Bose Institute, now Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose founded a leading organisation of the nation, in 1917 with an intention for the advancement of science and diffusion of knowledge. The Institute is in the service of the nation for the last 75 years through its pursuit of advancement of knowledge in science and technology and by producing efficient and skilled scientific manpower that the country needs for its development. The institute caters to this need through six departments (Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Microbiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics ), two sections (Plant Molecular Cellular Genetics and Animal Physiology ), and through other service centers like RSIC, DIC, Library, Workshop etc. There are also experimental field stations at four different locations in West Bengal (Darjeeling, Falta, Madhyamgram and Shyamnagar ) mainly concentrating in applied research. Scientists of many universities and Institutes of the country also use facilities and infrastructure developed in the Institute. Our scientists also serve the nation through their participation in many national and international scientific committees, and as examiners of many university and national tests.

The institute has two campuses, one located at 93/1 Acharya P.C. Road near Raja Bazar where the Bose Institute was originally founded (commonly known as Main Campus) and the other at Bagmari Road near Kankurgachi (commonly referred to as Centenary Campus, as it was built to commemorate the birth centenary of the founder).

The departments of Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Library, Workshop, J. C. Bose Museum and RSIC are located in the Main Campus, while the departments of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biophysics, the PMCG and Animal Physiology sections, Director's Laboratory, DIC, Administration and Accounts are located in the Centenary Campus. The institute was started by a gift of rupees four lakhs by the founder (invested in land, building and G.P. notes) and funds raised from public donations. The institute is at present funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India.