Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in History at Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU), Madurai is a 1-year full-time research programme offered by the School of Historical Studies. The School comprises three departments: Ancient History, Medieval History, and Modern History, each with dedicated faculty and research expertise. The programme is designed to develop advanced research skills in historical studies, enabling scholars to undertake original research in areas such as ancient Indian history, epigraphy, numismatics, medieval Tamil history, colonial history, and modern Indian history. MKU, re-accredited by NAAC with A++ Grade in the 4th Cycle, is one of Tamil Nadu's premier research universities with a strong tradition in historical scholarship.

Important Note on Current Status: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has officially discontinued the M.Phil. degree across all universities in India as per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. UGC issued circulars in 2022 and 2023 directing universities to stop fresh admissions to M.Phil. programmes. As of the academic year 2026-27, MKU's official Prospectus does not list M.Phil. as a programme open for fresh admissions. Students already enrolled in M.Phil. programmes at MKU are permitted to complete their degrees. Prospective students are advised to contact the MKU Research Department directly at mkuniversity.ac.in/research for the latest status on M.Phil. admissions.

Key Points

The M.Phil. in History at MKU is a 1-year full-time research programme offered through the School of Historical Studies, which has three departments: Ancient History, Medieval History, and Modern History.
Research areas include ancient Tamil history, epigraphy, numismatics, Sangam period studies, medieval Nayak and Vijayanagara history, colonial history, and modern Indian political and social history.
The programme is offered only in Full Time mode; part-time and distance learning modes are not permitted for M.Phil. as per UGC regulations.
Admission is through a university-conducted entrance test followed by an interview.
Candidates with UGC-NET/JRF qualifications in History may be exempted from the entrance examination.
As per UGC/NEP 2020, fresh admissions to M.Phil. have been discontinued. Students are advised to verify the current admission status directly with MKU.
The M.Phil. thesis in History is submitted in English (or Tamil, if the research is in Tamil historical studies).

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

MKU M.Phil. (History) Fees

The M.Phil. (History) programme at MKU involves a stage-wise fee structure. The total fee is approximately Rs. 25,000 for the entire 1-year programme, covering application, registration, annual research and administration fees, and thesis submission charges. All fees are paid online through SBI i-collect to the Registrar's account.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Application Form Fee	750
Registration Fee (one-time)	2,000
Research + Administration Fee (Arts/Humanities, Annual)	7,500
Thesis Submission Fee (including postal charges)	7,000
Recognition Fee (for degrees from other universities)	650
Total Fees (approx.)	17,900

Note: The total fee reported from multiple sources is approximately Rs. 25,000, which may include additional charges such as examination fees, library fees, and other university levies not listed above.

Hostel Fees

Hostel Type	Fee Per Year (Approx.)
Boys Hostel	Rs. 28,500
Girls Hostel	Rs. 28,500

Extension fee is Rs. 4,000 per year (Research Fee + Extension Fee) if the thesis is not submitted within the stipulated period.
Recognition fee of Rs. 650 is applicable only for candidates whose qualifying degree is from a university other than MKU.
SC/ST candidates may be eligible for fee concessions as per government norms.
Hostel accommodation is optional and subject to availability.

MKU M.Phil. (History) Admission 2026

M.Phil. admissions at MKU are conducted through a university-level entrance test followed by an interview. However, as per UGC/NEP 2020 directives, fresh admissions to M.Phil. programmes have been discontinued from 2023-24 onwards. Students already enrolled are permitted to complete their degrees. Prospective students are strongly advised to verify the current admission status with the MKU Research Department before applying.

M.Phil. Admission Process

Event	Details
Notification	Published on mkuniversity.ac.in/research and in national newspapers
Application Submission	Online through the RSM portal (rsm.mkuniversity.ac.in)
Entrance Test	Objective type, 2 parts (Research Aptitude + History subject), 50 marks each
Interview	Based on entrance test ranking; 50 marks
Selection	Based on combined entrance test + interview marks
Registration	After selection and document verification
Course Work	Minimum 3 courses (12-16 credits) in Semester 1
Dissertation Submission	In Semester 2, under approved guide

Note: As per UGC/NEP 2020, fresh M.Phil. admissions have been discontinued. The above process is for reference for existing scholars and for historical context.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

A Master's degree (M.A.) in History or a related discipline with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD candidates) from a UGC-recognised university.
Candidates with UGC-NET/JRF qualifications in History may be exempted from the entrance examination.
A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer is required for employed candidates.

