University of Madras (UNOM) is a public state university established on September 5, 1857, making it one of India’s first three universities. It is recognised by the UGC as a Category-1 Institution under the Graded Autonomy Regulations. The university holds a NAAC A++ grade (CGPA 3.59) awarded in its fourth accreditation cycle in 2023, the highest category in NAAC’s grading scale.
As per NIRF University Rankings 2025, the University of Madras holds the 38th position among Indian universities, and 68th position in the NIRF Overall Rankings.
The university operates across three campuses in Chennai: the historic Chepauk campus, the Marina campus on the Bay of Bengal coastline, and the Guindy campus. Together they span over 70 acres. The Centenary Building at Chepauk and the Senate House are among the finest examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture in India.
- PG and Research at University Departments: MA (43 disciplines including Tamil, History, Economics, Sociology, English, Arabic, Fine Arts), M.Sc (35+ disciplines including Physics, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Statistics, Marine Science, Nanoscience), M.Com, MCA, MBA, EMBA, M.Tech (Geoinformatics), M.Lib, Ph.D across all these disciplines
- UG at 107+ Affiliated Colleges: BA, B.Sc, B.Com, BBA, BCA at institutions across Chennai and the surrounding districts
- Diploma and Certificate Programmes: French, German, Italian, Spanish, Urdu, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Global Trade Management, Travel and Tourism, Government Accounting and Internal Audit, Buddhist Studies, Jainology, and more
Fees at affiliated aided UG colleges run from INR 3,000 to INR 10,000 per year. PG fees at university departments range from INR 9,822 to INR 1,07,602 for a 2-year programme. MBA total fee is INR 48,572 and MCA total fee is INR 43,972.
The University of Madras offers named scholarships including the Mother M. Celine Scholarship and Sir Tanjore Madhava Rau Scholarship. Government post-matric and NSP scholarships cover SC/ST/OBC students.
The University of Madras does not run conventional campus placements. Graduates progress primarily into academic and research careers, civil services, and industry via MBA and MCA programmes. Two Nobel laureates in Physics, C.V. Raman (1930) and Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar (1983), received their foundational education at Presidency College, Chennai, an institution affiliated to the University of Madras.
- University of Madras Admission Dates 2026
- University of Madras Courses and Fees
- University of Madras Admission Process
- University of Madras Career Outcomes
- University of Madras Rankings
- University of Madras Scholarships
- University of Madras Campus and Infrastructure
- University of Madras vs Bharathidasan University vs Madurai Kamaraj University
- University of Madras FAQs
University of Madras Admission Dates 2026
The 2026-27 admission cycle at the University of Madras covered three separate tracks: merit-based UG at affiliated colleges, CBCS entrance-based PG at university departments, and TANCET-based MBA and MCA. All three tracks have now concluded for the 2026-27 session.
| Track | Event | 2026-27 Status |
|---|---|---|
| UG at Affiliated Colleges | Application window opens | May 15, 2026 (Concluded) |
| Last date for applications | August 27, 2026 (Concluded) | |
| Merit list and admissions | June to August 2026 (Concluded) | |
| PG at University Departments (CBCS) | Application opens | April 25, 2026 (Concluded) |
| Application last date | June 1, 2026 (Concluded) | |
| UNOM entrance exam and counselling | June to July 2026 (Concluded) | |
| MBA and MCA (TANCET) | TANCET 2026 exam | March 2026 (Concluded) |
| TANCET counselling concludes | August 14, 2026 (Concluded) |
The 2027-28 admission cycle will follow a broadly similar schedule. Dates below are tentative, subject to official UNOM and DTE Tamil Nadu announcements.
| Track | Tentative Event | 2027-28 Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| UG at Affiliated Colleges | Application window | May to August 2027 |
| PG at University Departments (CBCS) | CBCS application and entrance | April to June 2027 |
| MBA and MCA (TANCET) | TANCET 2027 exam | March 2027 |
| MBA and MCA | TANCET counselling | June to August 2027 |
The table below lists the entrance route for each programme family at the University of Madras.
