Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE) is a private deemed-to-be university established in 2008 under the Chettinad Trust. It is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and holds approvals from the National Medical Commission (NMC), Bar Council of India (BCI), Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), Indian Nursing Council (INC), and AICTE. Nirma University holds NAAC A++ accreditation.
As per NIRF Medical 2025, CARE ranks 49th in the Medical category with a score of 51.41. As per NIRF University 2025, it ranks 61st overall with a score of 51.06.
The main campus is located at Kelambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, on the OMR corridor, spread across 33.5 acres. CARE operates eight constituent colleges spanning medicine, allied health sciences, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, architecture, law, and occupational therapy.
- MBBS - 5.5 years, 150 seats (NMC approved)
- MD/MS/DM/M.Ch - 3-year postgraduate and super-specialty medical programmes (NEET PG and NEET SS)
- BPT / BOT / B.Sc Nursing / B.Optom / B.Pharm - 3 to 4 years across allied health and pharmacy (INC/PCI approved)
- B.Tech - AI, CSE, Cyber Security, ECE, IT, CS and Medical Engineering (4 years, AICTE approved)
- B.Arch - 5 years (COA approved)
- BA LLB / BBA LLB / BCom LLB / LLB - 3 to 5 years (BCI approved)
- M.Sc (Clinical Research, Genetics, Biotechnology, Embryology and others) - 2 years
The MBBS total fee under the management quota is approximately INR 1,47,18,320 for the 5-year programme. B.Tech total fees are INR 6,00,000 for 4 years. BPT fees are INR 12,00,000 for 4 years.
MBBS graduates from CARE pursue NEET PG and super-specialty training. A mandatory service bond obligation applies to graduates admitted under certain quota categories in Tamil Nadu.
CARE Admission Dates 2026
Admissions to CARE’s flagship MBBS programme are governed by NEET UG scores and Tamil Nadu state or All India counselling. The 2026-27 MBBS cycle is currently in its final rounds (stray vacancy and management quota allocation) as of October 2026.
| Event | MBBS 2026-27 |
|---|---|
| NEET UG 2026 | May 2026 |
| NEET UG Results | June 2026 |
| MCC All India Quota Counselling (Rounds 1 and 2) | July to August 2026 |
| Tamil Nadu State Counselling (TNNMCAC) | August to September 2026 |
| Mop-up and Stray Vacancy Round | September to October 2026 |
| Management Quota Admission | July to October 2026 (direct application) |
NEET PG 2026 governs admissions to MD and MS programmes. NEET SS governs DM and M.Ch super-specialty seats. The timelines for PG and super-specialty rounds generally follow 2 to 4 months after the respective NEET examination results.
| Programme | Governing Exam | Typical Admission Window |
|---|---|---|
| MBBS | NEET UG | July to October (each year) |
| MD / MS | NEET PG | October to December |
| DM / M.Ch | NEET SS | November to January |
| B.Tech / B.Arch | JEE Main / TANCA / Merit | August to September |
| BA LLB / BBA LLB / BCom LLB / LLB | CLAT / TANCLAW | July to August |
| BPT / BOT / B.Sc Nursing / B.Pharm | NEET UG / Merit | July to September |
CARE Courses and Fees
CARE offers programmes across medicine, allied health sciences, technology, architecture, law, and life sciences. Fees listed below are from the fee data published for the 2025-26 academic year and reflect the management or general quota rate. Government and state quota seats have regulated fees set by Tamil Nadu authorities.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBBS | 5 years + 1 year internship | 10+2 PCB, NEET UG | INR 1,47,18,320 (Mgmt Quota) |
| B.Pharm | 4 years | 10+2 PCB/PCM, NEET UG / Merit | INR 16,00,000 |
| BPT (Physiotherapy) | 4 years | 10+2 PCB, NEET UG / Merit | INR 12,00,000 |
| BOT (Occupational Therapy) | 4 years | 10+2 PCB, NEET UG / Merit | INR 18,00,000 |
| B.Sc Nursing | 4 years | 10+2 PCB, INC norms | INR 8,40,000 |
| B.Optom (Optometry) | 3 years | 10+2 PCB | INR 13,50,000 |
| B.Tech (CSE / AI / ECE / IT / Cyber Security) | 4 years | 10+2 PCM, JEE Main / Merit | INR 6,00,000 |
| B.Arch | 5 years | 10+2, NATA / JEE Main Paper 2 | INR 20,00,000 |
| BA LLB / BBA LLB / BCom LLB (Hons.) | 5 years | 10+2 45%, CLAT / TANCLAW | INR 30,00,000 |
| LLB (Hons.) | 3 years | Graduation 45%, CLAT / TANCLAW | INR 18,00,000 |
MD and MS fees vary by specialisation. Clinical specialities (Dermatology, Radiodiagnosis, MS OBG) attract higher fees of INR 1.31 to INR 1.51 crores for 3 years. Pre-clinical and paraclinical specialities (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry) cost significantly less, in the range of INR 16,05,000 to INR 25,05,000 for 3 years.
