Ethiraj College for Women is an autonomous women’s institution established in 1948 by the Late Shri V.L. Ethiraj in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is affiliated to the University of Madras and operates both government-aided and self-supporting programmes. The college holds NAAC A+ accreditation and the UGC’s "College with Potential for Excellence" (CPE) designation.
As per NIRF Colleges 2025, Ethiraj College for Women is ranked 64 out of 300 colleges in India, with an NIRF score of 57.64. The college climbed 15 positions from its 2024 rank of 79.
The campus is located in Egmore, central Chennai, spanning approximately 9 acres. The campus has dedicated science and computer laboratories, a central library, seminar halls, and a sports ground. A girls’ hostel is available for outstation students with fees up to INR 32,000 per year.
Ethiraj College offers programmes exclusively for women across six broad schools:
- Arts and Social Sciences - BA in Economics, History, English, Tamil, Travel and Tourism, Business Economics
- Science and Allied Sciences - B.Sc in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Botany, Zoology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Data Science, Psychology, Nutrition, Visual Communication, Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics
- Commerce and Management - B.Com (General, Accounting and Finance, Banking Management, Corporate Secretaryship, Hons.), BBA, MBA
- Computing - BCA, MCA
- Postgraduate Programmes - MA, M.Sc, M.Com, MSW, MBA, MCA, M.Phil across 30+ disciplines
- Research - PhD in multiple disciplines including Commerce, English, Sciences, Mathematics
MBA total fees are INR 4.02 Lakhs for the two-year programme. BBA and B.Com fees are INR 3.22 Lakhs for three years. Aided BA/B.Sc programmes are available from as low as INR 0.31 Lakhs for the full three-year duration under government regulation.
Tamil Nadu government scholarships, central government SC/ST and minority schemes, and alumnae-funded awards are available for eligible students.
Ethiraj College placements in 2024 covered 195 postgraduate students with a median salary of INR 3.60 LPA. The college’s strong alumni network supports career transitions across education, banking, and information technology.
- Ethiraj College Admission Dates 2026
- Ethiraj College Courses and Fees
- Ethiraj College Admission Process
- Ethiraj College Placements
- Ethiraj College Rankings
- Ethiraj College Scholarships
- Ethiraj College Campus and Infrastructure
- Ethiraj College vs Stella Maris College vs Women’s Christian College
- Ethiraj College FAQs
Ethiraj College Admission Dates 2026
Ethiraj College for Women admissions for the 2026-27 session are anchored by Class 12 merit for UG programmes and TANCET 2026 for MBA and MCA. UG admissions concluded in August 2026. MBA and MCA admissions are in final stages following the TANCET 2026 result on May 22, 2026.
| Event | Date / Status (2026-27) |
|---|---|
| TANCET 2026 Exam (MBA and MCA gateway) | May 9, 2026 |
| TANCET 2026 Result | May 22, 2026 |
| UG Application Window | May to July 2026 (concluded) |
| UG Merit List and Admission | July to August 2026 (concluded) |
| MBA and MCA Applications | May to July 2026 (final stages) |
| PG MA, M.Sc, M.Com Applications | Rolling basis, check ethirajcollege.edu.in |
| Academic Session Start | June to July 2026 |
The table below lists entrance exams accepted for each programme family at Ethiraj College.
| Programme | Exam Accepted | Mode of Selection |
|---|---|---|
| All UG Programmes (BA, B.Sc, B.Com, BBA, BCA) | No entrance exam | Class 12 merit under TN reservation norms |
| All PG Programmes (MA, M.Sc, M.Com, MSW) | No entrance exam | UG marks, merit-based |
| MBA | TANCET | TANCET merit rank, TN reservation norms |
| MCA | TANCET | TANCET merit rank, TN reservation norms |
| PhD | University of Madras PhD entrance | Entrance test and interview |
Ethiraj College Courses and Fees
Ethiraj College for Women offers over 50 UG and PG programmes. The college runs two fee tiers: government-regulated aided courses with very low fees and self-supporting courses with higher fee structures. The table below shows total fees for the full programme duration.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA (Aided: Economics, History, Travel and Tourism) | 3 years | 10+2 relevant stream, merit-based | INR 0.31 Lakhs |
| BA (Self-supporting: English, Business Economics) | 3 years | 10+2 any stream, 50% | INR 1.54 Lakhs to INR 2.18 Lakhs |
| B.Sc (Aided: Botany, Zoology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) | 3 years | 10+2 with relevant science subjects | INR 0.30 Lakhs to INR 0.32 Lakhs |
| B.Sc (Self-supporting: Computer Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Psychology, Data Science, Cyber Security, Visual Communication) | 3 years | 10+2 relevant stream, 50% | INR 2.11 Lakhs to INR 3.70 Lakhs |
