Dr. Fredrick John, the education secretary to the then British Government in India, first tendered a proposal to the British Government in London for the establishment of a university in Calcutta, along the lines of London University, but at that time the plan failed to obtain the necessary approval. However, a proposal to establish two universities, one in Calcutta and the other in Bombay was later accepted in 1854 and the necessary authority was given through Wood's despatch.
Dr. Fredrick John, the education secretary to the British Government in India at that time, initially presented a proposal to establish a university in Calcutta similar to London University to the British Government in London, but it did not receive necessary approval. Later, a proposal was accepted for two universities, one in Calcutta and another in Bombay, in 1854 through Wood's despatch.