St. Mary’s College, Manarcaud is an affiliated Arts and Science College under Mahatma Gandhi University, recognized under 12B 2(f) of UGC, and accredited by NAAC with B Grade in 2016. The College is located on the serene hilltop of Marygiri, about 0.5 km. away from the world famous shrine, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Manarcadu which is about 10.5 km east from Kottayam town. The college sanction order was obtained on 24th August 1981 to H H Baselios II. This was the small beginning from which the college grew to become, first a Junior College and later on to become a first grade college in 1991. In 1983 when Gandhiji University was created and established, the college affiliation was transferred to Gandhiji University from Kerala University on 27th December 1984. The other milestones were the up gradation of the College from Junior College status on 11th September 1991 with the introduction of a degree course.

Later in 1999 a postgraduate course was introduced. The ownership and Management of the college was transferred from St. Mary’s Cathedral, Manarcad to the St Mary’s Jacobite Syrian Charitable and Educational Society (reg.No.K.303/2003) in 2003. This society was formed and registered on 28th May 2003. The latest development in its journey was the introduction of the fifth post graduate course MA Historical Studies in 2021. Currently college offers six UG courses (B.Sc Chemistry; B.Sc Zoology; B.Sc Physics [Model II Applied Electronics]; B.A.English [Model II. Copy Editor]; B.A. History [Model II. Archaeology & Museology] and B.Com [Finance & Taxation] and five PG courses (M.Sc Chemistry; M.A.English Literature; M.Com [SF] & M.Sc Zoology [SF]). College has good infrastructural facilities and running a UGC Women’s Hostel for outstation students. College is continuously maintains good academic records bagging 5-10 ranks in University examinations every year. Besides, sports and arts front college is maintain championship in many intercollegiate or state level competitions. College has bagged National Water Award 2018 (Ministry of Jalshakathi, Govt. of India) for the Best Water Usage Campus in India; National award for Best NSS volunteer, 2020; Moses Trophy for Best NSS Unit, Best Programme officer & Best NSS friendly Principal in 2021; Best Rural college Award (Rev.Fr.T.C.George Puraskaaram) 2022 etc.