On 15th July, 1818, they issued the prospectus for a 'College for the instruction for the Asiatic, Christian, and other youth, in Eastern literature and European science.' It was drawn up by Joshua Marshman.

It was proposed to impart a thorough knowledge of Sanskrit so the students may be able to understand the tenets and principles of Hinduism. On the same principle instruction was to be given in Arabic, the language of Mohammedanism. The students were likewise to be thoroughly grounded in European science and knowledge through books in their own language, and explained in lectures. But English was by no means to be excluded from study and it was intended that, after they had completed his Sanskrit studies, a select number should be taught the English language. The college was likewise to train teachers in the science of instruction and managing schools. One of the chief objects was to prepare textbooks in Bengali to form the material for education in schools. But it was to be considered pre-eminently a divinity school, where Christian youths, of personal piety and aptitude for the work of an evangelist, should go through a complete course of instruction in Christian theology. It was to be open to youths from all parts of India without distinction of caste or creed. A library was to be formed, to include, in addition to works of classical and European literature, every manuscript of any value, Sanskrit or vernacular, which could be obtained in the country.

John Clark Marshman, 1859.