Night College of Arts and Commerce, Kolhapur was established in the year 1971 by Council of Education, Kolhapur under the visionary leadership of the great freedom fighter and patriot, Padmashri Dr. Ratnappanna Kumbhar. In the very first issue of the college’s annual magazine “Nandadeep”, the editorial clearly articulated the objective behind the establishment of the college as follows:

After passing the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination, many students are compelled, due to adverse financial circumstances, to discontinue their education and seek employment, engage in jobs, or start businesses. As a result of such unavoidable situations, their aspirations for Higher Education are often suppressed. It was therefore essential to provide such students with an opportunity to pursue Higher Education. The absence of such opportunities leads to stagnation in the personal and professional development of students. With the aim of attracting these students into the mainstream of progress, the Night College was established.

In its very first year, Shivaji University sanctioned an intake capacity of one hundred students for B.A. Part I, and all the seats were fully filled.

Over the years, Night College has provided quality Higher Education to thousands of students who were deprived of education due to unfavorable financial circumstances, thereby shaping their bright futures. The college has also made a significant contribution to the educational and social development of Kolhapur and Western Maharashtra. Today, more than 650 students are pursuing their education at Night College.

The college has been accredited with Grade ‘A’ (CGPA 3.12) by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), Bengaluru. Recognizing the changing needs of society and the times, the college has introduced several job-oriented courses and a wide range of academic and co-curricular initiatives. The institution has created its own distinct identity in academic, sports, cultural, and other fields.

Students of Night College have consistently secured positions in the merit lists of Shivaji University examinations. In the field of sports, the college has won several awards at the national level. The college offers quality education in the faculties of Arts and Commerce, including Higher Secondary (XI and XII), undergraduate programs such as B.A. and B.Com., and postgraduate programs like M.A. in English and Marathi.

The college regularly conducts numerous curricular and co-curricular activities such as seminars, workshops, conferences, guest lectures, Deshbhakt Ratnappanna Kumbhar state level intercollegiate elocution competition, essay writing, storytelling, poetry recitation, quizzes, and other competitions. Through these diverse activities, the college continuously strives to promote the intellectual, emotional, creative, and artistic development of students.

Through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and linkages with renowned institutions, the college endeavors to create extensive opportunities for the holistic development and employability of students. Dedicated and experienced faculty members, efficient administrative staff, a well-equipped library, book bank facility, competitive examination guidance, financial assistance to economically weaker and needy students, Student Adoption Scheme, a separate study room, computer laboratory, scholarships, personal mentoring, and a spacious campus building are some of the many strengths that inspire every aspirant to seek admission to the college.

Under the nurturing shade of this banyan tree planted by Deshbhakt Ratnappanna Kumbhar, the college remains firmly committed to shaping the academic future of our students.