The MUWCI Story
Explore how it all began
The story of MUWCI
Inauguration and early years
The Mahindra United World College of India (MUWCI) or Mahindra UWC was the 8th institution to join the United World Colleges (UWC) movement.
It all began after a small group of people called “The Friends of MUWCI” felt the urge to establish a UWC in India. The piece of land on which the college now stands was then barren and without trees. Today, the campus boasts several lush green spaces within a biodiversity reserve.
On 28 November 1997, MUWCI opened its doors to the first class, comprising 91 students from around the world. With time and each graduating class, MUWCI has grown into a truly international educational institution with one clear goal: to offer students a unique, unparalleled, and transformative college experience.
Milestones in the MUWCI journey
Key milestones in the making of a transformative educational institution
1980
Established the UWC India National Committee, for students applying to UWCs from India.
1993
Indian Government’s Cabinet Committee on political affairs granted permission to open a UWC college in India.
1995
The Mahindra group took the first steps in establishing the college.
1996
Laid the Foundation Stone for the college and began the construction begins in the Mulshi valley.
1997
Mahindra United World College of India is inaugurated with Dr. David Wilkinson as the first Head of College.
1999
Graduation of the inaugural class of students.
2001
Opened the Li-Doshi swimming pool expands the sports & recreation facilities on campus.
2003
MUWCI pioneered a curriculum that became the IB’s World Studies Extended Essay, an interdisciplinary project on global issues.
2006
Established Biodome & Reserve with a generous donation from Kotak.
2008
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh inaugurated the Van Vihar Biodiversity Park & Reserve on MUWCI’s 10th Anniversary.
2009
The inaugural class (1999) celebrated its 10-year reunion. Dr. Johnathan Long is appointed Head of College.
2011
Started the construction of new student housing (Wada 5).
2013
Ulhas Yargop, MUWCI Board Member, joined the UWC International Board.
2014
Anand Mahindra and Shelby Davis made a joint USD 12.5 million scholarship pledge to the UWC movement, with the Mahindra Group donating 30 crores (USD 4.5 million) to a Mahindra Scholarship Endowment.
2015
Major UWC benefactor Shelby Davis announced the launch of the pan-UWC USD 15 million Davis IMPACT Challenge, designed to increase new donations from UWC alumni, parents and other friends of UWC, and encourage them to become regular supporters.
2017
MUWCI hosted the UWC International Board meeting. The Scholae Mundi Foundation and Mahindra Group announced a USD 7.5 million UWC Scholarship Commitment. The Davis IMPACT Challenge is extended to 17 UWC schools.
2018
Celebrated the 20th Graduation with Shaheen Mistri (Teach for India) as Graduation Speaker. MUWCI received CIS Accreditation.
2019
Class of 1999 celebrated their 20-year reunion.
2023
10-year reunion for the classes of 2013 and 2014.
2024
Alumni from the classes of 2000 to 2005 celebrated their 20-year reunion.
Pioneering curriculum development
Commitment to strengthening and enhancing the IB programme
The IB invites a select few schools known for their innovation, experienced faculty, and commitment to pilot new curricula at their curriculum workshops. MUWCI is one of those few IB colleges that has piloted and developed the curriculum for many IB subjects.
Our Triveni or Experiential Learning programme is an example of this. The programme exceeds the IB CAS requirements with mandatory on- and off-campus service, creative projects, and four weeks of project-based learning across India. Our CAS expertise attracts international schools for custom programmes.
We also have our own MUWCI Core sessions that go beyond the Core component of the IBDP programme. These sessions are designed and re-purposed each year in response to the needs of the students and the world.
International Education
- Global Politics
- World Religions
Creativity & the Arts
- Film Studies
Interdisciplinary Education
- World Studies Extended Essays
The MUWCI Experience
A journey of academic and personal growth
People of MUWCI
Meet the thinkers and leaders that strive to shape the minds and futures of all who enrol at MUWCI.
Award-winning campus
Our award-winning campus bolsters appreciation for our location and for the biodiversity around us.
MUWCI Impact
Our students grow through social-impact driven education focusing on community and sustainability.
Recognised excellence
Accredited by leading global organisations
MUWCI is fully accredited through the Council of International Schools and a member of the International Baccalaureate Organisation.
In MUWCI, every experience counts, and every experience is a life lesson. My MUWCI experience did not stop at Mulshi Valley. It is with me today, tomorrow and every single day of my life.