University of Madras, Chennai, established in 1857, is one of India’s oldest public universities, accredited with an ‘A++’ grade by NAAC and recognised as a “University with Potential for Excellence” by the UGC. It comprises 84 departments under 19 schools and affiliates in numerous colleges across Chennai, Thiruvallur, and Kancheepuram.
The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and distance education programs in Arts, Science, Commerce, Management, and Humanities. Admissions are based on merit and entrance exams, such as TANCET (for MBA/MCA) and NATA (for B.Arch). The MBA cutoff for the general category is closing at rank 205. The fee for regular postgraduate programs ranges from INR 5,531 to INR 9,600 per year, while self-supporting programs, such as the MBA, fees is approximately INR 95,372 for a two-year duration.
Through its Institute of Distance Education (IDE), the university also offers distinctive programs, including B.Music, M.Music, and M.A. in Vaishnavism. According to the NIRF 2025 data, PG students secured median placement packages ranging from INR 4.2 to INR 4.8 LPA.
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University of Madras Highlights 2025
University of Madras Courses & Fees 2025
University of Madras offers Diploma programs for candidates with 10+2 qualifications, focusing on skill development in areas like auditing, languages, and trade management. Postgraduate programs span the humanities, commerce, science, and management fields, with durations typically ranging from 1 to 2 years. Regular PG courses have total fees ranging from INR 9,822 to INR 15,060, while self-supporting programs, such as MBA and MCA, have fees of around INR 95,372 and INR 49,972, respectively. Science PG courses with labs tend to have higher fees, especially in the self-supportive mode. Additional fees cover soft skills training, internet access, alumni association membership, and the issuance of smart cards. The University emphasises affordable and accessible education through its diploma and postgraduate offerings.
University of Madras Admission 2025
University of Madras conducts admissions using a combination of entrance tests (e.g., TANCET, MAT, or CAT) and merit-based selection (according to the course). It operates in accordance with the recommendations of the Government of Tamil Nadu and the relevant regulatory authorities.
University of Madras Placement 2025
University of Madras continues to provide its students with placement support through a centralised placement cell. According to the NIRF 2025 report, the university reported an increase in median salary packages for its postgraduate programs. While official data for undergraduate placements is not released, data for postgraduate programs shows active hiring across research, academic, corporate, and public sector roles.
University of Madras Cutoff 2025
Madras University MBA admission is based on scores in the TANCET exam conducted by Anna University. The university ranks high among the public universities in Tamil Nadu, and the cutoff marks attest to its efficiency and demand for the program. The cut-off date for the Open Category (OC) in TANCET 2024 (Last Round) is provided below.
University of Madras Ranking 2025
Academic excellence, research output, and legacy have consistently granted the University of Madras prominent positions among the state's and the country's government universities. The university performed well across various categories in the NIRF 2024 ranking. In the Overall category, it jumped one rank to rank 64th, whereas in the University category, it rose 11 ranks to rank 39th. It has been ranked 12th among the state's Public Universities.
University of Madras FAQs
What are the top courses offered at the University of Madras?
The university is renowned for its postgraduate programs, including MBA, MCA, M.Sc., M.A., M.Com (Business Data Science), M.Ed., and Ph.D. programs across various streams, such as science, arts, commerce, and management.
What is the eligibility for UG and PG courses?
UG: 10+2 pass; PG: Relevant bachelor’s degree. MBA/MCA programs require TANCET scores; other postgraduate programs follow a merit-based or departmental selection process.
What is the fee structure?
Fees vary by course and mode. MBA: INR 48,572 (Regular), INR 95,372 (Self-Supportive); MCA: INR 42,172; M.Sc. Neuroscience: INR 1.07 Lakh. UG fees vary by affiliated college.
What is the admission process?
MBA/MCA: TANCET + TANCA counselling. Other PG courses: merit-based or departmental screening via online application.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, scholarships are offered for reserved categories, UGC/CSIR fellows, students with disabilities, and those based on merit.
What about placements?
The placement cell offers support. In 2024, PG 2-year students received a median salary of INR 4.20 LPA; top recruiters included TCS, Infosys, Zoho, and ICICI Bank.
How to reach the campus?
Located in Chepauk, Chennai. 3.5 km from Chennai Central Station and 20 km from Chennai Airport; well-connected by metro, buses, and taxis.