Which is the top University college in Chennai as per NIRF 2021?
Anna University leads the city list at rank #16.
NIRF 2021 · City ranking
7 Chennai institutions appear in the NIRF 2021 University list, with national ranks, scores and cities. Use the list to explore college profiles and compare options.
Anna University leads the Chennai entries in 2021 at national rank 16 with a score of 54.97.
Chennai colleges featured across NIRF University editions
These institutions appeared in the available Chennai lists from 2016 to 2021. Ownership uses our current classification; each entry shows its latest listed year and national rank.
Top Government University colleges in Chennai
- Anna University 2021 · National rank 16 · Listed this year
- Tamil Nadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences University 2019 · National rank 70 · Historical entry
Top Private University colleges in Chennai
- Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences 2021 · National rank 29 · Listed this year
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology 2021 · National rank 30 · Listed this year
- Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology 2021 · National rank 40 · Listed this year
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research 2021 · National rank 47 · Listed this year
- Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research 2021 · National rank 51 · Listed this year
- Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research 2019 · National rank 100 · Historical entry
- Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R & D Institute of Science and Technology 2017 · National rank 65 · Historical entry
- B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology 2017 · National rank 100 · Historical entry
Ownership not confirmed
- University of Madras 2021 · National rank 28 · Listed this year
- Sri Ramachandra University 2017 · National rank 39 · Historical entry
- Tamilnadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences University 2016 · National rank 36 · Historical entry
- Chettinad Academy Of Research And Education (Care) 2016 · National rank 100 · Historical entry
This page covers published NIRF entries, not every good institution in Chennai offering programmes in this category. An institution's absence does not mean it is a poor choice. Ranks are national University ranks, not positions within Chennai.
Chennai University ranking history
Explore Chennai institutions in the published NIRF University lists by year. Every rank below is a national category rank, not a position within Chennai. A lower rank number is better.
Comparisons use the preceding available University edition and the state and city recorded in each year's list. Newly listed means absent from the previous Chennai list, not necessarily a first NIRF appearance. Absence does not establish why an institution is missing, and movement alone does not explain changes in quality.
Highlights and changes in 2021
7 Chennai institutions appear in the 2021 published University list. Anna University is the highest-ranked Chennai entry at national rank 16 with a score of 54.97.
View full Chennai 2021 ranking with scores and college profiles
Major changes from 2020 to 2021
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences recorded the largest rise, moving from national rank 42 to 29, an improvement of 13 places. Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research recorded the largest fall, moving from national rank 28 to 47. The table shows up to three biggest rises and three biggest falls. Equal movements are ordered by current rank.
Biggest Chennai ranking changes from 2020
6| 2021 rank | Institution | 2020 rank | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences | 42 | ↑ 13 places |
| 51 | Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research | 59 | ↑ 8 places |
| 30 | SRM Institute of Science and Technology | 35 | ↑ 5 places |
| 47 | Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research | 28 | ↓ 19 places |
| 28 | University of Madras | 22 | ↓ 6 places |
| 16 | Anna University | 12 | ↓ 4 places |
Changes to the published list — 0 newly listed and 0 no longer listed
Newly present Chennai institutions in 2021
0No newly listed Chennai institutions in this comparison.
Chennai institutions not present in 2021
0Every Chennai entry in the earlier list remains present.
Chennai NIRF University rankings 2020
7 Chennai institutions appear in the 2020 published University list. Anna University is the highest-ranked Chennai entry at national rank 12 with a score of 58.71.
Chennai institutions in NIRF University 2020
7| 2020 rank | Institution | 2019 rank | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Anna University | 7 | 58.71 |
| 22 | University of Madras | 20 | 52.55 |
| 28 | Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research | 33 | 51.32 |
| 35 | SRM Institute of Science and Technology | 32 | 50.07 |
| 39 | Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology | 41 | 48.77 |
| 42 | Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences | 43 | 48.56 |
| 59 | Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research | 36 | 45.67 |
Major changes from 2019 to 2020
Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research recorded the largest rise, moving from national rank 33 to 28, an improvement of 5 places. Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research recorded the largest fall, moving from national rank 36 to 59. The table shows up to three biggest rises and three biggest falls. Equal movements are ordered by current rank.
Biggest Chennai ranking changes from 2019
6| 2020 rank | Institution | 2019 rank | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research | 33 | ↑ 5 places |
| 39 | Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology | 41 | ↑ 2 places |
| 42 | Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences | 43 | ↑ 1 place |
| 59 | Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research | 36 | ↓ 23 places |
| 12 | Anna University | 7 | ↓ 5 places |
| 35 | SRM Institute of Science and Technology | 32 | ↓ 3 places |
Changes to the published list — 0 newly listed and 2 no longer listed
Newly present Chennai institutions in 2020
0No newly listed Chennai institutions in this comparison.
