Established in 1985 as SRM Engineering College, the university was later renamed as SRM University in 1998 and thereafter gained deemed university status in 2002 under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act, 1956, with the remaining SRM Institute of Science and Technology in 2017. The Kattankulathur-headquarters organisation, with Srimath Kattakulathur, 35 km from Chennai, has six campuses: four in Tamil Nadu (at Kattankulathur, Ramapuram, Vadapalani, and Tiruchilapalli), one at Modinagar (NCR, Delhi), and the last one at Amravati, Andhra Pradesh. This way, the reach of SRMIST gets extended through its sister institutes located at Sonepat (Haryana), Sikkim, and Andhra Pradesh.
The institute accommodates about 52,000 full-time students and about 3,200 faculty members scattered across the campus. It was graded A++ by NAAC and recognised by the UGC as a Category I University, thus belonging to an exclusive set of universities in India. The mission of SRMIST is to impart world-class education through a flexible interdisciplinary curriculum, collaborations around the globe, and a strong inclination towards research and innovation. Inter-Disciplinary Experiential Active Learning (IDEAL) is the underlying philosophy, whereby the institute offers flexible programmes for students to chart their academic journey; whereby they can choose to major, specialise, or minor in areas that align with other career objectives.
SRM has collaborated with over 60 organisations and institutions worldwide, including prestigious institutions like MIT, Carnegie Mellon, and Berkeley. An exchange programme opened opportunities for all students, like their SA and Semester Abroad Programme, which sends over 200 students every year to some of the top colleges around the world. SRM's International Advisory Board (IAB), set up in 2003, consists of distinguished academicians from universities like Harvard, Stanford, and Cambridge, ensuring global standards in curriculum and research.
University Timeline and Milestones:
SRM Institute of Science and Technology's journey from a modest engineering college to a world-renowned university has several significant milestones:
- 1985: Started as SRM Engineering College at Kattankulathur, offering undergraduate courses in engineering.
- 1992-1997: Expansion of the Group and the setting up of other colleges in Medicine, Management, Science, and Humanities under the SRM Group.
- 2002: Awarded deemed-to-be-university status by the UGC under the title of SRM Institute of Science and Technology.
- 2003: The International Advisory Board (IAB) was constituted, a first in Indian higher education to have international academic standards.
- 2006: Renamed as SRM University, since the multidisciplinary status was building up.
- 2013: Received NAAC A grade accreditation, i.e., the start of the recognition for its excellence every time.
- 2017: The name change was reverted to SRM Institute of Science and Technology, which met UGC guidelines.
- 2018: The UGC gave category I University status, thereby enhancing its autonomy and international ranking.
- 2020: Registered as No. 2 Top Privately Funded University Institute in India as per ARIIA (Atal Ranking of Institutions will remain in force up to 2031. Five engineering programs of the Kattankulathur campus are accredited by ABET (USA), whereas four programs have been accredited by the Institution of Engineering
Courses Offered:
Learning at SRMIST adds diversity to the course curriculum in different programs at all levels, including UG, PG, PhD, diploma, and certificate courses under six faculties, i.e. Engineering and Technology, Management, Medicine and Health Sciences, Science and Humanities, Law, and Agricultural Sciences. It offers a multitude of interests and career outlets for nearly 5,479 courses under 17 different streams. A few key programs are outlined below:
- Engineering and Technology:
- B.Tech: Computer Science and Engineering (specialising in AI, Machine Learning, Big Data Analytics, IoT, Blockchain, Cloud Computing), Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and more.
- M.Tech: Structural Engineering, Big Data Analytics, VLSI Design, and others.
- Integrated M.Tech: Five-year programs combining undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
- B.Arch and M.Arch: Architecture programs focusing on sustainable design.
- B.Des and M.Des: Design programs emphasising creativity and innovation.
- Management:
- BBA: Bachelor of Business Administration.
- MBA: Full-time, part-time, and online modes with specialisations in Finance, Marketing, HR, and more.
- PhD: Management studies with a focus on business research.
- Medicine and Health Sciences:
- MBBS: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.
- BDS: Bachelor of Dental Surgery.
- B.Sc: Nursing, Physiotherapy, Medical Imaging Technology, and others.
- MD/MS: Postgraduate medical programs.
- M.Sc: Allied health sciences and medical research.
- Science and Humanities:
- B.Sc: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Visual Communication, and more.
- M.Sc: Applied Mathematics, Biotechnology, and others.
- BA: English, Journalism, Psychology, and others.
- MA: English, Journalism, and Mass Communication.
- Law:
- B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and B.Com. LL.B. (Hons.): Five-year integrated law programs.
- LL.B. (Hons.): Three-year law degree.
- LL.M.: Postgraduate law programs.
