Annamalai University - [AU], Chidambaram

About

Annamalai University is among the oldest and largest universities in South India, known for its disciplinary diversity and high student enrolment. Spread across a lush 1,000-acre campus, the University comprises about 50 departments under eight faculties. Established in 1929 by the visionary philanthropist Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar, the institution has significantly contributed to the social, cultural, and economic progress of society for nearly a century. The University Town, Annamalainagar, lies adjacent to Chidambaram, the sacred abode of Lord Nataraja, the Cosmic Dancer.

The University has also been a pioneer in distance education, reaching learners across India through its Directorate of Distance Education (DDE), whose programmes are recognized by the Distance Education Board (DEB). On-campus programmes hold accreditations from national bodies including NAAC, NBA, AICTE, NCTE, and ICAR. In 2022, Annamalai University was re-accredited with an ‘A+’ Grade by NAAC in its fourth cycle, reaffirming its academic excellence.

By Bus: State-run and private buses connect Chidambaram with cities such as Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai. The main bus stand lies roughly 2–3 km from the campus.

By Train: Chidambaram Railway Station is the closest rail link—just 1–2 km away. Frequent trains from major cities (e.g., Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore) make this a convenient choice.

Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar had earlier founded Sri Minakshi College, Sri Minakshi Tamil College, and Sri Minakshi Sanskrit College in Chidambaram during the 1920s to serve the underprivileged and promote Tamil language and literature. In 1928, he agreed to hand over these institutions to the Government, leading to the establishment of Annamalai University on January 1, 1929 the first university in India founded by a private philanthropist. Since then, it has left an indelible mark on generations of learners. Initially governed by the Annamalai University Act, 1928, the institution came under the Annamalai University Act, 2013 (Tamil Nadu Act 20 of 2013) from September 25, 2013. Once a unitary institution, it became an affiliating university in 2021, extending its jurisdiction to Mayiladuthurai, Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Kallakurichi districts, with 81 affiliated colleges.

As a multi-faculty university, Annamalai fosters a holistic educational ecosystem that integrates teaching, research, innovation, and community service. Its wide range of disciplines, complemented by facilities such as libraries, sports pavilions, gymnasiums, and yoga/meditation halls, provides students with the ideal environment to grow into well-rounded individuals, not just specialists.

Some Highlights of  Annamalai University - [AU], Chidambaram

Why Choose Annamalai University (AU), Chidambaram)?

1. Legacy of Excellence – Established in 1929 by philanthropist Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar, AU is one of South India’s oldest and most reputed universities with nearly a century of academic service.

2. Diverse Academic Options – With 50+ departments under 8 faculties, the university offers a wide range of programs in arts, science, engineering, agriculture, medicine, management, fine arts, and more – all under one roof.

3. Strong Accreditations – AU is NAAC ‘A+’ accredited (2022, 4th cycle) and its programmes are recognized by AICTE, NBA, NCTE, ICAR, and DEB, ensuring quality education and national credibility.

4. Beautiful Campus – Spread over 1,000 acres at Annamalainagar near Chidambaram, the campus has modern libraries, labs, sports complexes, hostels, gymnasiums, yoga/meditation halls, and cultural facilities.

5. Research & Innovation – The University actively promotes research, innovation, and community outreach, creating opportunities for students to contribute beyond academics.

6. Distance Education Pioneer – Through its Directorate of Distance Education (DDE), AU has made higher education accessible to lakhs of learners across India.

7. Career & Holistic Development – With placement support, skill-development programs, and extracurricular activities, AU nurtures students into well-rounded professionals rather than just degree holders.

Vision & Mission of Annamalai University - [AU], Chidambaram

Vision

• Annamalai University strives to be a globally recognized institution of higher learning, focusing on excellence in education, research, and innovation.

Mission

• Its mission is to nurture students into responsible citizens and professionals by providing quality teaching, advancing knowledge through research, fostering values, and promoting sustainable development for the betterment of society.

Admission Procedure

Annamalai University Chidambaram Courses are offered at UG, PG, Doctorate level. There are so many courses offered at Annamalai University Chidambaram. The courses are offered disciplines like Engineering, Science, Management, Commerce. Annamalai University Chidambaram courses includes Ph.D, M.Sc, PG Diploma, MBA, BE, B.Sc (Nursing), Diploma, B.Ed, MA, B.Sc. Popular courses at Annamalai University Chidambaram are Ph.D, M.Sc, PG Diploma.

Admission Criteria

Admission for UG Programme

Annamalai University offers both B.Ed and M.Ed programs through its Department of Education, which is one of the four departments within the Faculty of Education. Each program has a duration of two academic years. The B.Ed program is available in two languages: English and Tamil, while the M.Ed program is conducted exclusively in English.