| B.Com (General, Hons., Accounting and Finance, Banking Management, Corporate Secretaryship) | 3 years | 10+2 any stream, 50% | INR 3.07 Lakhs to INR 3.31 Lakhs |
| BBA | 3 years | 10+2 any stream, 50% | INR 3.22 Lakhs |
| BCA | 3 years | 10+2 with Mathematics, 50% | INR 3.10 Lakhs |
| MA (Aided: Economics, History, Tamil) | 2 years | Relevant BA degree, 50% | INR 0.22 Lakhs |
| M.Sc (Self-supporting: Computer Science, Applied Microbiology, Biochemistry, Applied Psychology, Food Nutrition, Physics) | 2 years | Relevant B.Sc, 50% | INR 0.95 Lakhs to INR 1.90 Lakhs |
| M.Com | 2 years | B.Com degree, 50% | INR 1.01 Lakhs to INR 1.37 Lakhs |
| MBA | 2 years | Graduation in any stream, 50% (45% for SC/ST), valid TANCET score | INR 4.02 Lakhs |
| MCA | 2 years | Graduation with Mathematics, 50% (45% for SC/ST), valid TANCET score | INR 2.82 Lakhs |
The BBA and B.Com programmes are self-supporting. No aided BBA, BCA, or MBA seats exist under the government-aided track. Aided science programmes cover the core disciplines in Botany, Zoology, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics with subsidised fees under Tamil Nadu government regulation.
Ethiraj College Admission Process
Admission to Ethiraj College for Women is exclusively open to women candidates. All programmes follow a transparent merit-based process with no management quota. Tamil Nadu government reservation norms apply across all aided and self-supporting programmes.
UG Admission
UG admission is based entirely on Class 12 aggregate marks. No entrance exam is required for BA, B.Sc, B.Com, BBA, or BCA. The steps are:
- Register at ethirajcollege.edu.in after Class 12 results are declared (May to June)
- Pay INR 50 application fee and submit Class 12 marks with programme preference
- Check merit list on the notified date at the official portal
- Submit original documents and pay semester fees to confirm the allotted seat
Aided programme seats (BA Economics, History, Travel and Tourism; B.Sc Botany, Zoology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) fill extremely fast due to very low fees and high demand. Applying on the first day of the application window is strongly recommended. Final selection follows Tamil Nadu government reservation norms including OC, BC, MBC, SC, and ST quotas.
MBA and MCA Admission
MBA and MCA admission requires a valid TANCET score. TANCET is conducted by Anna University on behalf of the Tamil Nadu government. CAT, MAT, and other national exam scores are not accepted.
- Qualify TANCET MBA or MCA paper
- Register at ethirajcollege.edu.in and upload graduation mark sheets and TANCET scorecard
- Admission based on TANCET merit rank within each category under Tamil Nadu reservation norms
- No group discussion or personal interview at the college level
Candidates who missed TANCET 2026 must wait for the next TANCET cycle to apply for MBA or MCA here. TANCET is conducted once per year, typically in May.
PG (MA, M.Sc, M.Com, MSW) Admission
PG programmes in MA, M.Sc, M.Com, and MSW admit on the basis of UG marks without a separate entrance exam. Candidates apply at ethirajcollege.edu.in after UG final-year results. Merit lists are prepared per Tamil Nadu reservation norms. Only women candidates are eligible.
Ethiraj College Placements
Ethiraj College for Women focuses on career readiness rather than conventional campus recruitment drives. The college’s placement cell conducts drives primarily for BBA, B.Com, BCA, and postgraduate students. In 2024, 195 postgraduate students were placed with a median salary of INR 3.60 LPA.
Placement outcomes at Ethiraj College are strongest for MBA, MCA, and M.Sc Computer Science graduates. BBA and B.Com graduates find placements in banking, insurance, and retail. The college’s aided science programmes primarily feed into research programmes, higher studies, and government examinations rather than campus placement drives.
| Programme Group | Typical Career Pathways | Median Starting Package |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | BFSI, HR, marketing roles in Chennai-based firms | INR 3.60 LPA to INR 5 LPA |
| MCA and B.Sc Computer Science | Software development, IT support, data analytics | INR 3 LPA to INR 5 LPA |
| BBA, B.Com | Banking, insurance, accounts, retail management | INR 2.5 LPA to INR 4 LPA |
| M.Sc Sciences (Biochemistry, Microbiology) | Pharma, clinical research, research labs, higher studies | INR 2.5 LPA to INR 4 LPA |
| MA, B.Sc (aided disciplines) | Higher studies, government examinations, teaching | Varies by career path |
Recruiters who have participated in campus drives include IT and BFSI sector companies. The placement data above is for postgraduate students. UG student outcomes are not separately reported in published placement figures.
