Com, M.Com and B.Sc and M.Sc courses in Economics, English, Commerce, Biotechnology, Physics and Analytical Chemistry streams. As of the time of this writing, the college has a total strength of 60 students and 70 employees. The college includes a full-fledged library with a total of 36323 books.
Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram is a private autonomous college affiliated to University of Kerala. The college offers wide range of courses not only in Arts, Commerce and Mass Communication but also in science streams such as Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Botany, Zoology and Mathematics. Moreover, the college also offers Ph.D courses in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Commerce.
St Albert’s College, Kochi is the oldest colleges in Kerala. The college was started in 1892 by Dr. Leonardo Mellano as St Albert’s High School and upgraded to College in 1946. The college offers various courses in Management, Arts, Commerce and Science including a certificate course in computer application.
St Berchmans College, Kottayam conducts various courses in Arts, Commerce, Science, Management, Computer Applications, Library Science and Hotel Management.
In addition to above listed colleges, the respective universities in Kerala directly offer campus courses (BA, MA, M.Phil and P.hD) in various Arts streams.
Amrita School of Arts and Sciences, Kollam is a reputed private autonomous college which offers various career oriented courses in Arts, Management, Visual Media and Science. The school has an excellent infrastructure, hostel, canteen, library and computing facilities. However, the course fees are very high and are not affordable for students who are financially backwards.
Assumption College, Kottayam is one of the prestigious women’s colleges accredited by NAAC. The courses offered include Bachelors and Master’s degree courses in Arts, Science, Commerce including the emerging fashion technology.
Bishop Moore College, Alappuzha is the oldest and famous institution located in the beautiful backwaters. It has been accredited with B++ grade by the NAAC in 2004. The college offers courses in Arts, Commerce, Politics, Hindi and Malayalam.
St Xaviers College, Trivandrum is located far away from the city. However, the college atmosphere is very much suitable for effective learning. I had studied in the college for few days after my schooling and I felt great. The classrooms are well arranged and include a cooperative society where students can purchase books and stationary items. It took 2 hours for me to reach college from my home and hence I quit and joined Government Arts College, Trivandrum.
Fatima Mata National College, Kollam is affiliated to University of Kerala and offers Bachelors and Master’s degree courses in Arts, Commerce and Science. Moreover, the college also offers M.Phil/Ph.D programs in all major streams.
Some of the other popular Arts colleges in Kerala are mentioned below
- Govt College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram
- All Saints College (Women), Trivandrum
- Govt Victoria College, Palakkad
- Govinda Pai Memorial Govt College, Kasaragod
- Government College, Malappuram
- Government Brennen College, Kannur
Kerala has rich green resources and Living in Kerala has been considered peaceful by many people who come either for education or for jobs. However, the living conditions have to be improved further to meet the growing demands. Government should provide adequate funds to establish modern libraries in all colleges and also try to keep the college environment trouble free. Moreover, universities should make use of the funds granted by UGCs.
