Bachelor of Arts [BA] + Master of Arts [MA] (Social & Economic Administration and Law)

Pondicherry University (PU), a NAAC A+ accredited central university established in 1985, offers a unique 5-Year Integrated M.A. SEAL (Social and Economic Administration and Law) programme under the Department of Politics and International Studies. This is a full-time, on-campus regular dual degree programme, developed in collaboration with the University of Paris-1 Pantheon-Sorbonne, France, under an MoU signed in April 2019. The programme is an interdisciplinary blend of Social Sciences, Economics, Commerce, Management, and Law. The seat intake is 25 seats, and admission is based on CUET (UG) General Test scores. The total programme fee is approximately Rs. 97,678 over 10 semesters. The programme is popular among students aspiring to pursue careers in public administration, law, international relations, social policy, and higher studies in social sciences.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic year are based on CUET (UG) 2026. The CUET UG 2026 application window has closed (registration was open from January 3 to February 26, 2026). The exam is scheduled from May 11 to May 31, 2026, with results expected around July 4, 2026 (tentative). Following the results, Pondicherry University will conduct its own counselling process, expected in July 2026 (based on the 2025 pattern), with classes commencing in the second week of July 2026.

Key Points

• The M.A. SEAL is a unique dual degree programme: students earn a B.A. SEAL from Pondicherry University and a Licence AES (Administration Economique et Sociale) from the University of Paris-1 Pantheon-Sorbonne, France, if they exercise the exit option after Year 3.
• Students from PU spend their third year at the University of Paris-1 in France, and Paris-1 students spend their third year at PU, making this a genuine international exchange programme.
• The programme is interdisciplinary, covering Social Sciences, Economics, Commerce, Management, and Law.
• Completing all 5 years leads to an M.A. SEAL degree from Pondicherry University.
• The programme is offered at the Puducherry (main) campus.
• 70% attendance is mandatory to appear for semester examinations.
• Hostel accommodation is available on campus (limited seats; preference given to outstation students).

PU M.A. SEAL Fees

The 5-Year Integrated M.A. SEAL programme at Pondicherry University is highly affordable as a central government-funded institution. The fee structure follows the Humanities/Social Sciences category. The first semester has a higher fee due to one-time charges, while subsequent semesters are significantly lower. The total programme fee over 10 semesters amounts to Rs. 97,678.

Fee Structure

• Caution Deposit of Rs. 1,000 is refundable upon leaving the university after deducting dues.
• Differently-abled students are fully exempt from all fees (except caution deposit and group medical insurance).
• SC/ST students eligible for Post-Matric Scholarships may defer fee payment until receipt of scholarship, subject to submission of an undertaking.
• Fees must be paid within 90 days of admission.
• Late payment fine: Rs. 5/day for the first 10 days; Rs. 10/day thereafter.
• Note: During the third year at Paris-1 (for PU students), additional costs for travel, accommodation, and living expenses in France will apply and are not covered by PU fees.
• Hostel Fees (Non-Refundable, paid annually): Room Rent - Rs. 900/year; General Amenities Fund - Rs. 700/year; Establishment Charges - Rs. 300/year.
• Caution Deposit (Refundable): Rs. 3,000 (one-time).
• No room rent is charged from SC/ST students.
• Hostel accommodation is not mandatory; it is subject to availability and preference is given to outstation students.

PU M.A. SEAL Admission 2026

Admissions to the 5-Year Integrated M.A. SEAL programme at Pondicherry University are conducted through CUET (UG) 2026 using the General Test. The application for CUET UG 2026 has already closed (January 3 - February 26, 2026), and the exam is scheduled from May 11 to May 31, 2026. Following the declaration of CUET results (expected around July 4, 2026), Pondicherry University will release its own merit list and conduct counselling, typically in July 2026. Based on the 2025 pattern, classes are expected to commence by the second week of July 2026.

College Admission Dates

Entrance Exam Dates

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must have passed 10+2 (or equivalent) from a recognised board with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.
• Candidates must appear in the CUET (UG) General Test.
• SC/ST candidates are eligible to apply irrespective of the percentage of marks obtained in the qualifying examination.

