University of Madras

About University of Madras

The University of Madras is a state university founded in 1857 with campuses across Chennai, running master’s, research and distance programmes in arts, sciences, commerce, law and management.

The University of Madras was set up in 1857 under the Act of Incorporation XXVII of 1857 and is one of the oldest universities in India. Its own departments sit on several Chennai campuses, including Chepauk, Marina, Guindy and Taramani, and are grouped into schools covering history, social sciences, languages, economics, management, mathematics, earth sciences, chemistry, physics, life sciences and basic medical sciences. On campus it mainly runs M.A., M.Sc., M.Com., MBA, MCA, LL.M., M.Tech. and Ph.D. programmes, while its Institute of Distance Education offers UG and PG degrees by distance. The university holds a NAAC A++ grade and was placed 38th among universities in NIRF 2025, as stated on its own pages. MBA and MCA seats go through TANCET-based single-window counselling.

Courses and fees

Tuition fees as published by the college for the fee year shown. Hostel, mess and exam fees are extra unless stated.

Admission

Admission through: Merit, Entrance test

Applications for the university's own departments are made online through the CBCS admission portal for the year. Most master's seats are filled on the basis of the qualifying degree and the eligibility rules in the 2026-27 eligibility notice. MBA and MCA seats are filled through TANCET and the single-window counselling run by the Directorate of Technical Education. The MSW is admitted on merit.

Typical eligibility

• Master of Arts: Studying in: UG; At least 50% marks in UG; three- or four-year bachelor's degree; subject requirements vary (e.g. DU M.A. Economics needs Mathematics in Class 12 or 4 credits of Mathematics in the degree)
• Master of Business Administration: Studying in: UG; At least 50% marks in UG; bachelor's degree of at least three years in any discipline
• Master of Commerce: Studying in: UG; At least 50% marks in UG; B.Com (Hons/Pass) or equivalent such as BBA, BMS or BBE (University of Delhi)
• Master of Computer Applications: Studying in: UG; At least 50% marks in UG; BCA, B.Sc (CS/IT) or equivalent
• Master of Laws: Studying in: UG; At least 50% marks in UG; LL.B. or equivalent law degree; final-year LL.B. students may apply
• Master of Science: Studying in: UG; bachelor's degree in the relevant subject; two-year M.Sc after a three-year bachelor's or one-year M.Sc after a four-year bachelor's; universities set their own marks
• Master of Technology: Studying in: UG; Enrolled in: Bachelor of Technology; At least 50% marks in UG; B.E./B.Tech in a relevant discipline; GATE score preferred
• Doctor of Philosophy: Studying in: PG; At least 55% marks in PG

The college may set higher cut-offs. Check its prospectus.

Apply on the official website ↗

Rankings and accreditation

Accreditation

• NAAC A++

Rankings

Where these courses lead

Other colleges in Chennai

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Frequently asked questions