The university offers Bachelor of Physical Education (B.P.Ed) and Master of Physical Education (M.P.Ed) programs through the Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences within the Faculty of Education. Each program has a duration of two academic years, consisting of four semesters, and follows the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS).The Faculty of Marine Sciences at Annamalai University offers BFSc and M.Sc. in Marine Sciences programs through the Centre of Advanced Study (CAS) in Marine Biology. The duration of the BFSc programs is four academic years and two years, respectively. M.Sc. is offered in 7 disciplines, including Marine Biology & Oceanography, Marine Biotechnology, Marine Microbiology, Marine Pharmacology and Marine Chemistry. The Faculty of Agriculture provides B.Sc. (Agri.) and B.Sc. (Horti.) degrees across nine departments: Agronomy, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, Agricultural Economics, and Animal Husbandry. The courses span three academic years, consisting of six semesters.

Eligibility

• B.Ed - Graduate Degree Qualifying Degree Merit
  
• M.Ed - B.Ed. Degree with a minimum of 50% marks
  
• B.P.Ed 100 Bachelor's degree with 50% marks 
  
• M.P.Ed 40 B.P.E./B.P.E.S./B.P.Ed./B.Sc. (Phy. Ed.)
  
• B.Sc. Agriculture 10+2 examination 
  
• B.Sc. Horticulture 10+2 examination
  
• BFSc 10+2 examination
• B.Pharm (L.E.) 10+2 examination Qualifying Degree Merit
  
• D.Pharm. Graduate Degree
  
• B.E. 10+2 examination 
  
• B.Voc. 10+2 examination

Admission for PG Programme

Annamalai University's Faculty of Engineering and Technology offers ME and M.Tech programs in a variety of disciplines. All courses are two academic years long, with four semesters for full-time students and three academic years long, with six semesters each for part-time students.

The Faculty of Medicine offers MPT and M.Sc. Nursing programs in a variety of disciplines, while the Department of Pharmacy at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology offers a Pharm.D. course. The Medical Council of India recognizes both medical programs, which last two academic years each. MPT and M.Sc. Nursing programs are offered by Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Rani Meyyammai College of Nursing, respectively.

The Faculty of Agriculture at the university offers an M.Sc. (Agriculture) and MBA in Agriculture in nine departments, including agronomy, entomology, plant pathology, agrobiology, soil science, and agrochemistry. The courses last two academic years (four semesters) for full-time students and three years (six semesters) for part-time students.

Eligibility

• MBA / MCA / M.Sc./MA/M.Com - Graduate Degree 
  
• M.Sc. - Marine Sciences Graduate Degree
• MBBS -10+2 examination NEET
• M.Pharm. - B.Pharm Degree
• ME/M.Tech - BE/B.Tech Degree
• MPT - BPT Degree Entrance Examination & Interview
  
• M.Sc. - Nursing B.Sc. Nursing / B.Sc. Hons. Nursing / Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing
  
• Pharm.D. - 10+2 examination
• M.Sc. Agriculture - Graduate Degree in Agriculture

Steps to Apply:

• Log on to the official registration portal of Annamalai University.
  
• Click on the “New Applicant” link for the desired course.
  
• Enter the details of the qualifying exam (10th or 12th, or Diploma)- Register Number, Month, and year.
  
• Enter the details such as Name, Date of Birth, Mobile Number, Aadhaar Number, Nativity, community, e-mail ID, and password, and submit the form.
  
• Upon registration, candidates should use the username and password to log in through the REGISTERED APPLICANT link.
  
• Next, enter all the personal details and educational details that are self-explanatory and submit.
  
• Then, a candidate should upload a photo of width and height 150. The file should be in. JPEG format (JPG, JPEG, JPE, GIF).
  
• Candidates can verify the details by clicking the "Click to verify Application" button. Candidates will get a preview of the application in PDF form.
  
• Upon confirming the entries, click the "Submit for Payment" button to make your payment for the application.
  
• Submit the prescribed fee online through the payment gateway.
  

Scholarship

Annamalai University Chidambaram offers scholarships for their students. Students can avail following scholarships during their academic years. The scholarships for UG and PG are mentioned below.

• NSP (PM-USP) Yojana

Eligibility - 80% in Class 12, AICTE recognized UG/PG courses, parental income ≤ ₹4.5 Lakhs

Amount - ₹82,000 per annum Must be in a regular course, maintain 50% marks and 75% attendance

• National Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies (UGC)

Eligibility - First-time PG students under 30 in UGC-recognized full-time programs

Amount - ₹10,000 per year or ₹15,000 per month

Transport

Annamalai University operates its own transportation services, including buses, vans, and cars to assist students and staff. These run across various parts of the city and nearby areas. The university also provides transport during vacations to key points like the bus stand and railway station.There’s a dedicated shuttle bus service that aids smooth commuting within the campus and to adjacent areas.