The Department of Chemistry, St. John’s College, Agra, established in 1903 for undergraduate studies and expanded to postgraduate teaching in 1925, has a distinguished legacy of excellence in teaching, research, and scientific innovation. The department introduced research in the M.Sc. programme in 1930 and began Ph.D. admissions in 1940, producing its first doctoral graduate, Dr. P. I. Ittyerah, in 1948 – the first Ph.D. awarded by Agra University. Over the years, the department witnessed remarkable growth in research, academic infrastructure, laboratories, and postgraduate education, evolving into a premier centre for higher learning and research in Analytical, Inorganic, Organic, and Physical Chemistry. The department has also maintained a vibrant academic culture through CHEMSO, the Chemical Society established in 1969 under the leadership of Dr. P. I. Ittyerah (then principal), Dr. K. B. Lal (founder), and Dr. Ashok Kumar (founder director). CHEMSO continues to nurture scientific temper, creativity, and leadership among students through seminars, quizzes, exhibitions, industrial visits, guest lectures, and various co-curricular activities.

            A major milestone in the department’s journey was the establishment of the School of Chemical Sciences in 2002 under the leadership of Dr. Ashok Kumar, with generous support from the Smt. Basanti Devi and Shri Chakkan Lal Education Trust founded by Dr. O. P. Garg and Shri S. P. Garg. The School significantly strengthened the department’s research capabilities through the installation of advanced analytical instruments such as FTIR, Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS), Gas Chromatograph (GC), UV-Visible Spectrophotometer, and other modern research facilities. The department also received substantial support from the Ministry of Education, UGC, the Government of Uttar Pradesh, and philanthropic contributions for the development of laboratories, lecture theatres, instrumentation facilities, and research fellowships. In recognition of its growing research excellence, the Department of Chemistry was acknowledged by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi, and was selected under the prestigious FIST (Fund for Improvement of Science & Technology Infrastructure in Universities and Higher Educational Institutions) programme during 2005–2010. These initiatives have greatly enhanced research opportunities and established the department as a recognized centre for scientific research, innovation, and academic excellence. The Department also maintains a well-stocked departmental library with a collection of over 5000 reference books, along with a modern smart classroom facility to support effective teaching and learning. At present, the department has eleven permanent faculty members.

            Since its inception, the Department of Chemistry has upheld a tradition of academic excellence and has taken immense pride in the achievements, dedication, and leadership of its distinguished faculty members, whose contributions have played a vital role in shaping the department’s strong academic foundation and legacy. Among these eminent academicians, the department especially acknowledges, Dr. P. I. Ittyerah and Dr. P. E. Joseph, who were elevated to the esteemed position of Principal of St. John’s College, Agra, in recognition of their scholarly excellence, visionary leadership, and exemplary service to the institution, leaving behind an enduring impact on the academic and administrative growth of the college.

            Under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Susan Verghese P., the department undertook the initiative to document its rich legacy and cherished memories in a book, ZECHIRA, a volume that reflects the department’s enduring spirit, academic heritage, and strong sense of camaraderie.

VISION

• To become a centre of excellence in Chemical Sciences through quality education, innovative research, and scientific advancement.
• To nurture intellectually competent, ethically responsible, and socially committed students with strong scientific temper and humane values.
• To develop future scientists, educators, researchers, and professionals capable of contributing to academia, industry, environment, and society.
• To promote holistic growth, creativity, interdisciplinary learning, and lifelong learning in alignment with the vision of the college.

MISSION

• To impart strong conceptual knowledge and practical skills in chemistry through effective teaching and modern laboratory practices.
• To promote research, innovation, interdisciplinary learning, and scientific inquiry for addressing societal and environmental challenges.
• To foster critical thinking, ethical values, scientific temper, and professional competencies among students for higher education, research, and industry.
• To create a nurturing academic environment that encourages holistic development, lifelong learning, and service to humanity and sustainable development.