Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU), Madurai offers a 2-year full-time Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science programme through its Department of Political Science under the School of Social Sciences. Established in 1976, the department started the MA programme in 1977 and has since built a strong academic tradition in Constitutional Studies, Panchayat Raj, Urban Local Governments, Police Administration, Tribal Development Administration, Women Studies, Election Studies, and International Studies. The programme spans 4 semesters and is designed to equip students with analytical and critical thinking skills in political theory, governance, and public policy. The total fees for the 2-year programme are approximately Rs. 21,120, making it one of the most affordable PG programmes in the country. With a seat intake of 20 students, admission is merit-based (non-entrance), and the programme is popular among aspirants for civil services (UPSC/TNPSC), academic careers, and public administration roles.

Admissions for the academic year 2026-27 are currently open. Applications were made available from 02 March 2026, and the last date to submit applications is 06 April 2026. Counselling and selection are expected in May-June 2026, with the academic session commencing in July 2026.

Key Points

The Department of Political Science runs a UGC-sanctioned Nehru Study Centre, providing students access to special resources on political thought and governance.
The department offers special coaching for SET, NET, and competitive examinations (UPSC/TNPSC) through extra hours, directly benefiting students preparing for civil services.
The programme is offered in both Tamil and English medium, making it accessible to students from regional language backgrounds.
The department has a strong research tradition with multiple UGC and ICSSR-funded projects on topics like Dalit education, Panchayati Raj, and women leadership.
Several alumni of the department hold high positions in academic institutions and serve as bureaucrats in government offices.

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

Madurai Kamaraj University Latest Updates and News

02 Mar, 2026 Madurai Kamaraj University MA Political Science Admission 2026 is open. Apply by Apr 6 @mkuniversity.ac.in. The entrance exam is tentatively scheduled for May 23 & 24, 2026.

Madurai Kamaraj University Important Events

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MKU MA Political Science Fees

The MA Political Science programme at MKU is among the most affordable postgraduate programmes in India. The total fee for the 2-year programme is Rs. 21,120 for OC/BC/MBC/DNC category students. SC/ST students are exempt from tuition fees as per Tamil Nadu Government norms. The caution deposit of Rs. 1,000 is fully refundable at the end of the programme.

Fee Structure

Fee Component	I Year (Rs.)	II Year (Rs.)
Tuition Fee	6,000	6,000
Lab Consumables Fee	750	750
Special Fee	1,610	1,610
Examination Fee	1,200	1,200
Admission Fee	100	-
Caution Deposit (Refundable)	1,000	-
Insurance Fee	250	150
Alumni Fee	-	500
Total Fees	10,910	10,210
Grand Total (2 Years)		Rs. 21,120

SC/ST students are exempt from tuition fees as per Tamil Nadu Government policy.
Differently abled students are exempt from tuition fee and special fee.
Caution Deposit of Rs. 1,000 is fully refundable at the end of the programme.
Application/Registration fee for non-entrance programmes: Rs. 500 (SC/ST and Christian AdiDravidar students are exempt for the first application).
80% refund (excluding special fee and caution deposit) if withdrawal is made at least 15 days before the closing date of admission; 50% refund if withdrawal is less than 15 days prior; no refund after the closing date of admission.
Hostel fees (optional, not mandatory): Approximately Rs. 24,000-35,000 per year for accommodation; mess charges are additional and managed by students on a dividing system.

MKU MA Political Science Admission 2026-27

Admissions to MA Political Science at MKU for 2026-27 are currently open, with applications available from 02 March 2026. The programme follows a non-entrance based merit selection process, where candidates are ranked based on UG marks up to the 5th semester. The selection list and waitlist are published on the university website and department notice boards. Candidates must pay the registration fee of Rs. 500 online through the university's admission portal.

MKU MA Political Science Admission Dates

Event	Date
Availability of Prospectus and Online Applications	02 March 2026
Last Date for Submission of Applications	06 April 2026
Publication of Selection / Merit List	May 2026 (Tentative)
Counselling / Admission	May - June 2026 (Tentative)
Commencement of Academic Session	July 2026 (Tentative)

Relevant Entrance Exam Dates

Exam	Event	Date
CUET PG 2026	Registration	14 Dec 2025 - 25 Jan 2026
CUET PG 2026	Admit Card	03 March 2026
CUET PG 2026	Exam	06 - 27 March 2026
CUET PG 2026	Result	06 May 2026
TANCET 2026	Registration	16 March 2026 - 10 April 2026
TANCET 2026	Admit Card	01 May 2026 (Tentative)
TANCET 2026	Exam	09 May 2026
TANCET 2026	Result	24 June 2026 (Tentative)

Note: MKU MA Political Science admission is non-entrance based (merit in UG). CUET PG and TANCET scores are not required for MKU admission but may be used for admission to other universities offering MA Political Science.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

A pass in any UG degree from a recognized university is sufficient for eligibility.
For OC/BC/MBC/DNC candidates, a minimum of 50% marks in UG is required; for SC/ST candidates, a pass is sufficient.
Candidates appearing in the final year/semester of UG are also eligible to apply.

