India is one of the progressing and leading countries in terms of education. The universities in India have a huge impact and students from Indian universities are working with leading companies in the world. The institutions not only heritage a strong discipline but also provide opportunities and follow-up in the long term. One of the Indian states Tamil Nadu is very famous among students desiring to pursue an undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctorate. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu is one of the pioneering cities providing quality education to students. Chennai is considered to be the largest economic, educational and cultural hub of South India.
Chennai has some of the best educational institutions in the country. The literacy rate of Chennai is 90.33 and it ranks second in the Indian Metropolitan. The educational institutions in Chennai are a mix of public and private institutions and some offer financial aid as well. The public education institutions are managed by The Chennai Corporation and. There are around 330 institutions and 142400 students under the authority of The Chennai Corporation. All the public institutions under the Chennai Corporation are affiliated with Tamil Nadu State Board while private institutions are either affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) or the Tamil Nadu Board of Secondary Education. The primary medium of education in Tamil and English, but some schools in their schools are also teaching Telugu and Urdu.
There are two CSIR research institutions named Structural Engineering Research Centre and Central Leather Research Institute. The largest library in Asia is named “Anna Centenary Library” which is also in Chennai.
So, if you are out looking to get admission to one of Chennai’s leading colleges to pursue higher education, read the full article. We have listed some of the best institutions in Chennai that might be your next stop.
List of Top 10 Best Colleges in Chennai India- 2021
S. No | Name of Institution | NIRF | Institution Type | Established | Type of College |
1 | Indian Institute of Technology Madras | 1 | Public | 1959 | General |
2 | College of Engineering, Anna University | 20 | Public | 1978 | Engineering |
3 | University of Madras | 41 | Public | 1857 | General |
4 | Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research | 51 | Private | 1985 | General |
5 | SRM Institute of Science and Technology | 58 | Private | 1985 | Engineering and Business |
6 | Sathyabhama Institute of Science and Technology | 61 | Private | 1987 | General |
7 | Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science | 66 | Private | 2005 | Medical |
8 | Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research | 87 | Private | 1984 | General |
9 | Loyola College, Chennai | 6 (NIRF College) | Private | 1925 | General |
10 | Madras Medical College | 12 NIRF Medical | Public | 1835 | Medical |
1) Indian Institute of Technology
IIT was founded in 1959 and is one of the leading and oldest engineering colleges in Chennai Madras. In national and international rankings, IIT Madras has demonstrated exceptional results. IIT is ranked first in MHRD’s (Ministry of Human Resource Development) NIRF rankings. As for world rankings, IIT Madras has always been classified in the world’s top 500-1000 institutes. IIT was built with German support and was the first Indo-German engineering institution. It is situated in a magnificent, wooded land of about 250 hectares and is a residential institution with approximately 600 professors, 9000 students, and 700 administrative and administrative support staff.
IIT- Madras
Name of Institution | Indian Institute of Technology |
Location | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
Control Type | Public- State University |
NIRF Rank (Overall) | 1 |
Established in | 1959 |
Average Fee per Annum | INR 1-2 Lacs |
Estimated No. of Students | 9000 |
Estimated No. of Faculty | 600 |
Programs Offered | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, PhD |
Affiliation | N/A |
Entrance Exam Type | JEE-Advanced, HSEE, GATE, JAM, CAT |
Website | www.iitm.ac.in |
2) College of Engineering- Anna University
Anna University is placed second in the list of top 10 colleges in Chennai, India. Anna University is ranked 20 in the NIRF overall ranking. Established in 1978, this engineering institute in Chennai is home to nearly 18500 students. About 550 engineering colleges are under the affiliation of Anna University. It provides higher education in engineering, technology, and science in line with society’s existing and planned demands. It fosters collaboration between academia and industry, in addition to fostering research and disseminating information gained therefrom. The University was established by bringing two well-known technical institutions in the city of Madras together and merging them. The main campus of the University is located in the south part of Madras (Chennai) and covers over 100 hectares on the north bank of the river Adyar and the south of Raj Bhavan.
