The Government College for Women, Nawakadal, situated on the Southern Bank of River Jhelum is the only Institution of Higher Education for Women ideally located in Shehr- e -Khas (Down Town area of Srinagar City). The Institution is dedicated to excellence in the field of higher learning & committed to the cause of empowerment of women through the instrument of the education. It was established in 1961 with Arts and Science subjects and a Teaching Faculty of 19 members with just 50 students. Presently it is the only Women Institution in Kashmir Valley offering Commerce & Management Courses.

The College has a historical background of its own. Adjacent to MahrajGanj, the then capital during the reign of Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin (1418–1470), fondly known as Budshah, and historical Trade Centre of Shehr-e-Khas. In 1952, Jenab Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the then Prime Minister of Jammu & Kashmir ordered for the elevation of a school at Nawakadal to College for Women. The College started functioning in 1961 during the Prime Ministership of Jenab Bakhshi Gulam Mohammad under the stewardship of Prof. Sakina Hassan as the first principal of the institution.

Since its establishment the College gradually achieved multidisciplinary character and at present the college offers various undergraduate courses in Arts, Science, Commerce, Social Science along with Professional and vocational courses. Existing courses are restructured from time to time to make them relevant side by side with the introduction of new courses. Since its e inception the college has passed through many stages crossed a number of milestones has survived through many odds yet holds a premier position. The college has produced a number of position holders and has won good number of prizes in curricular as well as in co-curricular activities. The institution makes all efforts to ensure the participation of female students in these activities at State, Regional and National level.

Over the years, the college has grown both at academic and infrastructural level. Apart from offering thirty-one Major courses in Science, Social Science, Humanities and Commerce together, the college also has Post Graduate centers in Chemistry, Commerce and Management. In line with the vision of NEP for establishing a bridge between the academic training and job market, the college runs multiple courses that transfer skill to students. In addition, vocational courses in knitting, cutting and tailoring and Paper Mache Art are also being offered. College's infrastructure augmentation is growing by leaps and bounds. Construction of Multipurpose Sports Building, Girls Hostel and a four-storey Establishment cum Academic Block is taking place at quick pace. Being the first college in the Higher Education of J&K having achieved the prestigious A+ grade (CGPA 3.27) in the third cycle of NAAC, and NIRF rank band of (151-200) are the twin achievements of college which sets it apart from other institutions. The college has emerged as one of the top academic institutions in the city's academic landscape transforming women education significantly. Notably the college has a highly accomplished library with automation in place and 70000 books and rare manuscripts in well laid shelves.

The college has made big strides in the women education particularly in the domain of skills and multi-disciplinary education. Advanced pedagogy supported by rich human resources amidst serene environment and space place the college a notch above from its peers.