Medical Colleges in Chennai: Top Colleges for Medical Studies, Government & Private
More and more students from all across the nation are turning to the capital city of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, for medical studies, believing that its world-class medical infrastructure, expert faculty, reputable colleges, and rigorous curriculum can help them achieve their goal of becoming doctors, surgeons, and healthcare specialists.
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While medical colleges are available across India, studying in a smart city like Chennai, which is also a major industrial and healthcare hub, can truly make a difference in both academic and professional life. The rapid economic growth of Chennai has significantly contributed to advancements in medical education, and the presence of 20+ institutions including world-renowned names such as Madras Medical College, SRIHER, SIMTS, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, and SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre demonstrates the city’s dominance in the field of medical science. These and many other top medical colleges in Chennai provide students with exceptional education in core sciences such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, and clinical skills. Additionally, they instill values of ethics, communication, teamwork, and empathy to help future doctors treat patients with compassion and care.
If you feel overwhelmed by the many options available when choosing the best college for your medical studies, you are not alone. Remember, making the wrong decision could cost you later in terms of limited career opportunities or unemployment. But fear not! To help you navigate through the numerous choices, we have curated a list of the best and top medical colleges in Chennai. Here we go.
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Medical Colleges in Chennai, Tamil Nadu – Top Certified, Approved, & Well-Accredited Colleges for Medical Studies
With the rising number of medical universities and institutions in Chennai, deciding on and choosing the right one has never been more crucial. Students aspiring to become doctors, surgeons, and general practitioners (GPs) are increasingly seeking clarity about colleges based on key factors such as certification levels, approvals, and accreditations. As selecting a medical college can be a life-changing decision, we have brought to you a list of the top 10 certified colleges and universities for medical studies in Chennai, along with details of their major certifications and accreditations. These institutions offer learning methods that go beyond traditional lectures, laboratories, and tutorials by incorporating modern simulations, virtual reality for realistic clinical scenarios, and problem-based learning experiences.
|
Medical College |
Approved/Recognized By |
Affiliated To / University |
Notable Accreditation/Ranking |
|
Madras Medical College (MMC) |
National Medical Commission (NMC) |
Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University |
Long-established top govt college; NIRF ranked among top medical colleges in India (e.g., 16th in 2025) |
|
Stanley Medical College (SMC) |
National Medical Commission (NMC) |
Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University |
Historic govt institution with strong clinical exposure |
|
Kilpauk Medical College (GKMC) |
National Medical Commission (NMC) |
Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University |
Well-known govt medical college with quality programs |
|
Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research (SRIHER) |
National Medical Commission (NMC) |
Deemed University |
NAAC A++ accredited; strong private medical research institute |
|
Saveetha Institute of Medical & Technical Sciences (SIMATS) |
National Medical Commission (NMC) |
Deemed University |
NAAC accredited; ranked among top NIRF medical colleges in Chennai |
|
SRM Institute of Science and Technology – Medical College |
National Medical Commission (NMC) |
Deemed University (SRM Group) |
Frequently featured in rankings listing Chennai’s top medical colleges |
|
Sree Balaji Medical College & Hospital |
National Medical Commission (NMC) |
Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed) |
Popular private medical college option in Chennai |
|
ACS Medical College & Hospital |
National Medical Commission (NMC) |
Dr. MGR Educational & Research Institute (Deemed) |
Accredited medical college under established educational trust |
|
Panimalar Medical College Hospital & Research Institute |
National Medical Commission (NMC) |
Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University |
Emerging private medical college with approved MBBS seats |
|
Tagore Medical College & Hospital |
National Medical Commission (NMC) |
Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University |
Private institution with NMC recognition (commonly listed) |
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Best Medical Colleges in Chennai with Ranking & Reputation
The characteristics of the best and top medical colleges go beyond merely meeting the requirements of being certified and approved by the Tamil Nadu government. They also include fulfilling various criteria on a comprehensive checklist, with rankings being one of the most important factors. Studying at a highly ranked and reputable medical college can have a noticeable impact on your academic growth and career prospects. Listed below are some of the best-ranked medical science colleges in Chennai that should be considered before making a final decision.
