University of Madras

A Legacy of Excellence Since 1857. Premier Institution of Higher Education in Tamil Nadu, India.

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About University of Madras

University of Madras historic building

Established in 1857, the University of Madras is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in India. Located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, it has been a beacon of knowledge, research, and cultural development for over 165 years. The university is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and holds an 'A' grade accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

With a sprawling campus across Chepauk, Marina, and Guindy, the university offers a vibrant academic environment. It has produced numerous distinguished alumni, including Nobel laureates, scientists, politicians, and artists. The institution is committed to fostering innovation, critical thinking, and social responsibility among its students.

1857
Year Founded
240+
Academic Programs
85,000+
Students Enrolled
450+
Faculty Members

Mission

To provide high-quality education, promote research excellence, and contribute to societal development through innovation and ethical practices.

Vision

To be a globally recognized center of academic excellence, fostering transformative education and pioneering research.

Values

Integrity, inclusivity, innovation, and excellence guide all our endeavors in education and community engagement.

Academic Programs

The University of Madras offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and diploma programs across various disciplines. Our curriculum is designed to meet global standards and industry requirements.

Our science and technology programs are renowned for their rigor and innovation. Key departments include:

  • Department of Physics: Offers M.Sc., M.Phil., and Ph.D. programs with specializations in Astrophysics, Nuclear Physics, and Materials Science.
  • Department of Computer Science: Provides B.Sc., M.Sc., M.C.A., and Ph.D. programs focusing on AI, Data Science, and Cybersecurity.
  • Department of Biotechnology: Features integrated M.Sc., Ph.D., and research programs in Genetic Engineering, Bioinformatics, and Environmental Biotechnology.
  • Department of Mathematics: Delivers B.Sc., M.Sc., and doctoral programs in Pure and Applied Mathematics.

These programs include hands-on laboratory work, industry internships, and collaborative research projects. Annual intake: Approximately 1,200 students across all science programs.

This faculty fosters critical thinking and cultural understanding. Highlighted departments:

  • Department of History: Offers M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. programs with a focus on South Indian History, Colonial Studies, and Archaeology.
  • Department of Economics: Provides B.A., M.A., and doctoral programs in Development Economics, Econometrics, and International Trade.
  • Department of English: Features M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. programs in Literature, Linguistics, and Creative Writing.
  • Department of Sociology: Delivers programs exploring Social Theory, Gender Studies, and Urban Sociology.

Students engage in fieldwork, seminars, and community projects. Over 850 students enrolled annually in humanities programs.

Our commerce and management programs are tailored for business leadership. Key offerings:

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA): Two-year full-time program with specializations in Finance, Marketing, HR, and Operations.
  • Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com): Three-year undergraduate program with options in Accounting, Taxation, and Banking.
  • Department of Financial Studies: Offers M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs in Corporate Finance, Investment Analysis, and Risk Management.
  • Executive Education: Short-term certificate programs for professionals in Digital Marketing, Supply Chain Management, and Entrepreneurship.

Programs include case studies, industry visits, and placement assistance. Placement rate: 92% for MBA graduates in 2023.

Upcoming Academic Events

Event Date Venue
International Conference on Climate Change 15-17 October 2023 Science Block Auditorium
Workshop on Artificial Intelligence Ethics 22 October 2023 Computer Science Lab
Seminar on Tamil Literature Revival 5 November 2023 Humanities Hall
Entrepreneurship Summit 2023 18-19 November 2023 Management Campus

Research & Innovation

The University of Madras is a hub for cutting-edge research, with numerous centers of excellence and collaborative projects. Our research output contributes significantly to scientific, social, and economic development.

Research Centers

The university hosts over 50 research centers, including the Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation Research, Advanced Materials Research Laboratory, and Centre for South Asian Studies. These centers secure annual funding exceeding ₹50 crores from agencies like DST, DBT, and UGC.

Doctoral Programs

More than 1,500 scholars are enrolled in Ph.D. programs across disciplines. The university awards approximately 300 Ph.D. degrees annually, with research papers published in high-impact journals such as Nature, Science, and The Lancet.

