Accepted entrance exams
About Master of Science [M.Sc]
Presidency College Chennai, established in 1840, offers M.Sc across 9 specializations: Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Microbiology, Zoology, Geology, Geography, Plant Biology, and Statistics. The 2-year full-time program is affiliated to the University of Madras. Total fees range from INR 1,725 to INR 1,845 for the complete course. Admission is merit-based through the TNGASA portal. The college holds NIRF rank 15 in the College category for 2026.
📋 Admission Status: Applications closed. Seat allotment expected to begin August 2026.
Presidency College Chennai M.Sc Fees 2026
As a government autonomous institution under the University of Madras, Presidency College Chennai offers M.Sc at nominal fees. The total fee for the 2-year program ranges from INR 1,725 to INR 1,845 per specialization, making it among the most affordable M.Sc programs at any NIRF-ranked institution in Tamil Nadu.
| Course Name | Total Fees (2 Years) |
|---|---|
| M.Sc Psychology | INR 1,845 |
| M.Sc Microbiology | INR 1,845 |
| M.Sc Chemistry | INR 1,725 to INR 1,845 |
| M.Sc Physics | INR 1,725 to INR 1,845 |
| M.Sc Zoology | INR 1,725 to INR 1,845 |
| M.Sc Statistics | INR 1,725 to INR 1,845 |
| M.Sc Geology | INR 1,725 to INR 1,845 |
| M.Sc Geography | INR 1,725 to INR 1,845 |
| M.Sc Plant Biology | INR 1,725 to INR 1,845 |
- Fees may change. Verify with official sources before admission.
Presidency College Chennai M.Sc Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| TNGASA PG Portal Registration Opens | June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply via TNGASA | July 2026 |
| Seat Allotment Round 1 | August 2026 |
| Classes Commence | August 2026 |
- Verify exact dates on the official TNGASA portal.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Bachelor’s degree in the relevant science discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST candidates).
- Applicants must have studied the subject of specialization as a major at the undergraduate level.
- Students from universities outside Tamil Nadu must obtain an equivalence certificate from the University of Madras before applying.
Admission Process
- Register on the TNGASA PG portal (tngasa.in) during the June registration window.
- Upload graduation mark sheets and required documents with the online application form.
- Merit list is prepared solely on UG final-year aggregate percentage in the relevant subject.
- Seat allotment is communicated through the TNGASA portal. No entrance exam is conducted for M.Sc admission.
- Confirm the allotted seat by paying the nominal admission fee within the specified window.
Presidency College Chennai M.Sc vs Other Colleges
Here is how Presidency College Chennai M.Sc compares with similar colleges in Chennai on fees, admission, and placements.
| College | Fees | Exams | Cutoff | Salary | CD Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidency College Chennai | INR 1,845 | TNGASA Merit | 50% UG marks | INR 2.16 LPA (Median, 2025) | 4.1/5 |
| Loyola College Chennai | 55 K to 4 L | Merit + Entrance Test | Merit-based | INR 5.88 LPA (Median, 2025) | 4.3/5 |
| MCC Chennai | INR 29 K to 71 K | Merit-based | Merit-based | INR 3.6 LPA (Median, 2025) | 4.3/5 |
| Stella Maris College Chennai | INR 55 K to 1.73 L | Merit-based | Merit-based | Not Disclosed | Not Rated |
✓ Opt for this if
- You want a NIRF-ranked M.Sc at the lowest possible fee from a government institution
- Your goal is a PhD, NET/JRF, or a faculty career after M.Sc
- You want one of the few government colleges offering M.Sc Geology or Plant Biology in Chennai
- You are a Tamil Nadu domicile student applying through the TNGASA merit route
✗ Skip if
- You need structured campus placements and active corporate recruitment
- You need modern infrastructure and industry-linked curriculum
- You are from outside Tamil Nadu and cannot meet TNGASA eligibility norms
Presidency College Chennai M.Sc Placement 2026
As per NIRF 2025 data, 176 out of 491 PG graduating students secured placements, with a median package of INR 2.16 LPA. A significant share of M.Sc graduates pursue higher studies, CSIR-JRF qualifications, or government roles rather than campus placements. Top recruiters include Infosys, TCS, Wipro, Accenture, and Deloitte.
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| PG Students Placed | 176 out of 491 |
| Median Salary | INR 2.16 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | Infosys, TCS, Wipro, Accenture, Deloitte |
- Data sourced from NIRF 2025 submission.
Presidency College Chennai M.Sc Scholarships 2026
M.Sc students at Presidency College Chennai are eligible for Tamil Nadu state and Central Government scholarships based on community category and family income.
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| TN BC/MBC/DNC Post Matric Scholarship | Tuition and maintenance allowance | BC, MBC, or DNC category with income below prescribed limit | October 31, 2026 |
| TN SC/ST Post Matric Scholarship | Tuition and maintenance allowance | SC or ST category students in recognized PG programs | October 31, 2026 |
| Central Government Post Matric Scholarship | As per central norms | SC/ST students with family income below INR 2.5 lakh annually | October 31, 2026 |
- Apply via scholarships.tn.gov.in or tnadtwscholarship.tn.gov.in.
Presidency College Chennai M.Sc FAQs
Ques. Can students from universities outside Tamil Nadu apply for M.Sc at Presidency College Chennai?
Ans. Yes, students with degrees from universities outside Tamil Nadu can apply through the TNGASA portal after obtaining an equivalence certificate from the University of Madras. This process can take a few weeks, so out-of-state applicants should initiate it well before the registration window opens. Seats are filled purely on merit and local applicants typically dominate, making competition intense for students from other states.
Ques. What career paths are most common for Presidency College Chennai M.Sc graduates?
Ans. Most M.Sc graduates from Presidency College Chennai pursue one of three paths. The first is qualifying CSIR-JRF, UGC-NET, or GATE for research fellowships and PhD admissions at IITs, IISc, and NITs. The second is appearing for Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission exams for science assistant or teacher roles. The third is corporate employment in biotech, pharma, and data analytics. The college’s NIRF rank 15 pedigree helps graduates at elite research institute interviews.
Ques. How competitive is TNGASA merit admission at Presidency College Chennai for M.Sc?
Ans. Presidency College Chennai is among the most sought-after destinations under TNGASA for PG sciences. For popular programs like Chemistry, Physics, and Psychology, admitted students typically have UG aggregates in the 85 to 90 percent range, though no official cutoff is published. Less competitive programs like Geology and Plant Biology may see lower qualifying marks. Students should submit all documents early and ensure UG transcripts clearly reflect the relevant subject major.
Ques. What is the difference between M.Sc Plant Biology and M.Sc Botany, and which does Presidency offer?
Ans. Presidency College Chennai offers M.Sc Plant Biology, which is an updated version of traditional Botany. It includes molecular biology, plant genomics, ecology, and biochemistry alongside classical plant anatomy and physiology. This makes graduates competitive for modern research roles in agricultural biotechnology and conservation science at institutions like IARI, ICRISAT, or CSIR laboratories. Students with a Botany or Biology background at UG level are eligible to apply.
Ques. Are hostel facilities available for M.Sc students at Presidency College Chennai?
Ans. Presidency College Chennai has hostel wings on campus for both men and women. Hostel seats are limited and PG students receive allocation based on distance from college and financial need, with undergraduates often taking priority. M.Sc students who do not get campus accommodation typically find privately run PGs in Chepauk and Park Town, which are well-connected to the college by public transport. Contact the hostel warden directly during admission to check current PG availability.