Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU), Madurai offers a 2-year full-time Master of Arts (MA) in Sociology programme through its Department of Sociology under the School of Social Sciences. The department was established in 1976 and is housed in the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Maligai building on campus. The programme spans 4 semesters and covers core areas including sociological theory, research methodology, rural and urban sociology, social stratification, gender studies, and development sociology. The UGC has recognized the Department of Sociology under its Special Assistance Programme (SAP), reflecting the department's strong research standing. The total fees for the 2-year programme are approximately Rs. 21,120, making it one of the most affordable PG sociology programmes in India. With a seat intake of 20 students, admission is merit-based (non-entrance), and the programme is popular among students aspiring for civil services, social work, research, and academic careers.

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 Sociology is recognized by UGC under its Special Assistance Programme (SAP), with thrust areas in Medical Sociology, Social Change, Subaltern Studies, and Welfare Administration.
The School of Social Sciences has awarded doctoral degrees to more than 150 scholars, with about 75 candidates currently working on doctoral dissertations.
The programme is offered in both Tamil and English medium, making it accessible to students from regional language backgrounds.
The school has carried out 20 research projects funded by national and international agencies, providing students exposure to active research environments.
The programme is well-suited for students preparing for civil services (UPSC/TNPSC), as sociology is a popular optional subject in these examinations.

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

MKU MA Sociology Fees

The MA Sociology 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).
Refund Policy: 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 Sociology Admission 2026-27

Admissions to MA Sociology 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 Sociology 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 Sociology 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 Sociology.

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 Sociology 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 Sociology Scholarships 2026-27

MKU MA Sociology 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 Sociology FAQs

Ques. Is Sociology a good optional subject for UPSC/TNPSC, and does MKU's MA Sociology help in preparation?

Ans. Yes, Sociology is one of the most popular optional subjects for UPSC Civil Services Examination due to its scoring nature and overlap with General Studies papers. MKU's MA Sociology curriculum covers classical and contemporary sociological theories, Indian society, social stratification, and development issues, which directly align with the UPSC Sociology optional syllabus. The department also provides guidance for competitive examinations.

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

Ans. No, a Sociology background is not mandatory. Any graduate from a recognized university is eligible to apply for MA Sociology at MKU. The only requirement is a pass with 50% marks in UG for OC/BC/MBC/DNC candidates (pass only for SC/ST). Graduates from arts, science, commerce, and other backgrounds are welcome to apply.

Ques. What is the UGC Special Assistance Programme (SAP) recognition for MKU's Sociology department?

Ans. The UGC has recognized the Department of Sociology at MKU under its Special Assistance Programme (SAP), which is a prestigious recognition given to departments with demonstrated excellence in research. The thrust areas identified by UGC include Medical Sociology, Social Change, Subaltern Studies, and Welfare Administration. This recognition means the department receives additional funding for research activities, benefiting students through better resources and research opportunities.

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

Ans. Graduates of MA Sociology from MKU can pursue careers in civil services (UPSC/TNPSC with Sociology as optional), social work and NGOs, teaching and lectureship (after qualifying SET/NET), research and policy analysis, journalism, human resources, community development, and further studies such as M.Phil or Ph.D. The department has produced over 150 doctoral scholars, reflecting strong academic career pathways.

Ques. Is hostel accommodation available for MA Sociology students at MKU?

Ans. Yes, MKU has separate hostel facilities for men and women on campus. Men's hostels include Bharathi, Kavimani, Bharathidasan, Thiruvalluvar, and V.O.C. hostels, while women's hostels include Kurinji, Thamarai, and Malligai blocks. Hostel accommodation is not mandatory and is subject to availability. Students must apply to the respective warden after completing admission formalities. Hostel charges are approximately Rs. 24,000-35,000 per year, with mess charges managed separately by students.

Ques. How is the research environment in MKU's Sociology department?

Ans. The Department of Sociology at MKU has a very active research environment. The School of Social Sciences has carried out 20 research projects funded by national and international agencies. The UGC's SAP recognition further strengthens the research infrastructure. Currently, about 75 candidates are working on doctoral dissertations in the school. Students interested in research can pursue M.Phil and Ph.D programmes after completing MA, with opportunities to work on funded research projects.

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Madurai Kamaraj University MA Sociology: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Table of Contents

MKU MA Sociology Fees

Fee Structure

MKU MA Sociology Admission 2026-27

MKU MA Sociology Admission Dates

Relevant Entrance Exam Dates

Eligibility Criteria:

Admission Process:

MKU MA Sociology Scholarships 2026-27

Available Scholarships

MKU MA Sociology FAQs

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