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Government Arts College (Autonomous): Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Coimbatore Campus Life
location
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
author
Abhijeet Chatterjee
Updated on 11 January 2026

More About GAC Coimbatore

Government Arts College (Autonomous) was established in 1852 and is located in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. It is a top ranked premium institution. The Government Arts College (Autonomous) has been ranked 67th by NIRF 2024 under the Colleges category. The college has collaborations with UK universities through Tamil Nadu State Higher Education Council initiatives and provides placement assistance to students. GAC Coimbatore (an autonomous institution) offers UG, PG, and PhD courses to students. These courses are provided across Arts, Science, Commerce, and Management departments. Government Arts College (Autonomous) has been recognised for its autonomous status. The institution provides various degree programs to students, functioning as an autonomous body. Further, GAC Coimbatore provides programs such as BA History, BSc Botany, BCom Commerce, and MCA as flagship courses and focuses on academic excellence and research. The institute is located in a sprawling 13.6-acre campus, and is equipped with the latest innovations and facilities. Government Arts College (Autonomous) has launched various academic and research initiatives, showcasing their commitment to student success and community engagement. The college currently enrolls 5554 students with a faculty count of 258, maintaining a faculty student ratio of 21.5:1. The Institution is driven and promoted by a commitment to quality education. Located in Coimbatore, this reputed government-run institution accepts TANCET scores for programs like MCA, and conducts its own entrance examinations and interviews for PhD admissions. The institute offers opportunities through numerous extracurricular activities and skill-development programs. The faculty at Government Arts College (Autonomous) are highly qualified and experienced professionals with years of academic and research experience.

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Campus Area

13.6

Total Seat

1727

Faculty Student Ratio

21.5:1

About Government Arts College (Autonomous) Coimbatore

Government Arts College (Autonomous), Coimbatore, established in 1852 by the British Government, stands as a premier government institution in Tamil Nadu. Located on Arts College Road in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, it holds autonomous status since 1987 and affiliates with Bharathiar University.

The college delivers exceptional education through highly qualified faculty, producing top bureaucrats, administrators, and leaders.

Reaccredited with B++ grade by NAAC, the college secures 67th rank in NIRF 2025 college category.

It offers UG programs like BA, BCom, BBA, BSc and PG courses including MA, MCom, MSc, MCA via merit and TANCET.

Notable for strong placements with recruiters like TCS and Infosys, it emphasizes academic prowess, technical skills, and global competence.

Key Highlights

ParameterDetails
Full NameGovernment Arts College (Autonomous)
Established1852
TypeGovernment Autonomous
AffiliationBharathiar University
Approved ByUGC
NAAC GradeB++
NIRF 2025#67 in College
CampusCoimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Popular ProgrammesBA, BCom, BBA, BSc, MA, MCom, MSc, MCA
Websitegacbe.ac.in

Courses Offered at GAC Coimbatore

Specializations

Bachelor of Science in BotanyBachelor of Science in ChemistryBachelor of Science in Computer Science+8

Specializations

Master of Philosophy in BotanyMaster of Philosophy in ChemistryMaster of Philosophy in Computer Science+10

Specializations

Master of Science in BotanyMaster of Science in ChemistryMaster of Science in Computer Science+7

Specializations

Ph.D in BotanyPh.D in ChemistryPh.D in Computer Science+11

Specializations

Bachelor of Arts in Defence & Strategic StudiesBachelor of Arts in EconomicsBachelor of Arts in English Literature+5

Specializations

Bachelor of Business Administration

Specializations

Bachelor of Commerce in Computer ApplicationsBachelor of CommerceBachelor of Commerce in International Business

Specializations

Master of Arts in Business EconomicsMaster of Arts in EconomicsMaster of Arts in English Literature+5

Specializations

Master of Commerce in Computer ApplicationsMaster of Commerce

Specializations

Master of Computer Application

Specializations

M.Phil. in Economics

Specializations

Master of Philosophy in CommerceMaster of Philosophy in TamilMaster of Philosophy in Information Application

Admission Dates 2026

Government Arts College (Autonomous) Coimbatore conducts admissions for UG programmes like BA, BCom, BSc and PG programmes like MA, MSc, MCom through TNGASA portal on merit basis from Class 12 and graduation marks. MCA admissions require TANCET scores. The cycle involves online application, merit list publication, counselling and seat allotment via tngasa.in.

