The Faculty of Commerce at St. John’s College is one of the oldest and most prestigious department in the region, with a rich academic legacy and perfect blend of academic strength and practical learning dating back to 1912. The department was established under the leadership of Rev. L. E. Steele, who served as the first Head of the Department. Mr. J. T. Goodchild: A trained economist who succeeded Mr. Steele as the Dean of the Faculty.

Over the years, the department has been guided by eminent academicians including Shri R. R. Gupta, Shri R. S. Dwivedi, Dr. B. Sahai and Dr. M. R. James, each contributing significantly to its academic growth and reputation.

Postgraduate classes in Commerce were introduced in July 1944, marking an important milestone in the department’s journey toward higher education and research excellence. The department produced its first Ph.D. scholar in 1945, and since then, it has consistently contributed to academic research by producing numerous doctoral scholars in the field of Commerce and allied disciplines.

The faculty provided courses for both Intermediate and Degree students:

• Intermediate Commerce Subjects: English, Book-keeping and Accountancy, Business Methods and Correspondence, Economics, and Geography.
• Intermediate Electives: Students chose one from Shorthand and Typewriting, Banking, Industrial Organisation, or Mathematics.
• Under Graduate Subjects: Focused on Economics, Geography, Accountancy, and Business Methods.

Institutional Significance

• Growth: By the late 1920s, the faculty held a “very strong position” within the newly established Agra University.

The faculty comprises highly qualified and experienced teachers dedicated to academic excellence, research, and student development. The department has a strong tradition of producing outstanding academic results. Students of the department have consistently secured high divisions and merit positions in university examinations, reflecting the department’s commitment to quality education.

Over the decades, the alumni of the Department of Commerce have achieved distinguished positions in government services, corporate organizations, business enterprises, and academic institutions, bringing pride and recognition to the institution.

To support advanced learning and research activities, the department maintains a well-equipped research library with a valuable collection of standard reference books, journals, and academic resources. The department continues to uphold its legacy of excellence while preparing students to meet the challenges of the modern business and economic environment.

The Faculty of Commerce at St. John’s College has established a formidable legacy within North India’s academic landscape. The consistent elevation of its faculty members to the position of Dean, Faculty of Commerce at the University level is a testament to the institution’s high standards of scholarship and administrative prowess.

• Dr. B. Sahai: Recognized for his scholarly depth and a steadfast commitment to expanding commercial research and instructional methodology.
• Dr. M. R. James: A highly respected academician whose leadership significantly bolstered the faculty’s reputation for excellence and discipline.
• Dr. P. C. Maheshwari: A distinguished academician noted for his strategic leadership and extensive administrative contributions to the University’s commerce wing.
• Dr. R. M. Kapoor: An expert in modern commercial practices who focused on institutional development and keeping the department at the forefront of business trends.
• Dr. Indra Kumar: A respected leader who specialized in bridging the gap between traditional commerce education and the evolving needs of contemporary industry.
• Dr. K. K. Bansal: A distinguished academician who contributed significantly to the research profile and global outlook of the faculty.
• Dr. P. N. Asthana: A prominent figure whose foundational leadership helped shape the early academic standards and curriculum of the commerce stream.
• Mr. A. C. Gupta: The most recent in this line of eminent leaders, currently upholding the legacy of St. John’s excellence at the University level.

This lineage of leadership underscores St. John’s College’s role as a vital hub for producing the visionary educators who govern and guide commercial education at the university level.

The faculty of commerce  presently consists of three departments:

1. Accounts and Law
2. Applied Business Economics
3. Business Administration