| Programme | Entrance Route |
|---|---|
| UG (BA, B.Sc, B.Com, BBA, BCA) at Affiliated Colleges | Class 12 marks merit list at individual affiliated colleges |
| MA, M.Sc, M.Com, M.Lib (University Departments) | UNOM CBCS Entrance Exam at egovernance.unom.ac.in/CBCS2627/ |
| M.Tech and M.E. (University Departments) | UNOM Entrance Exam or GATE score |
| MBA / EMBA | TANCET (DTE Tamil Nadu counselling at tn.mbamca.com) |
| MCA | TANCET (DTE Tamil Nadu counselling at tn.mbamca.com) |
| Ph.D | UNOM Ph.D entrance test, followed by interview |
University of Madras Courses and Fees
The University of Madras offers programmes through two distinct tracks: direct enrolment in university departments (PG, research, diploma) and UG education at over 107 affiliated colleges across Chennai and the surrounding districts. The university’s own departments cover more than 80 disciplines across humanities, sciences, management, law, and technology.
| Course | Duration | Track | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA (Arts disciplines) | 3 years | Affiliated colleges | INR 9,000 to 30,000 (aided to self-supportive) |
| B.Sc (Science disciplines) | 3 years | Affiliated colleges | INR 9,000 to 30,000 (aided to self-supportive) |
| B.Com / BBA / BCA | 3 years | Affiliated colleges | INR 9,000 to 30,000 (aided to self-supportive) |
| MA (43 disciplines) | 2 years | University departments | INR 9,822 to 53,987 |
| M.Sc (35+ disciplines) | 2 years | University departments | INR 13,987 to 1,07,602 |
| M.Com / M.Lib | 2 years | University departments | INR 9,822 |
| MBA | 2 years | University departments | INR 48,572 |
| EMBA | 2 years | University departments | INR 1,78,120 |
| MCA | 2 years | University departments | INR 43,972 |
| M.Tech (Geoinformatics) | 2 years | University departments | INR 53,247 |
| Ph.D (all disciplines) | 3 to 5 years | University departments | INR 24,500 |
The UG fee figures above reflect the full 3-year cost at aided (INR 9,000) and self-supportive (INR 30,000) affiliated colleges. PG fees at university departments are exceptionally low by national standards, with most MA and M.Sc programmes under INR 55,000 for the full 2-year duration. The Ph.D programme fee of INR 24,500 covers the registration and tuition component and excludes hostel and living costs.
University of Madras Admission Process
The University of Madras admission system operates in three streams. UG admissions at affiliated colleges are fully decentralised and merit-based. PG admissions at the university’s own departments are centralised through the CBCS portal. MBA and MCA are channelled through Tamil Nadu state-level TANCET counselling.
UG at Affiliated Colleges
UG admissions at the 107+ affiliated colleges of the University of Madras are based solely on Class 12 aggregate marks. There is no separate university entrance test. Tamil Nadu state board marks are normalised before preparing merit lists.
- Eligibility: 10+2 in any recognised board. General category: 50% minimum. SC/ST/BC/MBC: 45% minimum.
- Selection: Individual college merit list. Reservation applies as per Tamil Nadu government norms.
- Process: Apply to the individual college directly (online or in person) from May 2027. Submit Class 12 mark sheet, community certificate, and transfer certificate.
Merit lists are released in phases from June. Aided seats in commerce, English literature, and computer science fill fastest. Self-supportive sections remain open longer. Class 12 scores above 60 percent give a strong chance at most aided programme seats in Chennai.
PG at University Departments (CBCS Entrance)
MA, M.Sc, M.Com, M.Lib, and allied PG programmes at the university’s own departments are filled through the UNOM CBCS entrance exam. The exam is subject-specific and MCQ-based.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in the relevant discipline. General category: 55% minimum. SC/ST/BC/MBC: 5% relaxation.
- Selection: UNOM entrance examination score, followed by counselling on the CBCS portal.
- Apply at: egovernance.unom.ac.in/CBCS2627/ (portal opens April 2027 for the next cycle).
MBA and MCA (TANCET)
MBA and MCA admissions at the University of Madras are processed via DTE Tamil Nadu through the TANCET route. Tamil Nadu permanent resident nativity is mandatory for TANCET counselling. Counselling fee is INR 800 (General) and INR 400 (SC/ST) at tn.mbamca.com.
- MBA eligibility: Graduation with 50% in any discipline. Valid TANCET score in Management.
- MCA eligibility: Graduation with Mathematics at 10+2 or degree level, 50% minimum. Valid TANCET score in MCA.
- Non-Tamil Nadu residents may apply through management quota directly at the university.
Ph.D Admission
Ph.D admissions at the University of Madras are based on a UNOM-conducted entrance test followed by an interview. UGC NET/JRF qualified candidates and CSIR NET/JRF holders may be exempted from the entrance test for admission to respective disciplines. Ph.D programmes span over 60 disciplines.
