An education in quality, integrity, and industry.
Three decades of training science graduates into quality professionals — a programme shaped by industry and committed to the all-round development of every student.
From a single industry focus to a multi-sector calling.
Launched in 1993 as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Sophia College for Women, the one-and-a-half-year Postgraduate Diploma in Quality Assurance (PGDQA) was initially conceived with a focus on the Food Industry.
Recognising the expanding need for quality professionals across sectors, the course was subsequently broadened to include the Pharmaceuticals Industry and later other Allied Industries. This evolution has allowed the course to offer students wider career opportunities while staying responsive to industry demand.
"Today, Quality Assurance is recognised as a critical function in practically every industry — and the demand for skilled QA professionals continues to grow."
A centre built — and continuously rebuilt — with industry.
Industry support has been both foundational and ongoing. The programme has been sustained by a deep and lasting partnership with the industries it serves.
Seed funding establishes the course
Initial industry seed funding in 1993 enables the launch of the Postgraduate Diploma in Quality Assurance, with an initial focus on the food industry.
The Sophia College – Geeta Israni Centre of Quality Assurance
Additional industry funding in 2007 enables the creation of the dedicated Centre — a permanent home for QA teaching, laboratories and infrastructure.
Continuous lab, library and ICT upgrades
Ongoing industry support continues today — laboratory upgrades, library and ICT infrastructure development, and other course requirements. Industry experts contribute actively to curriculum updates.
A deliberately broad view of education.
The course takes a deliberately broad view of education, emphasising the all-round development of students alongside technical training. Structured activities are organised to build soft skills, strengthen communication, and enhance personality and confidence.
Students are encouraged to develop creativity, physical fitness, teamwork skills and event management capabilities — while being instilled with a sense of social responsibility, environmental awareness, patriotism and civic pride.
Course outcomes
- A sensitivity to quality and integrity in every aspect of work and professional conduct.
- The soft skills required to function successfully in industry.
- The ability to apply quality concepts in any food, pharmaceutical or allied industry.
- Readiness to begin a career across any quality-related function.
A meaningful difference for students — and for industry.
Two audiences are at the heart of everything the programme does: the students it shapes, and the industries they will go on to serve.
A transformative experience.
For students, the course turns fresh graduates into confident, industry-ready quality professionals — through a combination of rigorous technical training and comprehensive personal development.
Industry-ready graduates.
The course bridges a critical gap between academia and professional practice — supplying industry with skilled graduates equipped to contribute to quality functions immediately and meaningfully.
An enduring commitment.
The PGDQA stands as a testament to Sophia College's enduring commitment to excellence — through sustained industry engagement, a responsive and dynamic curriculum, and a holistic approach to student development.
Become a part of this story.
Admissions for the 2026–27 cohort are now open. Selection by aptitude — not by cut-off.