University of Madras, Chennai

About

The Public Petition dated 11-11-1839 initiated the establishment of Madras University. It was in January 1840 with Mr.George Norton as its President, that the University Board was constituted. In 1854 after a lapse of 14 years, the Government of India formulated a systematic educational policy for India and as a sequel to this on 5th September 1857 by an Act of Legislative Council of India, the University was established. The University was organised in the model of London University.

Madras University is the mother of almost all the old Universities of south India. The University area of jurisdiction has been confined to three districts of Tamil Nadu in recent years. This is consequent to establishment of various universities in the State and demarcation of the University territories. This University has been growing from strength to strength while widening its teaching and research activities.

The University imparts both Under Graduate and Post Graduate Education through the Affiliated Institutions which are spread over the districts of Chennai, Thiruvallur and Kancheepuram. Apart from teaching, research activities in Arts, Humanities, Science, Management and Technology shape the academic tenor of the University. A number of institutions affiliated to Madras University concentrate on research activities offering Ph.D., Programmes in their respective field of specialisation.

The University also offers teaching and research programmes in its four campuses. The University Departments of study and research are spread over four campuses organised into 18 Schools each of which offer Post Graduate Courses in respective specialisation, part time and full time Ph.D. Programmes, Diploma and Certificate Programmes. Assessing the need for educating a large number of people in the country, the University offers both Under Graduate and Post Graduate programmes through the Institute of Distance Education. The Institute is popularly called IDE of Madras University. 

Some Highlights of University of Madras, Chennai

Why Choose University of Madras ?

1. Rich Legacy & Prestigious Heritage

• Established in 1857, it's among Asia’s oldest universities, with a longstanding history of academic and cultural prominence
  
• Known as the “Mother University,” it has mentored emerging institutions like Kerala and Mysore universities
  
• Its alumni include five Presidents of India—Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, V. V. Giri, Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy, R. Venkataraman, and A. P. J. Abdul Kalam—plus global leaders like 
  

2. Academic & Research Strength

• Maintains a NAAC A+, A++, and UGC “University with Potential for Excellence” status, recognized for strengths in drug development and climate-change research
  
• Offers 230+ courses across UG, PG, research, and diploma programs, including over 87 departments for postgraduate and research studies
  
• The Institute of Distance Education (IDE) makes learning flexible, with 75+ online programs, including MBAs, BCA, Yoga diplomas, and an e-library
  

3. Strong Rankings & Global Visibility

251 rankings in India:

• NIRF (2024): Ranked 39th among Indian universities
  
• EduRank (2025): #27 in India, #1591 globally, #456 in Asia; excels in fields like Chemistry (22nd in India) and Pharmacy
  
• QS (2024): Ranked #526 globally and among #291–300 in Asia
  
• UP from #64 in NIRF overall category in 2024 — showing improving trajectory
  

4. Modern Infrastructure & Facilities

• A central library larger than 70,000 sq ft, with over 3 lakh books, e-resources, theses, and multiple campus libraries—open daily, year-round
  
• Comprehensive sports facilities: sports track, courts (basketball, volleyball, tennis, badminton), pavilion, athletic track. Students partake in ~36 sports disciplines across
• South Zone and All India inter-university competitions
  
• Modern amenities: gyms, auditoriums (with great acoustics), canteens, Wi-Fi, indoor games, and student-supported healthy, affordable food options
  

5. Vibrant Campus Life & Cultural Richness

• Students participate in cultural celebrations like Pongal, Onam, and Holi, education-oriented events like Freshers, Farewells, and Endowment Lectures, plus active units like
• NSS, RRC, and more .
  
• Robust opportunities for co-curricular engagement: dance, singing, poster-making, plus infrastructure like amphitheater and auditorium to host events On-campus conveniences include ATMs, canteens, Xerox, and security zones, providing comfort and safety
  

6. Strong Academic and Career Support

• Placements offer up to INR 8.5 LPA, with an average of INR 4.5 LPA .
  
• A structured academic environment: e-journals (6,997), steady PhD / PG completion rates (e.g., 1,404 PG scholars graduated on time in 2023), strong placement support for IDE caters to working professionals and remote learners with access to 333+ e-books and flexible schedules
  

Vision & Mission of University of Madras, Chennai

Vision

• To inculcate values of Equality, Unity and Justice.
  
• To make our education relevant and excellent.
  
• To promote educational programmes in various disciplines of knowledge with synergistic interaction with society and industry.
  
• To contribute to the advancement of knowledge through research, publication and disseminations.
  
• To provide leadership in higher education by imparting quality and socially relevant knowledge.
  
• To develop aptitudes and skills of students to equip them to face the challenges and needs of fast changing society.
  
• To give greater opportunity to women in order to prepare them to be effective leaders.
  
• To make students to be conscious of their duty to the country and to fellow human beings.
  

Mission

• Our mission is to impart quality higher education in consonance with our motto "learning promotes natural talent".
  
• We strive to develop citizens with knowledge, skill and character leading to societal transformation and national development. We aim at making our students, men and women, to offer their selfless service for the progress of the country and people.
  

Admission Procedure

University of Madras Chennai Courses are offered at PG, Doctorate, Diploma level. There are 274 courses offered at University of Madras Chennai. The courses are offered disciplines like Management, Science, Arts, Law. University of Madras Chennai courses includes M.Sc, Ph.D, MA, L.L.M, MBA, MCA, PG Diploma, Diploma, M.Com, M.Ed. Popular courses at University of Madras Chennai are M.Sc, Ph.D, MA.

Admission Criteria

University of Madras PG Admission

Madras University offers various courses at the PG level in the disciplines of Arts, Science, Commerce, and Management. Admission to the majority of PG programs at the university is based on scores in the entrance exam conducted by the university, except for MBA & MCA. Admission to MBA & MCA programs is based on scores in TANCET entrance exam scores.

