It is an unlikely anecdote for a take on college admissions but Madras Christian College (MCC) Principal Alexander Mantramurthy makes it a point to talk about it. A boy who had failed thrice in school once sought admission to MCC for a course in political science. Although his application was rejected, Mantramurthy acted on instinct and called him. Finding that the youngster was keen to learn the subject, he decided to give him a chance. It was a decision he never regretted-the student passed with Distinction. Against a past as proud as this, the rise of the Chennai-based MCC from the No. 6 slot in the 2002 survey to No. 1 this year has come as another feather in its 166-year-old cap. Known for blending freedom with discipline and academic science with social work, it is constantly adapting to the changing times. The Academic Council meets twice a year to review the syllabus. While the faculty and students are active in research, every department has projects funded by the UGC, Department of Science and Technology or foreign agencies.

ALEXANDER MANTRAMURTHY, Principal, MCC: "It is back to the basic sciences now."

According to the survey, perceptions about infrastructure and placements at MCC have gone up. Factually also, two courses in microbiology and visual communication were added last year, with four more self-financing programmes planned this session. "After the mad rush for professional courses, it is back to the basic sciences now," says Mantramurthy.

A former student of MCC who took over its reins in 1999, Mantramurthy is tuned in to reality. Affable and accessible, he is a student's principal and does not believe in leading from the front. "Leading with the team works better," he contends. This works with the faculty too. When Mantramurthy took over as principal, a legal wrangle over the dismissal of some teachers had cast a shadow over MCC. But he appeared in court and took back the teachers who stood by the court directive.

A man of high thinking, Mantramurthy believes students must play a larger role in society. Accordingly, the college has adopted several villages where students provide healthcare and vocational training.

It is not all work and no play at MCC though. With the 365-acre campus housing a cricket field with an Australian turf, four football and two hockey fields and two courts each for tennis, volleyball and basketball, sports is high on the agenda.

While academics and action clearly make for a heady cocktail at MCC, there are other science departments that are also in a celebratory mood. Presidency College, Kolkata, in second place, has been consistently moving up a notch for the past three years. This perhaps has much to do with its career-oriented approach. The college has also upped its tally of post-graduate courses to eight from three last year. "This means we will also get the best among academics," says Principal Amitava Chatterjee.

WINNING FORMULA: Presidency, Kolkata has a career-oriented approach

Looking forward to an equally bright future is third-ranking Presidency, Chennai, which has got a Rs 65 lakh UGC grant and has recorded a turnout of 87 PhDs. Among the other major gainers are Lucknow University and the Delhi-based Daulat Ram College for Women and Hansraj College, which figure in the Top 10 this year.

As for the losers, Loyola has slipped to the fourth place from the top position last year. St Xavier's, Mumbai, too fell to No. 6 from No. 2, the main reason being a decline in the perception of student care. For these two colleges, which have come up tops in the arts stream, it is a case of win some, lose some.

— Arun Ram