Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 30, 2026

The Master of Arts (Economics) at Government Arts College, Udhagamandalam (Ooty) is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme affiliated to Bharathiar University, Coimbatore. The course offers advanced study in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, development economics, international economics, public finance, and research methodology. The total fees for the programme are among the most affordable in the country, at approximately Rs. 1,445 per year, with a total course fee of approximately Rs. 2,890 over two years. The course is offered in both Tamil and English medium with a seat intake of 20. The programme is well-suited for students aspiring to careers in academia, research, civil services, banking, and policy-making, and is a natural progression for BA Economics graduates from the same college.

Admissions for 2026-27 are expected to open through the TNGASA PG portal (tngasa.in) around August 2026. Based on the 2025 schedule, PG admissions typically open in August and close in September, with classes commencing in October. For 2026-27, the tentative application window is expected in August-September 2026, with batch commencement in October 2026.

Key Points

MA Economics at GAC Ooty has a seat intake of 20, making it a small, focused programme with close faculty-student interaction.
The course is offered in both Tamil and English medium.
The Economics department has a strong faculty of 10 members, including multiple PhD holders, ensuring quality postgraduate instruction.
The college is affiliated to Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, and the MA degree is awarded by the university.
Students who complete MA Economics can pursue M.Phil. (Economics) or Ph.D. at the same college or other universities.

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

GAC MA Economics Fees

The MA Economics programme at Government Arts College, Ooty is one of the most affordable postgraduate programmes in Tamil Nadu. The annual fee is approximately Rs. 1,445, with a total course fee of approximately Rs. 2,890 for the 2-year programme. As a government college, there is no separate tuition fee; the charges collected are primarily special fees, examination fees, and other compulsory charges. Hostel facility is available on campus (optional) for both boys and girls.

Fee Structure

Fee Component	Amount (Per Year)
Tuition Fee	Nil (Government College)
Special Fee / Other Compulsory Fees	Rs. 1,445
Total Annual Fee	Rs. 1,445
Total Course Fee (2 Years)	Rs. 2,890
Hostel Fee (Optional)	Available on campus

Hostel is optional and not included in the total course fee above.
Hostel fees are charged separately.
SC/ST students are eligible for full fee waiver under the Tamil Nadu government scholarship schemes.
BC/MBC/DNC students may be eligible for fee reimbursement under the Post-Matric Scholarship scheme.
No EMI or instalment options are typically applicable as fees are minimal.
Fees are subject to revision by the Tamil Nadu government and Bharathiar University.

GAC MA Economics Admission 2026

Admissions to MA Economics at Government Arts College, Ooty are conducted through the TNGASA PG (Tamil Nadu Government Arts and Science Colleges PG Admissions) portal at tngasa.in, managed by the Directorate of Collegiate Education, Government of Tamil Nadu. The process is merit-based on UG marks, with no entrance examination required. Based on the 2025 PG admission schedule, the 2026 admission dates are expected to follow a similar pattern.

College Admission Dates

Event	Tentative Date (2026)
Commencement of Online PG Application (TNGASA Portal)	August 2026
Last Date for PG Application Submission	September 2026
Publication of PG Rank List / Merit List	September 2026
Tentative Allotment Publication	September - October 2026
Reporting to College / Certificate Verification	October 2026
Commencement of Classes	October 2026

No entrance examination is required for MA Economics admission at Government Arts College, Ooty. Admission is merit-based on UG marks through the TNGASA PG portal.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have passed BA Economics or any related UG degree (BA/B.Sc. with Economics as a main subject) from a recognised university.
Minimum 50% marks in UG (relaxation for reserved category candidates as per Tamil Nadu government norms).
Candidates must have studied Economics as a main subject at the UG level.

Admission Process

Register on the TNGASA PG portal (tngasa.in) during the application window.
Fill in personal, academic, and scholarship details online.
Upload required certificates (UG marksheets, community certificate, income certificate, transfer certificate, etc.).
Fill in college and course preferences in order of priority.
Rank list is prepared based on UG marks in Economics.
Allotment is published on the TNGASA PG portal; candidates must report to the allotted college with original certificates.
Complete certificate verification and fee payment at the college to confirm admission.

