Department of Mathematics
About the department
The Department of Mathematics has a storied legacy within the college, beginning its journey as a subject for degree classes in 1893. It reached a significant milestone in 1916 with the introduction of post-graduate studies, seeing its first M.Sc. batch graduate in 1918. Over the decades, the department saw steady growth in its academic community; by the late 1960s, it was supporting roughly 250 degree-level students and 30 post-graduate scholars, reflecting its reputation as a centre for higher learning.
The department’s success has been guided by a lineage of eminent scholars and educators. Prof. Hira Lal Khanna served as the early head from 1918 to 1920, followed by the influential 35-year tenure of Shri C. R. Chaturvedi. Shri Chaturvedi, a member of the very first M.Sc. batch, was instrumental in expanding the department’s research focus into specialized areas such as Hindu Mathematics and Astronomy. Later, the leadership passed to Padmashri Rev. P. T. Chandi and Dr. J. C. Chaturvedi, both of whom maintained the department’s high standards while contributing to broader national academic and financial institutions.
Beyond administrative leadership, the department has been defined by a deep-seated philosophy of selfless service and a missionary spirit. This culture of “work as worship” encouraged students to excel not just for personal distinction but for the betterment of society. This ethos is reflected in the diverse achievements of its alumni, many of whom secured prestigious government positions, became respected professors, or contributed to the engineering and statistical sectors of India. The department continues to be recognized for its unique ability to balance teaching efficiency with specialized research, particularly through its separation into dedicated libraries for post-graduate study and ongoing Ph.D. programs.
We have a separate Postgraduate Department equipped with a well-maintained library and a computer laboratory for the benefit of both faculty members and students.
Today, the Department of Mathematics stands as one of the oldest and most respected departments of the College, known for its strong academic foundation, research orientation, and rich legacy of scholarship. It continues to inspire new generations of students to pursue excellence in mathematics with dedication, discipline, and the true spirit of learning.
Programmes and Courses offered by the department
The Department of Mathematics offers both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programmes designed to provide a strong foundation in mathematical theory, logical reasoning, and analytical thinking. At the undergraduate level, Mathematics is offered in combination with around Six subject options, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their academic interests and career aspirations. The department consistently records the highest student enrolment within the Faculty of Science, reflecting its popularity and academic strength.
The undergraduate programme extends over a period of three years, offering students a broad understanding of core mathematical principles and their applications. The postgraduate programme spans two years and focuses on advanced topics, analytical problem-solving, and research-oriented learning. Through these programmes, the department aims to cultivate a spirit of inquiry, critical thinking, and a deep appreciation for mathematics as a discipline. Graduates from the department are well-prepared for higher studies, teaching, research, and professional careers requiring strong quantitative and analytical skills.
The Department also offers a suitable environment for Research Scholars with the Departmental Library and Computer Lab. Currently 15 Scholars are doing research under different Faculty in the Department.
As per National Education Policy (NEP-2020), the Department of Mathematics offers the following programmes under CBCS system:
(a) Undergraduate:
- B.Sc. with Mathematics
- B.Sc. (Honours) in Mathematics
- B.Sc. (Research) in Mathematics
(b) Postgraduate:
- M.Sc. in Mathematics
(c) Ph.D.: (Research Areas: Operation Research, Fluid Mechanics, Mathematical Modeling, Data Science, Applied Mathematics)
Achievements of the department (since its existence)
(a) Faculty Research Achievements:
- Dr. Dheerendra Swarup Sharma has published 34 research papers in various National and International journals, seminars and conferences. Under his supervision, seven research scholars have been awarded PhD, and six research scholars currently pursuing their Ph.D. He has published three books for UG and PG Classes.
- Dr. Sharon Moses has published 12 research papers in reputed international and national journals. Under his supervision, two research scholars have submitted their Ph.D. theses, while four scholars are currently pursuing their doctoral research.
- Prof. Rajiv Phillip has published 21 research papers in reputed national and international journals. Under his able guidance, one of his research scholars, Dr. John Abhishek Masih, was awarded the Ph.D. degree on 30th April 2025, and five scholars are presently pursuing their research work.
