Fees
Fees at Madurai Kamaraj University for the Bachelor of Commerce [B.Com] program are structured on an annual basis, amounting to approximately Rs 15,000 per year. The complete course fee totals around Rs 50,000. Admission fees are estimated to be about Rs 10,000. Tuition for Other Backward Classes (OBC) students is similar, while those from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) pay less, benefiting from discounts on tuition and college fees.
For those not eligible for discounts, tuition costs Rs 10,000, with an additional Rs 10,000 for other fees, resulting in an overall annual fee of Rs 20,000. Scholarships are available for students with exemplary academic performance, particularly rewarding those securing above 90% in their examinations.
About Bachelor of Arts [BA] (Political Science)
The Bachelor of Arts [B.A.] in Political Science at Madurai Kamaraj University is a 3-year programme offered through the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), formerly known as the Directorate of Distance Education (DDE). This part-time/distance mode programme is designed for students who cannot attend regular on-campus classes, including working professionals, homemakers, and those in remote areas. The programme covers political theory, Indian government and politics, comparative politics, international relations, public administration, and Tamil Nadu politics. The tuition fee is Rs. 3,000 per year (total Rs. 9,000 for 3 years), making it one of the most affordable higher education options in India. The course is offered in both Tamil and English mediums and is recognised by UGC-DEB, New Delhi, making the degree valid for government employment. It is popular among students aspiring to TNPSC, UPSC, and other civil services examinations.
Admissions for the CDOE Calendar Year 2026 session are currently open with the last date being 30 March 2026. The July 2026 session admissions are expected to open around May-June 2026. Students can apply online through the MKU CDOE admission portal (mkuniversityadmission.samarth.edu.in).
Key Points
- The degree is recognised by UGC-DEB, New Delhi, and is valid for employment in Central and State Government services.
- The programme is offered in both Tamil and English mediums, making it accessible to a wide range of learners.
- MKU CDOE has been serving distance learners since 1971 and has enrolled over one million students to date.
- Regular contact classes are conducted at Learner Support Centres (LSCs) across Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, and Virudhunagar districts.
- Students can pursue M.A. Political Science through CDOE or the regular campus after completing B.A. Political Science.
- The programme follows a semester pattern with internal (25 marks) and external (75 marks) assessment for each paper.
- ABC ID (Academic Bank of Credits) and DEB ID are mandatory for all CDOE students from 2025 onwards.
Distance Mode Centres
B.A. Political Science through CDOE is accessible via the following Learner Support Centres (LSCs):
- MKU-CDOE Admission Centre, Palkalai Nagar, Madurai - 625 021 (Phone: 0452-2459185 / 7540080932)
- MKU-CDOE Admission Centre, City Campus, Alagar Koil Road, Madurai - 625 002 (Phone: 0452-2535973)
- MKU-CDOE Admission Centre, Theni - 48, Madurai Road, Opposite Old Bus Stand, Theni - 625 531 (Phone: 04546-295452)
- MKU-CDOE Admission Centre, Dindigul - Nathan Complex, Opposite Bus Stand, Dindigul - 624 001 (Phone: 0451-2424948)
- PKN Arts and Science College, Tirumangalam - 625 706
- Ultra Arts and Science College, Madurai - 625 104
- Meenakshi Arts and Science College, Dindigul - 624 622
- V.V. Vanniaperumal College for Women, Virudhunagar - 626 001
- Sree Balakrishna Arts and Science College, Rajapalayam, Virudhunagar District
- Ambiga College of Arts and Science for Women, Madurai - 625 020
- Noble College of Arts and Science for Women, Aruppukottai, Virudhunagar
- R.V.S. Kumaran Arts and Science College, Dindigul - 624 801
- Mary Matha College of Arts and Science, Periyakulam, Theni District
- K.R.P. College of Arts and Science, Sivakasi, Virudhunagar District
MKU BA Political Science Fees
The B.A. Political Science (Distance) programme at MKU CDOE is extremely affordable. The tuition fee is Rs. 3,000 per year, totalling Rs. 9,000 for the entire 3-year programme. In addition, a one-time registration fee of Rs. 650 and postal charges of Rs. 200 are applicable. Students from outside MKU's jurisdiction pay an additional recognition fee of Rs. 400.
Fee Components
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (Per Year) | Rs. 3,000 |
| Tuition Fee (Total - 3 Years) | Rs. 9,000 |
| Registration Fee (One-time) | Rs. 650 |
| Postal Charges (One-time) | Rs. 200 |
| Recognition Fee (Non-MKU students only) | Rs. 400 |
| Total Course Fee (MKU jurisdiction students) | Rs. 9,850 |
| Total Course Fee (Non-MKU students) | Rs. 10,250 |
- SC/ST students are eligible for tuition fee exemption/scholarship as per Tamil Nadu Government norms.
- The above fees are for the revised fee structure applicable from the 22CY batch onwards.
- No hostel facility is provided for distance education students; the programme is entirely non-residential.
- Study materials are sent by post to the student's registered address.
- Examination fees are charged separately at the time of each semester examination.