Eligibility

• M.Sc.,MA  - UG Degree in the relevant discipline with at least 55% marks.
• M.Com. - Passed B.Com with Statistics as one of the subjects
• LLM - UG Degree in Law
• MCA(Self-Finance) - Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Computer Science & Technology or B.C.A. degree from the University of Madras.

Madras University PG Selection Criteria

• For M.A., M.Com, M.Sc, M.Ed courses the selection will be done on the basis of qualified scores secured in the entrance tests conducted by the university.
  
• For M.Lib.sc, LLM, MSW courses admission will be made based on merit secured in the last qualifying examination.
  
• For MBA, MCA courses, the selection will be done based on performance in TANCET examination.
  

ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS FOR ADMISSION

• Admission to the First year B.A. Degree courses is open to candidates who have passed any one of the following Examinations:
• A pass in the Higher Secondary Examination (+2) (Academic or Vocational Stream)/ Intermediate Examinations/ Pre-degree Examinations/ Pre-University Examinations under the 10+2/11+1/ 11+2 pattern conducted by Government of Tamil Nadu (or) or any other Board / States (or) Union Territories (or) an examination accepted as equivalent thereof by the Syndicate of the University of Madras.
• A pass in Plus Two Examinations of the National Open School, New Delhi
• Three years Diploma Examinations conducted by the State Board of Technical Education and Training , Chennai after passing 10th standard Examinations.
• Pre-Technical Examination previously conducted after 11 years of study by the State Board of Technical Education and Training, Chennai.
• A Pass in the G.C.E. (Advanced level / Principal level / without less than 3 subjects in the ‘A’ level with ENGLISH in the ‘O’ level / Subsidiary level.)
• The Pre-University Examination conducted previously by the University of Madras or any other University accepted as equivalent thereof by the authorities, University of Madras.
• The Senior School Certificate Examination (XII Standard) conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education held in 1979 or thereafter provided that they have been declared to have passed the examinations in not less than 5 subjects of which ENGLISH shall be one.
• The Indian School Certificate Examination (12 Years) conducted by the Council for Indian School Certificate Examination held in 1977 or thereafter, provided that they have been declared to have attained the pass standard in the examinations in not less than 5 subjects of ENGLISH shall be one.
• Intermediate Examination (2 years) of Andhra Pradesh, Pre-Degree Examination (2 Years) of Kerala and Pre-University Examination (2 Years) of Karnataka under the 10+2 pattern.
• Candidates who have successfully completed 12 or 13 years of education in any State of India or Abroad under 11+1 or 10+2 or 11+2 pattern, subject to approval by the authorities of this University.

Placement

The placement and job opportunities at the University of Madras are varied and dependent on the department and student performance. For tech and business-based positions, companies like TCS, ICICI Bank, and Citi Union Bank regularly recruit, with about 60-97% placement rates reported, depending on the source. Notable companies like Deloitte, Ernst & Young, and Survey Sparrow offer competitive packages, with the maximum recorded at 8 LPA and the average ranging between 3.5 to 4 LPA.

Despite these opportunities, only 7% of students reportedly received placements in some departments, highlighting the need for improvement. Additionally, the university facilitates government positions and civil services preparation, with some students opting for higher studies at prestigious institutions like IIT Madras and Michigan University. Internship opportunities are limited and often self-sourced, though some departments provide them through collaborations with industry and research institutions. Alumni often find roles in MNCs or pursue entrepreneurial ventures.

Career Guidance and Counseling

The USAB provides career guidance for their higher education to students. Each College is asked to appoint one Career Guidance Counsellors to render the counseling service, in which the USAB arranges training for the Career Guidance Counsellors.

The graduates and post graduates those who are registered in USAB office will be given temporary placements in Government / Private and Public sector organizations. The USAB is also organizing Campus Recruitment for the University Departments and Students of affiliated Colleges.

Training Programme

Arranges training for the Placement Officers of the affiliated Colleges with the help of Corporate and other Resource persons. Also arranges training for the Students of the affiliated Colleges to develop soft skills and make them employable.

 Scholarship

•  BC/MBC Scholarship 
  
•  SC/ST Post Metric Scholarship 
  
•  SC/ST Post Metric Scholarship 
• NSP (PM-USP) Yojana 80% in Class 12, AICTE recognized UG/PG courses, parental income ≤ ₹4.5 Lakhs ₹82,000 per annum Must be in a regular course, maintain 50% marks and 75% attendance
• National Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies (UGC) First-time PG students under 30 in UGC-recognized full-time programs
  

University of Madras, Chennai

• Chepauk Campus: It has administrative buildings, Senate House, a central library, and departments under arts, humanities, and social sciences.
  
• Marina Campus: It is located in Triplicane, Chennai, and houses the schools of oriental and Indian languages.
  
• Guindy Campus: It is located next to Anna University, it houses the natural sciences departments, including the Centre for Advanced Study in Botany.
  
• Taramani Campus: It offers PG courses in basic medical sciences and has a research department.
  
• Chetpet Campus: It has the University's sports union and organizes zonal and inter-zonal competitions.
  
• Maduravoyal Campus: It is the home for the botanical garden.
• Full-fledged teaching and research laboratories, including language labs and specialized science/tech labs across campuses (especially Guindy, Taramani)
  
• Cafeteria serving affordable, varied cuisine (typically priced around INR 20–100), along with other food options across campuses
• Guest House facilities across campuses for visiting faculty and guests; for instance, Marina campus guesthouse has 22 rooms, AC options, a suite, and conference facilities

Transport

University of Madras provides buses for both students & staffs.