When it comes to Delhi University the students seek out to get admission in the most prestigious colleges and the two main ones they generally go after are SRCC and St. Stephen’s
Both the colleges have a rich legacy, excellent faculty and strong placements.
If the applicants are torn between the two colleges this article provides a complete breakdown comparing the two colleges to help you decide which one might suit them better
Overview of SRCC & St.Stephen’s College
An overview of the two colleges: SRCC and St.Stephen’s has been given below:
SRCC | St.Stephen’s | |
Established in | 1926 | 1881 |
Location | North Campus, DU | North Campus, DU |
Affiliation | Delhi University | Delhi University |
NAAC Grade | A++ | A++ |
NIRF Ranking | #1 among commerce colleges in India | #4 among arts/science colleges in India |
Legacy | The best commerce education in India, high placements, and corporate exposure. | Intellectual rigor, elite environment, and holistic education. |
SRCC Vs St.Stephen’s: Academic Courses Offered
The academic courses offered by both SRCC and St.Stephen’s has been given below:
Both the colleges offer UG & PG courses in Science, Commerce & arts with slight differences in specializations and faculty
SRCC:
UG Programs:
- B.Com (Hons)
- B.A. (Hons) Economics
PG Programs:
- M.Com
- PG Diploma in Global Business Operations (GBO)
St. Stephen’s:
UG Programs:
- B.A. (Hons) Economics, English, History, Philosophy, Sanskrit
- B.Sc. (Hons) Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
PG Programs:
- M.A./M.Sc. in multiple disciplines
SRCC Vs St. Stephen’s: Admission Process
While both the colleges rely on CUET marks for admission. There are still some differences between the two:
College | Admission Mode | Admission Criteria |
SRCC | Through CUET UG + DU’s CSAS Portal | Purely merit-based |
St. Stephen’s | CUET UG + Interview (15% weightage for interview) | Subject to minority status and additional screening |
SRCC Vs Stephen’s:Faculty & Teaching Quality
The teaching faculty & quality has been described below for each of the two colleges:
- SRCC: Specialized faculty in commerce and economics, known for research orientation and practical exposure.
- St. Stephen’s: Interdisciplinary approach, academically rigorous, and a strong emphasis on critical thinking and writing.
SRCC Vs St. Stephen’s: Campus Infrastructure
Both the colleges have a pretty good campus infrastructure the comparison between both has been given below:
SRCC Vs St.Stephen’s:Student Life & Culture
Both the colleges are known for its student life and culture, a description of both has been given below:
College | Student Life & Culture |
SRCC | More business- and career-focused. Popular societies include The Finance & Investment Cell and D-Street. Hosts the Business Conclave. |
St. Stephen's | Intellectual and liberal environment. Known for literature, music, and debates. Hosts Shakespeare Sabha, Debating Society, and Stephania Fest. |
SRCC Vs St.Stephen’s:Placement & Internships
The placement game of both the colleges is to notch. A brief about both is given below:
SRCC:
- Avg Package: ₹10–12 LPA
- Top Recruiters: Deloitte, BCG, EY, McKinsey, KPMG
- Strong alumni base in finance, consulting, and startups
St. Stephen’s:
- Avg Package: ₹8–10 LPA (Economics & Math)
- Top Recruiters: Bain & Co., DE Shaw, World Bank, media & civil society orgs
- More diversity in placements due to interdisciplinary strength
SRCC Vs St. Stephen’s: Alumni Network
Both the colleges have some noticeable alumni networks. A few of the pass outs of both the colleges has been given below:
College | Notable Alumni |
SRCC | Arun Jaitley, Raghuram Rajan, Rajat Sharma |
St. Stephen’s | Shashi Tharoor, Barkha Dutt, Kaushik Basu, Amitav Ghosh |
SRCC Vs St. Stephen’s: Final Verdict
While both the colleges are premium in their own sense. A final verdict has been given below to help you make an easier decision:
Category | SRCC | St. Stephen’s |
Commerce & Economics | Best in India | Good |
Arts & Sciences | Not offered | Best in DU |
Admission Process | Merit-based (CUET) | CUET + Interview |
Placement | Strongest | Good |
Campus Vibe | Professional | Liberal & Cultural |
Student Life | Business-focused | Holistic & Intellectual |
Infrastructure | Modern | Heritage + Nature |
Choose SRCC if:
- You are focused on Commerce, Economics, or Business Careers
- You value high ROI and corporate placement
- You want a competitive, professional atmosphere
Choose St. Stephen’s if:
- You’re interested in Arts, Sciences, or Interdisciplinary Learning
- You prefer a close-knit, liberal academic community
- You value intellectual discussions, literature, and social engagement
Both SRCC and St. Stephen’s College are pillars of excellence within Delhi University, but they cater to different kinds of students and career paths.
SRCC is the undisputed leader for those seeking a future in commerce, finance, and business — offering unmatched placements and a focused, professional environment.
St. Stephen’s is the ideal choice for students who value intellectual exploration, liberal arts, and a vibrant, community-driven campus culture.
An applicant’s decision should be based on their personal preferences, whether it's course preference, campus culture, hostel availability, or faculty strength.
No matter which one out of SRCC & St. Stephen’s the applicants choose, they will be a part of a thriving DU community that opens doors to incredible opportunities — academically, professionally, and personally.