ProgrammeEventDate
UG (BA, BCom, BSc)Application Form Release30 July 2026
UG (BA, BCom, BSc)Application Deadline16 December 2026

Admission Process

Admissions to Government Arts College (Autonomous), Coimbatore are primarily through the Tamil Nadu Government Arts & Science Colleges centralized UG portal (TNGASA) for undergraduate courses and college/University merit lists for PG courses; select professional PG programmes (MCA) use TANCET scores where required, and all admissions follow Tamil Nadu reservation rules as published by the college website and admission guidelines.

Undergraduate (UG) Admission

Steps to Apply

  1. Register on the TNGASA central UG admission portal (use the Admission Facilitation Centre at the college if needed).
  2. Complete online application: fill details, upload class X and XII certificates and photo ID, and pay the application fee through the portal.
  3. Submit course preferences (choice filling) on the TNGASA portal before the notified deadline.
  4. Wait for provisional allotment; download allotment order when published and report to Government Arts College, Coimbatore with original certificates for verification.
  5. Pay the prescribed college fee at the college after document verification to confirm the seat.

Postgraduate (PG) Admission (M.A., M.Sc., M.Com, MCA)

Steps to Apply

  1. Check programme-specific requirement on the college admission page and Bharathiar University notices.
  2. For MCA: apply and obtain TANCET score (Anna University TANCET); for other PGs: apply via the college online PG application portal or as instructed by the college.
  3. Submit online PG application, upload degree mark sheets and certificates, and pay the application fee as directed on the college portal.
  4. Selection is by merit list (graduation marks) or TANCET rank for MCA; attend counselling/allotment and report to the college with originals for verification when notified.
  5. Complete fee payment at the college after verification to secure admission.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

ProgrammeQualificationEntrance ExamMin %Fees (per year)
B.A., B.Sc., B.Com (UG)10+2 from a recognized board in relevant subject— (Merit via TNGASA)50%₹1,355
M.A., M.Sc., M.Com (PG)Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline— (Merit)50%₹3,000
MCABachelor’s degree with required mathematics backgroundTANCET50%₹15,000

Documents Required

  • Class X (SSLC) certificate and mark sheet
  • Class XII (10+2) mark sheet and passing certificate
  • Degree mark sheets and provisional degree certificate (for PG applicants)
  • Transfer Certificate and Conduct Certificate
  • Community/Reservation certificate (if applicable)
  • Photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport) and two passport-size photographs
  • TANCET scorecard (for MCA applicants)

Nearest Attractions at GAC Coimbatore

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Coimbatore International Airport (CJB)

9 km

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Gandhipuram Town Bus Stand

3 km

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K G Eye Hospital

0.38 km

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Coimbatore Junction

1 km

Cutoff 2025

Cutoffs for Government Arts College (Autonomous) Coimbatore in 2025 are available only for the MCA programme through the TANCET counselling rounds; closing ranks/marks vary across categories with General closing rank/marks around the mid-range and reserved categories showing lower closing marks in some rounds.

ExamBranch/CourseGeneralOBCSCSTEWS
TANCETMCA (Round 1 closing)864 (AI quota rank)1160 (AI quota rank)
TANCETMCA (Round 1 closing marks)39.468 (OC closing marks)19.425 (BC closing marks)23.044 (SC closing marks)70.11 (BCM closing marks)

Campus Facilities at GAC Coimbatore

Academic Spaces

Auditorium

Classrooms

Seminar/Conference Hall

Accommodation for Parents

Not Available

Basic Services

Cooperative Store

Stationery and Grocery Shops (Nearby)

Water Purifier (Hostel)

Disability Services

Divyangjan Facility

Free Coaching for Differently-Abled Persons

Visually Challenged Students Lab (within Library)

Entry/Exit Rules

Campus Access Gates

Hostel Timing Policies

Food Options

Canteen

Hostel Mess Halls

Hostel Facilities

Boys Hostel

Girls Hostel

IT Facilities

Computer Training Centre

Infotech Hall

Wi-Fi Campus

Incubation Centers

Common Instrumentation Center

Research Database

Laboratories

Computer Labs

Language Lab

Science Labs

Library

Central Library

Departmental Libraries

Digital Library

Hostel Library (Men's Hostel)

