University of Madras Chennai Course Admission 2026: Dates, Fees, Eligibility, Application Process, Selection Criteria

Chepauk, ChennaiState UniversityEstd 1857NAAC Grade A++
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated on - Sep 21, 2026

University of Madras Admission 2026 covers direct programmes at the Chepauk and Marina campuses in Chennai as well as 107 plus affiliated colleges across Chennai and the surrounding districts. UG admissions at affiliated colleges are merit-based on Class 12 marks. PG admissions at the university’s own departments run through the CBCS online entrance exam. MBA and MCA use TANCET scores processed by DTE Tamil Nadu. The University of Madras holds NIRF University rank 38 and NIRF Overall rank 68 (2025).

Admission Update:
  • UG (Affiliated Colleges): 2026-27 UG admissions largely concluded. Last date was August 27, 2026. Spot admissions may be active at individual colleges.
  • PG (CBCS University Departments): 2026-27 cycle concluded. Registration window was April 25 to June 1, 2026. Next cycle expected April 2027 (Tentative).
  • MBA and MCA (TANCET): 2026-27 counselling concluded August 14, 2026. Next TANCET cycle expected March 2027 (Tentative).
  • UG at affiliated colleges: Admission based on Class 12 merit. Minimum 50% for General category (45% for reserved).
  • MBA and MCA: TANCET 2026 mandatory. Tamil Nadu permanent resident nativity certificate required for TANCET counselling.
  • PG at university departments: CBCS entrance exam conducted by UNOM. Registration at egovernance.unom.ac.in/CBCS2627/.
  • MBA and MCA counselling fee: INR 800 (General), INR 400 (SC/ST) at tn.mbamca.com.
  • Regular UG fee at affiliated colleges: INR 3,000 to INR 10,000 per year. Self-supportive programmes: INR 15,000 to INR 30,000 per year.

University of Madras Admission Portals 2026:

University of Madras UG Admission 2026

UG admissions at the University of Madras and its 107 plus affiliated colleges in Chennai and surrounding areas are merit-based. The selection criterion is Class 12 aggregate marks from a recognised board. There is no separate University of Madras UG entrance test for most programmes. Tamil Nadu state board marks are normalised before preparing merit lists.


University of Madras UG Admission Dates 2026

Activity Date (2026-27 Cycle)
UG Application Form Available May 15, 2026
UG Application Last Date August 27, 2026
Merit List and Admissions at Affiliated Colleges As per individual college schedule (June to August 2026)

University of Madras UG Eligibility Criteria 2026

Programme Eligibility Criteria Selection Basis
BA, B.Com, BBA, BCA (3 years) 10+2 in any stream from a recognised Board. Minimum 50% aggregate for General. SC/ST/BC/MBC: 45% minimum. Subject-specific requirements may apply for some departments. Merit-based (Class 12 marks). Individual college merit list. Reservation as per Tamil Nadu government norms.
B.Sc. (3 years, Science streams) 10+2 with relevant Science subjects. Minimum 50% aggregate (45% for reserved category students). Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or Biology as applicable. Merit-based. Individual college admissions. No central entrance test for most B.Sc. programmes.

Annual fee at University of Madras-affiliated colleges: INR 3,000 to INR 10,000 per year for regular (aided) UG programmes (2025-26 reference). Self-supportive UG programmes at affiliated colleges: INR 15,000 to INR 30,000 per year.

The fees mentioned above are subject to revision and have been included for reference. Contact the specific college or visit unom.ac.in for exact fee details.

As per Collegedunia Reviews of University of Madras, students noted that applying early to affiliated colleges improves the chances of securing a preferred programme and shift timing. Colleges in Chennai release merit lists in phases. Those who applied after the second round found fewer aided seats remaining and shifted to self-supportive sections. Aided seats fill quickly for commerce, English literature, and computer science programmes in June itself.


How to Apply for UG at University of Madras?