Admission Process

• Register and appear for CUET (UG) 2026 General Test.
• Apply separately on the Pondicherry University admissions portal (pondiunivadmission.samarth.edu.in) after CUET results.
• Shortlisted candidates are called for in-person counselling at the university campus.
• Candidates must report in person on the specified counselling date with all original documents.
• Admission is granted based on CUET General Test score merit, category-wise seat availability, and document verification.
• Fees must be paid online on the same day of counselling to confirm admission.
• Application fee: Rs. 250 for UR/OBC/EWS; Rs. 150 for SC/ST; PWD and transgender candidates are exempt.

PU M.A. SEAL Scholarships 2026

Pondicherry University and various government bodies offer a range of scholarships to M.A. SEAL students, making the programme financially accessible. Students can benefit from central and state government scholarships. Students from SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories and differently-abled students have additional financial support options.

Scholarship Details

• Students are eligible for only one scholarship at a time.
• PG Merit and MCM scholarships apply from the PG years (Years 4 and 5) of the integrated programme.
• SC/ST students with Post-Matric Scholarship eligibility may defer fee payment until receipt of scholarship (within 90 days of admission).
• Puducherry UT government scholarships are available only to residents/natives of the Union Territory of Puducherry.

As mentioned, Pondicherry University offers admission to BA + MA Social & Economic Administration and Law program based on CUET marks. Pondicherry University CUET Cutoff 2025 marks is 137 for the General category. Further, CUET cutoff marks is 73 for ST , 86 for EWS , 123 for OBC NCL and 108 for SC category. Check Pondicherry University Cutoff

Pondicherry University BA + MA Social & Economic Administration and Law Cutoff Year-wise Trends

The section below shows year-wise trends in Pondicherry University BA + MA Social & Economic Administration and Law Cutoff. According to year-wise trends, admission to the Pondicherry University BA + MA Social & Economic Administration and Law program in 2025 was closed at the 137 marks , whereas in 2024, the closing marks was 129 across all categories.

PU M.A. SEAL FAQs

Ques. What is the M.A. SEAL programme at Pondicherry University?

Ans. M.A. SEAL (Social and Economic Administration and Law) is a unique 5-year integrated dual degree programme offered by Pondicherry University in collaboration with the University of Paris-1 Pantheon-Sorbonne, France. It combines Social Sciences, Economics, Commerce, Management, and Law in an interdisciplinary curriculum.

Ques. What is the dual degree benefit of the M.A. SEAL programme?

Ans. Students who exercise the exit option after completing Year 3 receive a dual degree: B.A. SEAL from Pondicherry University and Licence AES (Administration Economique et Sociale) from the University of Paris-1 Pantheon-Sorbonne, France. Students completing all 5 years receive the M.A. SEAL degree from PU.

Ques. Do all M.A. SEAL students go to Paris for their third year?

Ans. PU students enrolled in the M.A. SEAL programme are expected to spend their third year at the University of Paris-1 in France. Similarly, Paris-1 AES students spend their third year at PU. This international exchange is a core feature of the programme. Students should be prepared for the additional costs of living and studying in France during Year 3.

Ques. What CUET subject is required for admission to M.A. SEAL at PU?

Ans. Admission is based on the CUET (UG) General Test score. No specific domain subject is required; the General Test assesses general aptitude and reasoning.

Ques. What are the career prospects after completing M.A. SEAL from Pondicherry University?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers in public administration (IAS/IPS/IFS), law, international organisations, NGOs, social policy, corporate management, and academia. The dual degree with Paris-1 also opens doors to opportunities in France and Europe. Students can also pursue Ph.D. in Social Sciences, Economics, or Law.

Ques. Is hostel accommodation available for M.A. SEAL students at Pondicherry University?

Ans. Hostel accommodation is available but not guaranteed. PU provides accommodation to approximately one-third of admitted students, with preference given to outstation students. Students must apply separately through the department head after admission. Note that during the third year in Paris, students will need to arrange their own accommodation in France.