Chennai institutions not present in 2020
2| 2019 rank | Institution | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 70 | Tamil Nadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences University | Not present in 2020 |
| 100 | Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research | Not present in 2020 |
Chennai NIRF University rankings 2019
9 Chennai institutions appear in the 2019 published University list. Anna University is the highest-ranked Chennai entry at national rank 7 with a score of 60.35.
Chennai institutions in NIRF University 2019
9| 2019 rank | Institution | 2018 rank | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Anna University | 4 | 60.35 |
| 20 | University of Madras | 18 | 51.34 |
| 32 | SRM Institute of Science and Technology | 41 | 47.80 |
| 33 | Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research | 40 | 47.34 |
| 36 | Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research | 21 | 46.32 |
| 41 | Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology | 45 | 45.58 |
| 43 | Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences | 46 | 45.42 |
| 70 | Tamil Nadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences University | 65 | 40.88 |
| 100 | Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research | 88 | 38.45 |
Major changes from 2018 to 2019
SRM Institute of Science and Technology recorded the largest rise, moving from national rank 41 to 32, an improvement of 9 places. Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research recorded the largest fall, moving from national rank 21 to 36. The table shows up to three biggest rises and three biggest falls. Equal movements are ordered by current rank.
Biggest Chennai ranking changes from 2018
6| 2019 rank | Institution | 2018 rank | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | SRM Institute of Science and Technology | 41 | ↑ 9 places |
| 33 | Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research | 40 | ↑ 7 places |
| 41 | Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology | 45 | ↑ 4 places |
| 36 | Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research | 21 | ↓ 15 places |
| 100 | Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research | 88 | ↓ 12 places |
| 70 | Tamil Nadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences University | 65 | ↓ 5 places |
Changes to the published list — 0 newly listed and 0 no longer listed
Newly present Chennai institutions in 2019
0No newly listed Chennai institutions in this comparison.
Chennai institutions not present in 2019
0Every Chennai entry in the earlier list remains present.
Chennai NIRF University rankings 2018
9 Chennai institutions appear in the 2018 published University list. Anna University is the highest-ranked Chennai entry at national rank 4 with a score of 62.82.
Chennai institutions in NIRF University 2018
9| 2018 rank | Institution | 2017 rank | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Anna University | 6 | 62.82 |
| 18 | University of Madras | 41 | 51.52 |
| 21 | Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research | 21 | 50.74 |
| 40 | Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research | — | 45.29 |
| 41 | SRM Institute of Science and Technology | 34 | 45.17 |
| 45 | Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology | 44 | 44.34 |
| 46 | Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences | 55 | 44.00 |
| 65 | Tamil Nadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences University | 38 | 41.73 |
| 88 | Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research | 70 | 38.70 |
Major changes from 2017 to 2018
University of Madras recorded the largest rise, moving from national rank 41 to 18, an improvement of 23 places. Tamil Nadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences University recorded the largest fall, moving from national rank 38 to 65. The table shows up to three biggest rises and three biggest falls. Equal movements are ordered by current rank.
Biggest Chennai ranking changes from 2017
6| 2018 rank | Institution | 2017 rank | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | University of Madras | 41 | ↑ 23 places |
| 46 | Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences | 55 | ↑ 9 places |
| 4 | Anna University | 6 | ↑ 2 places |
| 65 | Tamil Nadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences University | 38 | ↓ 27 places |
| 88 | Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research | 70 | ↓ 18 places |
| 41 | SRM Institute of Science and Technology | 34 | ↓ 7 places |
Changes to the published list — 1 newly listed and 3 no longer listed
Newly present Chennai institutions in 2018
1| 2018 rank | Institution | Score | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research | 45.29 | Newly present |
Chennai institutions not present in 2018
3| 2017 rank | Institution | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 39 | Sri Ramachandra University | Not present in 2018 |
| 65 | Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R & D Institute of Science and Technology | Not present in 2018 |
| 100 | B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology | Not present in 2018 |
Chennai NIRF University rankings 2017
11 Chennai institutions appear in the 2017 published University list. Anna University is the highest-ranked Chennai entry at national rank 6 with a score of 56.50.
Chennai institutions in NIRF University 2017
11| 2017 rank | Institution | 2016 rank | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Anna University | — | 56.50 |
| 21 | Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research | — | 46.45 |
| 34 | SRM Institute of Science and Technology | 43 | 43.07 |
| 38 | Tamil Nadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences University | — | 42.48 |
| 39 | Sri Ramachandra University | — | 42.46 |
| 41 | University of Madras | — | 41.85 |
| 44 | Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology | 42 | 41.30 |
| 55 | Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences | — | 38.68 |
| 65 | Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R & D Institute of Science and Technology | — | 37.13 |
| 70 | Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research | — | 36.47 |
| 100 | B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology | — | 32.99 |
Major changes from 2016 to 2017
SRM Institute of Science and Technology recorded the largest rise, moving from national rank 43 to 34, an improvement of 9 places. Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology recorded the largest fall, moving from national rank 42 to 44. The table shows up to three biggest rises and three biggest falls. Equal movements are ordered by current rank.