  • Step 1: Identify the affiliated college and UG programme. Check if the programme is aided (government-funded, lower fee) or self-supportive.
  • Step 2: Apply directly to the affiliated college online or in person as per the college’s schedule. Application form available from May 15, 2026.
  • Step 3: Submit Class 12 mark sheet, community certificate, and transfer certificate with the application.
  • Step 4: Check the college merit list. Report for admission within the deadline after the merit list is published.
  • Step 5: Pay the first-year fee and collect the college identity card to confirm enrolment.

University of Madras PG Admission 2026

PG admissions at University of Madras-run departments (MA, M.Sc., M.Com., M.E., M.Tech., M.Arch., and Diploma and Certificate programmes) are based on a university-conducted entrance test under the CBCS (Choice Based Credit System) framework. MBA and MCA are handled separately via TANCET and DTE Tamil Nadu (see the next section).


University of Madras PG (CBCS) Admission Dates 2026

Activity Date (2026-27 Cycle)
PG Online Application Opens April 25, 2026
PG Application Last Date June 1, 2026
PG Diploma and Certificate Application April 25 to June 1, 2026
B.Sc. Blended Science Programme Application May 4 to June 19, 2026
Entrance Exam and Results As per UNOM entrance schedule at unom.ac.in

University of Madras PG Eligibility Criteria 2026

Programme Eligibility Criteria Selection Basis
MA, M.Sc., M.Com. (2 years, all disciplines) Bachelor’s degree in the relevant discipline with minimum 55% aggregate for General. SC/ST/BC/MBC: 5% relaxation. Final-year students can apply provisionally. UNOM Entrance Examination (university-conducted, subject-specific MCQ). Counselling at CBCS portal.
M.E./M.Tech./M.Arch./M.Plan. (2 years) BE/B.Tech. or equivalent in the relevant branch. Minimum 55% aggregate for General category. UNOM Entrance Exam. GATE score accepted for some M.E./M.Tech. programmes in lieu of UNOM exam.
PG Diploma and Certificate Courses (1 year) Bachelor’s degree in the relevant field. Minimum 50% aggregate. Merit-based or UNOM Entrance Exam as notified for the specific programme.

Apply at: egovernance.unom.ac.in/CBCS2627/


How to Apply for PG at University of Madras?

  • Step 1: Register on the CBCS portal at egovernance.unom.ac.in/CBCS2627/ from April 25, 2026.
  • Step 2: Pay the application fee via SBI payment gateway on the portal.
  • Step 3: Fill programme preferences and upload qualifying degree marksheets and category certificate.
  • Step 4: Download hall ticket from the portal and appear for the UNOM entrance examination.
  • Step 5: After result, check the merit rank and attend counselling as notified at unom.ac.in.

University of Madras MBA and MCA Admission 2026

MBA and MCA admissions at the University of Madras are processed through DTE Tamil Nadu’s TANCET 2026 counselling. University of Madras seats are filled via the same central counselling process at tn.mbamca.com that covers all government, aided, and self-financing management and computer applications institutes in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu permanent resident status is mandatory for TANCET counselling.

MCA total academic fee at University of Madras: INR 43,972 (2025-26 reference).


University of Madras MBA/MCA Admission Dates 2026

Activity Date (2026-27 Cycle)
TANCET 2026 Registration Opens March 16, 2026
TANCET 2026 Registration Closes April 15, 2026
TANCET 2026 Exam May 9, 2026
TANCET Result May 22, 2026
TANCET Counselling Registration Opens June 4, 2026
Counselling Registration Closes June 30, 2026
Rank List Published July 16, 2026
Grievance Redressal Period July 16 to July 20, 2026
Main Counselling (all categories) August 1 to August 4, 2026
Seat Allotment Results August 6, 2026
Supplementary Counselling August 11 to August 12, 2026
Counselling Process Completion August 14, 2026