- Dr. John Abhishek Masih was awarded the Ph.D. degree in the academic session 2024–25 and has published six research papers in reputed journals to date.
(b) Students’ Achievements:
- The Department has nurtured many bright and accomplished students who have excelled in various competitive examinations and are presently holding responsible positions across diverse sectors. Our students have successfully qualified in prestigious government examinations such as Bank Probationary Officer (PO), UPPSC, SSC, CSIR-NET, Excise Inspector, and several others. They continue to bring laurels to the Department through their professional excellence and dedicated service.
- In addition, students of the Department consistently achieve top academic honors, securing Gold Medals in the University Convocation almost every year. Notably, (i) Mr. Mukul Sen received the Gold Medal in 2021, and (ii) Ms. Apoorva Kushwah was honored with the same distinction in 2022.
(c) Some Distinguish Alumni:
- Dr. H. C. Chaturvedi completed his M.Sc. from St. John’s College in 1964 and, in the same year, was selected to serve at the Government Degree College, Garhwal. He obtained his Ph.D. from Vikram University, Ujjain, in 1970, and the degree was conferred upon him by Dr. Har Gobind Khurana, a Nobel Laureate. Dr. Chaturvedi joined St. John’s College as a Lecturer in 1971 and served the institution with distinction until his retirement in 2000.
- Dr. V. S. Vatsa joined the Department in 1966 as a Lecturer and retired as the Head of the Department in 2001.
- Prof. N. K. Sharma joined the Department in 1968 and retired as the Head of the Department in 2010.
- Dr. P. S. Kushwah completed his M.Sc. from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and Ph.D. from IIT Bombay in 1975. He joined the Department in 1977 and served until his retirement in 2006. During his illustrious career, he successfully supervised 26 Ph.D. scholars. His areas of research included Fracture Mechanics, Operations Research, and Atmospheric Sciences.
Head of the department
Prof. Dheerendra Swaroop Sharma
M.Sc., Ph.D., PGDCA
Head, Department of Mathematics
Email Id: drdssharma.sjc@gmail.com
Faculty Members (Present)
Name | Prof. Dheerendra Swaroop Sharma |
Designation | Professor and Head |
Education | M.Sc. (Agra College, Agra in 1984) Ph.D. (Agra College, Agra in 1988) PGDCA (Agra University in 1990) |
Research Experience | 1989 – 1996 Lecturer (Ad-hoc) (Institute of Social Sciences, Agra University) 1996 – till date (St. John’s College, Agra) |
Teaching Experience | 1989 – 1996 (ISS, Agra University) 1996 – till date (St. John’s College, Agra) |
Email id |
Name | Prof. Sharon Moses |
Designation | Professor |
Education | M.Sc. (Bareilly College, Bareilly in 1998) Ph.D. (St. John’s College, Agra in 2006) |
Research Experience | 2001 – till date (St. John’s College, Agra) |
Teaching Experience | 2001 – till date (St. John’s College, Agra) |
Email id |
Name | Prof. Rajiv Phillip |
Designation | Professor |
Education | M.Sc. (St. John’s College, Agra in 1989) M. Phil. (Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar University, Agra in 1990) Ph.D. (St. John’s College, Agra in 2009) |
Research Experience | 2001 – till date (St. John’s College, Agra) |
Teaching Experience | 2001 – till date (St. John’s College, Agra) |
Email id |
Name | Dr. John Abhishek Masih |
Designation | Associate Professor |
Education | M.Sc. (St. John’s College, Agra in 2008) Ph.D. (St. John’s College, Agra in 2025) |
Research Experience | 2016 – till date (St. John’s College, Agra) |
Teaching Experience | 2011 – till date (St. John’s College, Agra) |
Email id |
Retired/Former faculty members
- Dr. H. C. Chaturvedi (1971-2000)
- Dr. V. S. Vatsa (1966 – 2001) (Former Head, Department of Mathematics till 2001)
- Prof. N. K. Sharma (1968 – 2010) (Former Head, Department of Mathematics 2001 – 2010)
- Dr. P. S. Kushwah (1977 – 2006)
Photo Gallery
Contact Details
Uttar Pradesh 282002