If you’ve ever watched a Bollywood film and wondered where those grand college scenes were shot, you might be surprised to find they’re real campuses scattered across India. From the Gothic arches of St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai—seen in Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na—to the stately columns of the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun, which doubled as a high-end school in Student of the Year, these institutions are as cinematic as they are academic.
Some campuses, like IIM Bangalore, instantly bring to mind the world of 3 Idiots, while St. Paul’s School in Darjeeling became “Bharat Vidya Mandir” in Main Hoon Na. Others, such as FLAME University in Pune and Pearl Academy in Jaipur, are known for their striking modern architecture and sweeping views, making them favorites for filmmakers and design enthusiasts. The tranquil lakes and deer at Madras Christian College, or the red-brick heritage of St. Stephen’s College in Delhi, add a unique charm both on screen and in real life.
These 10 Indian college campuses are more than just places to study; they’re destinations where history, architecture, and cinema come together. Whether you’re a movie buff, an architecture lover, or just someone who appreciates a beautiful setting, these campuses offer a glimpse into the magic that happens when real life meets reel life.
1. St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
- Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Architectural Style: Indo-Gothic
- Highlights: Heritage structure with arched corridors, stained glass windows, and a central quadrangle.
- Seen in: Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, Main Hoon Na, Hichki, and Kabir Singh.
2. St. Paul’s School, Darjeeling
- Location: Darjeeling, West Bengal
- Architectural Style: Colonial-era stone architecture
- Highlights: Grand stone façades, arched walkways, and high-ceilinged halls set against the misty hills of Darjeeling.
- Seen in: Main Hoon Na (as Bharat Vidya Mandir)
3. FLAME University, Pune
- Location: Pune, Maharashtra
- Architectural Style: Modern minimalism
- Highlights: Expansive glass facades, open courtyards, and panoramic hillside views.
- Seen in: Nadaaniyan (Dharma Productions)
4. Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA)
- Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Architectural Style: Modernist architecture by Louis Kahn
- Highlights: Iconic brick structures with geometric designs and open spaces.
- Seen in: 2 States
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5. Forest Research Institute, Dehradun
- Location: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Architectural Style: Greco-Roman and Colonial
- Highlights: Majestic columns, vast lawns, and grand halls.
- Seen in: Student of the Year, Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein
6. Symbiosis International University, Pune
- Location: Pune, Maharashtra
- Architectural Style: Modern architecture with open spaces
- Highlights: Hilltop campus with panoramic views and contemporary buildings.
- Seen in: Bodyguard
7. Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT Bombay)
- Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Architectural Style: Modern architecture
- Highlights: Sprawling campus located near Powai Lake with state-of-the-art facilities.
- Seen in: Chhichhore, 3 Idiots
8. Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIM Bangalore)
- Location: Bangalore, Karnataka
- Architectural Style: Modern architecture with open courtyards
- Highlights: 100-acre campus with stone architecture and landscaped gardens.
- Seen in: 3 Idiots
9. St. Stephen’s College, Delhi
- Location: New Delhi
- Architectural Style: Gothic architecture
- Highlights: Historic red-brick buildings, arched corridors, and a tranquil environment.
- Seen in: Rockstar, Half Girlfriend
10. Miranda House, Delhi
- Location: New Delhi
- Architectural Style: Contemporary design
- Highlights: Modern campus with design studios and creative spaces.
- Seen In: Fukrey
