Queen Mary's College: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Chennai Campus Life

About Queen Mary's College Chennai

Queen Mary's College, Chennai, established in 1914, is a government-run autonomous women's college located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Founded by Dorothy de la Hey with support from the Madras Presidency, it is affiliated with the University of Madras and is one of the oldest women's colleges in India.

The college holds an 'A+' grade accreditation from NAAC and is ranked 62nd in the NIRF 2025 rankings under the colleges category. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in arts, science, commerce, and computer applications, serving a large student body with a strong faculty team. The institution is recognized for its inclusive education and historic contribution to women's empowerment in the region.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

Queen Mary's College Chennai admission for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses is primarily merit-based, with applications submitted online through the Tamil Nadu Government Arts and Science College Admissions (TNGASA) portal for UG courses and the college’s portal for PG courses. Admission to MCA requires a valid TANCET score. The application cycle for 2026 opens in May and closes in June, followed by merit list publication and counseling. For 6th form (A-level equivalent) courses, the application deadline is 7th December 2025, with enrollment and orientation activities scheduled in mid-2026.

Admission Process

Queen Mary's College Chennai offers admission primarily through merit-based selection for undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with some doctoral programs requiring entrance exams. UG admissions are processed via the Tamil Nadu Government Arts and Science College Admissions (TNGASA) portal, while PG and PhD admissions are handled through the college’s own online system.

Undergraduate Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Visit the TNGASA portal (www.tngasa.in) and register for the UG admission process.
2. Fill out the application form with accurate academic and personal details.
3. Submit required documents and pay the application fee online.
4. Wait for the merit list based on Class 12 marks to be published on the portal.
5. Participate in the counseling process the merit list and seat availability.
6. Complete document verification at the college and pay the admission fees to confirm enrollment.

Postgraduate Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Apply online through the college’s official admission portal for PG courses.
2. Submit academic records and pay the application fee.
3. Admission is granted based on undergraduate academic merit; for MCA, a valid TANCET score is required.
4. Attend counseling if applicable and complete document verification.
5. Pay the prescribed fees to finalize admission.

PhD Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Check eligibility with a relevant master’s degree and minimum 55% marks.
2. Apply online through the college portal and submit research proposal and documents.
3. Appear for the entrance test and/or interview conducted by the college.
4. Wait for the merit list and seat allotment based on performance and reservation policy.
5. Complete document verification and fee payment to confirm admission.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates
• Undergraduate degree certificate and mark sheets (for PG and PhD)
• Proof of identity (Aadhar card, Passport, etc.)
• Address proof
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Transfer certificate from previous institution
• Passport size photographs
• TANCET scorecard (for MCA admission)

Cutoff 2025

The cutoff trends for Queen Mary's College Chennai show that most undergraduate courses admit students based on merit from qualifying examinations without entrance exam cutoffs. However, for the MCA program, admission is based on TANCET scores, with cutoffs varying significantly by category. The MCA TANCET cutoff in 2025 ranged from as low as 2.206 for SC category to 78.091 for the OC category, indicating a wide variation in category-wise closing marks compared to previous years.

Placements 2025

Queen Mary's College, Chennai, showed strong placement performance in the 2024-25 academic year with a median package of ₹2.52 LPA for undergraduate students and ₹3.12 LPA for postgraduate students. The highest package reached ₹5.5 LPA, with approximately 58% of UG and PG students placed through campus recruitment drives involving top companies like Wipro, TCS, Accenture, and HCL.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

IT: Wipro, TCS, Accenture, HCL, Cognizant, 3i Infotech, Zoho

Consulting: Accenture, TCS

Core: Ford India Ltd., Mahindra, Bajaj Finserv, TVS

Branch-wise Placement

Rankings & Accreditations

Queen Mary's College, Chennai, is ranked 62nd among colleges in India the NIRF 2025 rankings, reflecting its strong position as a premier women's college with a legacy of inclusive education. It holds an 'A+' grade accreditation from NAAC, underscoring its academic quality and institutional excellence.

NIRF 2025

Other Rankings

Accreditations

• NAAC: A+ Grade (Valid till 2028)

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Queen Mary's College Chennai offers various scholarships primarily for economically weaker sections, reserved categories (SC/ST, BC, MBC), physically handicapped students, and meritorious students. These scholarships help reduce financial burdens with amounts ranging from ₹900 to ₹12,000 annually, including monthly stipends for some categories. Students can also apply for government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal and state welfare schemes.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• National Scholarship Portal (NSP): Various central and state scholarships for eligible students with income limits up to ₹2.5 lakh/year

Comparison

Queen Mary's College Chennai is compared with Stella Maris College and Ethiraj College for Women as all three are prestigious, autonomous government-affiliated women's colleges in Chennai with strong academic reputations, NAAC accreditation, and consistent presence in NIRF rankings.

