Madurai Kamaraj University M.Sc Biochemistry: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Madurai, Tamil NaduState UniversityEstd 1966NAAC Grade A
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Madurai Kamaraj University's M.Sc. Biochemistry is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme offered by the Department of Biochemistry under the School of Biological Sciences. Originally offered as M.Sc. Biochemical Technology since 2000, the course was renamed M.Sc. Biochemistry from the academic year 2017 onwards. The programme is a self-supported, research-oriented course covering biochemistry, molecular biology, enzymology, metabolic pathways, protein chemistry, and related life sciences. The total fees for the programme are Rs. 1,03,500 for the entire 2-year duration. Admission is through a national-level entrance examination conducted by MKU, followed by a group discussion, with only 15 seats available per year. Graduates of this programme are well placed in various universities and research institutions, making it a prestigious and competitive programme.

Admissions for the academic year 2026-2027 are currently open. Applications are being accepted online from 02 March 2026, with the last date for submission being 06 April 2026. The entrance examination is tentatively scheduled for 23-24 May 2026.

Key Points

  • The programme was originally offered as M.Sc. Biochemical Technology since 2000 and was renamed M.Sc. Biochemistry from 2017, reflecting the broader scope of the updated curriculum.
  • Only 15 seats are available per year, making this one of the most competitive M.Sc. programmes at MKU.
  • Selection is through a national-level entrance examination conducted by MKU, followed by a group discussion.
  • Graduates are well placed in various universities and research institutions across India and abroad.
  • The programme is offered by the Department of Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, which has active research programmes in biochemistry, molecular biology, and related fields.
  • Students can pursue Ph.D. in Biochemistry at MKU after completing this programme.

MKU M.Sc. Biochemistry Fees

The M.Sc. Biochemistry programme at MKU has a self-supported fee structure. The total course fee for the 2-year programme is Rs. 1,03,500, which includes tuition, laboratory, library, special, and other statutory charges. SC/ST students are exempted from tuition fees as per Tamil Nadu Government norms. Hostel accommodation is available on campus at an additional cost.

Fee Structure (2026-2027)

Fee ComponentYear I (Rs.)Year II (Rs.)
Tuition Fee15,00015,000
Laboratory Fee32,00032,000
Library Fee750750
Special Fee1,8001,800
University Development Fee1,2001,200
Admission Fee100-
Alumni Fee1,000-
Insurance Fee250150
Caution Deposit-500
Year-wise Total52,10051,400
Total Fees (2 Years)1,03,500

Hostel Fees (Optional - Not Mandatory)

Hostel TypeApproximate Annual Fee (Rs.)
Hostel Charges (Men/Women)18,000 - 24,000
Mess Charges (approx.)36,000
  • Hostel accommodation is available on campus for both men and women but is not mandatory.
  • Tuition fee is not collected from SC/ST students at the time of admission as per Tamil Nadu Government norms.
  • Special fees and other fees must be paid at the time of admission.
  • Caution Deposit of Rs. 500 is fully refundable at the end of the programme.
  • 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.
  • Registration fee for entrance-based PG programmes: Rs. 1,200 (SC/ST and Christian AdiDravidar students are exempted for one programme).
  • Fees are to be paid through SBI-I Collect - Madurai Kamaraj University - Registrar.

MKU M.Sc. Biochemistry Admission 2026

Admissions to M.Sc. Biochemistry at MKU for 2026-2027 are currently open. The selection is based on 50% weightage to the MKU Entrance Examination marks and 50% weightage to UG marks up to the 5th semester, followed by a Group Discussion. With only 15 seats available and national-level competition, this is one of the most selective M.Sc. programmes at MKU.

Admission Dates - MKU M.Sc. Biochemistry 2026-2027

EventDate
Online Application Opens02 March 2026
Last Date for Application Submission06 April 2026
MKU Entrance Examination (Tentative)23-24 May 2026
Group DiscussionTo be announced (after entrance exam)
Publication of Selection ListTo be announced
Commencement of ClassesJuly 2026 (Tentative)

Entrance Exam Dates

ExamExam DateResult DateRemarks
MKU Entrance Exam 202623-24 May 2026 (Tentative)To be announcedMandatory for MKU M.Sc. Biochemistry admission; followed by Group Discussion

Note: MKU conducts its own national-level entrance examination for M.Sc. Biochemistry. The selection process includes both the entrance exam and a group discussion.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidates must have passed B.Sc. in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Genetics, Nutrition and Dietetics, Microbiology, Biology, Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Medical Laboratory Technology, or Triple major with Biochemistry and allied subjects, from a recognised university.
  • Minimum 50% marks in Part III for General/OBC candidates.
  • SC/ST candidates: minimum pass marks required.
  • Candidates appearing in the final year (VI Semester/III Year) of their UG programme are also eligible to apply.