CARE Admission Process
MBBS
MBBS admission at CARE flows through multiple quota channels, all requiring a valid NEET UG score.
- Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and a minimum 50% aggregate (40% for SC/ST/OBC per MCC norms). A valid NEET UG score is mandatory.
- All India Quota (15%): Through MCC counselling. NEET UG closing rank for AIQ seats at private colleges in Tamil Nadu is generally above 70,000 for General category.
- Tamil Nadu State Quota (85%): Through TNNMCAC counselling, including NRI and management quota sub-categories.
- Management Quota: Direct application at care.edu.in using NEET UG score. Fee under management quota is approximately INR 1,47,18,320 for 5 years. NEET score requirement is lower than quota-based counselling.
MD / MS / DM / M.Ch
Postgraduate and super-specialty admissions are governed by NEET PG and NEET SS respectively. CARE offers seats across all major MD and MS specialisations and super-specialty DM/M.Ch programmes through INI-CET and MCC PG counselling.
Allied Health Sciences (BPT, BOT, B.Sc Nursing, B.Pharm, B.Optom)
Allied health programmes admit through NEET UG score for nursing and paramedical streams, and through merit or university-level entrance for others. Minimum eligibility is 10+2 in PCB with 45% to 50% marks depending on the programme. Tamil Nadu state counselling (allied health cell) governs a portion of seats.
B.Tech, B.Arch, Law Programmes
B.Tech admission is through JEE Main score or TANCA (Tamil Nadu Engineering Admissions) merit. B.Arch requires NATA or JEE Main Paper 2 scores. Law programmes (BA LLB, BBA LLB, BCom LLB, LLB) admit through CLAT or TANCLAW. Minimum eligibility for law is 10+2 or graduation with 45% marks.
CARE Placements and Career Outcomes
MBBS and postgraduate medical graduates from CARE primarily pursue NEET PG or super-specialty training as their next step. A portion of each MBBS batch is absorbed into the Chettinad Health City Hospital complex attached to the campus for internship and residency. CARE’s hospital infrastructure supports hands-on clinical training that prepares graduates for competitive PG entrance performance.
Allied health graduates in BPT, BOT, and B.Sc Nursing find placements in corporate hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and nursing homes across Tamil Nadu. B.Pharm graduates are recruited by pharmaceutical companies and clinical research organisations. B.Tech graduates from CARE’s technology programmes enter IT services, software development, and healthcare-technology companies, with campus placements facilitated through the placement cell.
| Programme Stream | Primary Career Pathway | Typical Starting Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| MBBS | NEET PG, Government Service, Private Practice | NEET PG stipend (INR 60,000 to 80,000/month) or government service |
| BPT / BOT | Corporate hospitals, rehabilitation centres | INR 3 to 5 LPA |
| B.Sc Nursing | Hospitals, ICU nursing, abroad nursing | INR 2.5 to 4 LPA (India) or international placements |
| B.Pharm | Pharma industry, clinical research, drug stores | INR 3 to 5 LPA |
| B.Tech | IT services, healthcare technology | INR 4 to 7 LPA |
Law graduates from CARE’s School of Law pursue judicial services examinations, join law firms, or enter corporate legal departments.
CARE Rankings
CARE holds ranked positions in both the NIRF Medical and NIRF University categories. In NIRF Medical 2025, the institute ranked 49th with a score of 51.41. In NIRF University 2025, it ranked 61st overall with a score of 51.06.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2025 Rank |
|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Medical | 49 (Score: 51.41) |
| NIRF | University | 61 (Score: 51.06) |
The NIRF Medical rank of 49 places CARE among the top 50 medical institutions in India in 2025, reflecting research output, teaching, faculty quality, and graduate outcomes across its medical programmes.
CARE Campus and Infrastructure
CARE’s main campus at Kelambakkam, Chennai, covers 33.5 acres on the OMR corridor. The Chettinad Health City complex attached to the campus houses a multi-specialty hospital with over 1,300 beds, serving as the primary teaching hospital for MBBS and postgraduate medical training. Simulation centres, skill labs, and anatomy dissection halls are available for medical students.
The campus also has dedicated buildings for the Schools of Architecture, Law, Technology, and Allied Health Sciences. NABL-accredited diagnostic laboratories, a pharmacy, and research centres operate on campus. The institution holds NAAC A++ accreditation, reflecting institutional quality across all its constituent colleges.
CARE offers hostel facilities for students from outstation locations. The campus is accessible by OMR road and from the Chennai suburban rail network, making it one of the more accessible private medical campuses in the city.