Admission Process (when open)

Monitor the official MKU research portal (mkuniversity.ac.in/research) for M.Phil. admission notifications.
Apply online through the Research Section Management (RSM) portal.
Pay the application fee of Rs. 750.
Appear for the university-conducted entrance test (two parts: Research Aptitude and History subject).
Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview at the School of Historical Studies.
Selection is based on combined entrance test and interview marks.
Complete registration formalities and pay the prescribed fees.
Undergo mandatory course work in Semester 1 (minimum 3 courses, 12-16 credits).
Submit dissertation in Semester 2 under an approved research guide.

MKU M.Phil. (History) Scholarships 2026

M.Phil. scholars in History at MKU can avail of several scholarships and fellowships through central and state government schemes. The following financial support options are available for eligible scholars:

Available Scholarships

Scholarship / Fellowship	Awarding Body	Eligibility	Amount (Approx.)
Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST	Government of Tamil Nadu / Government of India	SC/ST students	Full tuition fee + maintenance allowance
Tamil Nadu State BC/MBC/DNC Scholarship	Government of Tamil Nadu	BC/MBC/DNC students	As per government norms
Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF)	Ministry of Social Justice	SC/ST research scholars	Rs. 25,000/month (JRF); Rs. 28,000/month (SRF)
Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF)	Ministry of Minority Affairs	Minority community research scholars	Rs. 25,000/month (JRF); Rs. 28,000/month (SRF)
ICHR Junior Research Fellowship	Indian Council of Historical Research	History research scholars	As per ICHR norms
Non-Net Fellowship	UGC / MKU	Research scholars without NET	As per UGC norms
University Research Fellowship (URF)	Madurai Kamaraj University	MKU research scholars	As per university norms

SC/ST candidates are exempted from tuition fee as per Government of Tamil Nadu norms.
The Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) offers Junior Research Fellowships specifically for History scholars; candidates should check the ICHR website for current fellowship notifications.
All scholarship applications must be submitted through the respective government portals within the prescribed deadlines.

MKU M.Phil. (History) FAQs

Ques. Is M.Phil. (History) still being offered at MKU in 2026?

Ans. As per UGC/NEP 2020 directives, fresh admissions to M.Phil. programmes have been officially discontinued across all universities in India from 2023-24 onwards. MKU's 2026-27 Prospectus does not list M.Phil. as a programme open for fresh admissions. Students already enrolled are permitted to complete their degrees. Prospective students should contact the MKU Research Department directly at mkuniversity.ac.in/research for the latest status.

Ques. What are the main research areas in the School of Historical Studies at MKU?

Ans. The School of Historical Studies at MKU has three departments: Ancient History (covering Sangam period, epigraphy, numismatics, and ancient Tamil history), Medieval History (covering Nayak, Vijayanagara, and Mughal period studies), and Modern History (covering colonial history, freedom movement, and post-independence India). Faculty members are actively engaged in research and have published in national and international journals.

Ques. Can M.Phil. (History) graduates from MKU apply for Ph.D. at MKU?

Ans. Yes, M.Phil. degree holders are eligible to register for Ph.D. at MKU. M.Phil. candidates are also exempted from the methodology test fee (Rs. 3,000) at the time of Ph.D. registration. The M.Phil. qualification is recognized as a valid research qualification for Ph.D. admission.

Ques. What are the career options after M.Phil. in History from MKU?

Ans. M.Phil. (History) graduates from MKU can pursue careers as Assistant Professors in History departments of colleges and universities (subject to UGC-NET/SET qualification), historical researchers, archivists, museum curators, and heritage conservation officers. Many graduates also proceed to Ph.D. in History for academic careers. Government job opportunities include positions in the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Tamil Nadu State Archives, and state education departments.

Ques. Is there a specific specialisation within History for M.Phil. at MKU?

Ans. Yes, candidates can choose to work under faculty in any of the three departments: Ancient History, Medieval History, or Modern History, depending on their research interest and the availability of a guide. The specific research topic is finalised in consultation with the Research Advisory Committee after admission.

Ques. What is the language of instruction and thesis submission for M.Phil. (History) at MKU?

Ans. The medium of instruction and thesis submission for M.Phil. (History) at MKU is English. However, candidates working on topics related to Tamil historical studies may submit the thesis in Tamil as well. The thesis must undergo a plagiarism check, with a permissible similarity index of up to 30% for non-language subjects.

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Madurai Kamaraj University M.Phil History: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Table of Contents

MKU M.Phil. (History) Fees

Fee Components

Hostel Fees

MKU M.Phil. (History) Admission 2026

M.Phil. Admission Process

Eligibility Criteria

Admission Process (when open)

MKU M.Phil. (History) Scholarships 2026

Available Scholarships

MKU M.Phil. (History) FAQs

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