[4][5] It was established in 1886 to ensure self-sufficiency in medical education and services in the colonial era.

[7][8] The college is a co-educational institution that is recognized by the National Medical Commission and affiliated with the West Bengal University of Health Sciences.

The institution was given its current name on 12 May 1948 to honour Dr. Radha Gobinda Kar who first conceived of it.

[7] The college offers MBBS, post-graduate diploma (DNB), post degree medical courses (MS, MD) and super specialty courses (DM, and MCh).It has a capacity of 250 MBBS 175 MD, MS, DNB Seats.

The incident has since sparked significant outrage and nationwide protests which demanded a thorough investigation while also questioning the safety of doctors and also women in their workplaces in India.