MKU BA Political Science Admission 2026
MKU CDOE offers admissions in two sessions: Calendar Year (January session) and Academic Year (July session). The Calendar Year 2026 admission is currently open with the last date of 30 March 2026. The July 2026 (Academic Year) session is expected to open around May-June 2026. Admission is based purely on eligibility (pass in +2), with no entrance examination or merit-based selection.
Admission Schedule
| Event | Date/Period |
|---|---|
| Calendar Year 2026 Admission Open | January 2026 (Ongoing) |
| Last Date - Calendar Year 2026 Admission | 30 March 2026 |
| July 2026 (Academic Year) Admission Expected Open | May-June 2026 (Tentative) |
| Last Date - July 2026 Session | August 2026 (Tentative) |
| Semester Examinations | April and November each year |
Relevant Exam Dates
| Exam | Relevance | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu Higher Secondary Exam (TNHSE / +2) | Qualifying Exam | Pass required for admission |
| TNPSC / UPSC (Political Science optional) | Post-graduation career | Political Science is a key optional for civil services |
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must have passed the Higher Secondary Certificate (+2) examination or equivalent from a recognised board, OR a 3-year Diploma course.
- No specific subject requirement at +2 level; any stream is eligible.
- Working professionals, homemakers, and those already holding a degree are also eligible.
Admission Process
- Visit the MKU CDOE admission portal: mkuniversityadmission.samarth.edu.in
- Register and fill the online application form.
- Pay the registration fee of Rs. 650 (UG) online.
- Upload required documents: +2 mark sheet, community certificate, photograph, and signature.
- Alternatively, apply in person at any of the Learner Support Centres (LSCs) listed above.
- Create ABC ID (Academic Bank of Credits) and DEB ID as mandatory requirements from 2025 onwards.
- Study materials will be dispatched by post after admission confirmation.
MKU BA Political Science Scholarships 2026
Students enrolled in B.A. Political Science (Distance) at MKU CDOE are eligible for government scholarships. SC/ST students can avail of tuition fee exemption and maintenance allowances under Tamil Nadu Government and Central Government schemes. BC/MBC students can apply for state government scholarships.
Scholarship Details
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu Government BC/MBC Scholarship | BC/MBC students with family income below prescribed limit | Varies (covers tuition and maintenance) | Govt. of Tamil Nadu |
| Tamil Nadu Government SC/ST Scholarship | SC/ST and Christian AdiDravidar students | Full tuition fee + maintenance allowance | Govt. of Tamil Nadu & Govt. of India |
| Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST) | SC/ST students pursuing post-matric education | Tuition fee + maintenance | Ministry of Social Justice / Tribal Affairs |
| National Scholarship Portal (NSP) - Merit-cum-Means | Students with family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum | Up to Rs. 12,000 per year | Central Government (NSP) |
- Scholarship applications must be submitted within the deadlines notified by the respective departments each academic year.
- Students are advised to register on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) at the start of the academic year.
- Distance education students are eligible for most government scholarships applicable to regular students.
MKU BA Political Science FAQs
Ques. Is the B.A. Political Science degree from MKU CDOE valid for government jobs?
Ans. Yes. The B.A. Political Science degree from MKU CDOE is fully recognised by UGC-DEB (Distance Education Bureau), New Delhi. It is valid for employment in Central and State Government services, including TNPSC, UPSC, and other government recruitment boards.
Ques. What is the difference between the Calendar Year and Academic Year sessions at MKU CDOE?
Ans. MKU CDOE offers admissions in two sessions. The Calendar Year (CY) session starts in January and the Academic Year (AY) session starts in July. Both sessions lead to the same degree. Students can choose either session based on their convenience. The January 2026 session admission last date is 30 March 2026.
Ques. Do I need to attend classes for B.A. Political Science (Distance) at MKU?
Ans. Regular attendance is not mandatory. However, contact classes are periodically conducted at Learner Support Centres (LSCs) to help students understand the syllabus. Study materials are sent by post. Examinations are conducted twice a year (April and November) at designated centres.
Ques. Can I pursue M.A. Political Science after completing B.A. Political Science from MKU CDOE?
Ans. Yes. After completing B.A. Political Science, you can pursue M.A. Political Science either through MKU CDOE (distance mode) or through the regular campus programme at MKU. Any degree holder is eligible for M.A. Political Science at MKU.
Ques. How do I create an ABC ID and DEB ID for MKU CDOE admission?
Ans. ABC ID (Academic Bank of Credits) can be created at the National Academic Depository portal. DEB ID can be created at deb.ugc.ac.in/StudentDEBId/ABCID. Both are mandatory for all CDOE students from 2025 onwards. Video tutorials are available on the MKU CDOE website.
Ques. Is B.A. Political Science (Distance) from MKU useful for TNPSC/UPSC preparation?
Ans. Yes. Political Science is one of the most popular optional subjects for UPSC Civil Services Mains and TNPSC Group I examinations. The B.A. Political Science curriculum at MKU covers Indian polity, governance, international relations, and public administration, which directly aligns with the UPSC and TNPSC syllabus. Many CDOE graduates have successfully cleared these examinations.