About College
The Community Science College and Research Institute at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Madurai, originated as the Department of Home Science in 1980 and has evolved into a leading institute in Community Science. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various specialized fields such as Food Science and Nutrition, Human Development and Family Studies, Family Resource Management and Consumer Science, Textile Science and Design, and Extension Education and Communication Management. The college follows a merit-based admission system and ensures curriculum updates every four years to stay current with advancements. With highly qualified faculty and modern facilities, including well-equipped laboratories, ICT-enabled classrooms, and student-centered learning strategies, the college fosters academic excellence. It emphasizes practical exposure, research, and community development through various programs and extension activities, benefiting both students and the broader community. The institute has secured significant research funding, filed patents, and commercialized technologies. Additionally, it focuses on the holistic development of students, encouraging participation in sports, extracurriculars, and community service. The college has demonstrated strong employment outcomes, with a high percentage of students placed in both government and private sectors. With a commitment to skill development and entrepreneurship, the institute actively promotes technology transfer, community development, and nutrition security. Additionally, it has established strong outreach programs to empower youth, women, and local communities. The institute works in close collaboration with national and international institutions to enhance academic excellence and foster innovation.
Vision & Mission
- To provide quality education to make the students technically competent to face the challenges in the chosen field of study and in higher education at National and International level.
- To impart knowledge and skills necessary to work in research laboratories, food industries, health sectors, and at the community level.
- To provide entrepreneurial skills for gainful employment to all graduates.
- To promote academic exchange programmes with national and international educational and research institutes.
- The institute works to harness the valuable contributions of the Alumni who are placed in the Government sector, industry, health sector, as entrepreneurs and other private enterprises for strengthening the institute in the areas of curriculum development, entrepreneurial activity, placement, etc.
Focus Area
The Community Science College and Research Institute focuses on several key areas to address the diverse needs of society, industry, and the economy. These include Food Science and Nutrition, where students gain in-depth knowledge and skills in food processing, value addition, nutrition, and dietetics, with an emphasis on food security and nutrition through research in post-harvest technology, functional foods, and nutraceuticals. The Human Development and Family Studies department focuses on life span development, child care, family counseling, and community development, while promoting better nutrition and infant health. Family Resource Management and Consumer Science targets the overall well-being of families and communities, equipping students for careers in community development and entrepreneurship. The Textile Science and Design department responds to industry demands by preparing students for careers in textile production, design, and value addition, especially through partnerships with local weavers. Lastly, the Extension Education and Communication Management department emphasizes capacity building, preparing students to develop education and training modules for social change, while facilitating technology transfer and community development projects. Together, these areas foster employability, entrepreneurship, and community well-being.
Genesis
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1972 | The Food Technology unit was started at TNAU, Coimbatore. |
| 1980 | The Department of Home Science was established at Agricultural College and Research Institute (AC&RI), Madurai, offering the B.Sc. Home Science degree program. |
| 1981 | The Masters Degree in Food Science and Nutrition was introduced, later renamed M.Sc. (Community Science) in Food and Nutrition. |
| 1982 | The Food Technology unit was renamed as the Department of Food Science and Nutrition. |
| 1984 | The Department of Food Science and Nutrition was shifted to AC&RI, Madurai, to strengthen the B.Sc. Home Science degree program. |
| 1988 | The Doctoral programme in Food Science and Nutrition was introduced, now offered as Ph.D. (Community Science) in Food and Nutrition. |
| 1999 | The B.Sc. (Home Science) degree program was upgraded from a three to a four-year professional degree program. |
| 2000 | The Home Science College and Research Institute was established following the merger of the Department of Home Science and the Department of Food Science and Nutrition. |
| 2014 | The Department of Differently Abled Studies was established as per the UGC guidelines. |
| 2015 | The B.Sc. (Food Nutrition and Dietetics) was introduced, later renamed to B.Sc. (Hons.) Food Nutrition and Dietetics in 2017 based on industry demands. |
| 2017 | The institute was renamed Community Science College and Research Institute as per the recommendations of the Fifth Deans’ Committee of ICAR. |
| 2017 | The B.Sc. (Food Nutrition and Dietetics) program was renamed to B.Sc. (Hons.) Food Nutrition and Dietetics to align with growing food processing and business prospects. |
| 2020 | The National Education Policy 2020 led to the revision of curricula and syllabi of the UG program, increasing total credits to 160. |
| 2021 | The PG programs were revised under PG BSMA 2021, with the institute offering M.Sc. (Community Science) in Food and Nutrition and Ph.D. (Community Science) in Food and Nutrition. |
Activities of the College
The Community Science College and Research Institute at TNAU, Madurai, focuses on integrating education, research, and entrepreneurship to meet global challenges. The college regularly updates its UG and PG curricula based on the latest trends and stakeholder feedback, emphasizing skill development and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. The establishment of the Industrial Linkage Patenting and Global Affairs Hub (IPGAH) in 2022 supports students in commercializing their innovations, guiding them in patenting and industry collaboration. The institute also facilitates internships, student exchange programs, and entrepreneurial training, particularly in agripreneurship and food processing. Through these initiatives, the college aims to promote self-employment, rural development, and food security, while preparing students for impactful careers in industry and research.