Voorhees College, established in 1898, is the oldest institution of higher education in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, managed by the Church of South India, Diocese of Vellore. Originally founded as Arcot Mission College by the American Arcot Mission, the college was renamed to honor benefactors Ralph and Elizabeth Rodman Voorhees. The institution is affiliated with Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore and holds NAAC A Grade accreditation (2005). The college offers a comprehensive range of programs including 15+ undergraduate courses, 10+ postgraduate programs, and research degrees (M.Phil. and Ph.D.) across Arts, Science, and Commerce disciplines. Operating with the motto "In vain without God," Voorhees College has produced notable alumni including Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, former President of India, and continues to serve as a significant educational institution in the Vellore region with a legacy spanning over 125 years.
Voorhees College Admission Deadlines
Voorhees College follows the admission calendar established by Thiruvalluvar University and the Tamil Nadu state counseling process for various programs. For undergraduate programs, the typical application window opens in May–June annually, with counseling and seat allocation conducted through the Tamil Nadu Common Admission Portal for aided courses. Postgraduate admissions generally commence in June–July, following the release of semester results from affiliated universities. Self-financing course applications may have extended deadlines running into July–August. Research program (M.Phil. and Ph.D.) admissions are typically announced twice annually, with notifications released in January–February and July–August. Prospective students should monitor the official college website and Thiruvalluvar University portals for precise deadline announcements specific to their chosen program and academic year.
Program Level | Application Period | Counseling/Selection | Academic Session Start |
Undergraduate (UG) | May–June | June–July | July–August |
Postgraduate (PG) | June–July | July–August | August–September |
M.Phil. | January–February / July–August | February–March / August–September | March / September |
Ph.D. | January–February / July–August | March / September | March / September |
Voorhees College UG Admission
Voorhees College offers 15+ undergraduate programs across Arts, Science, Commerce, and professional streams including B.A., B.Sc., B.Com., B.B.A., and B.C.A. courses. Admissions are primarily conducted through the Tamil Nadu state merit-based system for aided courses, while self-financing programs follow institutional selection procedures based on Class 12 marks. For Science programs, students typically need 50–60% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology in their qualifying examination. Commerce and Arts programs generally require 45–55% marks in Class 12 from a recognized board. The total intake across all undergraduate programs is approximately 800–1,000 seats annually. Application fees for UG programs range from INR 500–800, while annual tuition fees vary from INR 5,000–25,000 for aided courses and INR 25,000–50,000 for self-financing programs. Candidates must apply through the designated portal during the specified admission window, typically between May–June.
Program | Duration | Eligibility | Annual Fee Range |
B.A. (English, History, Tamil, Economics, Defence Studies) | 3 Years | Class 12 with 45–50% | INR 5,000–30,000 |
B.Sc. (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, Botany, Zoology) | 3 Years | Class 12 with Science (50–60%) | INR 8,000–40,000 |
B.Com. (Aided/Self-financing) | 3 Years | Class 12 with Commerce/Any (45–55%) | INR 5,000–35,000 |
B.B.A. | 3 Years | Class 12 from recognized board (50%) | INR 30,000–50,000 |
B.C.A. | 3 Years | Class 12 with Mathematics (50%) | INR 30,000–45,000 |
Voorhees College PG Admission
Voorhees College provides 10+ postgraduate programs including M.A., M.Sc., and M.Com. degrees in various specializations. Admissions are conducted based on merit in the qualifying undergraduate degree, with some departments conducting entrance tests or interviews. Candidates must have completed their bachelor's degree in the relevant discipline with a minimum of 50–55% aggregate marks from a recognized university. The total PG intake is approximately 250–350 seats distributed across all departments. The application process typically opens in June–July, with classes commencing in August–September. Application fees for postgraduate programs range from INR 600–1,000, while annual tuition fees vary between INR 8,000–20,000 for aided programs and INR 25,000–55,000 for self-financing courses. Many PG programs, particularly those in Sciences and Commerce, offer research orientation and project work as integral components of the curriculum.
Program | Duration | Eligibility | Annual Fee Range |
M.A. (English, History, Tamil, Economics, Defence & Strategic Studies) | 2 Years | Relevant B.A. with 50–55% | INR 8,000–40,000 |
M.Sc. (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Zoology) | 2 Years | Relevant B.Sc. with 50–55% | INR 10,000–50,000 |
M.Com. | 2 Years | B.Com. or equivalent with 50% | INR 8,000–35,000 |
Voorhees College PhD Admission
Voorhees College offers Ph.D. programs in Commerce, History, Tamil, and Zoology, providing research opportunities under experienced faculty guidance. Admission to doctoral programs is conducted biannually, with notifications typically released in January–February and July–August. Candidates must possess a Master's degree with minimum 55% marks (50% for SC/ST candidates) in the relevant subject from a recognized university, along with qualifying in the entrance test and interview conducted by the college. Those with M.Phil. degrees or UGC NET/JRF qualifications may receive exemption from the entrance examination. The research program admits approximately 15–25 scholars annually across all departments. Registration fees for Ph.D. programs range from INR 2,000–5,000, with annual research fees typically between INR 15,000–30,000. The doctoral program follows Thiruvalluvar University regulations for coursework, comprehensive examinations, and thesis submission requirements.
Department | Research Areas | Eligibility | Selection Process |
Commerce | Financial Management, Marketing, International Business | M.Com./MBA with 55% | Entrance Test + Interview |
History | Regional History, Colonial Studies, Social History | M.A. History with 55% | Entrance Test + Interview |
Tamil | Literature, Linguistics, Folk Studies | M.A. Tamil with 55% | Entrance Test + Interview |
Zoology | Animal Physiology, Ecology, Biotechnology | M.Sc. Zoology with 55% | Entrance Test + Interview |
Voorhees College Application Process
The application process at Voorhees College varies based on the program type and funding status (aided vs. self-financing). For aided undergraduate programs, students must apply through the Tamil Nadu Common Admission Portal during the designated counseling period, typically in May–June. Self-financing courses require direct application through the college website or in person at the admission office. The application fee ranges from INR 500–1,200 depending on the program level and category. Postgraduate and research program applications are processed directly by the college, with online submission facilities available on the official website. Candidates must prepare scanned copies of all required documents including mark sheets, certificates, photographs, and identity proof. For programs requiring entrance tests, separate examination fees of approximately INR 300–500 may apply. The entire application and admission process typically spans 4–8 weeks from application submission to final admission confirmation.
Step | Action Required | Timeline |
1. Registration | Visit official website/Tamil Nadu portal and complete registration with basic details | May–July (varies by program) |
2. Application Form | Fill complete application form with academic and personal information | Within registration period |
3. Document Upload | Upload Class 10, 12, UG mark sheets, certificates, ID proof, photographs | During application submission |
4. Fee Payment | Pay application fee (INR 500–1,200) via online payment gateway | At application submission |
5. Entrance Test (if applicable) | Appear for department-specific entrance examination | 2–3 weeks after application deadline |
6. Merit List/Results | Check published merit list or entrance test results on official website | 1–2 weeks after test/deadline |
7. Counseling/Interview | Attend counseling session or interview with original documents | As per schedule in merit list |
8. Seat Allotment | Receive provisional admission letter based on merit/counseling | During counseling period |
9. Document Verification | Submit original documents for verification at admission office | Within 3–5 days of allotment |
10. Fee Payment | Pay first semester/annual fees to confirm admission | Within specified deadline (typically 5–7 days) |
11. Final Admission | Receive admission confirmation and student ID | After fee payment verification |