C. Kandaswami Naidu College in Anna Nagar opens undergraduate courses to women

C. Kandaswami Naidu College for Men in Anna Nagar is transitioning into a co-educational institution by admitting female students to its undergraduate courses for the first time in the current academic year. The shift, driven by a growing parental preference for inclusive learning environments and declining enrollment in single-gender institutions, marks a major change for the 60-year-old college run by the Pachaiyappas Trust Board.

The college, which previously took initial steps towards co-education in its evening college, is targeting a significant female enrollment this year. According to V. M. Muthuramalinga Andavar, the principal of C. Kandaswami Naidu College, the institution hopes to fill at least 30 percent of its undergraduate seats with women during this academic year, with plans to increase this ratio to 50 percent in the coming years.

Along with the Anna Nagar institution, the Pachaiyappas Trust Board is also transitioning the 184-year-old Pachaiyappa’s College on Poonamalee High Road into a co-educational system at the undergraduate level. Previously, Pachaiyappa's College had only introduced co-education at the post-graduate level. This academic year marks the first time undergraduate courses at both colleges will feature mixed-gender classrooms.

Other institutions in Chennai are also adopting co-education. Annai Veilankanni’s College of Arts and Science in Saidapet has opened its doors to both boys and girls for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses starting this academic year. V. Radhika, the principal of Annai Veilankanni's College, stated that many parents and students are increasingly preferring co-educational institutes.

Educational experts and administrators highlight several positive outcomes of mixed-gender classrooms. G. J. Manohar, the secretary of the MCC Association and former headmaster of MCC Higher Secondary School—which previously transitioned from a boys-only school to enrolling girls—stated that children studying in mixed groups are better at appreciating gender values, and mutual respect is developed. He added that such environments prepare students for today's all-inclusive workplaces.

Nirmala Krishnan, an educational consultant, noted that research shows those who grow up and learn in an inclusive environment are emotionally stronger and more confident. She emphasized that gender sensitisation is best learned and experienced in a mixed environment.