Mount Carmel College Becomes World's 1st Carmelite Women's University

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Tuesday, 30 June 2026

Celebrating a remarkable achievement of excellence in education, the Mount Carmel College, Autonomous, Bengaluru, has received Deemed-to-be University status. This distinction makes Mount Carmel College the first Carmelite multidisciplinary university in the world that is run by the Women Religious of the CSST.

While marking this milestone occasion at the university on June 24, it will be pertinent to highlight that the institute has been excelling in this field for more than 80 years now.
Reacting to this development, Sr. Teresa CSST, General Councilor for Education, says the recognition is an honor and an affirmation of the congregation’s educational philosophy.
With regard to the upcoming phase of development in the institution, Sr. Teresa stated that the Deemed-to-be University status will open up new paths for achieving academic excellence via research, international linkages, dual degree and twinning programs with universities across the world, exchange programs for faculty and students, and industry-related courses.

Key Highlights:

• Mount Carmel College becomes World's first Carmelite women's Deemed-to-be University
• New status unlocks global research, innovation, and academic partnerships
• A new milestone in advancing women's education and leadership excellence

The recognition serves as a milestone accomplishment for the CSST family of Congregation, which for over 140 years has been contributing to the education field and more than a century to the field of higher education.

Speaking at the Mount Carmel College community, Sr. Teresa referred to the milestone as "a time of grace, thanksgiving, and celebration" and appreciated the contributions of all members of the college leadership, administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni, patrons, and ex-administrators.

"Students can expect greater global exposure, stronger career prospects, improved research competitiveness, and access to nationally and globally relevant Gen Z courses," she said. "Above all, they will be equipped to become socially sensitive individuals committed to meaningful action."

At the same time, she stressed that such recognition means more responsibility for maintaining high quality education and delivering transformational education for the benefit of both the society and the country. Sr. Teresa expressed her gratitude to the Higher Education Department, Government of Karnataka, Dr. Manmohan Singh Bengaluru City University, University Grants Commission, and Ministry of Education for their assistance.

"Our legacy lies in forming intellectually vibrant, spiritually rooted, emotionally mature, ecologically sensitive, socially responsible, morally upright and truly liberated citizens for India," she said. "This legacy of excellence seeks to build a globally empowered nation for a better world tomorrow."

The updated status has provided an excellent opportunity to develop its educational, research, and international relations while continuing to maintain its dedication to women's education and empowerment.
Drawing on the spirit of the Carmelites and the legacy of the order’s founder, Mother Teresa of St. Rose of Lima, she wished for the university to keep moulding leaders among women who were imbued with integrity, understanding and knowledge.

"As we celebrate this historic moment, we look to the future with gratitude and hope," she added acknowledging the prayers, sacrifices, and cooperation extended by the well-wishers of the institution over the years.