The University of Calcutta, informally known as Calcutta University or CU, is a collegiate public state university located in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It was established on 24 January 1857 and was one of the first multidisciplinary and Western-style institutions in Asia. Today, the university's jurisdiction is limited to a few districts of West Bengal. Within India, it is recognized as a "Five-Star University" and accredited an "A" grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council. The University of Calcutta was awarded the status of "Centre with Potential for Excellence in Particular Area" and "University with potential for excellence" by the University Grants Commission (UGC).