University of Madras Career Outcomes
The University of Madras is a research and teaching institution, not a placement-oriented professional school. Its graduates pursue careers in academics, research, civil services, and industry. The university has a Placement Cell that coordinates industry interactions for MBA, MCA, and M.Sc applied science graduates.
| Programme | Primary Career Pathway | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MA (Humanities and Social Sciences) | Academia, civil services (UPSC/TNPSC), journalism, public policy | Many graduates pursue M.Phil/Ph.D |
| M.Sc (Pure Sciences) | Research institutes (CSIR, DRDO, ISRO), teaching, Ph.D | Strong CSIR-NET and GATE placement rate |
| M.Sc (Applied Sciences: Biotechnology, Marine Science, Nanoscience) | R and D industries, pharma, biotech startups, research labs | Campus interviews for applied science batches |
| MBA | Finance, marketing, operations in private industry | Placement Cell active for MBA batch |
| MCA | IT industry, software development, data analytics | Chennai-based IT companies recruit actively |
| Ph.D | Faculty positions, post-doctoral research, government research bodies | UGC-JRF and CSIR fellowships available |
The University of Madras has produced two Nobel laureates in Physics: C.V. Raman (Nobel Prize 1930) and Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar (Nobel Prize 1983), both educated at Presidency College, Chennai, which is affiliated to the university. The institution also has a strong tradition of producing Indian Administrative Service officers and TNPSC Group-1 toppers from its humanities and social science departments.
University of Madras Rankings
The University of Madras is consistently ranked among the top 40 universities in India. Its NIRF University ranking has remained in the 35 to 45 range for the past several years, reflecting strength across research output, faculty quality, and graduation outcomes.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2025 Rank |
|---|---|---|
| NIRF | University | 38 |
| NIRF | Overall | 68 |
| NIRF | State Public University | 18 |
| QS World University Rankings | Global | 541-550 |
| NAAC | Accreditation Grade | A++ (CGPA 3.59, 4th Cycle) |
The UGC Category-1 status grants the University of Madras autonomous powers including the freedom to start new programmes, set up off-campus centres, and offer online programmes without prior UGC approval. As a NAAC A++ institution, it is also eligible for UGC’s graded autonomy benefits. NIRF State Public University rank 18 places it among the strongest publicly funded traditional universities in India.
University of Madras Scholarships
The University of Madras administers several named endowment scholarships as well as government-funded scholarships for reserved category and economically weaker students.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Merit Scholarships (University endowment) | Top academic performers at UG and PG level | Up to 100% fee waiver per academic year |
| Mother M. Celine Scholarship | Merit-based, female students preference | As per endowment terms |
| Sir Tanjore Madhava Rau Scholarship | Merit-based, postgraduate students | As per endowment terms |
| Lord Pentland Mussalman Scholarship | Muslim community students | As per endowment terms |
| Tamil Nadu Post-Matric Scholarship | SC/ST/BC/MBC students with annual family income below the state cutoff | Full tuition and maintenance allowance as per state norms |
| NSP (National Scholarship Portal) Scholarships | Central government schemes for OBC/minority/EWS students | INR 20,000 to 50,000 per year |
Most government scholarships require the student to apply through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) within the first month of the academic year. Endowment scholarships are awarded by the university’s scholarship committee at the start of each year based on marks in the previous semester or year.
University of Madras Campus and Infrastructure
The University of Madras main campus is at Chepauk, Chennai, directly adjacent to the Marina Beach, the world’s second-longest urban beach. The Senate House building at Chepauk, designed in the Indo-Saracenic style, is a Grade-1 heritage structure. The Guindy campus houses the Department of Marine Science, with direct access to the Bay of Bengal for field research.
The university’s central library at Chepauk holds over six lakh books and journals, including rare manuscripts and historical collections. Research centres on campus include dedicated facilities in crystallography, marine biology, geology, advanced materials science, and Dravidian linguistics. The Institute of Distance Education (IDE) at Marina campus extends UNOM programmes to students across Tamil Nadu who cannot attend full-time.
Hostel facilities are available on campus. Boys hostel fee starts from INR 3,000 per year for university students. The campus is accessible via the Chennai suburban rail (Chepauk station), CMRL Metro, and TNSTC buses on the Beach Road corridor.
