THE AMERICAN COLLEGE – AIDED PROGRAMMES

The American College is a premier institution of higher education, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and social relevance. Its pioneering role in the development of college autonomy in India, its early adoption of the Choice Based Credit System, and its distinguished legacy of over 145 years of higher education stand as testimony to the esteemed position the College enjoys today.

Originally founded by American missionaries in 1841, The American College evolved into a collegiate institution in 1881. It was initially affiliated to the University of Madras and later came under the jurisdiction of Madurai Kamaraj University. With a strong responsiveness to national policies and community needs, the College has grown from strength to strength.

The American College was among the first seven institutions in India to be granted autonomous status by the UGC in 1977–78. Today, it offers thirty-three undergraduate and twenty-one postgraduate programmes. In addition, several research centres offer Ph.D. programmes across various disciplines.

The College also hosts special centres such as the Department of Applied Sciences (DAS) and the Study Centre for Indian Literature in English and Translation (SCILET), both of which receive national and international recognition.

The American College’s alumni have distinguished themselves globally as scientists, intellectuals, administrators, corporate leaders, diplomats, public servants, and change-makers. The College fosters holistic development through active theatre groups, National Service Scheme (NSS), National Cadet Corps (NCC) units, Service Learning Programme (SLP), Green Management Programme (GMP), and Gender Studies Programme (GNS), providing students with diverse opportunities for social engagement. These initiatives contribute to a vibrant campus environment that nurtures personality development and leadership.

The College maintains collaborative partnerships with several state, central, and private industries and institutions. The College is committed to internationalisation of education. It offers Exchange and Study Abroad programmes that help students develop global perspectives while engaging with local realities.

VISION STATEMENT OF THE COLLEGE

To be a Christian higher educational institution of global standards and reputation

MISSION

• To train students to be responsible global citizens
• To impart knowledge in every discipline
• To develop in students individual competencies to meaningfully relate with the emerging global space
• To develop vibrant campus sub-cultures of pluralism, Christian inclusiveness, and aesthetic self-expression
• To inculcate in students the highest ideals of service to the poor and the marginalised

QUALITY POLICY STATEMENT

To impart knowledge of global standards with inclusive Christian values for socio-economic uplift.

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

NOTE: Women candidates are also admitted to Postgraduate.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

Additional Requirements for Specific Programmes:

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

HOSTELS

• Limited hostel facilities are available. There are four hostels for men: Washburn Hall, Dudley Hall, Wallace Hall, and Zumbro Hall. In addition, Co-Lodge, a self-contained accommodation facility, is also available for male students.
• There are two hostels for women: Women’s Hall and Noyes Garden. Both are located on the main campus and offer limited accommodation.
• Separate application forms for hostel admission are available at the Bursar’s Office.
• The mess is operated on a dividing system, and the boarding charges are approximately Rs. 3,000 per month. At the end of each month, the actual boarding expenses are calculated and shared among the members of the mess. The amount is to be paid by the members before the 10th of the succeeding month.

Fee Structure

Tuition fee of Rs.250/- for M.A. and Rs.375/- for M.Sc.  to be paid additionally.
Additionally amenities and book fees have to be paid. The fee will be notified at the time of admission.

Hostel Fee Structure

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMME

The American College is committed to internationalisation of education. It offers Exchange and Study Abroad programmes that help students develop global perspectives while engaging with local realities.

OTHER FEATURES

Associations

The College has various academic associations that provide students with opportunities to explore and develop their academic and professional interests. These associations organize activities beyond the classroom to enhance learning and engagement.

Societies

In addition to academic associations, the College hosts the Hindu Cultural Society and the Islamic Cultural Society, for which membership is optional. Both Christian and non-Christian students are welcome to join the Student Christian Movement.

Student Services

The Student Services Committee aims at the holistic development of students by organizing various developmental programmes. It also provides a range of services and ensures the overall welfare of students.

Placement Services

The Placement Cell organizes on-campus and off-campus recruitment drives to facilitate students’ career opportunities in leading companies, multinational corporations (MNCs), banks, and educational institutions.

Students’ Grievance Redressal Committee (SGRC)

The SGRC ensures the prompt redressal of student grievances arising from academic and related matters during their course of study. The Chairperson of the SGRC is a person of high standing with experience in educational administration and quasi-judicial processes.

Library

The Daniel Poor Memorial Library is one of the earliest public libraries in Madurai and follows an open-access system. It houses approximately 160,000 books and subscribes to around 700 journals across a wide range of disciplines. The library provides internet facilities and remains open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on all working days. Each student may borrow up to 10 books at a time.

