GetMyUni's Verdict on Madras University

Parvathy Krishnakumar

“As one of the nation's most ancient academic institutions, Madras University has nurtured accomplished scholars across diverse disciplines. Nevertheless, the university's reputation has seen a gradual decline, primarily attributed to administrative shortcomings.”

One of the oldest universities in the country, Madras University has nurtured a large number of aspirants in different fields. The university has an excellent reputation, with a strict curriculum and marking scheme. However, in the past years, students have complained that the university still uses textbooks made in the year 2000, with outdated concepts, especially for subjects like Economics, Human Rights and Public Administration, where the conventions are revised regularly. Due to the lack of funding, the university re-prints the old textbooks without updating the syllabus.

Nonetheless, the degree certificate from Madras University has always had a certain value in the national and international platforms. Only qualified students get admission to the university, and therefore, the student crowd on the campus are intelligent. Although the quality of education imparted has declined over the years, the graduates are proud to be a part of the university with such a prestigious legacy.

Table of Contents

• Principal Courses Offered by Madras University
• Inexpensive Courses
• Erudite Professors and Immersive Pedagogy
• Vintage Infrastructure With Modern Facilities
• Adequate Hostel Facilities
• Vibrant Campus Atmosphere
• Varied Placement Opportunities
• General Impression of Madras University

Principal Courses Offered by Madras University

Previously, Madras University was divided into different institutes offering specific branches. Currently, the university primarily offers multiple courses at the undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels in Arts, Science and Management disciplines. The best programs at Madras University, according to the previous years’ graduates, are as follows.

• Journalism
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Engineering
• Computer Science
• Medical-Related Subjects.

Most aspirants join Madras University for their wide variety of postgraduate programs available in Physics, Mathematics and other Arts disciplines. 

Distance Education Prospects

Apart from the regular courses, the university is also popular for the Distance Learning programs offered. Aspirants mainly pursue MBA courses at the university as the overall tuition fee is reasonable for students from different backgrounds. The degree certificates are of high value and can be utilised to acquire good job roles in reputed companies and organisations.

There are several benefits of pursuing correspondence courses at Madras University as they conduct classes and exams on weekends, which is convenient for those who are working professionals. The syllabus is advanced, and study centres are available all across the country as well as abroad.

Although the university has been in the distance learning domain for a long time, the quality of correspondence could be more dependable, as there have been situations in the past where the students still need to receive their degree certificates after the course completion. Hence, the general opinion is that students opt for other universities to pursue distance education if they have the time and patience to stay in touch with the authorities regularly.

Inexpensive Courses

The tuition fees for the courses offered by the university are affordable to make it accessible to students from all backgrounds. The Madras University has two types of courses: Regular and Self-supportive. The fee for regular courses is less than that of self-supportive programs. 

The average tuition fees for the main programs, such as MBA, B.Tech, B.Sc, and other graduation programs, range between INR 9,000 and INR 50,000. Additionally, the M.Phil course fee starts from INR 2000, and for doctoral students, it will come up to around INR 30,000, based on their specialisation.

The university also offers financial aid to students in need through scholarships, which are available for each department separately. The scholarships can be availed by those students who meet the requirements.

Erudite Professors and Immersive Pedagogy

Being one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in India, the professors here are highly qualified and experienced in their fields, which is one of the best factors about studying at the university. They ensure the students have a complete learning experience through practical sessions, workshops and assignments. The online classes are also conducted by qualified teachers.

However, as mentioned earlier, the curriculum for certain subjects is outdated as the syllabus has not been revamped to include the newer topics and concepts. Along with this, the marking system is strict and unfair. Due to this, many students had to apply for re-totalling of the marks. The unfair marking creates an issue for the students, especially for those who are planning to pursue research programs. 

Aside from that, the university has created several qualified and talented students who are in high positions in different fields. For instance, several graduates from the university are now part of the faculty of top IITs.

Vintage Infrastructure With Modern Facilities

Located in the heart of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Madras University has one of the most beautiful infrastructure in the country. Built in the 1800s, the university has time-honoured buildings with state-of-the-art facilities.

A noteworthy feature of the university is its library, which is the largest in the city. The students have access to a large collection of books, both academic and literature-wise. The library is open all throughout the year. The library has the best resources for those who are interested in research, as they will find all that they need here. Students have the opportunity to not only clarify their subject doubts but also to enrich their knowledge in different fields.

Aside from the library, the university infrastructure also consists of computer centres and laboratories that have adequate facilities with advanced technology. The classrooms have audio-visual equipment to make sure that the students have an interactive and engaging learning experience.

Spread over 12 acres of land, the university has different amenities for sports and games as well. However, students have mentioned that the overall maintenance of the campus is overlooked by the authorities in terms of the cleanliness of common spaces, like washrooms, canteens, and so on.

Apart from the on-campus facilities, there are several amenities available on the university premises, such as photocopy machines, stationery stores, bookstores, etc. 

Adequate Hostel Facilities

Madras University provides housing facilities for both male and female students in well-furnished hostels with necessary amenities. More than the facilities available at the hostels, students are more nostalgic about the memories they have made at these hostels.

As people from different parts of the country are part of the university, there is diversity in the hostels, and students have exposure to different cultures here. Timely meals are served at decently clean mess halls, but only specific types of food are available. The rooms are cleaned, and overall hygiene is maintained regularly by designated staff.

The hostel rents start from INR 3000 per year, with a caution deposit of INR 5,500. The hostels are mainly opted by postgraduate and research students. Besides the university hostels, students also have the option to stay at PGs available around the campus with nominal rents.

Vibrant Campus Atmosphere

Apart from the wide range of academic opportunities, the university also offers an exciting campus life to students by providing them different platforms to pursue their interests alongside their studies. The students enjoy the privilege of being part of the university community. Located in a prime area, students can travel to all parts of the city easily. Several clubs are active on campus for different fields, such as Management clubs, Science clubs, Arts clubs, etc. 

The most popular club on the campus is Synergy, which is a student-led Management club that organises different events and fests where leaders from the industry are invited to conduct talks and also to avail of the students to showcase their leadership skills.

Diversity on Campus

As previously mentioned, the university is home to students from various parts of India, making it culturally diverse. All students are given equal opportunities irrespective of their gender or background. The diversity on campus gives exposure to the students with regard to different languages and cultures. 

Dress Code

There is no specific uniform for the students in the university. However, students are expected to maintain a modest dress code that is acceptable and presentable.

Varied Placement Opportunities

As Madras University has a high reputation in the industry, several imminent companies participate in the placement drives held at the university. Students from departments of Marketing and Finance have been recruited by top companies with high salary packages. 

As for the internship programs, the university does not offer as many opportunities, and the students are expected to search for internships on their own. However, companies hire students from the university regularly. 

According to the previous years’ placement records, over 96% of the graduates have managed to obtain placements in several companies. The highest salary package offered to the students was INR 6.2 LPA, with the average package at INR 4.5 LPA. 

The top recruiters of the university are as follows:

• Tata Consultancy Services
• City Union Bank
• Axis Bank
• Reliance
• HCL

General Impression of Madras University

In conclusion, Madras University is one of the top institutions in the country, with a high reputation in terms of the education provided, faculty members and career opportunities. The university is the best option for those who are planning to pursue higher studies as the university library is a treasure trove of resources for all fields of study.

The pros and cons of the university have been condensed in the table below.

*Source: Madras University Facebook