University Academic

University at a Glance

The University of Madras was established in the year 1857 by Lord Elphinstone with twin departments, viz.,

High School for the cultivation of English Literature, Regional language, Philosophy and Science, and
College providing instruction in the higher branches of Literature, Philosophy and sciences.

The grant of the Charter for the Madras University was organized on the model of London University.

The University of Madras is one among the five Universities in India to receive the special status of "University with potentials of Excellence" from the University Grants Commissions, New Delhi. The award of this special status will entail the University of Madras to receive special grants for creating islands of excellence in the emerging areas and for provision of superior education of merit and distinction.

Accreditation by NAAC

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), an autonomous body of the University Grants Commission (UGC) has assessed the past performance of the University of Madras in terms of criterion-wise inputs like

Curricular aspects,
Teaching learning and Evaluation
Research, Consultancy and extension
Infrastructure and Learning Resources
Student support and progression
Organization and Management; and
Healthy practices.

Based on the excellent performance, the University of Madras was accredited by NAAC at FIVE STAR LEVEL

The University has been growing from strength to strength since its inception. Its geographical jurisdiction for academic activity spreads over three Revenue Districts of Tamil Nadu covering about 20 million people. It has been continuously diversifying and expanding its teaching and research programmes. It imparts education and research through the following three channels

University Departments of Study and Research
Affiliated Colleges and Approved Institutions
Institute of Correspondence Education

University Departments of Study and Research

The University of Madras has at present 68 departments of study and research which spread over four campuses at Chepauk,Marina, Guindy, and Taramani in Chennai. Sports and Madhuravayil centers are also included. These departments have been grouped under 18 Schools and each School functions with a Chairpersons

Currently Post-Graduate Courses like, M.A., M.Sc., M.Com., M.C.A.,M.B.A., besides P.G. Diploma / Certificate Programmes, Research Programmes like M.Phil., and Ph.D., and sponsored Research Programmes (from UGC, CSIR, DST, Etc.,) are available in the various University Departments

Other Facilities in the University

The Centre for Curriculum Development in theUniversity is responsible to develop new inter-disciplinary and socially relevant courses and to frame suitable schemes and to formulate the required syllabi.
'The University of Madras has 48 Endowment -Fellowship/Scholarships, 106 Endowment Lecture. ship Seminars and 151 Endowment - Medals and Prizes.
The Academic Staff College implements Programmes for Academic Orientation and Refresher Courses to teaching staff of the Affiliated Colleges on a regular basis since 1988.
The University Students Advisory Bureau was established by the Government of Madras in 1908. The Bureau has its main function as supplying information about various courses available in India and guiding the students for admission to various courses abroad
The College Development Council which was established in the University during 1979 assists the Affiliated Colleges in getting various funds, particularly from UGC under Plan and Non-Plan I grants, for the academic development of the Colleges
The National Service Scheme (NSS) started in 1969 in this University with a strength of 2000 student members and at present NSS has been operating in over 110 Affiliated Colleges

Affiliated Colleges and Approved Institutions

Seven Private Colleges were affiliated to. University of Madras during 1858 - 1871. During this Academic Year the University of Madras has 115 Affiliated Colleges viz. Arts and Science -95 Management - 13 Education -6, Physical Education - 1. Besides there are 33 Research Institutions and 3 Approved O. T. Institutions.Many of the Arts and Science Colleges have Evening Classes also to cater to the demands of the working students

Twelve Arts and Science, and Education Institutions are conferred with Autonomous Status

Over 30 Affiliated Colleges, conduct Research Programmes leading to the award of M.Phil. and Ph.D. Degrees as part of their endeavour in sustaining academic excellence. Twentyfour colleges have introduced Vocational Education Schemes of UGC at first degree level. A few of the Affiliated colleges are effectively engaged in Continuous Education Programme. About 1.5 lakhs of students are on roll in various departments and Affiliated Colleges.

Institute of Correspondence Education

The Institute of Correspondence Education of the University of Madras was established in the year 1981. The Institute is headed by a Professor-cum-Director with 18 faculty members. Admissions are made under Academic year and Calendar Year patterns. The Institute offers programmes under the Regular Stream and as well under the Open University System. The Regular Stream implies formal education with pre-requisite education qualification (ie. A pass in H.S.c./PUC/Inter-Mediate/Pre-degree) as applicable to the candidates seeking admission to the Affiliated Colleges. The Open University System does not require pre-requisite educational qualification, but it requires the completion of 18 years of age as on 1st July of every year and a pass in the Entrance Tes

Seventeen Under-Graduate Programmes and Ten Post-Graduate Programmes are being conducted under its Regular Stream. Under the Open University / System as well as under Credit System, fifteen Under-Graduate Courses are being offered in English and Tamil media.

SeveralCertificate and Diploma Courses are also offered under both the streams. The ICE has PCP study/spot selection Centres at various places in India including Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Under various Programmes offered by the ICE about 1.50 lakhs students are on roll.

ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION SYSTEM CENTRE (ENVIS

Environmental Information System (ENVIS) Centre on 'Microorganisms and Environment Management' funded by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India is functioning in the Department of Zoology, University of Madras. This is the largest networking program at National level and the basic objective of the ENVIS Centre is collection, collation and dissemination of environmental information on the assigned thematic area to user community through information technology. The centre has developed a scientific and dynamic resourceful website both in English as well as in vernacular language (Tamil).