Aaroh Tamso Jyoti-May we rise from darkness to light, i.e. from ignorance to knowledge-the motto of Centre of Excellence, Government College, Sanjauli, Shimla-6 compels one to halt at its portals and ruminate on the value-oriented education being imparted by this premier institution of Shimla. The College enjoys the distinct position of being the first Degree College to have been set up in Shimla on July 1, 1969. In a pilot project of the HP State government to establish Centres of Excellence in some of the districts, this was the first and only college to be given the status/title with effect from 12th January, 2006. Situated at a distance of about 2kms from The Ridge, it is easily accessible from Sanjauli, Lakkar Bazaar and the Circular Road. Its idyllic location within the urban forest of the town amidst lush green cedars and oaks adds to the ambience required for academic and creative pursuits.
The institution takes pride in its rich history and heritage. The imposing structure of the central building, currently housing the administrative offices and computer laboratories connects the present to the past. It stands testimony to the adage that the future is born of the past. It is reminiscent of Shimla’s colonial glory (though the post-colonial mind might want to dismiss its value). When the town is lamenting the growth of haphazard concrete structures and the loss of heritage, we take pride in being the sentinels of this slice of history. Incidentally, this structure has been declared a “heritage building” by the Archeological Survey of India.
The original building, called North Stoneham, was constructed way back in April 1869 by Harriet Christina Tytler 
as an educational institution for the Himalayan Christina Orphanage. Later in 1872, the same institution was rechristened as the Mayo Industrial School for female orphans and other girls of European extraction. However, later it was rebuilt at a (then grand) cost of Rs. 73545/- and was opened for use on March 1, 1905 during the Lieutenant-Governorship of Sir Charles Rivaz, 
K.C.S.I. and the Episcopate of the Reverend George Alfred Lefroy D.D., the third Bishop of Lahore. The Structure was designed by the Architect A. Gaddock Esq. and built by the builder, Messrs. Rivertt and Sons. Post independence, this institution was converted into a B.Ed/B.T. College for girls affiliated to Panjab University and remained so till it attained its present status of Government College. The college has been making rapid strides in the field of education which is implicit from the fact that it now offers ten programmes; B.A., B.Com., B.Sc. (life sciences), B.Sc.(physical sciences), BCA, BBA, B.Voc.,Started on 24.06.2017 PGDCA, PG (English, Hindi). and Pub. Admin. & EconomicsThe college offers admission to students in the first year purely on the basis of merit against fixed number of seats in each department. The Hostel for boys is a popular facility availed by students form tribal areas of the state. The college has undergone two cycles of assessment by the NAAC and is currently graded as A+ institution. It is in the process of facing the NAAC scrutiny for the third time in 2023.
The college has evolved with time and has managed to retain the trust of stakeholders, its evidence being in the growing number of students who seek admission here each year. The number of applicants for admission to the first year of all programmes is growing exponentially every year. Being conferred with the title, “Centre of Excellence” by state Government surely lays an added responsibility on our shoulders since the expectations that go with the title are more challenging to deliver. We understand the urgent need for unbiased and objective research and the rigour it requires and we hope to trigger the spirit of analytical and critical thinking in our students through small research project in the near future. In doing so, we visualize a generation that respects traditional value systems and has the ability to understand and welcome the changes that are inevitable, while being part of that very change.
Affliated college from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla-171005
The College has played an important role in my personality development and career building. The college and department in particular has always been helpful and encouraging. I owe my success to the college and wish the college all the success in the future.
It has been great pleasure to be part of Centre of Excellence .The College has played an important role in my personality development and career building. The college and department in particular has always been helpful and encouraging. I owe my success to the college and wish the college all the success in the future.
I am thankful to all the faculty members of the College for their continuous efforts and support. Apart from excellent academic experience, I also gained the benefits of being a part of Cultural Student' body. I cherish every moment spent at Centre of Excellence College of Engineering.
