Maharashtra College of Arts, Science and Commerce & Dr. Rafiq Zakaria Centre for Postgraduate studies and Research, affiliated to University of Mumbai, was established in 1968 with a vision to bring higher education to the door steps of the economically underprivileged students, especially belonging to the Muslim minority, emphasizing on their all-round development. The establishment of this College in 1968 was the realization of a dream by selfless and dedicated educationist and social worker, Mr Mohammed Ali Mitha.

Maharashtra College is managed by Khairul Islam Higher Education Society, which was founded under the able guidance of our honourable President, Dr. Rafiq Zakaria, a veteran parliamentarian, writer, educationist and Islamic scholar. After the demise of Dr. Rafiq Zakaria, his wife Mrs. Fatima Zakaria, the eminent, educationist and recipient of the Padmashri Award took over the Presidentship and under her leadership and dynamism, the next sixteen years witnessed exemplary progress of the institute. In 2021, Mr. Ahmed Khan a doyen in the field of social work and education was elected President of the Society. Under his guidance, the college aspires to head towards a better tomorrow.

The College aims at equipping students with a moral and intellectual outlook and inculcating in them the highest principles of unity and national integration. The College attaches great importance to the dissemination of learning and an all-round development of the personality of its students. All efforts are made to create a congenial atmosphere for both faculty and students, especially for female students and consistently encourages them to widen their capabilities enabling them to become responsible citizens of India.

Since last five decades Maharashtra College has remained a pioneer institution in the Muslim locality of South Mumbai and has played a pivotal role in bringing the cultural change within the community through imparting value-based education. The College has been re- accredited in 2017 with B++ grade by NAAC with of CGPA of 2.88. Apart from regular degree courses of B. A, B. Sc and B. Com, the College also offers various Certificate Courses and Post graduate Courses in Islamic studies, Commerce (Management), Botany and Information Technology. The College is also a recognized Research Centre, granting Ph. D degree in the subjects of Urdu, Commerce (Business Policy and Administration) and Botany. Emphasis is given to provide equal opportunities for every student to explore their talent not only in academics but also in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. Faculties of Arts, Science and Commerce in our Junior College are recognized by the Mumbai Divisional Board.

The College has a well-qualified, experienced and committed teaching staff. The dedication of the institute towards environmental sustainability is well known since it has been the first educational institute in South Mumbai and one of the first in the State of Maharashtra to power its electricity requirements completely from solar energy.