The University of Calcutta (informally known as Calcutta University or CU) is a collegiate public state university located in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It was established on 24 January 1857,[3] and was one of the first institutions in Asia to be established as a multidisciplinary and Western-style university. Within India it is recognized as a "Five-Star University" and accredited "A" Grade by National Assessment and Accreditation Council. It was declared a "Centre with Potential for Excellence In Particular Area" and a "University with potential for excellence" by the UGC.