CARE vs Sri Ramachandra vs Saveetha Medical College
Aspirants and their families considering CARE for MBBS or allied health sciences commonly compare it with Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER) and Saveetha Medical College (SIMATS) - all private medical deemed-to-be universities in Chennai with NEET UG-based MBBS admissions.
| Parameter | CARE (Chettinad) | SRIHER (Sri Ramachandra) | SIMATS (Saveetha) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Private Deemed University | Private Deemed University | Private Deemed University |
| NMC Recognition | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| NAAC Grade | A++ | A++ | A |
| NIRF Medical 2025 | 49 | Top 20 | Ranked |
| MBBS Seats | 150 | 150 | 150 |
| Location | Kelambakkam, OMR | Porur, West Chennai | Thandalam, Chennai |
SRIHER holds a stronger NIRF Medical rank and a longer institutional track record, while CARE has NAAC A++ parity and a comparable hospital infrastructure. SIMATS has rapidly expanded its research output. Location within Chennai varies - each campus offers different accessibility from the city. MBBS aspirants choosing between these institutions should factor in management quota fees, NEET score, and preferred location within Tamil Nadu.
CARE FAQs
Ques. What is the MBBS fee at Chettinad Academy of Research and Education?
Ans. The MBBS total fee under the management quota at CARE is approximately INR 1,47,18,320 for the full 5-year programme. Government quota and Tamil Nadu state counselling seats have regulated fees set by the state government and are significantly lower. Aspirants admitted through MCC All India Quota or TNNMCAC state quota should verify the applicable fee slab at the time of allotment.
Ques. What is the NIRF ranking of CARE Chennai?
Ans. As per NIRF 2025, CARE ranks 49th in the Medical category (score 51.41) and 61st in the University category overall (score 51.06). The institute holds NAAC A++ accreditation.
Ques. How is MBBS admission done at CARE?
Ans. MBBS admission at CARE is exclusively through NEET UG scores. Seats are distributed across All India Quota (15% through MCC counselling), Tamil Nadu state quota (through TNNMCAC), and management quota (direct application). A valid NEET UG score and 10+2 PCB with minimum 50% marks are the core requirements.
Ques. Does CARE offer programmes beyond medicine?
Ans. Yes. CARE offers B.Tech (AI, CSE, ECE, IT, Cyber Security) at INR 6,00,000 for 4 years, B.Arch at INR 20,00,000 for 5 years, integrated law programmes (BA LLB, BBA LLB, BCom LLB) at INR 30,00,000 for 5 years, and allied health programmes including BPT (INR 12,00,000), B.Sc Nursing (INR 8,40,000), and B.Pharm (INR 16,00,000).
Ques. Is CARE recognized by the National Medical Commission?
Ans. Yes. CARE holds NMC recognition for its MBBS and MD/MS programmes. It also holds approvals from BCI (law), PCI (pharmacy), INC (nursing), COA (architecture), and AICTE (technology programmes).
Ques. What is the career path for MBBS graduates from CARE?
Ans. Most MBBS graduates from CARE pursue NEET PG for postgraduate specialisation in MD or MS. Alternatively, graduates may take up government service positions, join private hospitals or start independent practice. A mandatory rural service bond may apply to graduates admitted under certain Tamil Nadu government scheme categories.
Ques. Where is CARE located?
Ans. The main campus of Chettinad Academy of Research and Education is at Kelambakkam, Chennai, on the OMR (Old Mahabalipuram Road) corridor in Tamil Nadu. The campus is approximately 40 km from Chennai Central and accessible via the OMR road.
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Admissions to the courses in various disciplines are merit-based or based on the scores obtained in the entrance exams.
Chettinad Academy of Research and Education M.Sc Medical Biotechnology is offered as 2 Years Full Time program. The minimum eligibility criteria for M.Sc is MBBS. The total fees for Chettinad Academy of Research and Education M.Sc Medical Biotechnology is INR 3 Lakhs for the complete course duration. A Bachelor’s degree in any branch of Life Sciences / Technology (Botany, Zoology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Genetics, Agriculture or equivalent) or Health / Medical Sciences (Medicine, Dental, Nursing, Pharmacy, Allied Health Sciences, Veterinary or equivalent) from a recognized Indian or Foreign University. Students with B. Sc. degree in Physical and Chemical Sciences, are also eligible to apply if biology is taken as one of the subjects at +2 level.
Yes, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE) in Chennai requires candidates to appear for an entrance examination for admission to the B.Sc. nursing program. The selection process is based on the marks secured in the entrance examination and the marks obtained in the qualifying examination (10+2). The students need to apply online through the official CARE website.
The Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE) in Chennai offers a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) program. Admission to this program requires candidates to have valid scores from national-level entrance exams such as the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) or JEE Main Paper 2. CARE conducts its entrance examination, the Chettinad Entrance Aptitude Test (CEAT), for B.Arch admissions
The duration for a PhD in Nursing at Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chennai, typically ranges from 3 to 5 years. The exact duration may vary depending on the research progress and the specific requirements of the program.
The fee for the BALLB is mentioned below:
The per year fee of M.Sc. Radiology is INR 4 lacs.
bsc anaesthesia fees?
Chettinad Academy of Research and Education has not disclosed the fee structure of B.Sc. Anaesthesia on its official website. The details can be obtained by visiting the academy.