Since 16 August 2002

Our story: 24 years of leading kindly

From a new college at Jollang to the first private degree college in Arunachal Pradesh with an 'A' grade from NAAC.

Founded at Jollang: 2002
Principals: 3
Alumni: 6,000+
NAAC grade, 2023: 'A'

How it began

A college for the youth of Arunachal Pradesh

Don Bosco College began on 16 August 2002 at Jollang, four kilometres from Itanagar. It belongs to and is managed by the Salesians of Don Bosco, and is named after St. John Bosco, the "Father and Friend of Youth".

It was the first private degree college in the state, and the first private college to be permanently affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi University. Its aim from the start: quality higher education that lets young people grow with love for their own culture and keep the good customs and traditions of Arunachal Pradesh.

The college hopes its students will lead their society as honest politicians, officers, judges, lawyers, teachers, artists, environmentalists and social workers.

The college emblem

What it stands for

1 The lamp and the open bookSpreading wisdom through learning.
2 Don Bosco at the centreEducation in his spirit and system.
3 The shape of the crossSalvation for all: true wisdom begins with self-sacrifice.
4 Hornbill quills on either sideThe state bird of Arunachal Pradesh: unity among its many tribes, and respect for their culture.
5 "Lead Kindly Light"A prayer to be led on the path of true knowledge and progress.

Salesian roots · 1859-1981
1859

Don Bosco founds the Salesians

St. John Bosco (1815-1888), the "Father and Friend of Youth", founds the Salesian Society in Turin, Italy, to educate young people through reason, religion and loving kindness.
1906

The Salesians come to India

Their first work in India is a trade school and hostel for poor children at Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
1922

Arrival in North East India

On 12 January 1922, eleven Salesians led by Fr. Louis Mathias reach Guwahati, and Shillong the next day.
1981

The Province of Dimapur

The Salesian Province of Dimapur is formed. Its Provincial and council are the Governing Body of the college today.
The founding years · 2002-2006
2002

Don Bosco College opens at Jollang

On 16 August 2002 the college begins, founded by Fr. C.C. Jose: the first private degree college in Arunachal Pradesh. Dr. Fr. Sebastian Karottupuram (K.O.) becomes its first Principal.
2005

The first Bosconians graduate

The first graduates leave Jollang. Among them is Smt. Teli Rima, today a Post Graduate Teacher in Arunachal Pradesh.
2006

The Hall of Fame begins

DBC students appear among the rank holders of Rajiv Gandhi University, starting the college’s Hall of Fame. First in History that year: Dusu Sambyo, who now teaches at DBC as Dr. Dusu Sambyo.
Growing up · 2011-2022
2011

A second Principal

Dr. Fr. R.K. Guangdiat Nicholas leads the college from 2011 to 2017. An award for RGU rank holders is later named in his memory.
2017

Fr. (Dr.) Jose George takes charge

The present Principal and Administrator begins his leadership of the college.
2020

Three RGU gold medals

Suman Dignium (Economics), Chalam Pumao (Political Science) and Priya Joyci Guria (English) win gold in the RGU UG examinations, and all 348 students who appeared pass.
2022

Twenty years, and a digital library

The college celebrates 20 years. The Dera Natung Library becomes fully automated with Koha.
Today · 2023-2026
2023

NAAC 'A' grade

Accredited with an 'A' grade (CGPA 3.13) in the first cycle. The Bosco Centenary Award is instituted to mark 100 years of the Salesians in North East India.
2025

38 top-10 ranks in RGU

Students secure 38 top-10 ranks in the 2024-25 university examinations. MA Political Science and MCom Accounting & Finance begin.
2026

Psychology, MSW and new facilities

BA Psychology and the Master of Social Work are introduced, with Success Point coaching for UPSC and APPSCCE and a Football Academy on campus.