|
College Name (Chennai) |
NIRF 2025 (All India Medical) |
Other Ranking |
Reputation Summary |
|
Saveetha Institute of Medical & Technical Sciences (SIMATS) |
11 🇮🇳 (NIRF) — Top in Chennai |
Ranked high in some surveys/reviews |
Strong private university; growing reputation for research & infrastructure |
|
Madras Medical College & Govt. General Hospital |
16 🇮🇳 (NIRF) — Govt flagship |
Rank ~9 (India Today, Shiksha summary)
The Week ranking ~9 (MD program data) |
Historic govt college, excellent clinical exposure & legacy |
|
SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre (SRM IST) |
18 🇮🇳 (NIRF) — Strong private |
Featured in the list of top local medical colleges in Chennai |
Well‑known private medical college with modern training |
|
Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research (SRIHER) |
21 🇮🇳 (NIRF) — Reputed private |
~11 (India Today) (MD college survey) |
Good multidisciplinary medical education & research |
|
Chettinad Academy of Research & Education |
~49 (NIRF) — lower compared to above |
~20 (India Today) (MD college survey) |
Emerging private institution with growing footprint |
Note: The rankings of Chennai medical colleges provided above are indicative and based on publicly available information from the internet. They are meant to give a general idea about the universities; actual data and figures may vary.
Government Colleges for Medical in Chennai with Fee
A medical college may be globally renowned or comparable to leading Western institutions, but for many students, what matters most is the fee structure, and this is a valid concern given the high cost of medical education. A typical MBBS degree takes around 5–6 years to complete. The overall cost of study includes expenses such as hostel and mess charges, laboratory fees, study materials, clinical training, examinations, seminars, and various event fees.
Additionally, a college must meet high standards to be recognized as a reputable medical institution, which includes maintaining advanced infrastructure and qualified faculty. All these factors contribute to making medical education expensive. However, aspiring students need not worry, as government medical colleges in Chennai offer affordable education while providing in-depth learning in areas such as chemical processes in the body, molecular biology, preventive care, and comprehensive understanding of how the human body functions in both health and disease.
|
College Name (Government) |
Annual MBBS Fee (Shiksha Reference) |
Notes |
|
Madras Medical College, Chennai |
~₹68,018 per year |
Higher aggregated fee (may include hostel/other institutional charges); state govt tuition is nominal. |
|
Government Kilpauk Medical College (GKMC), Chennai |
~₹48,500–₹1.47 L |
Fee range may reflect tuition + other prescribed fees; official TN govt tuition is low. |
|
Stanley Medical College, Chennai |
₹ 74,500 - 2.62 Lakhs |
Typically similar to other Chennai govt medical colleges; Shiksha may not list fee separately. |
Note: The fees of Government Medical Colleges in Chennai mentioned above are subject to change at the discretion of the university. For the latest updates or any possible changes in fees, please check the university's official website.
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Private Medical Colleges in Chennai with Fee
Many students overlook the affordable fee structure of government colleges and instead focus on the quality of education, experiential learning, in-depth analysis of diseases, their causes and effects, as well as the study of drugs and their impact on human immunity. If you are also of the opinion that private medical colleges offer additional benefits such as personalized attention, modern and innovative teaching methods, and strong industry networks with greater exposure, then Chennai provides excellent opportunities to pursue degrees like MBBS, BDS, BAMS, B.Sc., and more. Given below is a list of some of the best private medical colleges in Chennai along with their fee structures.
|
College Name |
Total Tuition Fee (Approx.) |
Notes |
|
Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research |
₹1.35 Cr |
One of the top private medical universities in Chennai. |
|
Saveetha Institute of Medical & Technical Sciences |
₹1.25 Cr |
High reputation private deemed medical college. |
|
SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre |
₹1.13 Cr |
Popular private medical college under SRM group. |
|
Chettinad Hospital & Research Centre |
₹1.10 Cr |
Well‑known private medical college in the region. |
|
Saveetha University (Medical) |
₹1.13 Cr |
(Medical component of Saveetha University). |
|
ACS Medical College & Hospital |
₹1.03 Cr |
Private medical college with NEET‑based admissions. |
Note: The fees of private Medical Colleges in Chennai mentioned above are subject to change at the discretion of the university. For the latest updates or any possible changes in fees, please check the university's official website.