Question Bank

Visually Challenged Students Lab (within Library)

Medical Facilities

Medical Facilities

Recreational Areas

Cultural Events and Fests

Multipurpose Hall (Hostel)

Student Clubs

Safety & Security

General Campus Security

Hostel Security

Sports & Fitness

Cricket Pitch

Fitness Centres (Men and Women)

Football Field

Gym

Hand Ball Court

Kabaddi Courts

Student Help Desks

Academic Counselling (Tutorial System)

Bridge Courses

Career Counselling

Guidance for Competitive Examination

Personal Counselling

Psycho Counselling

Transport Services

Bus Stops

Parking Facilities

Placements 2025

Government Arts College (Autonomous) Coimbatore recorded highest package of ₹5 LPA for PG programs by TCS and ₹3.5 LPA for UG programs. 214 students placed with average package ₹2.4 LPA. Placement cell organized workshops and seminars with recruiters like Infosys, Cognizant, Accenture.

Placement Statistics

ParameterValue
Highest Package₹5 LPA (TCS)
Average Package₹2.4 LPA
Students Placed214

Top Recruiters

IT: TCS, Infosys, Cognizant, Accenture, Capgemini, Wipro, Zoho

Branch-wise Placement

BranchHighestAverage%Placed
UG₹3.5 LPA₹2.4 LPA40-70%
PG₹5 LPA₹2.4 LPA40-70%

Student Reviews & Testimonials

yabesh apple

5

I like to join in Government arts college in Coimbatore.

Kawin Selvam

5

Hii, Government Arts College, Coimbatore, is an institution that has truly stood the test of time. With its rich history and commitment to academic excellence, it offers a wide range of programs in arts, science, and commerce. The faculty here are knowledgeable and approachable, always willing to help students grow both academically and personally. The campus is spacious, but not with good ambience and with ample greenery, providing a peaceful environment conducive to learning. The library is well-stocked with a variety of books and journals, making it a great resource for students. The infrastructure, while not the most modern, is functional and well-maintained. Extracurricular activities are also given importance, with various clubs and societies that students can join to pursue their interests. The college's location in the heart of Coimbatore makes it easily accessible and close to amenities. However, there is room for improvement in areas like digital resources and modern amenities. Overall, Government Arts College is a solid choice for students looking for quality education in a supportive environment.

Bala Ganesan M

5

Good college and best facilities

Arunachalam AT

5

I would say it is one of the best colleges in Tamilnadu, but the pathetic thing is most of the people doesn't know even the existence of this college, but it has the legacy of more than 150 years. I personally spent 3 beautiful years and have memories for my life. This college has around 24 departments of various science and arts stream with more than 15 departments are offering the courses till Ph.D The professors serving here are with excellent experience, qualification and acting as pioneers in their respective fields. Love for this college never ends wherever I move in my life♥️. Thank you GAC, Coimbatore ♥️

Rankings & Accreditations

Government Arts College (Autonomous) Coimbatore secured 68th rank in NIRF 2025 Colleges category with a score of 57.49. The college holds B++ grade from NAAC reaccreditation.

NIRF 2025

CategoryRankScore
Colleges#6857.49/100

Accreditations

  • NAAC: B++ (Valid till Mar 2025)

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Government Arts College (Autonomous) Coimbatore provides merit-based institute scholarships like Indira Gandhi Scholarship and extensive government-funded aid for SC/ST, MBC, BC students through state schemes with income limits up to ₹1,00,000. Students access National Scholarship Portal for central schemes and state portals for category-specific stipends ranging ₹1,500-10,000 annually, plus fee waivers and PhD support up to ₹3,000 monthly. Tamil medium students receive ₹400 yearly incentives.

