St. Xavier`s College, Mumbai, which is a Roman Catholic college, is named after the 16th century Jesuit saint, Francis Xavier. St. Xavier`s College provides undergraduate and post-graduate courses in Science, Commerce and Arts. In 2007, it has received the top rating A+, considered as a 5-Star rate, by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). St. Xavier`s College was established in the year 1869 by German Jesuits and was affiliated to University of Mumbai on30th January, 1869. St. Xavier`s College was recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) from 1956. University Grants Commission decided to grant St. Xavier`s College as an autonomous body on 31 May, 2010.

History of St. Xavier`s College
St. Xavier`s College was established in Mumbai on January 1869, with only 2 students. The college was found by German Jesuits and Joseph Antony Willy served as the first principal. In 1871, the first batch of 3 students graduated from the college. Female students were admitted from 1912 onwards. During the First World War, St. Xavier`s College suffered tremendously; as it was German college under the British ruled India.

Since 1920s St. Xavier`s, Mumbai had started to offer subjects in science, like Biology and Chemistry, other than subjects in liberal arts. By the late 20th century, St. Xavier`s had expanded to a great extent in terms of faculty, students, courses and programs. The college is now operated by Indian Jesuits with collaboration from the Society of Jesus.

Courses Offered at St. Xavier`s College
St. Xavier`s College offers graduation and post graduation courses in Science, Arts and Commerce stream in various subjects like Arts, Science, Commerce, Management studies, Mass media, Information Technology etc. and Post-graduate courses like Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.Sc.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Arts and Science. The syllabus for the undergraduate and postgraduate courses is arranged by the University of Mumbai, and includes mid-term tests and final examinations. In the year 2006, the college felt the urge to have its own computer centre and founded Xavier Knowledge Centre.

Moreover, Diplomas in Forensic Science, Industrial Biotechnology and Enterprise, Clinical Research, Gemmology are also offered. The college also provides Certification courses in Jewellery Designing and Diamond Grading.

Facilities at St. Xavier`s College
St. Xavier`s College has renowned ad esteemed faculty that maintain the high standards set by the college in order to impart quality education and knowledge to the students. There are almost 90 teachers who are permanent, 11 part-time teachers, 3 full time teachers and 2 temporary teachers. St. Xavier`s College is spread across 2.94 acres and is located in South Mumbai. There is a central library is common for all education and academic purposes and hosts a compilation of 133,489 books.

The area known as "Woods" serves as leisure spot or hang out for the students. There is also a hostel in the campus for the male students. A chapel is also present in the campus whish serves as a prayer hall. St. Xavier`s College also contains a canteen, an auditorium, sports grounds and a Gymkhana. Sports like badminton, carom, table-tennis, chess, basketball, bodybuilding, volleyball are played in the college. The students are also active in participating in many inter-college competitions, by organising the college festivals. Malhar, which started in 1979, is the annual college festivals and is vary popular amongst the students. St. Xavier`s College also published its own Coffee Table Book "St. Xavier`s College - Celebrating Diversity since 1869" on their 140th anniversary.

Alumni Association at St. Xavier`s College
Founded in 1902, The Alumni Association is engaged in fund raising activities for the college, stipulating of scholarships, providing career counselling, and other activities. The college includes its notable alumni from various fields like bureaucrats, industrialists, educationists, scientists, army officers, lawyers, artists, media persons, architects etc. amongst the famous alumni Anil Kapoor, Smita Patil, Vidya Balan, Shabana Azmi, Tabu, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Pankaj Udhas, Hariharan, Sunil Gavaskar, Shobhaa De and Neerja Bhanot are worth mentioning.

In November 2010, US President Barack Obama visited St. Xavier College and interacted with the students.