About

Presidency College is a government, co-educational, autonomous arts and science college located at No. 100, Kamarajar Salai, Chepauk, Chennai – 600005, Tamil Nadu. The institution was established in 1840 by the British India Government and is one of India's historic institutions of higher education.

The college has autonomous status, granted in 1987, and offers higher education with a strong emphasis on teaching and research. It is associated with the University of Madras and has received NAAC accreditation. The college's academic structure includes both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes along with M.Phil. and Ph.D. research opportunities.

Presidency College offers a wide range of undergraduate programmes in disciplines such as Tamil, English, History, Political Science, Economics, Commerce, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Chemistry, Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Zoology and Biotechnology, Geology, Geography, and Psychology. It also offers postgraduate programmes in several of these disciplines, along with MCA and MSW.

The college provides academic facilities including classrooms, science laboratories, computer facilities, library resources, research facilities, seminar facilities, and other student-support infrastructure. The wide range of science departments provides students with opportunities for laboratory-based and research-oriented learning.

Practical and research-oriented learning is incorporated through laboratory sessions, project work, seminars, workshops, internships, field activities, research projects, and departmental programmes. Students pursuing science and social-science disciplines receive opportunities to develop analytical, technical, communication, and research skills alongside their classroom education.

The college also encourages students to participate in NSS, sports, cultural activities, seminars, workshops, extension activities, student-development programmes, and other extracurricular initiatives. These activities help students develop teamwork, leadership qualities, communication skills, confidence, discipline, and social responsibility.

The institution provides opportunities for higher studies and research, with M.Phil. and Ph.D. programmes available in several Arts, Science, and Commerce disciplines. The college's departments and research activities provide students with pathways toward academic and research careers.

Presidency College, Chennai, provides opportunities for students interested in Arts, Science, Commerce, Computer Applications, Social Work, and research-oriented higher education. With its government status, autonomous academic structure, long history, wide range of UG and PG programmes, research opportunities, practical learning, and student-development activities, the institution provides a strong foundation for higher studies, competitive examinations, employment, research, and professional development.

Presidency College, Chennai is a government autonomous Arts and Science college in Chennai, affiliated with the University of Madras. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes in Arts, Science and Commerce.Admission is completed based on academic merit, reservation rules, seat availability and University of Madras regulations.

Admission Criteria

B.A

Admission Process

• Apply through the college's UG admission process.
• Submit the completed application along with the Higher Secondary mark sheet and required documents.
• The college verifies the candidate's academic qualification and eligibility.
• Admission is offered based on merit, reservation rules and seat availability.

Eligibility

• Must have passed 10+2 / Higher Secondary or equivalent from a recognized board.
• Candidates must satisfy the subject-specific requirements of the selected B.A. programme.
• Must meet the applicable University of Madras and Government of Tamil Nadu regulations.

B.Sc

Admission Process

• Apply through the college's UG admission process.
• Select the preferred B.Sc. specialization.
• Submit the Higher Secondary mark sheet and supporting documents.
• The college verifies the required Science-subject background.
• Admission is offered based on merit and seat availability.

Eligibility

• Must have passed 10+2 / Higher Secondary or equivalent.
• Must have studied the prescribed Science subjects for the selected specialization.
• Subject requirements vary according to the chosen B.Sc. programme.

B.Com

Admission Process

• Apply through the college's UG admission process.
• Submit the Higher Secondary mark sheet and required certificates.
• The college verifies the qualifying examination and programme eligibility.
• Selection is based on academic merit and seat availability.

Eligibility

• Must have passed 10+2 / Higher Secondary or equivalent.
• Commerce / Accountancy subjects may be required depending on the selected programme.
• Must satisfy the applicable University of Madras eligibility requirements.

B.C.A

Admission Process

• Apply through the college's UG admission process.
• Submit the Higher Secondary mark sheet and required documents.
• The college verifies academic and subject eligibility.
• Admission is offered based on merit and available seats.

Eligibility

• Must have passed 10+2 / Higher Secondary or equivalent.
• Mathematics / Computer Applications / related subjects may be required depending on the programme regulations.
• Must satisfy the applicable undergraduate eligibility requirements.

M.A

Admission Process

• Apply through the college's PG admission process.
• Submit Bachelor's degree certificates and mark sheets.
• The college verifies the qualifying degree and programme eligibility.
• Admission is offered based on merit and seat availability.