Institute Scholarships

ScholarshipEligibilityAmount
Indira Gandhi ScholarshipMerit-based for eligible students₹1,500-10,000/year
Tamil Medium IncentiveStudents opting for Tamil medium in UG₹400/year
PhD ScholarshipFull-time PhD scholars (1st-3rd year), 60% in PG, no other aid₹3,000/month

Government Scholarships

SchemeForAmountPortal
State ScholarshipSC/ST Tamil Nadu students, family income ≤₹12,000, 75% attendance₹1,500-10,000 (9 months)State
Converted Christian Adi DravidarParents income ≤₹50,000₹1,500-10,000/yearState
MBC ScholarshipMBC students, parents income ≤₹50,000Books and hostel fee concessionState
BC ScholarshipBC students/first graduates, parents income ≤₹1,00,000Free education (tuition, exam fees waiver)State
Physically Handicapped ScholarshipDifferently abled students₹1,500-10,000/yearState
EVR Nagammai Tuition Fee WaiverUG students in govt aided collegesFull tuition waiverState

Comparison

These three Coimbatore colleges are commonly compared by students because they are regionally proximate, offer similar UG/PG arts-science-commerce programmes, and appear close to each other in recent NIRF college rankings, making them direct peers for admissions and placements.

ParameterGovernment Arts College (Autonomous) CoimbatoreN.G.P. Arts and Science College (Coimbatore)Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science (Coimbatore)
TypeGovernment (Autonomous)Private (Autonomous)Private (Autonomous)
Established185219511964
NIRF 2025#68 (Colleges category; score 57.49)#66 (Colleges category; score 57.56)#76 (Colleges category; score 56.80)
NAACB++AA
Fee (Total)₹0.03L–₹0.10L₹1.8L–₹3.5L₹1.5L–₹3.0L
Highest Package₹6.5 LPA₹12 LPA₹9 LPA
Average Package₹2.6 LPA₹3.2 LPA₹3.0 LPA

Key Strengths

  • Government Arts College (Autonomous) Coimbatore: Historic government college with strong regional reputation, low fees and steady undergraduate placement outcomes.
  • N.G.P. Arts and Science College: Strong industry connections and higher placement headline packages with sizable infrastructure investments.
  • Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science: Balanced academic programmes with active placement cell and consistent NIRF presence among Coimbatore colleges.

Campus & Infrastructure

Government Arts College (Autonomous) Coimbatore spans 13.69 acres in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, featuring over 100 classrooms, advanced science labs, and a central library in a 5200 sq.ft. building.

Campus Details

ParameterDetails
Area13.69 acres
LocationCoimbatore, Tamil Nadu

Academic Facilities

  • Library: 34135 books, 30 Indian journals, 10 international journals
  • Labs: 100+ classrooms, departmental labs

Hostel

TypeCapacityFee/Year
Boys250₹18000
Girls50₹18000

Other Facilities

  • Auditorium: Air-conditioned with audio-visual equipment
  • Sports: Well-maintained sports grounds
  • Canteen: Hygienic food at reasonable rates

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TANCET 2025 cutoff for MCA at Government Arts College Coimbatore?

Round 1 cutoff for MCA is 39.468 for General category, 23.044 for SC, and 19.425 for BC. Overall range across categories is 13.269 to 70.11.

How do reservations work for UG admissions here?

Seats follow Tamil Nadu rules: 31% Open Competition, 26.5% Backward Classes (BC), 3.5% Backward Classes Muslims, 20% Most Backward Classes (MBC/DNC), 15% SC, 3% SCA, 1% ST. Applies to 100% government seats.

What is the eligibility for MCA admission?

Requires bachelor's degree with 50% marks plus TANCET qualification. Admissions based on TANCET merit lists. Tamil Nadu natives get communal reservation priority.

Are there separate hostels for boys and girls?

Yes, well-furnished boys hostel and separate secure girls hostel available. Both provide comfortable living with amenities like playground and multipurpose hall. Located within walking distance of campus.

What facilities are in the hostel rooms?

Each room has 2 fans, 4 cots, 2 lights for four students. Daily cleaning ensured. Mess offers meals with eggs and healthy options three days a week.

How do I register for the hostel?

Get application from HOD, fill it, obtain department seal and signature. Submit to hostel in-charge. Eligibility based on marks percentage; informed if selected.

What is the campus size and key infrastructure?

Campus spans 14 acres with 80% buildings accessible for handicapped students. Includes computer labs per department, air-conditioned auditorium, and sports facilities.

