University of Madras, located in Chepauk, Chennai, is one of India’s oldest and most prestigious universities, established in 1857. Modeled on the University of London, it has played a foundational role in shaping higher education in South India. The institution is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and accredited with an A grade by NAAC, consistently ranking among the top universities in India.
The university operates through six campuses—Chepauk, Marina, Guindy, Taramani, Maduravoyal, and Chetpet—covering a wide range of disciplines. It has 87 departments organized into 19 schools, offering programs at the undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, certificate, and doctoral levels. Popular fields include Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, Management, Medicine, and Law. Admissions are conducted through merit-based processes and entrance exams depending on the program.
The Chepauk campus, with its iconic Senate House designed by Robert Chisholm, is a landmark of Indo-Saracenic architecture and a symbol of Chennai’s academic heritage. The university also has a strong network of over 230 affiliated colleges spread across Chennai, Thiruvallur, and Kanchipuram districts, making it a hub for higher education in Tamil Nadu.
Guided by its motto “Doctrina Vim Promovet Insitam” (Learning promotes natural talent), University of Madras continues to nurture graduates who are academically strong, socially responsible, and globally competitive, while maintaining its legacy as a pioneer of modern education in India.