Adaikalamatha College, Thanjavur, is among the top-ranking colleges providing various undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral courses across various streams. The NCTE-approved college has a clearly defined admission process to choose suitable candidates for its vast array of academic programmes. The admission process at Adaikalamatha College usually starts after the announcement of results of qualifying tests.

Merit as a criterion on marks obtained in qualifying exams or entrance tests being the primary requirement for admissions, since as per the policy of the state government, UT administration policy, and policy of the concerned university. For the majority of the programmes, the Adaikalamatha College accepts merit-based direct admissions. Requirements vary by department and course one wishes to pursue.