University of Madras vs Bharathidasan University vs Madurai Kamaraj University
Aspirants from Tamil Nadu choosing between traditional state universities for MA, M.Sc, and research programmes typically compare University of Madras, Bharathidasan University in Tiruchirappalli, and Madurai Kamaraj University. All three are UGC-recognised state public universities affiliated to a similar programme portfolio.
| Parameter | University of Madras | Bharathidasan University | Madurai Kamaraj University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Chennai | Tiruchirappalli | Madurai |
| Established | 1857 | 1982 | 1966 |
| NAAC Grade | A++ | A+ | A+ |
| NIRF University Rank 2025 | 38 | 36 | 85 |
| NIRF Overall Rank 2025 | 68 | 61 | 101-150 band |
| Affiliated Colleges | 107+ | 100+ | 120+ |
| MA/M.Sc Fees (Total) | INR 9,822 to 1,07,602 | Comparable range | Comparable range |
Bharathidasan University holds a slightly higher NIRF Overall rank (61 vs 68) and is a strong choice for sciences and education research. University of Madras leads in Chennai location advantage, research infrastructure, and heritage institution depth. Madurai Kamaraj University, with the largest affiliated college network, is the primary choice for aspirants from southern Tamil Nadu.
University of Madras FAQs
Ques. What is the NIRF rank of University of Madras in 2025?
Ans. The University of Madras holds NIRF University rank 38 and NIRF Overall rank 68 for 2025. In the State Public Universities category, it ranks 18th. The university also holds NAAC A++ accreditation with a CGPA of 3.59, awarded in its 4th cycle in 2023.
Ques. Is admission to University of Madras MA and M.Sc programmes based on entrance test or merit?
Ans. PG admissions at the University of Madras own departments (MA, M.Sc, M.Com, M.Lib, and allied programmes) are based on the UNOM CBCS entrance examination, which is subject-specific and MCQ-based. Eligibility is a bachelor’s degree in the relevant discipline with a minimum of 55 percent for General category. Apply through the CBCS portal at egovernance.unom.ac.in when the next cycle opens in April 2027.
Ques. What is the total fee for MBA at University of Madras?
Ans. The total MBA fee at the University of Madras is INR 48,572 for the 2-year programme. This is one of the lowest MBA fee structures among NAAC A++ institutions in India. Admission is through TANCET conducted by DTE Tamil Nadu, and Tamil Nadu nativity is required for TANCET counselling.
Ques. Does University of Madras have hostel facilities?
Ans. Yes, University of Madras has hostel facilities on the Chepauk campus for students enrolled in university departments. Boys hostel accommodation starts at INR 3,000 per year. Seats are limited and are generally allotted on merit and geographic distance from Chennai. Students from outside Tamil Nadu are given hostel priority in many departments.
Ques. Is University of Madras good for Ph.D research?
Ans. Yes, University of Madras is considered a strong Ph.D institution. It holds UGC Category-1 status and NAAC A++ accreditation, giving it the highest levels of academic autonomy. Research facilities in crystallography, marine biology, geology, nanoscience, and Dravidian linguistics are well-established. The Ph.D fee is INR 24,500 total, with UGC-JRF and CSIR fellowship holders eligible for full stipend support.
Ques. Can non-Tamil Nadu students apply to University of Madras?
Ans. Yes, non-Tamil Nadu students can apply to MA, M.Sc, and Ph.D programmes through the CBCS entrance route, which has no nativity restriction. However, MBA and MCA admissions through the TANCET counselling track require Tamil Nadu permanent resident nativity. Non-residents for MBA and MCA may apply through the management quota at the university.
Ques. What are the career pathways for University of Madras MA graduates?
Ans. MA graduates from the University of Madras typically go into academia (school and college teaching), civil services (UPSC and TNPSC preparation is strong in Chennai), journalism, public policy, NGO sector, and Ph.D research. The university does not run a traditional campus placement drive for humanities MA batches. Applied disciplines such as M.Sc Biotechnology and MBA do have placement cell support.
Ques. When does the next University of Madras admission cycle open?
Ans. The 2026-27 admission cycle has concluded. The next cycle for 2027-28 is expected to follow the same timeline: UG applications at affiliated colleges from May 2027, PG (CBCS) portal opening in April 2027, and TANCET 2027 exam in March 2027. Check unom.ac.in for official announcements.
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University of Madras Chennai MBA is offered as 2 Years Full Time program. The minimum eligibility criteria for MBA is Graduation. The total fees for University of Madras Chennai MBA in 2025 is ? 48,572 for the complete course duration.