Recent Achievements

  • Patent filed for a novel water purification technology using nanotechnology (2023).
  • Research team discovered a new species of marine microorganism in the Bay of Bengal.
  • Received ₹15 crores grant for AI-driven healthcare research from the Government of India.
  • Faculty member Dr. A. Rajan awarded the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Chemical Sciences.
University research laboratory
Collaborative Projects

We partner with institutions like MIT, University of Oxford, and Indian Institute of Science for joint research initiatives in renewable energy, public health, and digital humanities.

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Research publication books
Publications

Our faculty and students publish over 2,000 research papers annually in Scopus-indexed journals. The university also runs 12 peer-reviewed academic journals.

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Researcher working in field
Field Research

From ecological surveys in the Western Ghats to ethnographic studies in rural Tamil Nadu, our field research addresses local and global challenges.

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Admissions 2023-24

Join a community of learners and leaders. Applications are open for various programs. The admission process is transparent and merit-based, with provisions for scholarships and financial aid.

Admission Process

  1. Online Application: Submit application through our portal with required documents.
  2. Entrance Examination: For most programs, an entrance test is conducted (e.g., UMET for MBA).
  3. Interview/Counseling: Shortlisted candidates are called for interview or counseling.
  4. Seat Allotment: Based on merit, category, and availability.
  5. Fee Payment & Enrollment: Complete fee payment to secure admission.
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Important Dates

  • Start of Online Applications 1 June 2023
  • Last Date for UG Applications 30 June 2023
  • Entrance Exam (UMET) 15 July 2023
  • PG Application Deadline 20 July 2023
  • Commencement of Classes 1 August 2023

Scholarships & Financial Aid

The university offers numerous scholarships to deserving students, including:

  • Merit Scholarships: For top 10% of students in each program, covering up to 100% tuition fees.
  • Need-Based Scholarships: For students from economically weaker sections, based on family income.
  • Sports & Cultural Scholarships: For achievers in sports, arts, and cultural activities.
  • Research Fellowships: For Ph.D. scholars, with stipends up to ₹35,000 per month.
  • Government Schemes: Support for SC/ST/OBC students as per state and central government norms.

Total scholarship disbursement in 2022-23: ₹12.5 crores to over 3,000 students.

Contact Admissions Office

Phone: +91-44-25300001

Email: [email protected]

Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 5 PM

Address: Admissions Building, University of Madras, Chennai 600005

Campus Life

Beyond academics, the university offers a vibrant campus experience with state-of-the-art facilities, cultural activities, sports, and student clubs.

University library interior
Library & Resources

The central library houses over 5 lakh books, 25,000 e-journals, and rare manuscripts. Open 24/7 during exam periods.

Students playing sports on campus
Sports & Recreation

Facilities include a gymnasium, swimming pool, tennis courts, and fields for cricket, football, and hockey. University teams compete at national levels.

Student cultural festival
Cultural Festivals

Annual events like 'Madras Utsav' and 'Tech Fest' showcase talent in music, dance, drama, and technology, attracting participants from across India.

Student Clubs & Organizations

Over 50 student-run clubs foster leadership and interests:

  • Debate Society: Organizes inter-college debates and Model UN conferences.
  • Environmental Club: Leads campus sustainability initiatives like tree planting and waste management.
  • Coding Club: Hosts hackathons and workshops on emerging technologies.
  • Music & Drama Club: Performs at university events and local theatres.
  • Entrepreneurship Cell: Mentors start-ups and connects students with investors.

Hostel Facilities

The university provides separate hostels for men and women with capacity for 2,500 students. Amenities include:

  • Wi-Fi enabled rooms and common areas
  • 24/7 security and medical assistance
  • Dining halls serving nutritious meals
  • Study rooms and recreational centers
  • Laundry and grocery services

Hostel fees range from ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 per semester based on accommodation type.

Contact Us

Main Campus Address

University of Madras
Navalar Nagar, Chepauk
Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005
India

Phone Numbers

General Enquiries: +91-44-25300000
Admissions: +91-44-25300001
Examination Cell: +91-44-25300002
Fax: +91-44-25300099

Email Addresses

General Information: [email protected]

Admissions: [email protected]

Research Queries: [email protected]

Placement Cell: [email protected]

Alumni Relations: [email protected]

Office Hours

Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Sunday & Holidays: Closed

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