GAC MA Economics Scholarships 2026

Students admitted to MA Economics at Government Arts College, Ooty are eligible for a wide range of Tamil Nadu state government scholarships and central government schemes. Given the very low fee structure of the college, most students from reserved categories effectively study at near-zero cost. The scholarships are disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and applications are typically accepted between July and October each year.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Amount / Benefit	Application Mode
Post-Matric Scholarship for BC/MBC/DNC Students	BC (income < Rs. 2.5 lakh/year); MBC/DNC (no income limit); enrolled in Govt/Aided college	Full tuition fee waiver + special fees	Offline (through college)
Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST Students	SC/ST students in government-approved colleges	Full fee reimbursement + stipend	Offline / TNSSP Portal
Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS)	Continuing PG students; merit-cum-means	Rs. 20,000 per annum (PG)	Online (scholarships.gov.in)
EVR Nagammai Scholarship	Female PG students in Arts/Science	Variable (covers part of fees)	Offline (through college)
Chief Minister Merit Award (SC/ST)	Top SC/ST students based on UG marks	Rs. 3,000 per annum	Through college/DADWO
Scholarship for Differently Abled Students	Differently-abled students; min. 40% in qualifying exam	Up to Rs. 7,000 per annum	Offline (District Office)

Most scholarships open between July and October each year; students should apply promptly after admission.
SC/ST students at government colleges typically receive full fee waivers, making the effective cost of the programme nil.
Students can apply for only one state scholarship at a time to avoid duplication of benefits.
All scholarship amounts are disbursed via DBT directly to the student's Aadhaar-linked bank account.
Application deadlines: BC/MBC/DNC Post-Matric Scholarship - October 31; SC/ST ADW Scholarship - October 15 (based on 2025 deadlines).

GAC MA Economics FAQs

Ques. What is the eligibility for MA Economics at Government Arts College, Ooty?

Ans. Candidates must have passed BA Economics or a related UG degree with Economics as a main subject from a recognised university. A minimum of 50% marks in UG is generally required (with relaxation for reserved category candidates). Admission is merit-based on UG marks through the TNGASA PG portal.

Ques. What is the seat intake for MA Economics at GAC Ooty?

Ans. The sanctioned seat intake for MA Economics at Government Arts College, Ooty is 20 seats. The course is offered in both Tamil and English medium.

Ques. Can I pursue M.Phil. or Ph.D. in Economics after MA from GAC Ooty?

Ans. Yes. After completing MA Economics from GAC Ooty, students can pursue M.Phil. (Economics) at the same college (subject to availability) or at other universities. Ph.D. in Economics can be pursued at Bharathiar University, Coimbatore (the affiliating university) or other universities. The college has faculty with Ph.D. qualifications who can guide research students.

Ques. What are the career options after MA Economics from GAC Ooty?

Ans. MA Economics graduates can pursue careers in civil services (IAS, IPS, IFS, TNPSC), banking and financial institutions (RBI, NABARD, commercial banks), teaching (after qualifying SET/NET), research organisations, NGOs, international organisations (World Bank, IMF), and policy-making bodies. Many students also appear for UGC NET/SET after MA to qualify for lectureship.

Ques. Is the MA Economics degree from GAC Ooty recognised? Which university awards the degree?

Ans. Yes, the MA Economics degree from Government Arts College, Ooty is fully recognised. The college is affiliated to Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, and the degree is awarded by Bharathiar University. The college is recognised by the UGC and the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Ques. Are hostel facilities available for PG students at Government Arts College, Ooty?

Ans. Yes, Government Arts College, Ooty has both boys and girls hostels on campus. PG students are also eligible to apply for hostel accommodation. The hostel rooms are non-AC and are furnished with basic amenities (bed, table, chair, wardrobe) with security. Hostel fees are charged separately from the course fees and are optional. Students should contact the college administration directly for hostel availability and fee details.