Aizawl Theological College traces its origins to 1907, when Welsh Calvinistic Methodist missionaries, later known as the Welsh Presbyterian Mission, established a small theological school in Aizawl to train Mizo Christians for evangelism, pastoral ministry, and the wider service of the Church. The initiative was led by Rev. D. E. Jones, popularly known among the Mizos as Pu Zosaphluia, a pioneer missionary of the Presbyterian Church of Wales. In its early stage, the school was strengthened by trained Mizo pastors such as Rev. Chhuahkhama, Rev. Liangkhaia, and Rev. Saiaithanga, whose contributions were instrumental in the development of theological education among the Mizos.
In 1924, the school was relocated from Aizawl to Durtlang, on the present site of the Synod Hospital, under the care of Rev. F. J. Sandy and several Mizo teachers. Following Rev. Sandy’s sudden death, the school returned to Aizawl in 1927 under the supervision of Rev. E. L. Mendus. Owing to financial constraints and other historical circumstances, the school was temporarily closed in 1937. However, after the Second World War and India’s Independence, the need for theological education became increasingly evident. In 1951, the Assembly of the Mizoram Presbyterian Church resolved to reopen the institution, with Rev. J. M. Lloyd as its Principal.
After acquiring a site at Mission Vengthlang, Aizawl, the College was formally established on the site in 1964. In the following year, 1965, it was granted affiliation by the Senate of Serampore College at the Licentiate in Theology (L.Th.) level, with Mizo as the medium of instruction. Rev. J. M. Lloyd was succeeded by Rev. C. Pazawna, the first Mizo Principal of the College. His long tenure marked an important period of academic consolidation and institutional growth. In 1971, the College was upgraded to the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) level by the Senate of Serampore College, and English became the medium of instruction for the degree programme. These developments coincided with a significant period in Mizoram’s political history, as the region became a Union Territory in 1972 and later a full-fledged State in 1987.
During the 1970s and 1980s, the College continued to strengthen its B.Th. programme, lay theological education, and missionary training. In 1983, the Mizoram Presbyterian Church
Synod resolved to upgrade the College to the Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.) level in response to the growing ministerial, missionary, and theological needs of the Church. Since the Mission Vengthlang campus could no longer accommodate further expansion, a new 21.6-acres site was acquired at Durtlang Leitan, north of Aizawl. Preparations for the new campus progressed with the support of the Synod, congregations, mission boards, partner churches, and well-wishers. The Gospel Centenary Building, now the College’s main academic building, was inaugurated by former Principal Rev. J. M. Lloyd on 11 January 1994, during the Gospel Centenary Year in Mizoram.
In 1994, the Senate of Serampore College granted ATC provisional affiliation to offer the B.D. programme. The B.D. Orientation Course began in October 1994 with twenty-six students, marking a new phase in the academic development of the College. In June 1998, the Council for Academic Affairs of the Senate of Serampore College granted the College full affiliation as a B.D. institution. The B.Th. programme was subsequently phased out in 2003, making the B.D. programme ATC’s principal programme for ministerial formation.
The College later expanded its academic mission by introducing postgraduate and doctoral theological education. The Master of Theology (M.Th.) programme was introduced in stages: Christian Theology in 2002; New Testament and Missiology in 2007; History of Christianity in 2009; Old Testament and Religions in 2011; and Pastoral Counselling in 2018. The Doctor of Theology (D.Th.) programme was inaugurated in Christian Theology in 2013, followed by New Testament and Missiology in 2014. In 2022, the programme was further expanded to include Old Testament, Christian Ministry (with specialization in Counselling), and History of Christianity. In addition to its residential programmes, the College serves as a recognized local centre of the Senate of Serampore College for the Bachelor of Christian Studies (B.C.S.), Diploma in Christian Studies (Dip.C.S.), and Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) programmes. The B.C.S. and Dip.C.S. programmes are offered in both Mizo and English. The Diploma in Clinical Pastoral Counselling (D.C.P.C.) has also been offered since June 2016, further strengthening the College’s commitment to pastoral and professional ministry.
Throughout its history, the College has continued to grow in its academic programmes, institutional life, and service to the Church. Today, Aizawl Theological College stands as one of the leading ecumenical theological institutions in Northeast India. Although founded, sustained, and governed by the Mizoram Presbyterian Church through the Synod Theological Education Board, it serves men and women from various Protestant churches across Mizoram, Northeast India, and neighbouring regions. Its continuing mission is to form theologically mature, spiritually grounded, and ministerially competent servants of Christ for the Church, theological education, mission, counselling, and society.
Contact and Communication
The campus of Aizawl Theological College is situated on a hill to the north of Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram. Aizawl is accessible by road, air, and train services.
Telephone : 0389 – 2361664
Mobile : 6033372820
Email : principal@atc.edu.in/ atc.mizoram@gmail.com
Website : www.atc.edu.in