In addition, each department maintains its own specialised library. The SCILET (Study Centre for Indian Literature in English and Translation) functions as a Study Centre with a collection of about 11,750 books and 40 journals. Access to e-resources is available, and a free Internet café is provided for the exclusive use of students.

Sports and Games

The College has extensive sports facilities, including a football and hockey ground, a cricket pitch, three tennis courts, and floodlit basketball and volleyball courts. The College has consistently produced a high number of university-level athletes (“University Blues”) in sports such as athletics, hockey, football, volleyball, cricket, tennis, table tennis, shuttlecock, and kho-kho. Students are encouraged to utilise these facilities during their free time.

Indoor Stadium and Gymnasium

The William Tracy Indoor Stadium (funded by the UGC) is a multipurpose sports arena with seating for over 200 spectators and facilities for basketball, volleyball, and badminton. The College also has a modern gymnasium, and students are encouraged to use it regularly. Access to the gymnasium is available upon purchase of a gym card for a nominal fee.

Central Instrumentation Centre (CIC)

The CIC is an advanced laboratory facility shared by all science departments. It houses sophisticated equipment such as a Scanning Electron Microscope, an X-ray diffraction unit, and a high-temperature furnace for crystal growth.

Campus Information System (CIS)

The College is in the process of establishing a Campus Information System (CIS), which will enable both faculty and students to access attendance records, internal assessment marks, and fee payment details. Students will also be able to access the library catalogue of over one lakh books in the Daniel Poor Memorial Library through individual logins.

Students’ Cooperative Store

A cooperative store is available on campus to meet the daily needs of students. It offers books, stationery, and other essential items at nominal prices.

HOW TO FILL-IN THE APPLICATION FORM?

All applicants must indicate the programme to which they seek admission. If they wish to be considered for any other programme(s), separate online applications must be submitted for each programme using the same login ID. Applicants must upload a recent passport-size photograph (taken within the last three months) in the space provided. They must also ensure that accurate marks are entered in the relevant fields.

The following scanned documents must be uploaded, wherever applicable:

1. Attested copy of the mark statement of the qualifying examination or a downloaded mark statement duly certified by the Headmaster/Headmistress concerned.
2. Attested copy of the Community Certificate.
3. In the case of CSI Christians of Madurai–Ramnad Diocese or Christians of other denominations, a scanned copy of the Family Membership Card, Confirmation Certificate, or Baptism Certificate.
4. Applicants with disabilities must upload valid medical certificates in support of their claim.
5. Sports persons who have represented at the District/State level must upload relevant certificates.
6. Applicants whose parents are non-graduates must upload a certificate from the Headmaster/Headmistress of the last school attended to avail the First-Generation Learner reservation.
7. Children of Ex-servicemen/Defence personnel must upload relevant certificates to substantiate their claim.

Submission of Application Forms

Only online submission of applications will be accepted. Application details must be uploaded within seven days from the date of publication of the +2 results. However, for PG programmes completed applications may be submitted up to the day preceding the entrance test. Candidates requiring assistance with the online application process may approach the “May I Help You” desk.

Intimation of Admissions

Candidates who are provisionally selected will receive intimation via email and SMS to their registered email ID and mobile number. Admission will not be guaranteed if the instructions are not strictly followed. Selected candidates are advised not to request postponement of fee payment deadlines. Any delay in payment will be at the candidate’s own risk.

The selection list will be published on the College Notice Board and on the College Website: www.americancollege.edu.in

Mode of Payment

All payments must be made online through Credit Card, Debit Card, or Net Banking via the College Website: www.americancollege.edu.in. Candidates who require assistance with online fee payment may approach the “May I Help You” desk.

Note: Fees once paid will be refunded in accordance with government norms. No refund will be permitted after 30 September 2026.

Submission of Certificates

Selected candidates must submit one passport-size photograph along with the Transfer Certificate (T.C.), Conduct Certificate, and original Mark Statement at the time of the Orientation Programme. Candidates are also advised to retain attested copies of the Higher Secondary Examination Mark Sheet, T.C., and other relevant documents before submitting the originals to the College. These copies may be required for future purposes such as scholarship applications.

Reservation of Seats for Differently Abled Persons

As per Government norms, seats are reserved for persons with disabilities.

DISCLAIMER

The conduct of academic programmes is governed by the rules and regulations of The American College and Madurai Kamaraj University. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided. However, The American College reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to amend or modify the terms, conditions, and fee structure.

The date of commencement of classes will be communicated to the selected candidates.