- Agricultural Sciences:
- B.Sc (Hons.): Agriculture, Horticulture, and related fields.
- M.Sc: Agronomy, Plant Pathology, and others.
Fees and Admission Process:
The fee structure for SRMIST varies between its programs while incorporating additional factors such as campus location and specialised field. Learn about the estimated expense levels of major programs at the Kattankulathur campus by looking at the 2025 data:
- The B.Tech program at SRMIST charges between ₹1,00,000 to ₹4,50,000 annually based on the chosen field of study and campus location. The B.Tech in CSE with AI/ML has an annual fee of up to ₹4,50,000, while programs with flexible timings start at ₹1,00,000.
- M.Tech: The annual cost for this program falls between ₹1,60,000 and ₹4,50,000.
- The annual tuition fee for the MBA program falls between ₹3,50,000 to ₹5,00,000.
- The annual fee for MBBS studies costs around ₹25,00,000.
- The B.Sc program charges students between ₹50,000 and ₹1,50,000 per academic year.
- The annual tuition fee for the B.Arch course equals ₹2,50,000.
- The hostel charges at SRMIST range from ₹1,13,000 to ₹3,15,000 each year based on room type and available facilities.
Students at SRMIST pay a registration fee of ₹10,000 to ₹15,000, which is non-refundable, but it also includes examination fees. The university extends financial aid through scholarships and tuition assistance to students who show exceptional academic performance, as well as those from poor economic backgrounds, and athletes with outstanding performance in sports or extracular activities. Scholarships are not applicable for MBBS, BDS, and certain PG medical programs.
Admission Process:
SRMIST uses a merit system that bases admission on test results for most programs. The application procedure operates through an online platform accessible to all applicants at this institution:
- Application: Applicants must complete the registration process on the official SRMIST website (www.srmist.edu.in) and submit their application form alongside the specified images (photograph: 200x230 pixels, 5 MB; signature: 140x60 pixels, 5 MB).
- Entrance Exam: The following paragraphs describe the admission criteria for various programs at SRMIST, starting with the entrance examination requirements.
- All B. Tech applicants need to submit SRM Joint Engineering Entrance Exam (SRMJEEE) scores for their application. Candidates can submit their JEE Main results to meet the admission requirements.
- Applicants to M.Tech programs can use either their SRMJEEE (PG) or GATE scores for admission.
- Students need to provide their SRMJEEM or CAT/MAT/XAT scores for MBA admission.
- Medical students must present their NEET scores to apply for MBBS/BDS programs.
- The admission process for B.Arch requires students to submit either NATA or JEE Main Paper 2 scores.
- Law: CLAT scores for integrated LL.B. programs.
- Other Programs: Direct admission for some UG/PG programs based on qualifying exam marks (minimum 60% aggregate in relevant subjects for B.Tech).
- Eligibility:
- B.Tech student needs to have completed their 10+2 education with Physics, Mathematics and one of Chemistry/Biotechnology/Biology/Computer Science at 60% aggregate level.
- M.Tech applicants require a B.Tech degree or its equivalent with 60% aggregate marks; GATE-qualified candidates do not need to take SRMJEEE (PG).
- MBA students need to hold a Bachelor's degree with at least 50% average marks.
- MBBS applicants must complete their 10+2 education with PCB subjects and have cleared the NEET qualification.
- Candidates need to reach the age of 16 years and 6 months before the end of July 31 in their year of admission.
- Counselling and Document Verification: Entrance exam ranks determine which candidates will participate in counselling sessions. Student documents undergo verification before admission is confirmed through the fees are paid to confirm admission.
- International students, including Non-Resident Indians and overseas citizens, use the International Admission Portal to send translated documents together with passports and visas. The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) often demands equivalence certificates from students.
University Affiliation and Colleges:
The University Grants Commission (UGC) recognises SRMIST as a deemed university, which is also accredited by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and NAAC (A++) grade. All engineering programs at this institution are accredited by ABET (USA) and IET (UK), while the agricultural programs receive recognition from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The organisation functions as a unified institution without any partner colleges, yet maintains control over its various educational locations throughout its campuses:
- The Kattankulathur Campus contains the following academic entities: College of Engineering and Technology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, College of Science and Humanities, School of Management, School of Law, School of Architecture, and College of Agricultural Sciences.
- Ramapuram Campus consists of Faculty of Engineering and Technology along with SRM Dental College and the Department of Science and Humanities.
- Vadapalani Campus offers educational programs in engineering, along with media studies and management disciplines.
- The educational programs available at Tiruchirappalli Campus include Engineering and Science subjects as well as Humanities studies and Allied Medical Science and Management courses.
- The university campus located at Modinagar in the NCR of Delhi offers programs in Engineering, alongside Management and Law.