Admission Process

  • Submit online application at admissions.mkuniversity.ac.in by 06 April 2026 with a registration fee of Rs. 1,200.
  • Upload required documents: passport photo, signature, SSLC/HSC mark sheets, UG mark statements (up to V semester), community certificate (if applicable).
  • Appear for the MKU Entrance Examination (objective type, 100 minutes duration) at designated centres: Madurai, Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Trichy, Salem, Thiruvananthapuram, Karaikudi.
  • Shortlisted candidates appear for Group Discussion.
  • Selection is based on 50% entrance exam marks + 50% UG marks (up to V semester), with Group Discussion as an additional criterion.
  • Selected candidates are notified via the university website and notice board.
  • Attend counselling/admission on the specified date with original certificates.
  • Pay the prescribed fees through SBI-I Collect on the day of admission.

MKU M.Sc. Biochemistry Scholarships 2026

Students enrolled in M.Sc. Biochemistry at MKU are eligible for state and central government scholarships based on community, income, and merit. The Tamil Nadu Government provides scholarships for BC, MBC, SC, and ST students, while central government schemes offer additional support. Given the research-oriented nature of the programme, students who qualify CSIR-NET/JRF or DBT-JRF after M.Sc. can also access funded Ph.D. fellowships.

Scholarship Details

ScholarshipEligibilityAmount (Approx.)Provider
Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/STSC/ST studentsRs. 5,000 - 20,000 per annumTamil Nadu Government / Government of India
Tamil Nadu Government Scholarship (BC/MBC)BC/MBC students, minimum 50% marks, family income up to Rs. 2.5 lakh/yearRs. 3,000 - 10,000 per annumTamil Nadu Government
Central Sector ScholarshipMerit-based, top 20 percentile in 12th boardRs. 10,000 - 20,000 per annumGovernment of India
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) SchemesSC/ST/OBC/Minority/EWS studentsVariesGovernment of India
MKU Tuition Fee WaiverSC/ST studentsFull tuition fee waiverMadurai Kamaraj University
CSIR-JRF/NET (post M.Sc.)Merit-based national examRs. 37,000/month (JRF)CSIR, Government of India
DBT-JRF (post M.Sc.)Merit-based national examRs. 37,000/month (JRF)DBT, Government of India
  • CSIR-NET/JRF and DBT-JRF are post-M.Sc. fellowships for Ph.D. research, not scholarships during M.Sc. study.
  • BC and MBC students must apply for scholarships through the Tamil Nadu Government's official scholarship portal.
  • Scholarship applications are typically submitted at the beginning of each academic year.

MKU M.Sc. Biochemistry FAQs

Ques. Why was M.Sc. Biochemical Technology renamed to M.Sc. Biochemistry at MKU?

Ans. The programme was renamed from M.Sc. Biochemical Technology to M.Sc. Biochemistry from the academic year 2017 onwards to better reflect the broader scope of the updated curriculum, which covers not just biochemical technology but the full spectrum of biochemistry including molecular biology, enzymology, metabolic biochemistry, and structural biochemistry. The rename also aligns the degree title with standard nomenclature used by other universities and for government job eligibility.

Ques. How competitive is M.Sc. Biochemistry admission at MKU?

Ans. M.Sc. Biochemistry at MKU is highly competitive with only 15 seats for national-level applicants. The selection involves a university-level entrance examination (objective type, 100 minutes) followed by a Group Discussion. The final selection is based on 50% entrance exam marks and 50% UG marks. Strong preparation in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and related subjects is essential.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after M.Sc. Biochemistry from MKU?

Ans. Graduates are well placed in universities and research institutions. Career options include Research Scientist, Biochemist, Clinical Biochemist, Quality Control Analyst, and Biotech Researcher in pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, food industries, and research institutes (CSIR labs, ICMR, DBT institutes). Many graduates pursue Ph.D. at premier institutes in India and abroad after qualifying CSIR-NET/JRF or DBT-JRF.

Ques. Is M.Sc. Biochemistry at MKU entrance-based or merit-based?

Ans. M.Sc. Biochemistry at MKU is entrance-based. Admission is through a national-level entrance examination conducted by MKU, followed by a Group Discussion. The final selection is based on 50% entrance exam marks and 50% UG marks up to the V semester.

Ques. Can Chemistry graduates apply for M.Sc. Biochemistry at MKU?

Ans. Yes, B.Sc. Chemistry graduates are eligible to apply for M.Sc. Biochemistry at MKU, as Chemistry is listed among the eligible subjects. The minimum eligibility is 50% marks in Part III (minimum pass for SC/ST).

Ques. What is the fee for M.Sc. Biochemistry at MKU and how does it compare to similar programmes?

Ans. The total fee for the 2-year programme is Rs. 1,03,500 (approximately Rs. 52,100 in Year I and Rs. 51,400 in Year II). The laboratory fee component is Rs. 32,000 per year, reflecting the extensive practical training provided. Compared to private universities offering similar programmes at Rs. 2-5 lakh per year, MKU's fee is significantly more affordable. SC/ST students are exempted from tuition fees, and BC/MBC students can avail Tamil Nadu Government scholarships.

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