The Bachelor of Arts in Tamil at St. Xavier's College (Autonomous), Palayamkottai is a 3-year full-time undergraduate programme offered in regular on-campus mode, affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University. The course provides a comprehensive study of Tamil language, literature, grammar (Ilakkanam), classical and modern Tamil texts, Tamil culture, and linguistics. It is one of the oldest and most respected Tamil departments in the Tirunelveli-Palayamkottai region. The programme is offered in two shifts: Shift 1 (Aided/Government-funded) with significantly subsidised fees, and Shift 2 (Self-Finance) with a total fee of approximately ₹72,000 for 3 years. The course is popular among students who wish to pursue careers in Tamil teaching, journalism, civil services (Tamil medium), translation, and Tamil literature research. The college's NAAC A++ accreditation and NIRF 2024 rank of 36th among colleges in India add significant value to the degree.
Admissions for 2026-27 are currently open. The UG Online Registration commenced on 20 April 2026. Applications must be submitted within 10 working days after the publication of Tamil Nadu State Board 10+2 results (expected May/June 2026). No entrance exam is required for BA Tamil; admission is purely merit-based on 10+2 marks. Eligibility requires Tamil as a First Language in Plus Two.
Key Points
Shift 1 (Aided Programme):
| Fee Component | Per Semester (INR) | Total for 3 Years (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | ₹5,500 | ₹33,000 |
| Examination Fee | ₹920 | ₹5,520 |
| Other Charges (Special Fee, Miscellaneous, College Development) | ₹330 | ₹1,980 |
| Total Fees (Shift 1 - Aided) | ₹6,750 | ₹40,500 |
| Fee Component | Per Semester (INR) | Total for 3 Years (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | ₹11,080 | ₹66,480 |
| Examination Fee | ₹920 | ₹5,520 |
| Other Charges (Special Fee, Miscellaneous) | ₹1,440 | ₹8,640 |
| Total Fees (Shift 2 - Self Finance) | ₹13,440 | ₹80,640 |
| Component | Per Semester (INR) |
|---|---|
| Hostel Accommodation | ₹15,000 |
| Mess Fee | ₹2,500 |
| Total Hostel Fee (per semester) | ₹17,500 |
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| UG Online Registration Opens | 20 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | Within 10 working days after TN State Board 10+2 result declaration (expected May/June 2026) |
| Tamil Nadu State Board 10+2 Result (Expected) | May 2026 |
| Merit List / Selection Notification | June 2026 (Tentative, after result declaration) |
| Batch Commencement | July 2026 (Tentative) |
BA Tamil at SXC Palayamkottai does not require any entrance exam. Admission is based solely on 10+2 marks. No CUET or TANCET score is required for this programme.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount / Benefit | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu Government Post-Matric Scholarship (BC/MBC/DNC) | BC, MBC, DNC category students with family income below prescribed limit | Tuition fee reimbursement + maintenance allowance | Apply through Tamil Nadu e-Scholarship portal; renewal required annually |
| Tamil Nadu Government Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST) | SC/ST students (Hindu) - Government of India scheme; SC/ST Christian students - State Government scheme | Full tuition fee reimbursement + maintenance allowance | Apply through National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or TN e-Scholarship portal |
| Minority Scholarship (Central Government) | Minority community students (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi, Jain) with family income below Rs. 2 Lakh per annum and minimum 50% marks in previous exam | Up to Rs. 10,000 per year (maintenance + tuition) | Apply through National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) |
| Jesuit Education Support (JES) | Catholic/Christian students with demonstrated financial need, studying in Jesuit-run institutions | Partial to full fee support depending on need | Application form available on the college website; apply at the beginning of the academic year |
| Merit-Based Scholarship (College) | Students with high academic performance (top rankers) | Stipend / fee concession (amount varies) | Awarded by the college; details announced at the start of each academic year |
| Government School Students Scholarship | Students who completed schooling from Tamil Nadu government schools | Fee concession / scholarship | Specific to Tamil Nadu government school alumni; details available at the college office |
Ques. Is Tamil as a First Language mandatory for admission to BA Tamil at SXC Palayamkottai?
