One of the elite institutes of India, St Xavier's Collegiate school was founded in 1860 by the Society of Jesus, an all-male Catholic religious order.

[2][5] Expansion of the school has been a long effort, with a campus slated for Salt Lake City, Kolkata and a second boys' hostel not far from the existing one.

A commemorative stamp was issued by the Indian Post Office on 12 April 1985 depicting the campus and in its commentary recognising the school's contribution to society.

[10] The tertiary section extended to coeducational Honors Arts and Science programs and Teacher Training while still on the high school campus.

While schools of engineering and medicine are being considered, plans are progressing slowly to assure that fees will remain low and a wide range of students will be able to afford the education.