Kerala University MA Linguistics: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

The Master of Arts (MA) in Linguistics at the University of Kerala is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme offered at the Department of Linguistics, Kariavattom Campus, Thiruvananthapuram. The programme spans 4 semesters and covers the scientific study of language, including phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, computational linguistics, and language documentation. The total fee for the programme is approximately ₹5,410 for the entire duration. Admission is through the university-level CSS PG Entrance Examination. With 24 seats available, the programme is popular among students interested in language sciences, language teaching, translation, computational linguistics, and academic research.

Admissions for the 2026-27 batch are currently open. The last date to apply online is 30 April 2026. The entrance examination is scheduled from 18 May to 24 May 2026, with the rank list expected to be published on 17 June 2026 and classes commencing from 16 July 2026.

Key Points

• The Department of Linguistics at Kerala University is one of the oldest and most reputed linguistics departments in India, with a strong tradition of research in Dravidian linguistics, language documentation, and computational linguistics.
• Admission is through the university-conducted CSS PG Entrance Examination; no external exam like CUET PG is required.
• Any Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university is eligible; no specific undergraduate background in linguistics is required.
• The programme provides a strong foundation for careers in language technology, natural language processing (NLP), translation, and language teaching.
• The rank list is prepared based on percentile scores in the entrance exam, with negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer.
• SC/ST candidates are exempted from the entrance examination and are admitted directly to vacant seats.

KU MA Linguistics Fees

Fees

Hostel Fees (Optional - Not Mandatory)

• All fees except tuition fee are collected at the time of admission (Semester 1).
• Tuition fee of Rs. ₹840 is collected at the commencement of each semester.
• Caution Deposit is applicable as per existing university rules and is refundable at the time of leaving the university, subject to no dues.
• SC/ST candidates admitted against merit or reserved seats are fully exempted from payment of all fees at the time of admission.
• OEC (Other Eligible Community) candidates are also exempted from fee payment at the time of admission to PG programmes, irrespective of annual family income, as per G.O. (MS) No. 36/07/SCSTDD dated 03.07.2007.
• The Student Care Fund of Rs. ₹200 is a one-time payment for the entire 2-year duration.
• No EMI option is officially available; fees are paid semester-wise.
• Hostel is optional and not mandatory.
• The university has separate PG hostels for men and women at Kariavattom Campus.
• Hostel admission is restricted to students whose residence is at least 40 km from the hostel (except PWD candidates).
• Mess charges are separate and paid monthly.

KU MA Linguistics Admission 2026

Kerala University MA Linguistics Admission Schedule 2026-27

Entrance Exam Details

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Any Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university is eligible for admission to MA Linguistics.
• Candidates must have a minimum CGPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale, or 5.0 on a 10-point scale, or 50% marks in the qualifying degree. Relaxation of 5% is available for SC/ST and PWD candidates.
• Candidates awaiting final year results may also apply but must fulfil eligibility at the time of admission.

Admission Process

• Register online at admissions.keralauniversity.ac.in/css2026/ and pay the registration fee (Rs. ₹1,500 for General; Rs. ₹750 for SC/ST).
• Appear for the CSS PG Entrance Examination on the allotted date and centre.
• Rank list is prepared based on percentile scores in the entrance exam.
• Candidates are allotted seats based on rank, category, and preference.
• Report to the Department of Linguistics, Kariavattom Campus with original documents and pay the prescribed fees at the time of admission.
• APAAR ID is mandatory for all candidates at the time of admission.

KU MA Linguistics Scholarships 2026

Scholarships

• University Merit Scholarships are awarded based on performance in university examinations and are discontinued in case of failure.
• Applications for government scholarships (e-Grantz, NSP) are typically invited at the beginning of the academic year.
• SC/ST and OEC students must produce relevant community certificates at the time of admission to avail fee exemptions.