The inception of the undergraduate programme of the Department of Physics with strength of 24 students in the English medium was in June 1974. Prior to this date, the college functioned as a Govt. Arts college for men. In 1979, the Tamil medium section was introduced thereby bringing into vogue the medium of instruction in vernacular language. It provides an opportunity for many students to be first generation learners. The location of the college and the good quality of education made available, has gradually enhanced the students strength over the years.

The credit to the consistent growth of the department goes to the untiring and relentless efforts of the committed team of staff members. Good results were produced in all the 42 batches of students graduating from the University of Madras, of which 12 batches of students passing out from the Autonomy system of education. This is a testimony, to the unstinted efforts of the dedicated and dynamic team of staff members and equally hardworking students.

The accomplished staff members of the physics department have the distinction of being resourced persons, publishing papers in high impact journals of national and international reputation and presenting papers in emerging fields at both national and international levels.

The department focuses on an overall growth of the students. Due attention is given to develop the acumen of the students both in the classroom and in the laboratory. Emphasis is laid on installing a scientific temperament in the students.