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The Bachelor of Arts [B.A.] (Research) in Journalism and Mass Communication is a 3-year full-time undergraduate programme offered at Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU), Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The 'Research' designation reflects the programme's emphasis on research methodology, critical media analysis, and investigative journalism alongside core journalism and mass communication subjects. The programme covers print journalism, broadcast journalism, digital media, public relations, advertising, media law, and communication research. The total course fee is approximately Rs. 11,550 for the entire 3-year programme, making it one of the most affordable journalism programmes in India. Admission is merit-based with no entrance examination, and the mode of study is full-time on-campus. The course is popular among students aspiring to careers in print and digital media, television, radio, public relations, advertising, and content creation.

Admissions for the academic year 2026-27 are currently open at MKU. Online applications are being accepted from 1 March 2026 with the last date being 4 April 2026. The batch is expected to commence in July 2026.

Key Points

MKU is accredited with A++ grade (4th Cycle, 2021) by NAAC and ranked 9th among Government Multidisciplinary Universities in India (Education World, 2022).
The B.A. (Research) designation integrates research methodology and media studies into the undergraduate curriculum, preparing students for both industry and academic careers.
The programme is offered in English medium and covers print, broadcast, digital media, public relations, advertising, and communication research.
MKU's School of Journalism and Mass Communication has a strong tradition of producing media professionals and researchers.
Graduates can pursue M.A. Journalism and Mass Communication at MKU's main campus after completing this programme.
The extremely affordable fee structure (total Rs. 11,550 for 3 years) makes this programme accessible to students from all economic backgrounds.

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

MKU BA (Research) Journalism Fees

The B.A. (Research) Journalism and Mass Communication programme at MKU is among the most affordable journalism programmes in India. The total course fee for the entire 3-year programme is Rs. 11,550. SC/ST students are exempt from tuition fees as per Tamil Nadu Government norms.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount
Total Course Fee (3 Years)	Rs. 11,550
Total Annual Fee (Approx.)	Rs. 3,850 per year

SC/ST students are exempt from tuition fees as per Tamil Nadu Government norms.
Application fee for UG programmes at MKU is Rs. 500 (non-entrance programmes).
Hostel facility is available on the MKU main campus (optional). Hostel fees are approximately Rs. 24,000-28,500 per year. Hostel is not mandatory for this programme.
Fees are subject to revision by the university/government for each academic year.
The above fee is the total academic fee; examination fees may be charged separately.

MKU BA (Research) Journalism Admission 2026

Admission to B.A. (Research) Journalism and Mass Communication at MKU is merit-based, with selection determined by marks obtained in the Higher Secondary Certificate (+2) examination. There is no entrance examination for this programme. The online application process for 2026-27 is currently open at the MKU admission portal (admissions.mkuniversity.ac.in).

Admission Schedule

Event	Date/Period
Online Application Start	1 March 2026
Last Date for Online Application	4 April 2026
Merit List Publication	May-June 2026 (Tentative)
Counselling / Admission	June-July 2026 (Tentative)
Commencement of Classes	July 2026 (Tentative)

Relevant Exam Dates

Exam	Relevance	Remarks
Tamil Nadu Higher Secondary Exam (TNHSE / +2)	Qualifying Exam	Marks used for merit-based admission
UGC NET (Mass Communication)	Post-graduation career	For those pursuing research/teaching after M.A.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have passed the Higher Secondary Certificate (+2) examination or equivalent from a recognised board.
No specific subject requirement at +2 level; any stream (Arts/Science/Commerce) is eligible.
Candidates from other states are considered under the Open Competition category.

Admission Process

Visit the MKU admission portal (admissions.mkuniversity.ac.in) and register online.
Fill the application form and upload required documents: +2 mark sheet, community certificate, photograph, and signature.
Pay the application fee of Rs. 500 online (SC/ST candidates are exempted for the first application).
Merit list will be published on the university website based on +2 marks.
Selected candidates must report for document verification and fee payment on the specified date.
Tamil Nadu Government reservation policy is strictly followed.

MKU BA (Research) Journalism Scholarships 2026

Students enrolled in B.A. (Research) Journalism and Mass Communication at MKU are eligible for a range of government and institutional scholarships. SC/ST students benefit from full tuition fee exemption under Tamil Nadu Government norms, while BC and MBC students can avail of state government scholarships. Given the very low fee structure, even a modest scholarship can cover the entire course cost.

Available Scholarships

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount	Provider
Tamil Nadu Government BC/MBC Scholarship	BC/MBC students with family income below prescribed limit	Varies (covers tuition and maintenance)	Govt. of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Government SC/ST Scholarship	SC/ST and Christian AdiDravidar students	Full tuition fee + maintenance allowance	Govt. of Tamil Nadu & Govt. of India
Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST)	SC/ST students pursuing post-matric education	Tuition fee + maintenance	Ministry of Social Justice / Tribal Affairs
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) - Merit-cum-Means	Students with family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum	Up to Rs. 12,000 per year	Central Government (NSP)
MKU Students' Aid Fund	Economically weaker students	As per availability	Madurai Kamaraj University

SC/ST students must submit income certificate (obtained within 3 months) at the time of admission for scholarship processing.
BC/MBC students should apply to the Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department for state scholarships.
Scholarship applications must be submitted within the deadlines notified by the respective departments each academic year.
Students are advised to register on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) at the start of the academic year.

MKU BA (Research) Journalism FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between B.A. Journalism and B.A. (Research) Journalism at MKU?

Ans. The B.A. (Research) designation at MKU indicates that the programme integrates research methodology, media research, and critical analysis into the undergraduate curriculum. This prepares students not only for industry careers but also for postgraduate research in journalism and mass communication. The research component gives graduates an edge in academic and investigative journalism careers.

Ques. What career options are available after B.A. (Research) Journalism from MKU?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as journalists (print, digital, TV, radio), content writers, public relations executives, advertising professionals, media researchers, documentary filmmakers, and social media managers. Many graduates also pursue M.A. Journalism and Mass Communication at MKU or other universities for advanced career opportunities.

Ques. Is there any entrance exam for admission to B.A. (Research) Journalism at MKU?

Ans. No, there is no entrance examination. Admission is purely merit-based, determined by marks obtained in the Higher Secondary (+2) examination. Any stream at +2 level is eligible.

Ques. Can I pursue M.A. Journalism and Mass Communication at MKU after this programme?

Ans. Yes. MKU offers a full-time M.A. Journalism and Mass Communication programme at its main campus. Any Bachelor's degree including professional degrees (B.E., B.Tech., LL.B.) is eligible. B.A. (Research) Journalism graduates from MKU are directly eligible to apply.

Ques. What is the total fee for B.A. (Research) Journalism at MKU and how does it compare to other journalism programmes?

Ans. The total course fee for the entire 3-year programme is Rs. 11,550, which is exceptionally affordable compared to private journalism institutes that charge Rs. 1-5 lakhs per year. This makes MKU one of the most cost-effective options for quality journalism education in Tamil Nadu.

Ques. Does MKU provide practical training and industry exposure for journalism students?

Ans. Yes. MKU's journalism programme includes practical training in print, broadcast, and digital media. The university has a language laboratory, media production facilities, and connections with media organisations in Madurai and Tamil Nadu. Students also undertake field projects, internships, and research assignments as part of the curriculum.