University of Madras MBA/MCA Eligibility Criteria 2026

Programme Eligibility Criteria Selection Basis
MBA (2 years) Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with minimum 50% aggregate (General). Reserved category candidates: 45% minimum. Tamil Nadu permanent resident (nativity certificate required). TANCET 2026 score. DTE Tamil Nadu central counselling at tn.mbamca.com.
MCA (3 years) Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics, or Computer Science-related discipline with 50% aggregate (45% reserved). Tamil Nadu permanent resident required for TANCET counselling. TANCET 2026 score. DTE Tamil Nadu counselling at tn.mbamca.com.
Executive MBA (2 years, Weekend) Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% aggregate. Minimum 2 years of professional work experience preferred. No residency restriction for Executive MBA. University of Madras direct admission. Apply at unom.ac.in.

TANCET counselling fee: INR 800 (General category) and INR 400 (SC/ST category). Online payment at tn.mbamca.com.

The fees mentioned above are subject to revision and have been included for reference. Contact the university or visit unom.ac.in for exact fee details.


How to Apply for MBA/MCA at University of Madras?

  • Step 1: Register for TANCET 2026 at annauniv.edu between March 16 and April 15, 2026. Appear for the exam on May 9, 2026.
  • Step 2: After TANCET result (May 22), register for DTE Tamil Nadu counselling at tn.mbamca.com from June 4 to June 30, 2026. Pay the counselling fee online.
  • Step 3: Upload Tamil Nadu nativity certificate, degree marksheets, community certificate, and TANCET scorecard.
  • Step 4: Check the rank list on July 16, 2026. Submit grievances if any by July 20.
  • Step 5: Attend main counselling from August 1-4, 2026. Accept the allotted institute (including University of Madras, if allotted) by the deadline.
  • Step 6: Report to the allotted institute with original documents and pay the first-year fee to confirm enrolment.

University of Madras Scholarships 2026

Students at University of Madras and affiliated colleges can access Tamil Nadu state and central government scholarship schemes. The main options are listed below.

  • Tamil Nadu BC/MBC/DNC Free Education Scheme: Covers tuition fees, examination fees, and special fees up to INR 10,000 for eligible students from Backward Class, Most Backward Class, and Denotified Communities pursuing degree and professional courses. Annual parental income must not exceed INR 2.5 lakh. Apply via the Tamil Nadu Unified State Scholarship Portal (USSP).
  • Tamil Nadu SC/ST Post-Matric Scholarship: Full or partial tuition fee coverage for SC and ST students. Apply at the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department portal or through scholarships.gov.in (NSP).
  • National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Post-Matric Scholarship: For SC (income below INR 2.5 lakh), OBC (income below INR 1 lakh), and Minority students. Apply at scholarships.gov.in after admissions are confirmed.
  • Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Higher Education Assurance Scheme: Guarantees educational loans for students from economically weaker sections admitted to recognised colleges in Tamil Nadu. Apply through Tamil Nadu government portal.
  • PM-VIDYALAXMI Scheme: Centralised collateral-free education loan for meritorious students admitted to NIRF-ranked institutions. University of Madras is NIRF-ranked, making students eligible to apply. Apply at vidyalaxmi.co.in.

University of Madras Admission FAQs

Ques. How are UG admissions done at University of Madras-affiliated colleges?

Ans. UG admissions at the 107 plus affiliated colleges of University of Madras are merit-based on Class 12 aggregate marks. Each college releases its own merit list. There is no central University of Madras UG entrance test for BA, B.Sc., or B.Com. Applications are submitted directly to the college. Application forms are available from May 15, 2026 with a last date of August 27, 2026 for the 2026-27 cycle.

Ques. What is the CBCS entrance test at University of Madras?

Ans. The CBCS entrance test is a subject-specific written examination conducted by University of Madras for admissions to PG programmes (MA, M.Sc., M.Com.) at the university’s own departments. It is separate from TANCET and separate from CUET PG. Registration for the 2026-27 cycle was April 25 to June 1, 2026 at egovernance.unom.ac.in/CBCS2627/. The next cycle is expected in April 2027.

