52nd Rank in NIRF 2025
History of the College
Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli, has been in the forefront of women’s education for over a century. It was started for the benefit of young girls as early as 1923, when higher education for women was considered almost a transgression against the age-old customs concerning higher education for girls.
Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli, run by the Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod, Province of Tiruchirappalli, is affiliated to Bharathidasan University and is one of the oldest colleges for women in South India. Holy Cross Society is registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI, 1860, with its headquarters at Puthur, Tiruchirappalli.
Holy Cross College is meant primarily for the Catholic minority community. It admits other students irrespective of their caste, creed, and state. Their religious feelings and freedom of conscience are respected.
Our Journey
From its humble beginning, the institution has grown steadily, achieving historic milestones in higher education and research:
Mother Sophie established a primary school with only five girl students.
Evolved into a full-fledged College dedicated to women’s higher education.
Elevated to the status of a Second Grade College.
Upgraded to offer postgraduate programmes across disciplines.
Granted Autonomous status in June 1987 by Bharathidasan University.
Accredited by NAAC with the prestigious Five Stars rating.
First college in Bharathidasan University to implement the Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS).
Reaccredited by NAAC with ‘A’ Grade in May 2005.
Recognized by UGC as “College with Potential for Excellence” (extended till 2022).
Awarded ‘A’ Grade with a CGPA of 3.50 on a 4.00-point scale.
Awarded ‘A++’ Grade with a landmark CGPA of 3.75 on a 4.00-point scale in February 2020.
Partnered with MongoDB Inc. via ICT Academy, launched in-house ERP, and signed 63 MoUs.
Innovation & Institutional Highlights
The Holy Cross Innovation and Incubation Council Tiruchirappalli (HCIICT) has been awarded a 4-Star Rating for the 5th consecutive year with a score of 85.18/100 and reward points of 220.26 in the Annual Performance Rating for the IIC Academic Calendar Year. It was recognized as a MENTOR INSTITUTION for the 4th consecutive year by the MoE – Innovation Cell, Government of India.
In the academic year 2024–2025, Holy Cross College was selected to partner with MongoDB Inc., Palo Alto, California through ICT Academy. The institution has launched its own in-house ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) that serves the academic and administrative functions of the College, managed by select staff and students of Computer Science. The College has signed a total of 63 MoUs, including 6 International MoUs and 57 National & Regional MoUs in 2025–2026.
HCC Green Initiatives: Holy Cross College organized a Tree Plantation Drive at Ayikudi with the motto “Plant Trees and Sustain Nature,” where 1,700 saplings were planted. In addition, as part of environmental sustainability, RESCAPES undertook green initiatives in 24 adopted villages, planting a total of 3,600 saplings.
In addition to the local Alumnae chapter, Holy Cross College has 7 active International Alumnae chapters functioning globally. The Annual General Alumnae Meet of Holy Cross College is held on the second Saturday of December every year.
Holy Cross College remains steadfast in providing a rich academic environment that supports learning, research, and skill development. The central library, student internships, and online SWAYAM certifications form integral components of this enduring commitment.