Pondicherry University M.A Mass Communication: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Pondicherry, PuducherryCentral UniversityEstd 1985NAAC Grade A+
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 8, 2026

Pondicherry University's Master of Arts (MA) in Mass Communication is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme offered by the Department of Electronic Media and Mass Communication under the School of Media and Communication. Established in 2008, the programme trains students across print, television, digital journalism, radio production, advertising, public relations, film studies, development communication, and disaster communication. The total course fee is Rs. 32,142 for the entire 2-year programme, making it one of the most affordable mass communication programmes at a central university in India. With a seat intake of 60 students and admission based on CUET-PG scores, the programme draws students from across the country. The course is offered in full-time, on-campus mode at the Pondicherry campus.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic session are expected to be based on CUET-PG 2026 scores. The CUET-PG 2026 exam was conducted from March 6 to March 27, 2026, and results are expected by May 6, 2026. Pondicherry University typically releases its PG merit list and conducts counselling in June-July. Based on the 2025-26 cycle, counselling was held in early July 2025. Candidates are advised to monitor the official admissions portal at admissions.pondiuni.edu.in for the 2026-27 schedule.

Key Points

  • The programme covers a wide range of media specialisations including journalism (print, TV, digital, radio), advertising, public relations, film studies, development communication, health communication, and disaster communication.
  • Students receive hands-on training in photojournalism, aerial photography, video editing, sound recording, TV and radio production, and documentary filmmaking using professional broadcast equipment.
  • The department uses theatre-in-education, role-playing, and performance-based pedagogy to teach journalism ethics, principles, and practices, making it a unique learning experience.
  • The programme has a special focus on disaster communication, which is particularly relevant given the university's coastal location in Puducherry.
  • The department attracts visiting practitioners from the media industry for workshops and guest lectures, supplementing regular faculty teaching.
  • 25% of seats are reserved for candidates from the Union Territory of Puducherry.
  • 2 seats are reserved for Army personnel under the university's MoU with the Indian Army.
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Pondicherry University Latest Updates and News

03 Feb, 2026 Pondicherry University Fee Structure 2026 is out for M.A Mass Communication programs. The total academic fee is ₹ 39,347 . Read more.

PU MA Mass Communication Fees

The MA Mass Communication programme at Pondicherry University is highly affordable, with a total course fee of Rs. 32,142 for the entire 2-year programme. The first semester involves the highest payment of Rs. 19,042, which includes all one-time charges such as the Amenities Development Fund, University Development Fund, and Alumni Association Fund. Semesters II and IV are Rs. 1,700 each, while Semester III is Rs. 9,700. A caution deposit of Rs. 1,000 is refundable upon leaving the university.

Course Fee Structure

Fee ComponentSem I (Rs.)Sem II (Rs.)Sem III (Rs.)Sem IV (Rs.)Total (Rs.)
Tuition Fee1,5001,5001,5001,5006,000
Registration Fee300---300
Matriculation Fee100---100
Recognition Fee400---400
Sports Fund500-500-1,000
Medical Examination / Facilities Fund600-600-1,200
Library Fund1,500-1,500-3,000
Computer Lab Fund2,000-2,000-4,000
Amenities Development Fund6,000---6,000
Students' Welfare Fund400-400-800
Alumni Association Fund200---200
Caution Deposit (Refundable)1,000---1,000
Placement Activity Fund200200200200800
Academic Activity Fund1,000-1,000-2,000
Digital Activity Fund2,000-2,000-4,000
Group Medical Insurance142---142
University Development Fund1,200---1,200
Total Fees19,0421,7009,7001,70032,142
  • Caution Deposit of Rs. 1,000 is refundable upon leaving the university, subject to clearance of all dues.
  • SC/ST students who are eligible for Post-matric scholarships are permitted to pay fees after receiving the scholarship amount, by submitting an undertaking at the time of admission.
  • Fees must be paid within 90 days of admission.
  • Differently abled students are exempted from payment of all fees (except refundable caution deposit and Group Medical Insurance premium).
  • Late payment fine: Rs. 5 per day for the first 10 days; Rs. 10 per day thereafter.
  • Hostel fees are separate and not included in the above.

