University of Madras
(UNOM)Last Updated: Jun 15, 2026
Established
1857
Total Students
41,000
Faculty
250
Student-Faculty
164:1
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Madras
What Prospective Students Most Want to Know About University of Madras
The University of Madras, popularly known as UNOM, is one of the oldest and most respected public state universities in India. Established in 1857, it ranks among the first three modern universities founded in the country and has shaped higher education in Tamil Nadu for well over a century and a half. For students researching admission, the most common questions revolve around the university's legacy and recognition, the courses and fee structure, eligibility and the application process, placement outcomes, and how UNOM compares with other leading universities in the region. This FAQ section answers those questions with verified, up-to-date information so you can make an informed decision.
Because UNOM operates across six campuses in Chennai (Chepauk, Marina, Guindy, Taramani, Maduravoyal and Chetpet) and offers a wide spread of undergraduate, postgraduate, research and distance-education programmes, prospective applicants often need clarity on which campus and which mode of study suits them. The questions below are grouped by theme to make it easier to find what matters most to you.
Is University of Madras a good and recognised institution?
Yes. The University of Madras is a UGC-recognised public state university and is accredited with an A++ grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), with a CGPA of 3.9 in its latest assessment cycle. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024, the university was ranked 64th in the Overall category and 39th in the University category. These credentials place UNOM among the better-regarded state universities in India.
The university's academic reputation is reinforced by an extraordinary alumni record. UNOM is the alma mater of two Nobel laureates in Physics, Sir C.V. Raman (1930) and Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar (1983), as well as former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, mathematicians including Srinivasa Ramanujan, Abel Prize winner S.R. Srinivasa Varadhan, and Turing Award winner Raj Reddy. Few Indian universities can point to a heritage of this depth.
Quick facts at a glance
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Established | 1857 |
| Type | Public state university |
| Location | Chennai, Tamil Nadu (six campuses) |
| NAAC Grade | A++ (CGPA 3.9) |
| NIRF 2024 (Overall) | Rank 64 |
| NIRF 2024 (University) | Rank 39 |
| Recognition | UGC-approved |
What courses does University of Madras offer?
UNOM offers a broad portfolio of programmes spanning the sciences, social sciences, humanities, commerce, management, law, education and medicine. The university delivers programmes through its own departments and a large network of affiliated colleges, organised across multiple schools and research departments. Popular postgraduate programmes include M.A., M.Sc., M.Com., MCA, MBA, M.Ed., M.Lib.Sc. and LL.M., alongside a wide range of undergraduate courses offered through affiliated colleges and Ph.D./research programmes across departments.
Many applicants also ask about distance learning. The university's Institute of Distance Education (IDE) is a popular route for working professionals and students who cannot attend on-campus classes, offering UG and PG programmes in flexible formats.
What are the fees at University of Madras?
One of the biggest attractions of UNOM is its affordability compared with private universities. Fees vary by programme and specialisation, but postgraduate first-year fees broadly fall in the range of a few thousand rupees to around INR 50,000 for most arts and science courses, which is modest for a university of this standing. The application fee is approximately INR 354 (inclusive of GST). The table below shows indicative ranges based on publicly listed data; always confirm exact figures on the official prospectus before applying.
| Programme | Indicative First-Year Fee Range |
|---|---|
| M.A. (various specialisations) | INR 9,822 - 53,987 |
| M.Sc. (various specialisations) | INR 13,987 - 1,08,000 |
| Application fee | Approximately INR 354 (incl. GST) |
These ranges illustrate why UNOM remains a value-for-money option for Tamil Nadu students seeking quality postgraduate education without the heavy fee burden of private institutions.
What is the eligibility and admission process?
Eligibility depends on the level and programme. For most postgraduate courses such as M.A., M.Sc. and M.Com., the basic requirement is a relevant Bachelor's degree from a recognised university with the required minimum percentage. Admission to many arts and science PG programmes is merit-based, calculated from marks in the qualifying examination. For professional programmes such as MBA and MCA, the university considers national and state-level entrance scores, notably TANCET (Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test), while architecture admissions use NATA scores where applicable.
Typical admission steps
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Application | Apply online through the official UNOM portal during the admission window |
| 2. Eligibility check | Ensure your qualifying degree and percentage meet the programme criteria |
| 3. Entrance (if required) | Appear for TANCET / NATA for relevant professional courses |
| 4. Merit / counselling | Selection based on qualifying marks or entrance scores |
| 5. Admission | Document verification and fee payment to confirm the seat |
Applicants frequently ask when to apply. In recent years the admission cycle has typically opened around April and run through June, so prospective students should monitor the official website from early in the year and keep their academic documents ready.
What are the placements like at University of Madras?
Placement support is offered through the university's placement cell, with recruitment activity drawing several established employers. Reported data indicates a median package in the region of INR 3.7 LPA for both UG and PG students, with average packages commonly cited in the INR 4-6 LPA band and a reported highest package of around INR 7.2 LPA. Leading recruiters include TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant, HCL Technologies, Deloitte and ICICI Bank, with roles spread across IT and software, consulting, banking and finance.
It is worth noting that as a comprehensive arts, science and research university, UNOM's strength lies as much in academics, research and public-sector pathways as in corporate placements. Many graduates progress to higher research, civil services, teaching and government roles, so placement statistics alone do not capture the full range of outcomes.
How does University of Madras compare with similar universities?
Students researching Chennai and Tamil Nadu often weigh UNOM against other prominent public universities in the state. The comparison below uses NIRF 2024 University-category positions and NAAC grades to give a balanced view. Each institution has a different focus, so the right choice depends on your intended field of study.
| University | Focus | NAAC Grade | NIRF 2024 (University) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Madras | Arts, Science, Commerce, Research | A++ (3.9) | Rank 39 |
| Anna University | Engineering and Technology | A++ | Rank 16 |
| Bharathiar University, Coimbatore | Arts, Science, Research | A++ | Top-tier state university |
For engineering and technology, Anna University is the natural benchmark in Tamil Nadu and ranks higher within the University category. For a broad-based arts, science, commerce and research education with deep heritage and an A++ accreditation, the University of Madras stands out as a leading choice. Bharathiar University in Coimbatore is another strong, similarly accredited option for students open to studying outside Chennai. Prospective students should match the university's academic strengths to their own career goals rather than relying on overall rank alone.
Should you choose University of Madras?
If you are looking for a recognised, affordable and academically rich public university with a long legacy, strong NAAC accreditation, a wide choice of courses across multiple campuses, and flexible distance-education options, the University of Madras is a compelling option. Its heritage, research depth and reputation in arts, science and commerce continue to attract students from across Tamil Nadu and beyond. As always, confirm the latest fees, eligibility norms and admission dates on the official university website before finalising your application.