Ques. Is TANCET mandatory for MBA admission at University of Madras?

Ans. Yes. MBA admission at University of Madras is through TANCET 2026 score and DTE Tamil Nadu’s central counselling at tn.mbamca.com. Tamil Nadu permanent resident nativity certificate is mandatory for TANCET counselling. The counselling fee is INR 800 for General and INR 400 for SC/ST. University of Madras does not conduct a separate MBA entrance test.

Ques. Can non-Tamil Nadu residents apply for MBA at University of Madras?

Ans. The DTE Tamil Nadu TANCET counselling requires candidates to be Tamil Nadu permanent residents. Non-Tamil Nadu residents cannot participate in the TANCET-based seat allotment for MBA or MCA. However, the University of Madras offers an Executive MBA (Weekend) programme with direct admission at unom.ac.in, which does not have the residency restriction. Check the current Executive MBA admission notice at the university website for eligibility.

Ques. What TANCET score is needed for MBA at University of Madras?

Ans. TANCET does not report scores in percentile format — it reports raw marks and ranks. University of Madras MBA seats are allotted during the central DTE counselling based on rank. Candidates with higher TANCET ranks get earlier choice filling. The rank list is published on July 16 at tn.mbamca.com. Checking the previous year’s allotment statistics at the same portal gives a realistic idea of the rank range needed for University of Madras seats.

Ques. What is the minimum percentage for UG admission at Madras University?

Ans. The minimum qualifying percentage for UG admission at University of Madras affiliated colleges is 50% aggregate in Class 12 for General category students. SC, ST, BC, and MBC candidates need a minimum of 45% aggregate. Programme-specific subject requirements may also apply. Tamil Nadu state board marks are normalised before merit list preparation.

Ques. What is the fee for UG programmes at Madras University?

Ans. Regular (aided) UG programmes at University of Madras-affiliated colleges cost approximately INR 3,000 to INR 10,000 per year (2025-26 reference). Self-supportive UG programmes cost INR 15,000 to INR 30,000 per year. University-run direct programmes may have different fee structures. Confirm the exact fee with the admitting college or at unom.ac.in before applying.

Ques. Are scholarships available for BC/MBC students at Madras University?

Ans. Yes. Tamil Nadu BC, MBC, and DNC students are eligible for the Tamil Nadu Free Education Scheme, which covers tuition and examination fees up to INR 10,000 per year for degree, polytechnic, and professional courses. Parental annual income must not exceed INR 2.5 lakh. Apply through the Tamil Nadu Unified State Scholarship Portal (USSP) after confirming admission at the college.

Ques. Does University of Madras accept CUET PG for PG admissions?

Ans. University of Madras uses its own CBCS entrance examination for PG admissions at university departments — not CUET PG. University of Madras is a state university under Tamil Nadu and is not mandatorily covered by the CUET PG framework. Candidates must specifically appear in the UNOM entrance exam to be eligible for PG admissions at the university campus. Register at egovernance.unom.ac.in/CBCS2627/.

Ques. What is the NIRF ranking of University of Madras?

Ans. University of Madras has a NIRF Overall rank of 68 and a NIRF University rank of 38 in the 2025 rankings. In the State Public University category, it holds rank 18. These rankings reflect research output, teaching quality, graduate outcomes, and perception. Candidates can cite these ranks in scholarship applications and for recognising the university’s academic standing.

University of Madras Chennai Admissions: Students' Opinion

  • MA

AI-Generated Summary based on 66 Reviews

Eligibility for admission into the University of Madras' Master of Arts in Human Resource Management program requires graduation in any discipline. Candidates may submit applications either online or physically. Admission involves a two-stage entrance process that includes a written examination, requiring a minimum pass mark of 35, and an interview. Selected candidates undergo document verification to complete the enrollment process. While the university charges no fees for SC/ST candidates, other students experience relatively low fees compared to other institutions.