Hostel Fees (Optional - Not Mandatory)

Hostel Fee ComponentAmount
Room Rent (PG Students)Rs. 900 per annum
General Amenities FundRs. 700 per annum
Establishment ChargesRs. 300 per annum
Application Fee (one-time, at admission)Rs. 75
Caution Deposit (Refundable)Rs. 3,000 (one-time)
Mess FeesAs per prevailing rates (paid per semester)
  • Hostel accommodation is not mandatory.
  • SC/ST students are exempt from room rent.
  • Hostel is subject to availability; preference is given to students from distant places.

PU MA Mass Communication Admission 2026

Admissions to MA Mass Communication at Pondicherry University are based on CUET-PG scores, specifically the COQP17 test paper. The university prepares a merit list based on CUET-PG scores and conducts counselling for seat allotment. For 2026-27, the CUET-PG 2026 exam has been conducted and results are awaited. Candidates should register on the official admissions portal and track merit list announcements. Based on the 2025-26 cycle, counselling was held in early July 2025 and the academic session commenced in August 2025.

PU PG Admission Key Dates

EventTentative Date (2026-27)
CUET-PG 2026 Application StartDecember 14, 2025
CUET-PG 2026 Application EndJanuary 25, 2026
CUET-PG 2026 Admit CardMarch 3, 2026
CUET-PG 2026 ExamMarch 6 - March 27, 2026
CUET-PG 2026 ResultMay 6, 2026
PU PG Application / RegistrationMay - June 2026 (Tentative)
Provisional Merit List ReleaseJune 2026 (Tentative)
Counselling / Seat AllotmentJuly 2026 (Tentative)
Commencement of ClassesAugust 2026 (Tentative)

CUET-PG Exam Dates

EventDate
Application StartDecember 14, 2025
Application EndJanuary 25, 2026
Admit Card ReleaseMarch 3, 2026
Exam DatesMarch 6 - March 27, 2026
Result DeclarationMay 6, 2026
CUET-PG Test Paper Code for MA Mass CommunicationCOQP17

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% of marks from a recognised university under the 10+2+3 system.
  • SC/ST candidates who have passed the qualifying examination are eligible to apply irrespective of the percentage of marks obtained.
  • Candidates awaiting their final year results are also eligible to apply, subject to producing mark sheets/degree certificates before the notified date.

Admission Process

  • Register and apply for CUET-PG 2026 on the NTA portal (cuet.nta.nic.in) and appear for the COQP17 test paper.
  • Register separately on Pondicherry University's admissions portal (admissions.pondiuni.edu.in) once PU opens its PG application window.
  • Merit list is prepared based on CUET-PG scores; candidates are called for counselling in order of merit.
  • Attend counselling on the allotted date with original documents for verification.
  • Pay the prescribed fees and complete the admission formalities to confirm the seat.
  • 70% attendance is mandatory to appear for semester examinations.

Pondicherry University: Students' Opinion

AI-Generated Summary based on 4 Reviews

The course is conducted by a capable faculty, including HOD Radhika Khanna and esteemed professors like Dr. Haneef, Dr. Samarjit Kacharia, and Dr. Arul Selvan, all known for their expertise and supportive teaching methods. A mandatory one-month internship provides practical experience, with some students securing placements through faculty guidance while others find opportunities independently. The course fee is 50,000 for four semesters at this central university, which includes tuition and other charges.

Despite the reasonable fees, affordability may still be a concern for students from lower economic backgrounds. There are no formal placements, but faculty offer job insights, and many alumni pass the NET exam to become professors or work in TV channels. Scholarships are available, providing 20,000 in the first year and 25,000 in the second year. Hostel fees are 30,000 for the first year and 35,000 for the second year.

Admission is based on the CUCET exam rank.

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PU MA Mass Communication Scholarships 2026

Pondicherry University offers multiple scholarship options for MA Mass Communication students, ranging from university-level merit scholarships to government-funded fellowships for reserved category students. The university's own Merit and Merit-cum-Means scholarships are available to all PG students, while central government schemes provide additional support for SC/ST, OBC, minority, and girl students. These scholarships can significantly offset the already low course fees.