Anna University
Name of Institution | Anna University |
Location | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
Control Type | Public- State University |
NIRF Rank (Overall) | 20 |
Established in | 1978 |
Average Fee per Annum | INR 70k-180k |
Estimated No. of Students | 18500 |
Estimated No. of Faculty | 750 |
Programs Offered | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, PhD |
Affiliation | UGC |
Entrance Exam Type | JEE-Advanced, HSEE, GATE, JAM, CAT |
Website | www.annauniv.edu |
3) University of Madras
The University of Madras comes at number 3 in the list of Top 10 colleges in Chennai, India. Ranked 41 in the NIRF (Overall) ranking, this university was established in 1857. The University of Madras is the mother of most of South India’s old universities. The University provides undergraduate education and postgraduate education through affiliated institutions over the districts of Chennai, Thiruvallur, and Kancheepuram. In recent years, the jurisdiction of the University has been limited to three Tamil Nadu districts because different universities have been set up. The University of Madras has 4 campuses running 68 departments that offer UG, PG and specialization, certificate and diploma programs, and Ph.D. programs.
Madras University
Name of Institution | University of Madras |
Location | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
Control Type | Public- State University |
NIRF Rank (Overall) | 41 |
Established in | 1857 |
Average Fee per Annum | INR 30k-150k |
Estimated No. of Students | 5000 |
Estimated No. of Faculty | 360 |
Programs Offered | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Ph.D., Diploma, Certificate Courses |
Affiliation | UGC, NAAC, AIU |
Entrance Exam Type | N/A |
Website | www.unom.ac.in |
4) Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research
SEHER was founded in 1985 and is located in the capital of Tamil Nadu. SEHER is affiliated with the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and the Association of India Universities (AIU). It is ranked 51st in the NIRF (Overall) ranking with a score of 48.59. This college in Chennai is providing quality education to approximately 6000 students with a staff of about 900. This 35-year-old Indian university has a selective entry policy focused on entry tests and previous academic records and degrees. The admission rate is between 70-80% and International applicants can apply for registration as well. The facilities include the library, accommodation, recreational facilities, financial assistance, study abroad, and exchange programs.
SRIHER- Best Colleges in Chennai
Name of Institution | Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research |
Location | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
Control Type | Private |
NIRF Rank (Overall) | 51 |
Established in | 1985 |
Average Fee per Annum | INR 1.5-3 Lac |
Estimated No. of Students | 6000 |
Estimated No. of Faculty | 900 |
Programs Offered | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Ph.D., MBBS |
Affiliation | ACU, AIU, UGC |
Entrance Exam Type | NEET, NEET PG, NEET MDS, NEED UG |
Website | https://www.sriramachandra.edu.in/ |
5) SRM Institute of Science and Technology
SRM Institute of Science and Technology is formerly known as SRM engineering college is placed at number 5 in the list of top 10 colleges in Chennai, India. SRMIST was founded in 1985 and has 6 campuses as of now in different locations. This college in Chennai is home to more than 8000 students with a faculty number of more than 3200. This college in Chennai also offers admissions to international students and 950+ are already enrolled in different courses in the University. At SRM, education is all about creating an environment of academic freedom, where bright minds meet, discover, and learn. One would experience a top-of-the-world living and learning experience at SRM. This college in Chennai is offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in Engineering, Management, Medicine and Health Sciences, Science and Humanities, Law, Agricultural Sciences, Hotel Management, and Teacher Education.
SRMIST- Best Colleges in Chennai
Name of Institution | SRM Institute of Technology |
Location | Kattankulathur, Chennai, India |
Control Type | Private |
NIRF Rank (Overall) | 58 |
Established in | 1985 |
Average Fee per Annum | INR 1-4 Lac |
Estimated No. of Students | 8000 |
Estimated No. of Faculty | 3200 |
Programs Offered | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, PhD |
Affiliation | AICTE, UGC |
Entrance Exam Type | SRMJEEE |
Website | https://www.srmist.edu.in/ |
6) Sathyabhama Institute of Science and Technology
Dr. Jeppiaar founded the Sathyabhama Institute of Science and Technology in 1987, formerly known as Sathyabhama Engineering College. It is a pioneer in the fields of engineering, research, technology, and education. The progress and commitment made by the institution to provide technical education for more than twenty years granted the SIST the status of Deemed University on 16 July 2001. The efforts of faculty and board resulted in making the institution rank 2nd by the National Institutional Ranking System among the private university of Tamil Nadu. The Sathyabhama Institute for Science and Technology (considered as a college) offers 27 UG programs and 41 PG-level programs. The Institute is equipped with excellent facilities including modern labs, a digital library, internet, and other services.