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Chennai Medical Colleges with Placement & Average Salary Packages
Deciding on a medical college based on its placement record can significantly ease the career path and enhance employability. Whether it is a government or a private college, the placement rate reflects strong industry ties, brand reputation, and the quality of the curriculum. With all these key factors in place, a college with a good placement record is believed to help its students secure desirable job opportunities and earn higher salary packages. Therefore, comparing medical institutions and colleges on the basis of their placement rates can uncover valuable opportunities for students. Scroll down to find the list of Chennai’s best medical colleges known for their excellent placement records and attractive salary packages offered to students.
|
College |
Placement / Career Support |
Average / Median Package (MBBS) |
Notes (Internship / Real‑world outcomes) |
|
Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute |
Dedicated placement support; hospital tie‑ups |
₹8–12LPA (typical) |
Highest packages reported up to ~₹15 LPA; internship mandatory with stipend (~₹13.5 k/mo). |
|
Madras Medical College (Govt) |
Placement assistance & workshops |
~₹7–₹11 LPA |
Placements and internships with government/major hospitals; high overall placement rate. |
|
SRM Medical College, Chennai |
Placement reports show recruiter engagement |
~₹7–₹9 LPA (avg) |
Highest reported package ~₹15 LPA; internship clinical training emphasis. |
|
Sree Balaji Medical College & Hospital |
Placement & clinical exposure |
₹6–₹8 LPA (avg) |
Median salary ~₹7.2 LPA for MBBS placements; recruiters include major hospitals. |
|
Chettinad Academy of Research & Education |
PG & MSc placement data shared |
Median ~₹18 LPA (PG) |
Median for PG programs; specific MBBS outcomes vary and may depend on specialty. |
Note: The figures of average salary provided above are indicative and meant to give a general idea about the universities. Actual data and figures may vary.
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Medical Colleges in Chennai – Eligibility Criteria for Admission in Medical Programs
The Medical industry has always been suffering from demand and supply problems. It means the demand for doctors has never been sufficient in the nation, leading to inadequate healthcare services and an increased burden on existing medical professionals. The significant shortage of doctors in India also indicates the lack of medical institutions and colleges. As more and more students want to make their career in the medical industry but the institutions are limited, securing a seat in any reputable medical college has become quite a competitive task. Thereby, it becomes very important to consider the eligibility criteria for admission in the Chennai medical colleges, Tamil Nadu. To help you prepare well and avoid any mismatch in the academic requirements for admission to a medical college, we have put together the list of eligibility criteria below.
|
Criteria |
Requirement / Detail |
Notes |
|
Entrance Exam |
Qualify NEET‑UG conducted by NTA |
Mandatory for all MBBS admissions in India. |
|
Nationality |
Indian citizens (including OCI/PIO) |
Both govt and private colleges accept Indian nationals. |
|
Age Requirement |
Minimum 17 years as of December 31 of the admission year |
There is no upper age limit per current regulations. |
|
Educational Qualification |
Passed Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent |
Must include Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology + English. |
|
Minimum Marks (Qualifying) |
General: ≥ 50% in PCB aggregate OBC/SC/ST: ≥ 40% PwBD: ≥ 45% (general) / 40% (reserved) |
As per NEET/NTA percentile eligibility rules. |
|
Domicile Requirement (State Quota) |
For Tamil Nadu state quota seats: must meet state domicile conditions (usually residency or schooling criteria) |
Non‑Tamil Nadu residents are eligible for the 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats. |
|
Counselling & Seat Allocation |
Through NEET‑UG + MCC (15% AIQ) and DME Tamil Nadu counselling (85% state quota) |
Allocation is strictly merit‑based via counselling authorities. |
|
Other Requirements |
Submission of required documents (age/education/NEET scorecard) and medical fitness |
Colleges typically verify documentation during counselling/admission. |
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