Available Scholarships

ScholarshipEligibilityAmount
Merit Scholarship (University)Top 3 rankers in CUET-PG / semester SGPARs. 2,000 / Rs. 1,500 / Rs. 1,000 per month (Rank 1/2/3)
Merit-cum-Means (MCM) Scholarship20% of PG students; parental income below Rs. 2.5 lakh p.a.; min. 70% attendance; pass in all papersRs. 750 per month
Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl ChildSingle girl child pursuing PG programmeAs per UGC norms
PG Merit Scholarship for University Rank HoldersUniversity rank holders at UG levelAs per UGC norms
Govt. of India SC/ST/OBC ScholarshipSC/ST/OBC studentsAs per respective state/central government norms
Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST)SC/ST students eligible for post-matric scholarshipCovers tuition and other fees
National Fellowship for Higher Education of ST Students (NFST)ST students pursuing PG/researchAs per Ministry of Tribal Affairs norms
Adi Dravidar Welfare Scholarship (Puducherry Govt.)SC/ST students from UT of PuducherryAs per Puducherry government norms
  • Students are eligible for only one scholarship at a time.
  • MCM Scholarship requires minimum 70% monthly attendance and passing all registered papers each semester.
  • For the first semester, Merit and MCM scholarships are sanctioned based on CUET-PG entrance exam marks; for subsequent semesters, based on SGPA.
  • SC/ST students may defer fee payment until receipt of scholarship, subject to submission of an undertaking and payment within 90 days of admission.

PU MA Mass Communication FAQs

Ques. What is the CUET-PG test paper code for MA Mass Communication at Pondicherry University, and what subjects does it cover?

Ans. The CUET-PG test paper code for MA Mass Communication at Pondicherry University is COQP17. The test covers topics related to Media, Communication and Society, Media Laws, Media Current Affairs, Journalism, Advertising, Corporate Communication, Media History and Recent Trends in Media, Digital Media, English, and Maths/Logical Thinking and Communication. Candidates should prepare accordingly for this specific paper.

Ques. Does Pondicherry University's MA Mass Communication programme have dedicated studio and production facilities?

Ans. Yes, the Department of Electronic Media and Mass Communication at Pondicherry University has practical training facilities for students. The programme provides training in photojournalism, aerial photography, video editing, sound recording, TV and radio production, and documentary filmmaking. Students get hands-on experience with professional broadcast technologies and photography equipment. The department also conducts workshops handled by media practitioners to supplement classroom learning.

Ques. Is there a 25% reservation for Puducherry UT candidates in MA Mass Communication? How does it work?

Ans. Yes, 25% of the seats in MA Mass Communication at Pondicherry University are reserved for candidates from the Union Territory of Puducherry. To qualify as a Puducherry resident, a candidate must meet specific criteria such as continuous residence in the UT for at least 5 years, or having studied for 5 successive classes in a recognised institution in the UT, or being a child of a Central/State Government employee posted in the UT for at least 3 continuous years. Candidates must produce the prescribed Puducherry State Residence Certificate at the time of admission.

Ques. What are the career options after completing MA Mass Communication from Pondicherry University?

Ans. MA Mass Communication graduates from Pondicherry University can pursue careers in print journalism, television journalism, digital media, radio broadcasting, advertising, public relations, corporate communications, content creation, documentary filmmaking, development communication, and NGO communication. The proximity of the university to Chennai (approximately 2.5 hours away) provides access to internship opportunities in media organisations. Graduates can also appear for UGC-NET to pursue teaching or research careers.

Ques. Is there a separate entrance test or interview for MA Mass Communication admission at Pondicherry University?

Ans. No, there is no separate university-level entrance test or interview for MA Mass Communication at Pondicherry University. Admission is entirely based on CUET-PG scores (COQP17 test paper). The university prepares a merit list based on these scores and conducts counselling for seat allotment. Candidates simply need to register on the PU admissions portal after CUET-PG results are declared and attend counselling as per their merit rank.

Ques. Can students from non-journalism or non-media backgrounds apply for MA Mass Communication at Pondicherry University?

Ans. Yes, the eligibility criterion for MA Mass Communication at Pondicherry University is a Bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks. There is no requirement for a background in journalism, media, or communication at the undergraduate level. This makes the programme accessible to graduates from arts, science, commerce, and other streams who wish to transition into the media and communication field.

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