St. Stephen's College is a religious foundation drawing inspiration from the life and teachings by Jesus Christ.
Founded on 1 February 1881, St. Stephen's is the oldest college in Delhi. It was first affiliated to Calcutta University, and later to Punjab University. Finally with the establishment of Delhi University in 1922, it became one of its three original constituent colleges.
College began with just five student and three teachers in a small house in Katra Khushal Rai, near Kinari Bazar in Chandni Chowk. From 1891 to 1941 it was housed in the building now hosted by Delhi College of Engineering, near St. James Church inside Kashmere Gate. In 1941 it shifted to its present site in the university Enclave. The present buildings of College, with the exception of a few later additions, were designed by the distinguished architect Walter George. College was established by a Christian mission from Westcott House, Cambridge. The Rev. Samuel Scott Allnutt was its Founder and first Principal. The anniversary of his death is observed as Founder's Day on 7 December every year.

The college focuses on the overall development of a students’ personality and provides ample facilities for this. Foe example the library of the college contains over ninety thousand books and the college also has excellent outdoor and indoor sports facilities.

Admission to St. Stephens College is based on the academic record of prospective students along with a personal interview. For admission to under graduate courses in St. Stephens College only those candidates are called for interview whose percentage in 10+2 exam are above the declared cut off marks. For admission to M.A./Msc. courses only those candidate are considered for admission whose names are cleared by the relevant departments of the University. Therefore the candidates need to apply separately in both the University and the college.

For admission to St. Stephens College for the academic year 2008-2009 application forms, prospectus and other documents will be made available from the second week of May 2008. One can buy these from the college counter and also by post. One can even download these from the college website and pay through credit card. The application form for undergraduate courses can also be submitted online on the college website - http://www.ststephens.edu.