Noted for its longstanding reputation and strong infrastructure, the University of Madras is regarded as one of Chennai’s leading universities, offering affordable education and a safe environment for students. The reviews highlight a holistic admission approach, where interest and potential are considered alongside academic scores, making it a popular choice for several students, including those with aspirations for further competitive examinations.

...Read More
 By Collegedunia’s Personal AI

University of Madras Chennai Upcoming Important Dates 2026

Important Events

EventsDates
Admission Timeline [Ph.D] (Arts)
Tentative
Dec 01, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026

Important Events

EventsDates
Admission Timeline [Ph.D] (Science)
Tentative
Dec 01, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026

Important Events

EventsDates
Admission Timeline [Ph.D] (Management)
Tentative
Dec 01, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026

Important Events

EventsDates
Admission Timeline [Ph.D] (Commerce)
Tentative
Dec 01, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026

Important Events

EventsDates
Admission Timeline [Ph.D] (Education)
Tentative
Dec 01, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026

Important Events

EventsDates
Admission Timeline [Ph.D] (Mass Communication)
Tentative
Dec 01, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026

Important Events

EventsDates
Admission Timeline [Ph.D] (Medicine)
Tentative
Dec 01, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026

Important Events

EventsDates
Admission Timeline [Ph.D] (Pharmacy)
Tentative
Dec 01, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026

Important Events

EventsDates
Admission Timeline [Ph.D] (Engineering)
Tentative
Dec 01, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026

Important Events

EventsDates
Admission Timeline [Ph.D] (Science)
Tentative
Dec 01, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Admission Timeline [Ph.D] (Pharmacy)
Tentative
Dec 01, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Admission Timeline [Ph.D] (Medicine)
Tentative
Dec 01, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Admission Timeline [Ph.D] (Mass Communication)
Tentative
Dec 01, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Admission Timeline [Ph.D] (Management)
Tentative
Dec 01, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Admission Timeline [Ph.D] (Engineering)
Tentative
Dec 01, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Admission Timeline [Ph.D] (Education)
Tentative
Dec 01, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Admission Timeline [Ph.D] (Commerce)
Tentative
Dec 01, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Admission Timeline [Ph.D] (Arts)
Tentative
Dec 01, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026

Expired Events

EventsDates
Counselling - SCA to SC Conversion TANCET 2026 [MBA/PGDM]
Aug 14, 2026
Counselling - SCA to SC Conversion TANCET 2026 [MCA]
Aug 14, 2026
Supplementary Counselling - TANCET 2026 [MBA/PGDM]
Aug 11, 2026 - Aug 12, 2026

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Comments


Found 3 Comments

A
aparna das
Apr 29, 2024 10:32
How to apply for readmission in the same affiiated college of Madras University?
A
Ashish Ramtari
Apr 29, 2024 11:46

First you have to login using Email ID and Mobile number on the official website of Madras University. Then you need to fill in the applciation form of re admission. Upload all the required documents and scanned copies. 

N
nidhi kumari
Aug 29, 2022 15:30
Hello, i have applied for PhD criminology but unable to find the link for payment, kindly help as last date for submission of application form is 31 August 2022
S
Sinbad Chongtham
Sep 2, 2022 14:52

The University of Madras has uploaded the guidelines on how to register, fill up and submit your Ph.D applicaiton form on its official website. Once you have filled up your application form, you will be redirected to the payment page. Without making the payment your registration status will remain incomplete.

V
vaishnavi reddy
Jul 20, 2022 11:50
When is the entrance exam for msc in Madras University for 2022 passed out students?
S
Sinbad Chongtham
Jul 29, 2022 16:26

The university has not released the dates for the admission entrance tests. The university has extended the registration process till 31 July 2022. The new entrance examination date will be released shortly. However, admission to M.Sc courses is based on the merit of the qualifying examination passed.


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