In January 1875 Commissioner Ravenshaw proposed to convert the Ravenshaw Collegiate School into a full-fledged degree College. The Government of Bengal accepted the demand with the condition that a public contribution of Rs. 30,000/- be deposited for the proposed College. Ravenshaw took up the matter as an object of personal interest and guaranteed the collection of the required amount. Mr. H. Woodrew, DPI of Bengal supported Ravenshaw. Mr. H. J. Reynolds, Secretary to the Government of Bengal requested the Government of India to sanction the incidental charges and the post of the principal on the additional condition of meeting half the monthly expenses by public donation.