Accepted entrance exams
About Bachelor of Science [B.Sc]
Presidency College Chennai offers BSc across 9 specializations: Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Chemistry, Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology, Geology, Geography, and Psychology. The programme is 3 years full-time with a combined intake of about 432 seats across all specializations and shifts. Annual fees are INR 1,315, making the total 3-year cost INR 3,945. Admission is purely merit-based on 10+2 marks with no entrance exam.
📋 Admission Status: Admissions expected to open May 2027 (Tentative).
Key Points
- Niche specializations like Geology and Geography are offered alongside mainstream sciences, which is unusual for an autonomous college in Chennai.
- Both Plant Biology and Biotechnology and Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology programmes integrate life sciences with biotechnology from the first year.
- Several BSc specializations run in both Tamil and English mediums, which is rare for science programmes at this level in Tamil Nadu.
Presidency College BSc Fees 2026
All BSc specializations carry a government-set annual fee of INR 1,315, making the total 3-year programme cost INR 3,945. The fee includes a laboratory component for science practicals, in addition to the standard tuition and examination components.
| Specialization | Seats (Shift I + Shift II) | Total Fees (3 Years) |
|---|---|---|
| BSc Mathematics | 96 | INR 3,945 |
| BSc Statistics | 24 | INR 3,945 |
| BSc Physics | 48 | INR 3,945 |
| BSc Chemistry | 80 | INR 3,945 |
| BSc Plant Biology and Biotechnology | 48 | INR 3,945 |
| BSc Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology | 48 | INR 3,945 |
| BSc Geology | 24 | INR 3,945 |
| BSc Geography | 24 | INR 3,945 |
| BSc Psychology | 40 | INR 3,945 |
- Annual fee is INR 1,315 for all BSc specializations.
- Fees are set by the Tamil Nadu government and may be revised.
Presidency College BSc Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Rank List Published | June 3, 2026 |
| Special Quota Counselling | June 5, 2026 |
| General Category Counselling | June 8 to June 18, 2026 |
| Admission Closed for 2026-27 | June 18, 2026 |
| Next Cycle Expected to Open | May 2027 |
- Rank list was published on pcc.ac.in for 2026 admissions.
- Next cycle dates have not been notified yet.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics for Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Chemistry, Geology, and Geography specializations.
- 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology for Plant Biology and Biotechnology and Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology specializations.
- 10+2 in any stream for BSc Psychology, with preference for students who have studied Psychology or a science subject at 12th level.
Admission Process
- Register on the Tamil Nadu Single Window Admission portal for government college UG admissions.
- Upload 10+2 mark sheet and subject-specific documents as required by the portal.
- The college publishes a rank list on pcc.ac.in based on 10+2 aggregate marks in relevant subjects.
- Report for counselling on the notified date with original documents and the first-year fee.
- No entrance exam is required for any BSc specialization at Presidency College.
Presidency College BSc vs Other Colleges
Here is how Presidency College BSc compares with similar Chennai colleges on fees, entrance exams, cutoff, and placements.
| Presidency College | Loyola College | MCC Chennai | Vivekananda College | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fees | 3.9 K (3 yr) | 90 K to 3.8 L (3 yr) | 58 K to 1.27 L (3 yr) | Not Disclosed |
| Exams | Merit (10+2) | Merit (10+2) | Merit (10+2) | Merit (10+2) |
| Cutoff | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Salary | INR 2.11 LPA (Median, 2025) | INR 4.08 LPA (Median, 2025) | INR 4 LPA (Median, 2025) | Not Disclosed |
| CD Rating | 4.1/5 | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated |
✓ Opt for this if
- You want a BSc from one of Chennai’s most recognized government autonomous colleges at INR 3,945 total
- You want niche science specializations like Geology or Geography not widely available at aided colleges
- You plan to pursue MSc and then research or teaching, where the Presidency degree is well recognized
✗ Skip if
- You want to enter the IT or biotech industry directly after BSc through strong campus placement drives
- You need BSc Computer Science or BSc Data Science, which Presidency College does not offer
- You are looking for hostel accommodation on or near campus
Presidency College BSc Scholarships 2026
Presidency College BSc students are eligible for Central and Tamil Nadu government scholarships based on merit and community category.
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu State Merit Scholarship | Full or half of course fee | Merit-based on 12th and UG marks | September 2026 |
| SC/ST Post-Matric Scholarship | INR 230 to INR 1,200 per month | SC/ST candidates with valid caste certificate | October 2026 |
| BC/MBC Scholarship (Tamil Nadu) | Tuition fee reimbursement | Backward Class and Most Backward Class students | October 2026 |
| INSPIRE Scholarship (DST) | INR 80,000 per year | Top 1% in 12th exam pursuing BSc in Natural Sciences | As per DST notification |
- Apply via Tamil Nadu e-Scholarship portal for state government schemes.
- INSPIRE scholarship is administered by the Department of Science and Technology.
Presidency College BSc FAQs
Ques. What is the difference between BSc Plant Biology and Biotechnology and BSc Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology at Presidency College?
Ans. Both programmes combine a core life science with biotechnology from the first year. Plant Biology and Biotechnology focuses on plant physiology, plant genetics, tissue culture, and plant-based biotech applications, making it ideal for agriculture or botanical research. Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology covers animal physiology, molecular biology, and zoological biotech, suited for medical research or aquaculture. Both programmes lead naturally to MSc Biotechnology or MSc Life Sciences at premier institutions.
Ques. How does BSc Geology at Presidency College compare with other options in Tamil Nadu?
Ans. BSc Geology is offered at very few colleges in Tamil Nadu at the UG level, making Presidency College one of the recognized autonomous options in Chennai for this specialization. After BSc Geology, graduates commonly pursue MSc Geology at institutions like IIT Madras, Anna University, or Madras University. Career paths include geological survey roles with the Geological Survey of India, mining sector employment, hydrogeology, and oil and gas exploration.
Ques. Does Presidency College allow BSc students to shift between specializations after the first year?
Ans. Lateral migration between BSc specializations within Presidency College after the first year is generally not available since each specialization has a fixed syllabus and seat structure. The more practical route if a specialization is not the right fit is to complete the degree and then pursue postgraduate studies in a related field. MSc admissions at most universities consider any BSc background, so a Physics graduate can realistically apply for MSc Electronics or MSc Applied Mathematics with the required marks.
Ques. What is the INSPIRE scholarship and how can Presidency College BSc students apply for it?
Ans. The INSPIRE Scholarship from the Department of Science and Technology awards INR 80,000 per year to the top 1% of 12th board exam scorers who choose to pursue natural sciences at the undergraduate level. Students who secure very high marks in their board exams and join Presidency College BSc can apply on the DST official website after admission. The scholarship continues through BSc and into MSc if the student maintains academic performance.
Ques. Can BSc Psychology students from Presidency College pursue clinical psychology or counselling after graduation?
Ans. A BSc Psychology degree from Presidency College qualifies you to apply for MSc Clinical Psychology or MSc Counselling Psychology at universities such as Madras University, NIMHANS Bengaluru, and Christ University. Clinical practice as a therapist or counsellor in India requires a postgraduate degree at minimum, and most roles in hospitals require an MPhil in Clinical Psychology. The BSc is the foundation year, not the terminal qualification for clinical work, but it is fully recognized for all PG entrance pathways.