University of Madras Chennai MCA is offered as 2 Years Full Time program. The minimum eligibility criteria for MCA is Graduation with 50% + TANCET. The total fees for University of Madras Chennai MCA in 2025 is INR 43,972 for the complete course duration
University of Madras (Chennai) does offer the programme Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Criminology & Police Administration via its distance education wing (Institute of Distance Education, University of Madras). Total fees for the full 3-year programme: approx INR 16,610 (INR 16.6 K) for the B.A. Criminology & Police Administration at the distance education unit. Application is done online via the Institute of Distance Education (IDE) of the University of Madras, or according to the admission notification for the session
For University of Madras, Chennai, the online registration for PG, PG?Diploma, Diploma, Certificate courses shows Closed for the 2025-26 academic year (last date was 07.07.2025). However, there is an open window for the B.Sc (Blended) Science Programme (joint with University of Melbourne) with application dates listed
There is no official information available on the University of Madras (UNOM) lists Cheyyar as a designated exam centre for its regular or distance-education examinations. The published “City Centres” list is mostly for Chennai and neighbouring areas.
University of Madras Chennai offers admission to its majority of its programs based on the scores in the entrance exam conducted by the University itself.The admission process has been given below:
You can contact the University of Madras, Chennai at 044-25399422
The fees for the courses are mentioned below:
University of Madras, Chennai, Ph.D Biochemistry is offered as 3 Years full-time program. The minimum eligibility criteria for a Ph.D are Post-graduation. The total fees for the University of Madras, Chennai, Ph.D Biochemistry is INR 24,000 for the complete course duration. The fee per year is INR 8,000. Madras University PhD admission is based on a written test and a personal interview conducted by the university. Candidates having valid scores in the UGC NET/ CSIR NET entrance examination are exempted from the written test.
University of Madras Chennai Ph.D Biochemistry is offered as 3 Years Full Time program. The minimum eligibility criteria for Ph.D is Postgraduation. The total fees for University of Madras Chennai Ph.D Biochemistry is INR 24,000 for the complete course duration. Application for admission should be filled in online on the University website at University of Madras only
For LL.M. admission 2025 at the University of Madras, Chennai, the application window opens in late April and closes in early May 2025 (for example, around 23 April – 7 May 2025) for the academic year 2025-26. You must apply online with your LLB credentials before the deadline and complete document verification and fee payment to confirm your seat.
Presidency College, Bangalore, offers various undergraduate, postgraduate, and research-level programs under different specializations such as B.Com, BCA, BBA, BA, MBA, MCA, and M.Com. MBA is offered as the flagship program at Presidency College, Bangalore. Presidency College, Bangalore UG/PG Admission 2025 is ongoing. Students can apply for the course through the college’s official website.
The University of Madras offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program in both offline (regular) and distance education mode. Madras University offers admission to its majority of its programs based on the scores in the entrance exam conducted by the university itself.
Yes, to get admission to the Master of Arts (M.A.) in English program at the University of Madras, candidates are required to appear for an entrance examination conducted by the university.
Admission to the M.B.A. program is based on the TANCET Mark through a single window system conducted by DTE on behalf of Govt. of Tamil Nadu. The first-year fee is INR 25,580, and 2nd-year fee is INR 22,940. The registration fee is INR 120.
Undergraduate Courses (UG) Eligibility:
B.Sc., B.Com., BBA, BA, etc.:
BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications):
B.L (Bachelor of Law) - 5 Years Integrated Course:
The specific information regarding fee concessions or deductions for students admitted under the sports quota is not available in online sources.
The University of Madras has not yet announced the official dates for the 2025 admission cycle. The university's admission process for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs begins in February or March each year.
The University of Madras in Chennai offers a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) program through its Institute of Distance Education (IDE).
Program Details:
A candidate who has passed any Bachelor’s Degree Examination of this University or an examination of other Universities accepted by the Syndicate as equivalent thereto. PG admissions are offered on the basis of the entrance exam conducted by the university
Madras University admission is granted on the basis of merit or entrance examination. Admission to the UG courses is based on merit in the qualifying exam while PG admissions are offered on the basis of the entrance exam conducted by the university. Candidates seeking admission to the MBA and MCA programs need to have a valid score in the TANCET entrance examination.
Madras University PhD admission is done through a written test and personal interview conducted by the university. Candidates having valid scores in the UGC NET/ CSIR NET entrance examination are exempted from the written test. Application forms for Madras University courses can be filled online by visiting the official website of the university.
B.Sc. in Zoology/Animal Biotechnology/ Animal Sciences. B.Sc. in Botany/Plant Biotechnology with Zoology/Animal Sciences at ancillary level. M.B.B.S., and Alternative Medicine UGs viz. BSMS, BUMS, BAMS, BHMS and BNYS, candidates are eligible to pursue the MSc in Anatomy.