St. Joseph's College (Autonomous), Bangalore is one of the oldest colleges in the state of Karnataka with a history of more than 125 years. It is one of the most prestigious liberal arts colleges in India and has been awarded the highest rating, A (3.73/4), in the re-accreditation by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in 2007. It imparts graduate, post-graduate and research education while searching, renewing and expanding itself, attempting to be ever relevant to the changing situations of the times. The College believes in the Jesuit and constitutional ideal of contributing towards a society of equality, fraternity and liberty through an admission policy of preferential option for the poor. Merit is understood in a larger perspective here.