Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU), Madurai, offers the Post Graduate Diploma in Saiva Siddhanta Philosophy as a full-time programme under the Department of Philosophy and Religion. The course is designed to provide in-depth knowledge of Saiva Siddhanta, one of the most important philosophical traditions of Tamil Nadu, covering its history, texts, theology, and contemporary relevance. The total fee for the programme is Rs. 5,000 for the entire duration. Admission is merit-based (non-entrance), and the programme is popular among students interested in Tamil philosophy, religion, and cultural studies.

Admissions for the academic year 2026-27 are currently open. The online application portal opened on 02 March 2026, and the last date to submit applications is 06 April 2026.

Key Points:

MKU is NAAC A++ accredited (4th Cycle, 2021) and ranked 9th among Government Multidisciplinary Universities in India (Education World, 2022).
The PG Diploma in Saiva Siddhanta Philosophy is a non-entrance based course; selection is merit-based.
Open to any graduate from any discipline.
The programme is offered in Tamil and English medium.
The programme is unique to MKU and is one of the few formal academic programmes on Saiva Siddhanta in India.
SC/ST and Christian AdiDravidar students are exempted from paying the registration fee for one programme.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

MKU PGD Saiva Siddhanta Fees

The PG Diploma in Saiva Siddhanta Philosophy at MKU is one of the most affordable philosophy programmes in India. The total fee is Rs. 5,000, which includes tuition fee and alumni fee.

Fee Table

Fee Component	Total (Rs.)
Tuition Fee	4,000
Alumni Fee	1,000
Total Fees	5,000

No caution deposit is applicable for this programme.
Fee structure is for the entire programme duration (1 year).
SC/ST students may be eligible for tuition fee exemption as per Tamil Nadu Government norms.

MKU PGD Saiva Siddhanta Admission 2026-27

Admissions to the PG Diploma in Saiva Siddhanta Philosophy programme at MKU for 2026-27 are currently open. The process is entirely online through the university's official admissions portal. Selection is based on merit.

Important Dates

Event	Date
Online Application Portal Opens	02 March 2026
Last Date to Submit Application	06 April 2026
Counselling / Selection List Publication	To be announced (May-June 2026, tentative)
Batch Commencement	July 2026 (tentative)

No entrance exam required.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

A pass in any Bachelor's degree from a recognized university.
Candidates should have studied under the 10+2+3 pattern or its equivalent.

Admission Process

Visit the official admissions portal: admissions.mkuniversity.ac.in and register online.
Pay the registration fee of Rs. 500 (SC/ST and Christian AdiDravidar candidates are exempted for one programme).
Upload required documents: passport photo, signature, SSLC/HSC mark sheets, UG degree mark sheets, community certificate (if applicable).
Selection is based on merit in the qualifying examination.
Selected candidates will be notified via the university website and notice board.
Candidates must report for counselling with original certificates and pay the prescribed fees on the same day.

MKU PGD Saiva Siddhanta Scholarships 2026-27

MKU students pursuing the PG Diploma in Saiva Siddhanta Philosophy are eligible for government scholarships based on community and financial need.

Scholarship Table

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount (Approx.)
Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST)	SC/ST students	Rs. 5,000-20,000 per annum
Tamil Nadu Govt Scholarship (BC/MBC)	BC/MBC students	Rs. 3,000-10,000 per annum
NSP Schemes	SC/ST/OBC/Minority/EWS	Varies

Apply via tndce.tn.gov.in.
Deadlines typically July-October each year.

MKU PGD Saiva Siddhanta FAQs

Ques. What is Saiva Siddhanta and why is it important?

Ans. Saiva Siddhanta is one of the most important philosophical and theological traditions of Tamil Nadu, rooted in the Shaiva Agamas and the devotional poetry of the Nayanmars. It is the philosophical foundation of Tamil Shaivism and has influenced Tamil culture, literature, and religion for over a thousand years. MKU's PG Diploma in Saiva Siddhanta Philosophy provides a formal academic grounding in this tradition.

Ques. Who should pursue the PG Diploma in Saiva Siddhanta Philosophy at MKU?

Ans. This programme is ideal for students interested in Tamil philosophy, religion, and cultural studies; researchers working on Tamil heritage and traditions; priests and religious practitioners seeking formal academic credentials; and anyone interested in understanding the philosophical foundations of Tamil Shaivism.

Ques. What is the total fee for the PG Diploma in Saiva Siddhanta Philosophy at MKU?

Ans. The total fee for the PG Diploma in Saiva Siddhanta Philosophy is Rs. 5,000 (Tuition Fee: Rs. 4,000 + Alumni Fee: Rs. 1,000). This is one of the most affordable philosophy programmes in India.

Ques. What career options are available after the PG Diploma in Saiva Siddhanta Philosophy from MKU?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers in religious education, temple administration, cultural research, Tamil heritage documentation, and academic research. The diploma also serves as a foundation for pursuing M.Phil. and Ph.D. research in Saiva Siddhanta and Tamil philosophy at MKU.

Ques. Is the PG Diploma in Saiva Siddhanta Philosophy available in distance mode?

Ans. MKU's Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) also offers a PG Diploma in Saiva Siddhanta Philosophy in distance mode. Students who cannot attend regular classes can opt for the distance mode programme.

Ques. Can students from non-Tamil backgrounds apply for this programme?

Ans. Yes, any graduate from any background can apply. The programme is open to all graduates. However, a basic understanding of Tamil language would be beneficial as many primary texts of Saiva Siddhanta are in Tamil.