- Amaravati-based educational institution provides programs in Engineering and Liberal Arts disciplines.
The SRMIST institution maintains separate operations between SRM University Sonepat and SRM University Sikkim, and SRM University Andhra Pradesh—operate independently but share the SRM Group’s vision and resources.
Campus and Central Facilities:
The campuses of SRMIST, especially the 250-acre Kattankulathur campus, provide abundant green areas along with contemporary facilities and student-oriented services. Key amenities include:
- Hostels: The campus provides separate living arrangements for male, female and international students who can choose from a selection of North Indian, South Indian, Thai, Chinese and Continental dishes. Hostel fees range from ₹1,13,000 to ₹3,15,000 annually.
- Dining: The campus operates multiple canteens and mess facilities from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, providing students with affordable meals that feature a wide variety of choices.
- Sports and Recreation: The campus provides sports facilities for tennis, basketball, badminton, volleyball, football, cricket and indoor games. Student engagement is promoted through annual sports meets and fests encourage student participation.
- Medical and Counselling Services: Student well-being receives support through medical services and free counselling available at the medical centre.
- Incubation Centers: The incubation centre provides entrepreneurship support through state-of-the-art facilities, along with mentorship and industry network connections.
- Transport and Connectivity: The Kattankulathur campus stands 40 km from Chennai on NH-45 while providing bus routes T60 and T60 LSS to enable accessibility between Tambaram and Potheri stops.
Student clubs at the campus work to enhance creativity through the promotion of drama, arts and innovation, which results in a diverse cultural environment.
Library:
SRMIST’s central library at Kattankulathur is a modern, air-conditioned facility equipped with RFID technology, CCTV surveillance, and fire alarms. It houses books, journals, e-journals, and reference materials across various disciplines, with reading halls on every floor. The library supports students, faculty, and researchers, fostering a conducive environment for academic exploration.
Departments:
SRMIST’s academic structure is organised into numerous departments under its six faculties, including:
- Engineering and Technology: Computer Science, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical and Electronics, Electronics and Communication, Biotechnology, and more.
- Management: Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, HR.
- Medicine and Health Sciences: Medical, Dental, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy.
- Science and Humanities: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English, Journalism, Biotechnology.
- Law: Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Corporate Law.
- Agricultural Sciences: Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Pathology.
The university employs over 2,000 faculty members, including 500+ teaching staff with PhDs from top institutions and international visiting faculty, ensuring high-quality education and research.
University Rankings:
SRMIST has consistently ranked among India’s top universities, reflecting its academic rigour and global impact:
- NIRF 2024:
- 12th in University Category.
- 13th in Engineering Category.
- 11th in Pharmacy Category.
- 24th in Research Category.
- 21st in Overall Category
- QS World University Rankings 2024: 271–280 in Asia.
- ARIIA 2020: 2nd among privately funded institutes in India.
- Nature Index 2020: 5th in India for research output.
- Times Higher Education (THE): Recognised for research, teaching, and impact.
- India Today: Ranked No. 1 Multiple Streams Private University.
Placement Percentage (Last 5 Years)
SRMIST has a robust placement record, with its Career Center facilitating pre-placement training, industry interactions, and job offers from top recruiters like Microsoft, Amazon, TCS, Accenture, and Wipro. Below is an overview of placement highlights from 2020–2024:
- 2024:
- Highest Package: ₹52 LPA.
- Average Package: ₹7.92 LPA.
- Offers: Over 2,232 high-paying jobs from 718+ companies.
- Placement Percentage: ~95% for eligible students.
2023:
- Highest Package: ₹1.1 Cr (Amazon).
- Average Package: ₹7.1 LPA (UG), ₹13.05 LPA (PG).
- Offers: Over 3,327 high-paying jobs.
- Placement Percentage: ~95%.
2022:
- Highest Package: ₹55 LPA.
- Average Package: ₹6.5 LPA.
- Placement Percentage: ~94%.
2021:
- Highest Package: ₹50 LPA.
- Average Package: ₹6 LPA.
- Placement Percentage: ~93%.
2020:
- Highest Package: ₹41.6 LPA (Microsoft).
- Average Package: ₹5.8 LPA.
- Placement Percentage: ~92%.
The placement percentage has remained consistently high, with 92–95% of eligible students placed annually. The university’s strong industry ties and focus on skill development contribute to its impressive placement outcomes.
Conclusion
SRM Institute of Science and Technology stands as a beacon of academic excellence, innovation, and global collaboration in Indian higher education. From its humble beginnings in 1985 to its current status as a Category I deemed university, SRMIST has transformed into a multidisciplinary powerhouse with a commitment to shaping future leaders. Its diverse academic programs, world-class facilities, and strong placement record make it a preferred destination for students.