Lady Doak College, established in 1948, is a pioneering Christian women’s college located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Affiliated to Madurai Kamaraj University and granted academic autonomy since 1978, the college enrolls approximately 4,400+ women students each year. Accredited with NAAC A+ and recognized for its comprehensive academic offerings, Lady Doak College provides 25 undergraduate and 15 postgraduate programs, along with research centers and certificate courses. The campus features advanced infrastructure, including well-equipped laboratories, hostels, and a digital library.
Lady Doak College Highlights
Founded in 1948 by Miss Katie Wilcox, Lady Doak College stands as the first women’s college in Madurai and one of the earliest autonomous colleges in India since 1978. The college is managed by the Katie Wilcox Education Association and is affiliated to Madurai Kamaraj University. With a student strength of over 4,400 and a faculty team of over 210 teaching staff, the college is known for its NAAC A+ accreditation and diverse academic programs. The flagship BSc and BA programs attract students from across India, with annual fees typically ranging from INR 15,000–40,000.
Particulars | Details |
Established | 1948 |
Type | Private, Women’s, Christian Minority, Autonomous |
Approvals/Accreditations | NAAC A+; Affiliated to Madurai Kamaraj University |
Student Intake / Strength | ~4,400+ |
Faculty | ~211 teaching, 139 non-teaching |
Flagship Program & Fees | BSc/BA: INR 15,000–40,000 per year |
Entrance Exams | Merit-based (No major entrance exam) |
Official Website |
Lady Doak College Rankings
Lady Doak College is frequently ranked among the top women’s colleges in India by reputed national agencies. In recent years, it has secured positions in the top 100 colleges in India for arts and science streams, reflecting its academic excellence and student outcomes.
Year | Ranking Body | Category | Rank |
2023 | India Today | Arts Colleges (All India) | Top 100 |
2023 | The Week | Science Colleges (All India) | Top 100 |
Lady Doak College Courses & Fees
Lady Doak College offers a wide array of undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate courses across arts, science, commerce, and professional streams. The college is recognized for its BSc, BA, BCom, MSc, MA, and MCom programs, with affordable fee structures and merit-based admissions. Research centers are recognized in eight departments, and several add-on and vocational courses are also available.
Program | Level | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
BSc (Various Specializations) | UG | 3 years | 10+2 Science | INR 45,000–1,20,000 |
BA (Various Specializations) | UG | 3 years | 10+2 | INR 45,000–1,00,000 |
BCom | UG | 3 years | 10+2 Commerce/Any Stream | INR 45,000–1,00,000 |
MSc (Various Specializations) | PG | 2 years | Relevant UG Degree | INR 40,000–90,000 |
MA (Various Specializations) | PG | 2 years | Relevant UG Degree | INR 35,000–80,000 |
MCom | PG | 2 years | BCom or Equivalent | INR 40,000–90,000 |
PG Diploma/Diploma/Certificate | Diploma/Certificate | 6 months–1 year | 10+2/UG/PG (as applicable) | INR 5,000–30,000 |
Lady Doak College Admission Process
Admissions at Lady Doak College are primarily merit-based, with applications typically opening in April–May each year. There is no major entrance exam for most programs; selection is based on academic performance in qualifying exams. Candidates are required to submit an online application, and shortlisted applicants may be called for document verification and counseling. The process is streamlined for both undergraduate and postgraduate admissions.
Application Window: April–June (UG), May–July (PG)
Entrance Exams (if any): None (Merit-based selection)
Selection Stages (GD/PI/WAT/etc.): Document Verification, Counseling
Step | Details | Indicative Timeline | Documents |
Online Application | Register and fill out the application form on the official website | April–June | 10th & 12th Mark Sheets, Photo, ID Proof |
Shortlisting | Merit list based on qualifying exam marks | June | — |
Document Verification | Physical/online verification of original documents | June–July | All original certificates, transfer certificate |
Admission Confirmation | Fee payment and confirmation of seat | June–July | — |
Lady Doak College Scholarships
Lady Doak College offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options, including government scholarships, merit-based awards, and need-based assistance. These scholarships are designed to support students from economically weaker sections, outstanding achievers, and those from minority communities. Application procedures typically involve submitting relevant documents and forms through the college office.
Scholarship | Eligibility | Benefit | How to Apply |
Government Scholarships (SC/ST/OBC/Minority) | Category as per Govt. norms | Fee concession/waiver | Apply through college with caste/income certificate |
Merit Scholarships | High marks in qualifying exams | Fee reduction/award | Submit mark sheets during admission |
Endowment Scholarships | Academic merit/financial need | Variable (fee support, cash award) | Apply via college office |
Management Scholarships | Outstanding performance/need | Fee concession | Application to Principal/Management |
Lady Doak College Campus & Facilities
Lady Doak College boasts a sprawling campus with comprehensive academic, residential, and recreational infrastructure. The college houses a modern digital library, advanced science and computer laboratories, seminar halls, and an auditorium. Hostel facilities accommodate a significant number of outstation students, while sports and wellness amenities support holistic development. The campus is well-connected to city transport and provides a safe, inclusive environment for women.
Library / Digital Resources: Central library with 1,00,000+ volumes, e-resources, digital access
Labs / Research Centres / Special Equipment: Advanced science labs, 8 research centers, computer labs
Classrooms / Seminar Halls / Auditoriums: Smart classrooms, multimedia theatres, open-air and indoor auditoriums
Hostel / Dining: Multiple hostels, hygienic dining halls, canteens
Sports / Gym / Grounds: Indoor stadium, gymnasium, sports fields, open-air theatre
Connectivity / Transport: City bus connectivity, secured campus, medical clinic
Lady Doak College Placements
Lady Doak College maintains an active placement cell, facilitating campus recruitment for final-year students. The college has seen consistent placement records with top recruiters from IT, banking, education, and service sectors. In recent years, the highest package has reached up to INR 6–7 LPA, while the average package ranges between INR 2.5–3.5 LPA. Major recruiters include TCS, Wipro, Infosys, HCL, and leading banks.
Year | Highest Package | Average Package | Median Package | Top Recruiters |
2024 | INR 7 LPA | INR 3.5 LPA | INR 3 LPA | TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL, ICICI Bank |
2023 | INR 6.5 LPA | INR 3 LPA | INR 2.8 LPA | TCS, Wipro, HDFC Bank, Cognizant |
Lady Doak College Notable Alumni
Lady Doak College’s alumni network features accomplished professionals in academia, public service, arts, and business. Graduates have made significant contributions nationally and internationally, reflecting the college’s legacy of empowering women leaders.
Name | Role / Achievement |
Dr. V. Shanta | Padma Vibhushan, Oncologist, Former Chairperson, Adyar Cancer Institute |
Dr. Nirmala Sitharaman | Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs, Government of India |
Dr. R. Anandalakshmy | Renowned Educationist, Former Director, Ramanujan Institute |
Dr. Esther Daniel | UNESCO Awardee, Social Activist |