Eligibility

• Must possess a Bachelor's Degree in the relevant discipline from a recognized university.
• Must satisfy the programme-specific postgraduate eligibility requirements prescribed by the University of Madras.

M.Sc

Admission Process

• Apply through the college's PG admission process.
• Submit the relevant Bachelor's degree documents.
• The college verifies subject-specific eligibility.
• Admission is offered based on merit and available seats.

Eligibility

• Must possess a relevant B.Sc. / Bachelor's Degree in the selected subject or an eligible related discipline.
• Must satisfy the specialization-specific requirements prescribed by the University of Madras.

M.Com

Admission Process

• Apply through the college's PG admission process.
• Submit the Bachelor's degree certificate and mark sheets.
• The college verifies the qualifying degree and eligibility.
• Selection is based on academic merit and seat availability.

Eligibility

• Must possess a relevant Bachelor's Degree, preferably B.Com. or an equivalent Commerce qualification.
• Must satisfy the applicable postgraduate eligibility requirements.

(M.Phil)

Admission Process

• Apply according to the college/university's M.Phil. admission notification, if the programme is offered.
• Submit the required Master's degree certificates and academic records.
• Eligible candidates may be required to appear for an entrance examination and/or interview.
• Final selection depends on eligibility, selection performance and availability of approved research seats.

Eligibility

• Must possess a relevant Master's Degree from a recognized university.
• Must satisfy the applicable university and research regulations.
• Admission is subject to the availability and approval of the M.Phil. programme.

Ph.D

Admission Process

• Apply according to the college/university's Ph.D. admission notification.
• Submit Master's degree certificates, mark sheets and required research documents.
• Eligible candidates may be required to appear for an entrance test and/or interview.
• Final selection depends on academic qualification, research aptitude, interview performance, supervisor availability and research vacancies.

Eligibility

• Must possess a relevant Master's Degree from a recognized university.
• Must satisfy the applicable University of Madras and UGC Ph.D. regulations.
• Admission is subject to availability of the relevant research area, approved supervisor and research position.

Presidency College provides merit-based scholarships and financial assistance for students who require financial support. According to the college's scholarship information, a certain number of scholarships are available for B.A., B.Sc., B.Com., M.A., M.Sc., M.Com. and M.C.A. students based on merit and financial need. The college also lists government scholarships, National Merit Scholarship schemes and scholarships under the Excess Fees Income Scheme. Students should contact the college office to confirm the current 2026–27 scholarship schemes, eligibility, amount, required documents and application procedure.

Presidency College has a Placement and Training Cell/Careers Service Office that coordinates internship and recruitment opportunities for students. The placement process includes student registration, inviting companies, announcing available job opportunities, company registration, eligibility verification and subsequent recruitment stages. The college also provides soft-skill training and career guidance to help students improve their employability. Students are expected to prepare resumes, certificates and other documents for recruitment processes.

Presidency College, Chennai is a historic government autonomous college established in 1840 and affiliated with the University of Madras. The college currently has 26 departments and more than 77 UG and PG courses, covering subjects such as Tamil, English, Economics, History, Political Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Zoology, Commerce, Psychology, Microbiology and Social Work. The campus provides academic infrastructure including classrooms, laboratories, library resources, computer and ICT facilities, Wi-Fi connectivity, research facilities and sports infrastructure. The campus is also equipped with CCTV surveillance and high-speed internet access to support students and research scholars.

Presidency College has separate hostel facilities for boys and girls. The Victoria Boys Hostel is a government-run hostel associated with the college, while the College Ladies Hostel is located at Omanthurar Government Estate in Chepauk. The college's hostel information states that separate hostel facilities for boys and girls are available within walking distance, with round-the-clock security and trained wardens. Hostel rooms are Wi-Fi connected and available on a twin-sharing basis, while dining facilities provide both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, including South Indian and North Indian menus.

The college is located at 100, Kamarajar Salai, Chepauk, Chennai, in a well-connected central part of the city. Students can conveniently use MTC buses, suburban rail and Chennai Metro services depending on their starting location. The college is close to Chepauk railway station and bus-transport facilities, making daily commuting practical for students living in different parts of Chennai. The college's hostel information also notes that the women's hostel is approximately 500 metres from Chepauk Railway Station and Bus Stand.