Presidency College, Chennai was established in 1840.

Its affiliated to University of Madras.

In 1857 marks the beginning of the third epoch in the history of the college.

The College was granted autonomy in 1987.

It has since been possible for the College to attempt limited curricular and examination reforms to make education meaningful and up-to-date.

The College has been accredited with four stars by the national assessment and accreditation council.

From 1857 onwards, the college has been providing instruction in the courses prescribed by the University of Madras.  

As a premier institution of higher studies under the Government of Tamil Nadu, Presidency College, offers 20 PG Courses and 18 UG Courses through 24 departments almost all of them offering research facilities leading to M.Phil, and Ph.D. degrees.

Presidency College is the first and the foremost institution established by the British India Government in 1840. Since then it has develop into one of the top 10 college in India with international reputation on education and research. This Government Institution in higher education can be called as 'The Light House of entire south India on Higher Education and Research.' The foremost University of Madras province namely the Univeristy of Madras was started in 1857, nearly 17 years after the formation of Presidency College. On this account this college in proudly nick named as "The Mother of Madras University". The college was conferred Autonomous status in the year 1987 and got the NAAC reaccreditation with 'A' Grade 90% credit.

Goal & Objective

To provide quality sustained essential higher education at all times adapting to changing environment for a meaningful and self-supporting life to the economically poor and socially under-privileged sections of the society.

To provide value based education to inculcate a sense of responsibility, patriotism, social awareness and to become a good citizen of the country.

To provide technical skills and knowledge and to meet the challenges and competencies among students.

To identify the potentialities and encourage active and quality research useful for the development of the society and the nation.