Ethiraj College Rankings
Ethiraj College for Women consistently features in national rankings across the Arts, Science, and Commerce categories. The college’s NIRF rank improved from 79 in 2024 to 64 in 2025, reflecting strong research output, faculty publications, and student outcomes.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Colleges (India) | 64 out of 300 | 79 out of 300 |
| Collegedunia | Science (India) | #56 out of 300 | - |
| Collegedunia | Commerce (India) | #52 out of 300 | - |
| Collegedunia | Arts (India) | #69 out of 300 | - |
| India Today | Science (India) | #27 out of 236 | - |
| India Today | MBA (India) | #46 out of 232 | - |
| The Week | Science (India) | #19 out of 109 | - |
| The Week | Arts (India) | #20 out of 99 | - |
| Outlook | MBA (India) | #14 out of 130 | - |
| Outlook | Science (India) | #20 out of 95 | - |
As per Collegedunia Ranking 2026, Ethiraj College for Women is ranked #56 out of 300 science colleges in India and #52 out of 300 commerce colleges. The Outlook MBA rank of #14 is among the strongest national rankings the college holds, reflecting the quality of its two-year MBA programme.
Ethiraj College Scholarships
Ethiraj College for Women students can access both government scholarship portals and institution-funded awards. Aided programme students are automatically eligible for several state schemes upon admission.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu Government Merit Scholarship | First class in qualifying exam, students in government-aided colleges | Tamil Nadu Higher Education Department portal |
| Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST) | SC or ST students in aided programmes | Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Department portal |
| NSP Central Minority Scholarship (Merit-cum-Means) | Minority students meeting income criteria | scholarships.gov.in within notified deadline |
| Ethiraj Alumnae Scholarships | Merit and need-based, current students, assessed case-by-case | College admissions office |
The college also facilitates applications for the Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child, which covers women studying as the only child in the family at UG level. The scholarship portal is managed by the University Grants Commission.
Ethiraj College Campus and Infrastructure
The Ethiraj College for Women campus spans approximately 9 acres in Egmore, central Chennai. The location offers excellent connectivity to Chennai Central Railway Station and Egmore bus stand, making it accessible for day-scholars from across Chennai and its suburbs.
The campus has well-equipped science laboratories for chemistry, physics, botany, zoology, microbiology, and biochemistry. Computer laboratories serve BCA, B.Sc Computer Science, and MCA students. A central library holds academic collections across all disciplines. Seminar halls and an auditorium support academic events and the college’s annual cultural and sports meet.
A girls’ hostel is available for outstation women students with fees up to INR 32,000 per year. The hostel provides supervised accommodation, meals, and study facilities. Day-scholars commuting from suburbs rely on CMRL and CMBT bus routes, which directly connect Egmore to the major residential areas of Chennai.
Ethiraj College vs Stella Maris College vs Women’s Christian College
Women aspirants in Chennai seeking autonomous, government-aided women’s colleges affiliated to the University of Madras frequently compare Ethiraj College for Women with Stella Maris College and Women’s Christian College (WCC). All three are NAAC-accredited, offer aided and self-supporting programmes, and serve the same Chennai applicant pool.
| Parameter | Ethiraj College | Stella Maris College | Women’s Christian College |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1948 | 1947 | 1915 |
| Location | Egmore, Central Chennai | Cathedral Road, Chennai | Nungambakkam, Chennai |
| Type | Autonomous, aided, women-only | Autonomous, aided, women-only | Autonomous, aided, women-only |
| NAAC Grade | A+ | A++ | A+ |
| NIRF Colleges 2025 | Rank 64 | Verify from official ranking | Verify from official ranking |
| Programmes | 50+ across Arts, Science, Commerce, Management | 50+ across Arts, Science, Commerce, Management | 50+ across Arts, Science, Commerce |
| MBA | Yes (INR 4.02 Lakhs total) | Yes | No |
Stella Maris holds the only NAAC A++ grade among the three and is widely regarded as the most competitive for admissions, particularly in science and commerce. Ethiraj leads on management programmes, offering MBA and MCA. Women’s Christian College (WCC) has the longest legacy and is known for its arts and social sciences programmes. Seat availability at aided rates is the key driver for most applicants across all three colleges.
Ethiraj College FAQs
Ques. Is Ethiraj College for Women a government college?
Ans. Ethiraj College for Women is a private aided autonomous institution, not a government college. It is affiliated to the University of Madras and receives government aid for its aided programmes. Both aided and self-supporting programmes are offered. The college is not directly managed by the Tamil Nadu government.
Ques. Can male candidates apply to Ethiraj College?
Ans. No. Ethiraj College for Women is a women-only institution. Only women candidates are eligible for UG, PG, MBA, MCA, and PhD programmes. There is no provision for male candidates in any programme.
