NSS College, Pandalam

N. S. S. College, Pandalam is a higher education institution located in Pandalam town, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, affiliated to the University of Kerala. It was founded in 1950 by Mannathu Padmanabha Pillai and is one of the three oldest colleges established and managed by the Nair Service Society, initially offering intermediate courses from the University of Travancore. The college has 15 departments spanning science, arts, commerce, and physical education, offering 14 undergraduate courses, seven postgraduate courses, and one doctoral programme. Its motto, derived from the Bhagavad Gita, translates to 'Knowledge indeed is superior to constant practice.' The college holds special grade status from the University Grants Commission and was re-accredited A grade by NAAC in 2014, after earlier receiving a B++ grade in 2007. The 50-acre campus houses a University of Kerala study centre, a library with about 50,000 books, and active units such as NCC, NSS, and a Women's Studies Unit. The English department runs the Pandaleeyan English Theatre, known for staging Shakespeare's works. Notable alumni include filmmakers, politicians, and academics, while notable faculty include poets and writers.