Madras University Distance Education : Admission, Fees, Courses, Scholarship

Chennai, India • Public


University of Madras, Institute of Distance Education, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Overview

The University of Madras, established in 1857 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is one of India's oldest and most esteemed educational institutions. In 1981, it launched the Institute of Distance Education (IDE) to offer flexible learning options for those unable to attend traditional classes. IDE provides a variety of programs including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, diplomas, and certificates across disciplines like Arts, Science, and Management. Popular courses include B.Com, BBA, MBA, and M.A. For undergraduate admission, a minimum of 50% in the 10+2 exam is required, while postgraduate candidates must have a degree and submit entrance exam scores like TANCET for MBA programs.

Recognized by the University Grants Commission - Distance Education Bureau (UGC-DEB), IDE holds an 'A' grade accreditation from NAAC. The Centre for Internal Quality Assurance (CIQA) ensures high academic standards and ongoing improvements in quality. With a placement rate above 84%, top recruiters include TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and Cognizant, offering competitive salaries averaging between ₹ 3.4 LPA and  ₹ 4-5 LPA. Scholarships, including the National Scholarship Scheme for Post-Matric students, are available to support diverse student backgrounds.

The fee structure for distance education is affordable, ranging from ₹ 20,000 to ₹ 100,000, depending on the course. IDE also facilitates online applications and provides study materials and personal contact programs to enhance learning.


Quick highlights

Key Metrics

Details

Top Recruiters

TCS, TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant

Fees Range

INR 20,000 - 1,00,000

University Type

Public

Ranking

  • 50th in the overall category by NIRF in 2024
  • NAAC Accreditation: A++ Grade
  • Outlook Ranking: 15th in Distance Education Category (2024)
  • NIRF Ranking:
  1. 50th in Overall Category (2024)
  2. 30th in University Category (2024)

Year of Establishment

1981

Popular Courses

BSc and MBA

Application mode

Online

Placement rate 

84%

University Distance Education Scholarship

  • National Scholarship Scheme for Post-Matric 
  • Distance Education Scholarships by the Department of Education (DoE)

Rankings

Organization

Ranking

India Today

#15

NIRF

#64

QS World Ranking

301-350

CWUR

#1923

University of Madras, Institute of Distance Education, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Programs

The University of Madras offers undergraduate programs (B.A., B.Sc., B.Com., BBA, BCA) that require a 10+2 for eligibility, and postgraduate programs (M.A., M.Sc., M.Com., MBA, MCA) requiring a relevant bachelor's degree. Admissions can be completed online or offline.

Courses

Fees 

MBA

₹6,800 - ₹ 20,000

M.Sc.

₹15,300 - ₹ 30,900

M.A.

₹ 13,300 -₹30,900

B.A

₹ 16,700 - ₹25,400


B.Sc.

₹ 20,000 - ₹ 27,500


Bachelor of Arts [BA]

4 courses • 3 years • Full Time
INR 21050Average tuition fees
INR 4,50,000Median salary
--Exams accepted
22 Apr - 6 Jul 2025Application date

Bachelor of Commerce [B.Com]

3 courses • 3 years • Full Time
INR 23750Average tuition fees
INR 4,50,000Median salary
--Exams accepted
22 Apr - 6 Jul 2025Application date

Bachelor of Science [B.Sc]

3 courses • 3 years • Full Time
INR 23750Average tuition fees
INR 5,20,000Median salary
--Exams accepted
22 Apr - 6 Jul 2025Application date

Bachelor of Business Administration [BBA]

4 courses • 3 years • Full Time
INR 22550Average tuition fees
INR 4,50,000Median salary
--Exams accepted
22 Apr - 6 Jul 2025Application date

University of Madras, Institute of Distance Education, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Admissions

University of Madras admissions are merit-based. Undergraduates are admitted based on qualifying exam scores, while postgraduates must take entrance exams like TANCET. The application process is online and includes a fee of approximately INR 350 plus GST.

Courses

Eligibility criteria

B.A.

10+2 

B.Sc.

Relevant bachelor's degree

Diploma Courses

10+2 

Certificate Courses

Varies by course

M.Sc.

10+2 

Bachelor of Arts [BA]

4

Courses

3 yrs

Duration

120

Total Seats

INR 16,700 - 25,400

Tuition Fees

--

Exams

12th

Eligibility

3

Courses

3 yrs

Duration

150

Total Seats

INR 20,000 - 27,500

Tuition Fees

--

Exams

12th

Eligibility

3

Courses

3 yrs

Duration

160

Total Seats

INR 20,000 - 27,500

Tuition Fees

--

Exams

12th

Eligibility

4

Courses

3 yrs

Duration

160

Total Seats

INR 19,700 - 25,400

Tuition Fees

--

Exams

12th

Eligibility

--

Courses

3 yrs

Duration

--

Total Seats

INR 20,000 - 27,500

Tuition Fees

--

Exams

12th

Eligibility

4

Courses

2 yrs

Duration

120

Total Seats

INR 13,300 - 30,900

Tuition Fees

--

Exams

Graduation

Eligibility

3

Courses

2 yrs

Duration

160

Total Seats

INR 15,300 - 30,900

Tuition Fees

--

Exams

Graduation

Eligibility

4

Courses

2 yrs

Duration

100

Total Seats

INR 15,300 - 30,900

Tuition Fees

--

Exams

Graduation

Eligibility

3

Courses

2 yrs

Duration

120

Total Seats

INR 6,800 - 20,000

Tuition Fees

--

Exams

12th

Eligibility

FAQs related to Admissions

The last date to apply for distance education programs is January 30, 2025.

Semester exams for distance education students are scheduled to start on January 20, 2025.

Admissions for undergraduate courses will commence on April 1, 2025

University of Madras, Institute of Distance Education, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Placements

In 2024, the engagement of recruiters through its placement drive was remarkable as the institute could successfully offer jobs to a significant number of its graduates.

Particulars

Details

Placement Rate

84%

Highest  Package

₹35 LPA

Average package

₹3.4 LPA

Lowest package

₹ 7 LPA

Top Recruiters

FAQS

Top recruiters include TCS, Wipro, Infosys, Cognizant, Accenture, and Deloitte.

The median salary package for graduates is approximately INR 3 LPA to INR 3.6 LPA.

Yes, students have substantial opportunities for internships and industry projects, with many companies offering practical experience

University of Madras, Institute of Distance Education, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Faculty

University of Madras, Institute of Distance Education, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Infrastructure

Madras University provides comprehensive hostel facilities to ensure a comfortable stay for its students. The university has dedicated hostels for both male and female students, equipped with essential amenities.

Particular

Details

Hostels

  • Boys Hostels: 4
  • Girls Hostels: 3

Hostel Fees

₹3,000 (per annum)

₹5,500 (caution deposit)

Mess Charges

Included in hostel fees

Facilities

  • Room Amenities
  • Common Areas:
  • Study Rooms
  • Internet Access:

Facilities

FAQs related to Infrastructure programs

The hostels provide free Wi-Fi, study rooms, washing machines, common rooms with recreational options, and indoor games.


The hostel fee is approximately ₹3,000 per annum with a caution deposit of ₹5,500. Mess charges are included in the hostel fees