Ques. What is the NIRF rank of Ethiraj College for Women?
Ans. As per NIRF Colleges 2025, Ethiraj College for Women is ranked 64 out of 300 colleges in India, with an NIRF score of 57.64. This is an improvement from rank 79 in 2024. The college participates in the NIRF Colleges category.
Ques. What is the fee for MBA at Ethiraj College?
Ans. The total fee for the two-year MBA programme at Ethiraj College for Women is INR 4.02 Lakhs. Admission to the MBA programme requires a valid TANCET score. The TANCET exam is conducted once per year by Anna University, typically in May.
Ques. Is there a hostel at Ethiraj College for Women?
Ans. Yes. Ethiraj College for Women has a girls’ hostel for outstation students. Hostel fees are up to INR 32,000 per year. The hostel provides accommodation and meals for women students who are not from Chennai.
Ques. What entrance exam is required for admission to Ethiraj College UG programmes?
Ans. No entrance exam is required for UG programmes at Ethiraj College. Admission to BA, B.Sc, B.Com, BBA, and BCA is based entirely on Class 12 merit under Tamil Nadu government reservation norms. Only MBA and MCA require a valid TANCET score.
Ques. Is there a management quota at Ethiraj College?
Ans. No. Ethiraj College for Women does not have a management quota. All seats are filled through merit-based selection under University of Madras and Tamil Nadu government reservation norms. There is no provision for direct admission or payment seats at this institution.
Comments
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Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai, admission 2026-27 is expected to open in May 2026, with UG/PG applications starting in the first week of May and the last date to apply around 31 May 2026. Admissions are merit-based for most courses, while the MBA/MCA uses TANCET scores.
Yes, Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai, offers the BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications) programme as part of its undergraduate courses. The seat intake for BCA is about 50 students per year, and admission is merit?based on your 10+2 results (with required subjects).
The fee for the BSc in Microbiology is mentioned below:
Yes, Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai, does offer a B.Sc. in Mathematics program. The selection is merit-based, determined by marks scored in the +2 (higher secondary) examination
Ethiraj College for Women offers a wide range of UG, PG, and PhD courses in different fields in AIDED and SELF SUPPORTING format. Admission to all the UG courses is merit-based. Admission to MBA and MCA is based on TANCET scores. Final selection for MBA is based on Group discussion and Personal Interview round.
Ethiraj College for Women offers B.Sc. as its flagship program and B.Sc. 2025 fee range from INR 31,831 - INR 56,331. Admissions is based on the eligibility criteria that the candidate must have qualified 10+2 from a recognized board.
Ethiraj College for Women in Chennai offers a structured admission process for its UG, PG, MBA, and MCA programs. Applicants can either apply for AIDED courses or SELF SUPPORTING courses.
The fee for the courses is mentioned below:
B.Sc
B.Com
BA
Bachelor of Computer Applications [BCA]
Master of Business Administration [MBA]
Bachelor of Business Administration [BBA]
Bachelor of Commerce [B.Com] {Hons.}
MCA
The fee for the BBA course is mentioned below:
Ethiraj College for Women in Chennai does not offer a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) in Computer Applications. The college offers B.A, B.Com., and B.Sc. programmes, while the self-supporting category comprises B.A, BBA, B.Com (Gen), B.Com (Hons), and B.Sc. courses. The college provides M.A., M.Sc., and M.Com degree courses within aided as well as Self-supporting categories.
For admission to the UG and PG courses offered by Ethiraj College for Women, candidates can submit the online application form along with the fee. You must have done 12th for the admission into he BBA course at the college.
Candidates seeking admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered by Ethiraj College of Women under aided/ self-supporting category can submit the applications online along with the processing fee and necessary documents. Interested students can download the application form and submit it upon completion in person to the university office.
Ethiraj College for Women in Chennai offers a variety of Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) programs, including specializations in Accounting & Finance, Bank Management, Corporate Secretaryship, and Commerce (Honors). However, based on the available information, there is not a B.Com course in Information Technology (IT).
Ethiraj College for Women in Chennai offers various scholarships to support meritorious and economically disadvantaged students. The college does not provide free seats, these scholarships can reduce the financial burden for eligible students.
The fee for the admission is INR 200 at the Ethiraj College for Women.
The fee for the BSc in Maths is mentioned below:
Madras Christian College, Chennai does not offer a physiology course. All the courses at MCC Chennai are offered under different departments, which include English, Tamil, history, economics, philosophy, mathematics, commerce, etc.
The fee per year for the BCS course is INR 72,000 at the Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai
You can check out the page ECW Chennai BCA course to know more on the same.
Yes, any student having passed 12th with Maths/Computer Applications can apply be it from any stream.