TCG CREST, which was established in 2020, has quickly emerged as a key player in the global science and technology innovation landscape. 

Kolkata’s The Chatterjee Group Centres for Research and Education in Science and Technology (TCG CREST) has been awarded ‘Deemed to be University’ status by the Ministry of Education, enabling it to establish one of the first research-driven private university in India with a unique “reverse trajectory” model. This new institution will commence Ph.D. admissions in August 2025, focusing on multidisciplinary, fundamental, and translational research across key emerging fields. 

“With this recognition, the Government of India has entrusted us with both a significant challenge and a profound opportunity to contribute to nation-building,” said Purnendu Chatterjee, Founding Chairman of TCG CREST. He also added that scientific and technological advancement is essential for improving the human condition worldwide and for strengthening India’s national security, driving economic growth, and alleviating poverty. 

TCG CREST’s model reverses traditional academic structures. They are building research centres first and then launching degree programs. They will launch post-graduate degrees soon and plans to venture into starting graduate programs in the future. 

The institute will comprise five schools, including the School of Natural Sciences; School of Mathematical and Computer Science; School of Health, Environment & Sustainability Studies; School of Humanities & Social Sciences; and School of Economics. 

Professor Malabika Sarkar, mentor at TCG and former Vice-Chancellor of Presidency University and Ashoka University said that this initiative will make students of the new generation better equipped to address the dynamic needs of the job market in India. 

“There will be a very large number of P.h.D seats. It all depends on the quality of the application, there is no bar on the numbers,” Prof. Sarkar told The Hindu. She also added that masters programs will start in 2026, and will be focused programs to help students develop skills and become more employable and keep up with the changing societal standards. 

Established in 2020, by The Chatterjee Group, TCG CREST has quickly emerged as a key player in the global science and technology innovation landscape.