Government Mahakoshal Arts & Commerce Autonomous (Lead) College Jabalpur is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher education in Central India. The institution first came into existence as Saugor School in 1836. In 1860 it was upgraded to Saugor Collegiate School. The institution rose to prominence as Robertson College named after Honorable Sir Benjamin Robertson, then Chief Commissioner of the Central Provinces.
Undergraduate courses English, Science and Maths started in 1896, History, Economics, Sanskrit,
Geography, Philosophy, Political Science, Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology were introduced in 1905. From 1916 to 1962 its fame grew by leaps and bounds. It was affiliated to Calcutta University from 1860 to 1891, then to Allahabad University from 1891 to 1923, Nagpur University from 1923 to 1946, Saugor University from 1946 to 1956. Its name was changed to Mahakoshal College after independence in 1947. Postgraduate courses started from 1942 to 47.
Permanent affiliation under 2f and 12B was granted by UGC in 1956. In 1961the college had strength of 3062 students and the total strength of the staff was 124. It got affiliated to Rani Durgavati University, Jabalpur in 1962. The college was bifurcated into Govt. Mahakoshal Arts College and Govt. Science College in 1962.
UGC New Delhi conferred it with the Autonomous status in the year 1988. In 1992 it became Govt. Mahakoshal Arts & Commerce Autonomous College. It was nominated as the Lead College for Jabalpur District in 2002 by DHE. NAAC, Bangalore awarded B+ Grade in 2004 and B Grade in 2012.
In the post accreditation period Language Lab was established in 2013 and Virtual Classes started by the DHE, Govt. of MP. Research Centre in Psychology was established. Pre Ph. D course work in Psychology started from 2012. Skill development courses were offered by National University Student Skill Development (NUSSD) a centre established by TISS, Mumbai in 2013. Autonomy has been extended for a period of five years from 2015-2020 after a visit of review committee from UGC in 2016.
The institution has a rich heritage of 183 years, established reputation in India and abroad. Deeply committed to its fundamental objective of providing quality education, the college offers one of the highest subject combinations provided in Govt. Colleges in the state, 108 subject combinations from 12 subjects in BA, three options in B Com and 11 PG programs and vocational course BBA.Skill Development courses were conducted from 2013-16 by NUSSD a center established by TISS. Communicative English course is offered by the Department of English in Language Lab using Wordsworth Language Lab Software every year from August to October. Research centre in Psychology conducted Pre Ph.D course work from 2012-17. Continuous assessment of the students through non-conventional modes works as the feedback mechanism improving their performance. The permanent teaching staff is experienced and well qualified.
A sprawling lush green campus of 61acres lends to the creation of the right academic ambience. Three storied academic and administrative block houses a library and auditorium too. Residential colonies for staff include Assistant Professors colony, Professors colony, Class 3 and 4 employees colony, a Primary health centre and an ATM. As the workplace of Prof. Rajneesh the institution is mapped as a place for religious tourism. Followers of Acharya Rajneesh (Osho) from several countries visit our institution. Well-equipped and standard sports complexes cater to the physical development of the students and help them sharpen their skills in the field of sports and games. Outdoor- Indoor stadiums comprise of huge indoor hall having three badminton courts along with galleries with seating capacity of 500 viewers.
Best Student award and 17 Gold, 15 silver and bronze medals are given to meritorious students every year. Premnath Medal is given for Best Actor, named after Late Premnath (Bollywood Actor).
The campus is environment friendly, use of polythene is restricted, smoking and use of tobacco in the campus is strictly prohibited. A medicinal garden, Solar Street lighting, Compost and Vermicomposting pit and Greenhouse is established. Roof top solar panels are proposed. Metro bus facility and Cycle sharing facilities are available for students under Smart City project.