Biggest Chennai ranking changes from 2016
2| 2017 rank | Institution | 2016 rank | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | SRM Institute of Science and Technology | 43 | ↑ 9 places |
| 44 | Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology | 42 | ↓ 2 places |
Changes to the published list — 9 newly listed and 3 no longer listed
Newly present Chennai institutions in 2017
9| 2017 rank | Institution | Score | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Anna University | 56.50 | Newly present |
| 21 | Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research | 46.45 | Newly present |
| 38 | Tamil Nadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences University | 42.48 | Newly present |
| 39 | Sri Ramachandra University | 42.46 | Newly present |
| 41 | University of Madras | 41.85 | Newly present |
| 55 | Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences | 38.68 | Newly present |
| 65 | Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R & D Institute of Science and Technology | 37.13 | Newly present |
| 70 | Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research | 36.47 | Newly present |
| 100 | B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology | 32.99 | Newly present |
Chennai institutions not present in 2017
3| 2016 rank | Institution | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 36 | Tamilnadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences University | Not present in 2017 |
| 41 | Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research | Not present in 2017 |
| 100 | Chettinad Academy Of Research And Education (Care) | Not present in 2017 |
Chennai NIRF University rankings 2016
5 Chennai institutions appear in the 2016 published University list. Tamilnadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences University is the highest-ranked Chennai entry at national rank 36 with a score of 64.23.
Chennai institutions in NIRF University 2016
5| 2016 rank | Institution | Previous rank | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | Tamilnadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences University | — | 64.23 |
| 41 | Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research | — | 62.53 |
| 42 | Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology | — | 62.46 |
| 43 | SRM Institute of Science and Technology | — | 62.29 |
| 100 | Chettinad Academy Of Research And Education (Care) | — | 47.05 |
This is the earliest available University edition; an earlier-year comparison is unavailable.
Chennai University ranking list
Tamil Nadu#InstituteScore
16 Anna University 54.97 4
NIRF Rank Trend (University)
- 2017: rank 6
- 2018: rank 4
- 2019: rank 7
- 2020: rank 12
- 2021: rank 16
Lower rank is better.
Highlights
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Moved down 10 places from #6 in 2017 to #16 in 2021.
Consistently ranked among India's top university institutions.
28 University of Madras 50.46 6
NIRF Rank Trend (University)
- 2017: rank 41
- 2018: rank 18
- 2019: rank 20
- 2020: rank 22
- 2021: rank 28
Lower rank is better.
Highlights
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Improved by 13 places from #41 in 2017 to #28 in 2021.
Consistently ranked among India's top university institutions.
29 Saveetha Chennai 50.36 13
NIRF Rank Trend (University)
- 2017: rank 55
- 2018: rank 46
- 2019: rank 43
- 2020: rank 42
- 2021: rank 29
Lower rank is better.
Highlights
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Improved by 26 places from #55 in 2017 to #29 in 2021.
Consistently ranked among India's top university institutions.
30 SRMIST Chennai 49.98 5
NIRF Rank Trend (University)
- 2017: rank 34
- 2018: rank 41
- 2019: rank 32
- 2020: rank 35
- 2021: rank 30
Lower rank is better.
Highlights
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Improved by 4 places from #34 in 2017 to #30 in 2021.
Consistently ranked among India's top university institutions.
40 Sathyabama 48.17 1
NIRF Rank Trend (University)
- 2017: rank 44
- 2018: rank 45
- 2019: rank 41
- 2020: rank 39
- 2021: rank 40
Lower rank is better.
Highlights
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Improved by 4 places from #44 in 2017 to #40 in 2021.
Consistently ranked among India's top university institutions.
47 SRIHER Chennai 47.17 19
NIRF Rank Trend (University)
- 2017: not ranked
- 2018: rank 40
- 2019: rank 33
- 2020: rank 28
- 2021: rank 47
Lower rank is better.
Highlights
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Moved down 7 places from #40 in 2018 to #47 in 2021.
Consistently ranked among India's top university institutions.
51 Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research 46.44 8
NIRF Rank Trend (University)
- 2017: rank 21
- 2018: rank 21
- 2019: rank 36
- 2020: rank 59
- 2021: rank 51
Lower rank is better.
Highlights
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View college profile
Moved down 30 places from #21 in 2017 to #51 in 2021.
Consistently ranked among India's top university institutions.
Data source: NIRF, Ministry of Education, Government of India. This page filters the official 2021 ranking by published city and state.
Chennai ranking questions
How many ranked colleges are shown for Chennai?
7 colleges from Chennai appear in the official 2021 list.
Can I compare these colleges?
Yes. Open any expanded row and use the comparison action to review ranks, scores and historical performance.
How is the city filter created?
The page uses the city published for each institution in the selected NIRF ranking edition.