Ans. Yes, the eligibility criterion for BA Tamil at SXC Palayamkottai specifically requires that the candidate must have studied Tamil as a First Language in Plus Two (10+2). Students from any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts) can apply, as long as Tamil was their First Language subject. This is a standard requirement for BA Tamil programmes across Tamil Nadu colleges, as the course involves advanced study of Tamil grammar, classical literature, and linguistic analysis that presupposes a strong foundation in the language from school level.
Ques. What is the difference between Shift 1 (Aided) and Shift 2 (Self-Finance) for BA Tamil?
Ans. Shift 1 (Aided) runs in the morning (approximately 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM) and is government-funded, meaning the Tamil Nadu State Government subsidises the tuition fees, making it significantly more affordable. Shift 2 (Self-Finance) runs in the afternoon (approximately 1:45 PM to 6:15 PM) and is entirely self-funded, with a total fee of approximately Rs. 72,000 for 3 years. Students with higher 10+2 marks are generally given preference for Shift 1 seats. Both shifts follow the same curriculum and are affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University. The key difference is the fee structure and timing of classes.
Ques. What career options are available after completing BA Tamil from SXC Palayamkottai?
Ans. A BA Tamil degree from SXC Palayamkottai opens up several career paths. The most common route is pursuing MA Tamil (available at the college itself in Shift 1 - Aided) followed by a career in Tamil teaching at school or college level (requiring B.Ed or SET/NET qualification). Other career options include Tamil journalism, content writing in Tamil, translation services, civil services (Tamil medium), Tamil publishing, and government jobs where Tamil language proficiency is required. The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) exams are a popular career destination for BA Tamil graduates. The college's strong academic reputation enhances the value of the degree for competitive examinations.
Ques. Does SXC Palayamkottai offer MA Tamil as well, and what are the prospects after BA Tamil?
Ans. Yes, SXC Palayamkottai offers MA Tamil in Shift 1 (Aided programme), making it a natural progression for BA Tamil graduates from the same college. The MA Tamil programme covers advanced Tamil literature, research methodology, and specialised areas of Tamil studies. After MA Tamil, students can pursue M.Phil or Ph.D in Tamil (the college also offers research programmes), qualify for college-level teaching through SET/NET, or pursue TNPSC Group I/II/IV examinations. The college's autonomous status and NAAC A++ accreditation make its Tamil degrees well-regarded by employers and academic institutions across Tamil Nadu.
Ques. When does the 2026-27 admission process start, and what documents are needed?
Ans. The UG Online Registration for 2026-27 commenced on 20 April 2026 on the official college portal (stxavierstn.edu.in). The last date to submit the application is within 10 working days after the Tamil Nadu State Board 10+2 results are declared (expected in May 2026). Documents required for the application include: passport-size photo (50-300 KB), scanned signature (30-100 KB), community certificate (if applicable), 10+2 mark statement (80-300 KB), and Baptism Certificate, Disability Certificate, Ex-Serviceman Certificate, or Income Certificate if applicable. The application fee is Rs. 100, payable online.
Ques. Are there any special programmes or activities for BA Tamil students at SXC Palayamkottai?
Ans. Yes, the Tamil Department at SXC Palayamkottai is known for its active academic and cultural life. Students participate in Tamil literary competitions, oratory contests (Pattimandram), poetry recitation, and inter-collegiate Tamil events. The college's annual cultural festival INDECO provides a platform for Tamil students to showcase their talents in Tamil drama, music, and literature. The college library has an extensive collection of Tamil books, classical texts, and research journals. The department also organises seminars and guest lectures by Tamil scholars and writers, providing students with exposure to contemporary Tamil literary discourse beyond the classroom curriculum.
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