SIST- Engineering Colleges in Chennai
Name of Institution | Sathyabhama Institute of Science and Technology |
Location | Chennai Tamil Nadu, India |
Control Type | Private |
NIRF Rank (Overall) | 61 |
Established in | 1987 |
Average Fee per Annum | INR 1-3 Lac |
Estimated No. of Students | 17000 |
Estimated No. of Faculty | 740 |
Programs Offered | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, PhD |
Affiliation | AICTE, UGC |
Entrance Exam Type | JEE Main, NATA, NEET, SAEEE |
Website | https://www.sathyabama.ac.in/ |
7) Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences comes at number 7 in the list of top 10 best colleges in Chennai, India. SIMATS was founded in 2005 and with the untiring efforts of board and management, it managed to secure 66th position in NIRF (Overall) rankings. The Institute has earned UGC recognition and NAAC recognition. The University of Saveetha has a status of deemed to be university. The University of Saveetha offers various BSCs, Ph.D. courses in different areas of medicine, dental surgery, engineering, physiotherapeutic studies, nursing, law, and administration. Admissions to these courses are granted annually at the University of Saveetha.
SIMATS- Best Medical College in Chennai
Name of Institution | Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences |
Location | Chennai Tamil Nadu, India |
Control Type | Private- Deemed University |
NIRF Rank (Overall) | 66 |
Established in | 2005 |
Average Fee per Annum | INR 1-4 Lac |
Estimated No. of Students | 8500 |
Estimated No. of Faculty | 850 |
Programs Offered | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, PhD |
Affiliation | UGC, |
Entrance Exam Type | JEE Main, MAT, NATA, NEET |
Website | https://www.saveetha.com/ |
8) Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research
Started as Sri Lakshmi Ammal Educational Trust, Bharath Institute of Science and Technology was founded in 1984 by Dr. S. Jagathrakshakan as the first self-financed engineering college in Chennai. This engineering college in Chennai has been awarded an “A” grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). It is recognized by University Grants Commission and approved by the All India Council for Technical Education. This engineering college in Chennai is home to nearly 16000 students and providing high-quality education in many streams.
BIHER- Best Engineering College in Tamil Nadu
Name of Institution | Bharath Institute of Science and Technology |
Location | Chennai Tamil Nadu, India |
Control Type | Private- Deemed University |
NIRF Rank (Overall) | 87 |
Established in | 1984 |
Average Fee per Annum | INR 1-5 Lacs |
Estimated No. of Students | 16000 |
Estimated No. of Faculty | 1900 |
Programs Offered | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, PhD |
Affiliation | UGC, NAAC |
Entrance Exam Type | BEEE, NEET, NATA, NEET PG |
Website | www.bharathuniv.ac.in |
9) Loyola College- Chennai
Loyola College is one of the leading colleges of arts, science, trade, and management in India, and is located in Chennai. To get admission in different UG and PG courses students from all parts of the country compete for restricted seats. The main factors making Loyola a pioneer institute are quality education and discipline. In 1925, Loyola College was founded by the Society of Jesuits. It is an educational institution of the Catholic Minority and offers a quality education regardless of caste and faith. Nearly 12,000 students are enrolled in different UG and PG courses at Loyola College. With streams in Humanities, Science and Commerce, post-graduation. Loyola College also offers M.Phil and Ph.D. in various programs.
Loyola College- Chennai
Name of Institution | Loyola College, Chennai |
Location | Chennai Tamil Nadu, India |
Control Type | Private |
NIRF Rank (Colleges) | 6 |
Established in | 1925 |
Average Fee per Annum | INR 1-3 Lacs |
Estimated No. of Students | 11000 |
Estimated No. of Faculty | 400 |
Programs Offered | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, PhD |
Affiliation | University of Madras |
Entrance Exam Type | N/A |
Website | www.oyolacollege.edu |
10) Madras Medical College
Madras Medical College comes 10th in the list of top 10 colleges in Chennai, India. The MMC was founded in 1835 and is the third oldest medical and one of the finest leading medical colleges in India. It is ranked 12th in the NIRF medical college rankings and provides top-notch quality education in the medical field that one can dream of. Currently, there are around 3000 medical students are enrolled in MMC pursuing their degrees in various medical fields. The MMC offers quality education in MBBS, BPT, B.Sc., MD, MS, and Pharmacy at the postgraduate and undergraduate levels. The MMC College in Chennai also provides Specialty programs and diplomas in different medical fields.
MMC- Medical Colleges in Chennai
Name of Institution | Madras Medical College |
Location | Chennai Tamil Nadu, India |
Control Type | Public |
NIRF Rank (Medical) | 12 |
Established in | 1835 |
Average Fee per Annum | N/A |
Estimated No. of Students | 3000 |
Estimated No. of Faculty | N/A |
Programs Offered | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Specialization |
Affiliation | University of Madras |
Entrance Exam Type | N/A |
Website | www.mmc.ac.in |