The University of Madras Syndicate has approved a proposal to introduce a Master of Arts (MA) programme in Christian Studies across its affiliated arts and science colleges from the 2026–27 academic year, with the Tamil Nadu State Council for Higher Education (TANSCHE) being authorised to frame the curriculum, as reported in Dinamalar.
The decision was taken at a Syndicate meeting held at the university campus on 6 November 2026, chaired by Higher Education Department Secretary Dheeraj Kumar. Around 45 subjects were discussed at the meeting.
The proposal had originally been recommended by the Board of Studies in Christian Studies (Common), which met on May 11, 2026, under the chairmanship of Dr K. James Ponniah. The Board recommended introducing the MA programme in affiliated arts and science colleges, with the course following the TANSCHE-prescribed template.
The proposal was subsequently placed before the University Syndicate as Agenda Item No. 6 for consideration.
This is Madras University Syndicate meeting agenda
See item 6 of the agenda and explanation at page 34
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According to reports, the Syndicate has now authorised TANSCHE to frame the curriculum for the programme. Once the curriculum is finalised, the university will decide on granting permission to affiliated colleges seeking to offer the course.
The development comes amid questions over the academic content and objectives of the proposed programme. While the academic study of Christianity, its scriptures, history and traditions is distinct from religious instruction, the precise nature of the syllabus will be important in determining the programme’s academic scope.
Article 28 of the Constitution prohibits religious instruction in educational institutions wholly maintained out of State funds. The Supreme Court, in its 2002 judgement in Aruna Roy v. Union of India, distinguished academic study of religions from religious instruction involving the teaching of religious doctrines and practices.
The proposal also brings renewed attention to an earlier controversy involving Loyola College’s MA Philosophy programme at its Sathya Nilayam campus in Thiruvanmiyur.
In August 2025, the University of Madras submitted a report to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) flagging several irregularities in the programme, including its conduct at a location other than the approved college campus without the requisite university permission. The university had also raised concerns over infrastructure, faculty appointments and compliance with admission norms. It subsequently barred the college from admitting students to the programme for three years.
The University of Madras itself has had a Department of Christian Studies since 1984, offering postgraduate and research programmes in the discipline. The present proposal seeks to extend the MA Christian Studies programme to its affiliated colleges.
The Syndicate also approved promotions for eight professors and an increase in fees for issuing combined MPhil and PhD certificates.
Earlier, the university charged Rs 2,500 plus GST for combined MPhil and PhD certificates. Under the revised fee structure, the charges have been fixed as follows:
- MPhil: Rs 2,500 plus 18% GST.
- PhD graduates of the University of Madras: Rs 3,000 plus 18% GST.
- PhD graduates of other universities: Rs 3,500 plus 18% GST.
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