Key Strengths

• Queen Mary's College Chennai: Oldest women’s college in Chennai with strong inclusivity, affordable fees, and a historic campus offering diverse arts and science programs.
• Stella Maris College Chennai: Renowned for modern labs, leadership programs, and strong placements in psychology, data analytics, and media sectors.
• Ethiraj College for Women Chennai: Known for entrepreneurship focus, industry tie-ups, and scholarships supporting business, education, and public service careers.

Campus & Infrastructure

Queen Mary's College, Chennai, is a historic women's college established in 1914, located on a scenic 17-acre campus along Chennai’s Marina Beach. The campus blends heritage architecture with modern facilities, including recently renovated science departments and a newly inaugurated seven-storey women's hostel.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: 100,573 books
• Labs: 10 laboratories
• Classrooms: Multiple smart classrooms with AC and projector facilities

Hostel

Other Facilities

• 7-storey women's hostel with elevators, 24/7 CCTV surveillance, medical room, and purified water dispensers
• Auditorium under construction with ₹5 crore funding
• Sports complex with 8 sports facilities
• Mess serving nutritious meals
• Digital library and well-maintained classrooms

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the admission process for undergraduate courses at Queen Mary's College Chennai?

Admission to most UG courses is based on the merit list of the qualifying 10+2 examination, followed by counselling. Applications can be submitted both online and offline through the official portal, with merit lists published openly for transparency.

Is TANCET mandatory for MCA admission at Queen Mary's College?

Yes, admission to the MCA program requires a valid TANCET score, followed by counselling based on the merit list of TANCET results.

What is the eligibility criteria for PhD programs at Queen Mary's College?

Candidates must have a Master’s or M.Phil degree with at least 55% marks and qualify in the University of Madras entrance exam (written and oral). UGC-NET/CSIR-NET qualified candidates are exempted from the entrance test.

What is the annual fee for the hostel at Queen Mary's College?

The hostel fee is approximately ₹9,000 annually for rent, with an additional ₹2,000 monthly for food. SC/ST students get free hostel accommodation, while BC/MBC students pay a subsidized fee.

Are scholarships available at Queen Mary's College?

Yes, scholarships are offered based on academic merit, reserved categories, and financial need. Students must check eligibility criteria and apply before deadlines through the college’s official channels.

What is the placement scenario and average package at Queen Mary's College?

The college conducts campus interviews annually, with students placed in reputed IT companies and BPOs. Specific average package details are not publicly disclosed but the placement cell actively facilitates internships and job opportunities.

Which companies recruit from Queen Mary's College?

Top-ranking IT firms and BPOs regularly recruit from the college, especially from the Computer Science department, which has a strong placement record.

How is the curriculum structured in the Computer Science department?

The curriculum is regularly updated to meet industry needs, including guest lectures, case studies, and seminars. The department offers B.Sc, M.Sc, and is progressing towards becoming a research center.

What research opportunities are available at Queen Mary's College?

The college offers PhD and M.Phil programs with active faculty research. The Computer Science department publishes in reputed journals and encourages student participation in research activities.

Does Queen Mary's College provide hostel facilities for all students?

The college hostel accommodates around 250 students with shared rooms for 3 to 10 occupants. Facilities include purified drinking water and hygienic meals, though the infrastructure is average and under ongoing development.

What clubs and extracurricular activities are available on campus?

Students can join various clubs such as the Rotary Club, Reading Club, and Listening Club. The college also organizes sports, cultural events, and yoga sessions to promote holistic development.

How safe is the campus environment at Queen Mary's College?

The campus has 24/7 CCTV surveillance, a medical facility with government doctors, and strict anti-ragging policies to ensure student safety.

Is there a dress code for students at Queen Mary's College?

The college follows a modest dress code emphasizing neat and appropriate attire, reflecting its traditional and disciplined environment.

What are the commuting options for students attending Queen Mary's College?

The college is well-connected by public transport in Chennai, with easy access via buses and local trains. Many students also use two-wheelers or shared autos for daily commute.

Are laptops mandatory for students at Queen Mary's College?

Laptops are not mandatory but recommended, especially for Computer Science and related courses, to facilitate practical learning and assignments.

How does Queen Mary's College compare to other women's colleges in Chennai?

Established in 1914, QMC has a strong legacy, good faculty, and a focus on women’s empowerment. It offers a balanced mix of academics, research, and extracurriculars, making it a reputed choice among Chennai’s women’s colleges.

What is the return on investment (ROI) for courses at Queen Mary's College?

The college offers affordable fees with scholarship options and decent placement support, resulting in a favorable ROI, especially for science and computer-related programs.

Does Queen Mary's College have an active alumni network?

Yes, the college maintains an alumni network that supports current students through mentorship, networking events, and career guidance.

Are there any part-time job opportunities for students on or near campus?

While the college does not officially provide part-time jobs, students often find opportunities in nearby areas such as tutoring, retail, or internships facilitated by the placement cell.

What are the library facilities like at Queen Mary's College?

The college has a well-equipped central library with over 100,000 books, digital resources, and a separate digital library to support academic and research needs.