Does the college have a library and what does it offer?

Library covers 5200 sq ft with extensive books and electronic materials. Supports academic and research needs. Digital library also available.

Is there Wi-Fi and cafeteria on campus?

High-speed Wi-Fi across campus. Canteen serves hygienic food at reasonable rates, popular hangout spot after classes.

What sports facilities are provided?

Well-equipped sports area promotes physical activities. College emphasizes sports with events and encourages participation alongside NCC and NSS.

Is there an auditorium for events?

Fully air-conditioned auditorium with audio-visual equipment hosts conferences, seminars, workshops, and cultural fests.

What is the seat intake for popular courses?

B.Com has 50-60 seats, MCA 30 seats, M.Com based on graduation merit. UG admissions merit-based on 10+2 marks.

Are there clubs and fests on campus?

NCC, NSS, Scout and Guide clubs active. Annual Pongal festival in January and sports events span 1.5 months with college union fests.

Is the campus safe for girls?

Girls hostel fully-equipped in secure environment. 80% buildings divyangjan-friendly. Emphasis on safety with separate accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions

    Government Arts College (Autonomous) Coimbatore is good for engineering with a median placement salary of INR 1.75 LPA, and it hosts the 5th National Conference on Innovation in Engineering & Technology (NCIET 2025). The college ranks #6 in the latest NIRF 2024 rankings, reflecting its strong standing in the field. Students rate the college's faculty highly, with a score of 4.33 out of 5 based on Shiksha verified reviews.
    Government Arts College (Autonomous) Coimbatore is known for hosting the 5th National Conference on Innovation in Engineering & Technology (NCIET 2025) and ranked #67 in the NIRF 2024 rankings. The college offers a BSc in Psychology for eligible students who have completed their 12th with science.
    Government Arts College (Autonomous) Coimbatore is ranked 9th in NIRF 2025 and 12th in the QS ranking for Arts colleges in Coimbatore.
    The admission process at Government Arts College (Autonomous) Coimbatore requires the XAT exam followed by document verification and counseling. For the M.A. program, candidates must secure a minimum of 60% in their last qualifying examination. The XAT exam is scheduled for January 4, 2026, and the application process for the MBA/PGDM courses will start in the second week of July 2025.
    The campus life at Government Arts College (Autonomous) Coimbatore offers 700 in-campus hostels with a mess that provides meals at Rs 150 per day, along with various clubs such as the Debate Club, Photography Club, and Science Club, and an environment that has been rated highly by students with a campus life satisfaction score of 3.89.
    Students at Government Arts College (Autonomous) Coimbatore rate it 4/5 for faculty, highlighting experienced professors with an average of 12 years of teaching experience and mandatory clearances in NET and SET. The college is praised for its comprehensive library system and strategic location, but students note that the curriculum is somewhat similar to Bharathiar University, which some find limiting. Placement rates are reported to be around 90%, with an average starting salary of Rs 3-4 lakh per annum (LPA), though some alumni mention room for improvement in placement diversity.
    The entrance exams accepted at Government Arts College (Autonomous) Coimbatore are TANCET, CBSE 12th, and Tamilnadu 12th with cutoffs based on merit scores in these exams. For M.A. programs, the cutoff is typically the top 10% of merit in the last qualifying exam.
    The eligibility for Government Arts College (Autonomous) Coimbatore requires a minimum of 50% in the 12th CBSE or Tamil Nadu state board examination for B.Sc. and B.Com programs. For the MCA program, candidates must secure a valid score in the TANCET examination.
    The important admission dates for Government Arts College (Autonomous) Coimbatore are: application starts on 15th January 2025, exam on 10th March 2025, and results are announced on 20th March 2025.
    The placement at Government Arts College (Autonomous) Coimbatore shows 85% students placed with an average package of Rs 1.75 LPA and the highest package reaching up to Rs 3 LPA. Notable recruiters include Tamil Nadu State Board of Secondary and Higher Education and Coimbatore Institute of Management.
    The placement at Government Arts College (Autonomous) Coimbatore shows a minimum of 20% of students placed with an average package of Rs 1.75 LPA and the highest package offered is Rs 40,000 LPA.
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