Admission Process

Visit the official MKU admissions portal at admissions.mkuniversity.ac.in and register online.
Fill in the application form and upload required documents (SSLC, HSC, UG mark sheets up to 5th semester, community certificate, passport photo, and signature).
Pay the application fee of Rs. 500 online (SC/ST and Christian AdiDravidar students are exempt for the first application).
Selection is based on UG marks up to the 5th semester; no entrance examination is required.
The merit/selection list is published on the university website and department notice boards.
Selected candidates must report to the Department of Political Science with original certificates for verification and pay the prescribed fees through SBI I-Collect on the day of admission.
Waitlisted candidates are informed of their position and must report on the specified date; fees must be paid on the same day.

MKU MA Political Science Scholarships 2026-27

MKU MA Political Science students can avail a range of government scholarships based on community and merit. The university follows Tamil Nadu Government reservation and scholarship policies, ensuring financial support for students from SC/ST, BC, MBC, and minority communities. Given the already low fee structure of the programme, these scholarships can effectively make the programme nearly free for eligible students.

Available Scholarships

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount (Approx.)
Tamil Nadu Government Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST)	SC/ST students; minimum pass in qualifying exam	Full tuition fee waiver + maintenance allowance (as per TN Govt. norms)
Tamil Nadu Government BC/MBC Scholarship	BC/MBC students; 50%+ marks; family income up to Rs. 2.5 LPA	Partial to full tuition fee support
Central Government Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST)	SC/ST students; family income up to Rs. 2.5 LPA	Up to Rs. 5,000-20,000 per annum
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Scholarships	Various categories; merit and means based	Varies by scheme
MKU Students Aid Fund	Economically weaker students	As per university norms
Minority Scholarship (Central Govt.)	Minority community students; 50%+ marks; income criteria	Up to Rs. 10,000 per annum

SC/ST students are exempt from paying tuition fees at the time of admission as per Tamil Nadu Government policy.
Differently abled students are exempt from tuition fee and special fee.
Students must apply for government scholarships through the Tamil Nadu e-Grantz portal or the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) within the stipulated deadlines (usually October-November each year).
The university's Students Aid Fund provides additional support to deserving students on a case-by-case basis.

MKU MA Political Science FAQs

Ques. What is the eligibility for MA Political Science at MKU? Do I need a Political Science background?

Ans. No, a Political Science background is not mandatory. Any graduate from a recognized university is eligible to apply for MA Political Science at MKU. The only requirement is a pass with 50% marks in UG for OC/BC/MBC/DNC candidates (pass only for SC/ST). This makes the programme accessible to graduates from arts, science, commerce, and even engineering backgrounds.

Ques. Does MKU provide special coaching for UPSC/TNPSC for MA Political Science students?

Ans. Yes, the Department of Political Science at MKU provides special coaching for SET, NET, and competitive examinations including UPSC and TNPSC through extra hours beyond regular classes. This is a significant advantage for students who wish to pursue civil services alongside their PG studies.

Ques. What is the medium of instruction for MA Political Science at MKU?

Ans. The MA Political Science programme at MKU is offered in both Tamil and English medium. Students can choose their preferred medium at the time of application. This dual-medium approach is particularly beneficial for students from Tamil-medium educational backgrounds.

Ques. What career options are available after MA Political Science from MKU?

Ans. Graduates of MA Political Science from MKU typically pursue careers in civil services (IAS, IPS, IFS through UPSC; Group I, II through TNPSC), teaching and lectureship (after qualifying SET/NET), research and policy analysis, journalism and media, law (after LLB), NGOs and social work, and further studies such as M.Phil or Ph.D. The department's alumni include IAS/IPS officers and senior academics.

Ques. Is the MA Political Science programme at MKU research-oriented?

Ans. Yes, the Department of Political Science at MKU has a strong research tradition. The department has received multiple grants from UGC and ICSSR for research projects on topics like Dalit education, Panchayati Raj institutions, women leadership, and urban governance. The department also runs a UGC-sanctioned Nehru Study Centre. Students interested in research can pursue M.Phil and Ph.D programmes after completing MA.

Ques. What is the seat intake and how competitive is admission to MA Political Science at MKU?

Ans. The seat intake for MA Political Science at MKU is 20 seats. Since admission is merit-based on UG marks (non-entrance), competition depends on the pool of applicants in a given year. Tamil Nadu Government reservation policy is strictly followed, with seats reserved for SC/ST, BC, MBC, and other categories. Students with strong UG academic records, particularly in social sciences, have a good chance of securing admission.