Bachelor of Arts [BA] + Master of Arts [MA] (Sanskrit)

The M.A. Sanskrit (5-Year Integrated) is a full-time programme offered at SASTRA Deemed University's Kumbakonam Campus, combining undergraduate (B.A.) and postgraduate (M.A.) level Sanskrit studies in a single continuous 5-year curriculum. The programme spans 10 semesters and is designed for students who wish to pursue an in-depth study of Sanskrit language, literature, grammar, and classical texts right after Class XII, graduating with a dual B.A. + M.A. qualification. The total tuition fee for the entire programme is Rs. 2,00,000 (Rs. 20,000 per semester), with a one-time special/registration fee of Rs. 4,750, making it one of the most affordable integrated humanities programmes at a NAAC A++ accredited university. The programme is popular among students with a passion for classical Indian languages, Vedic studies, and Sanskrit literature, and opens doors to careers in academia, research, translation, and cultural heritage.

Admissions for 2026 are currently open. Applications started on March 27, 2026, and are being conducted on a rolling basis. Admissions are based on Class XII qualifying marks, and CUET 2026 scores will be considered if results are available on time.

Key Points

• Dual degree programme: Students earn both a B.A. and an M.A. in Sanskrit upon successful completion of the 5-year programme.
• Offered at SASTRA's Kumbakonam Campus (SRC - Shanmugha Rajendra College), not the Thanjavur main campus.
• Curriculum covers Sanskrit grammar (Vyakarana), literature (Sahitya), Vedic studies, classical texts, and modern Sanskrit usage.
• SASTRA is NAAC A++ accredited, lending strong academic credibility to the degree.
• The programme is ideal for students from any stream in Class XII who have a strong interest in Sanskrit and classical Indian knowledge systems.
• Graduates can pursue careers in academia, research, translation, Vedic studies, cultural heritage management, and government services (UPSC, state PSCs).
• The programme aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's emphasis on Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS).

SASTRA M.A. Sanskrit (5-Year Integrated) Fees

The M.A. Sanskrit (5-Year Integrated) programme at SASTRA University is highly affordable, with a flat tuition fee of Rs. 20,000 per semester across all 10 semesters. A one-time special/registration/medical exam fee of Rs. 4,750 is payable at the time of admission. The total mandatory course fee is Rs. 2,04,750. Since the programme is at the Kumbakonam Campus, hostel accommodation is not available on campus; students need to arrange private accommodation in Kumbakonam.

Fee Components

• No Development fee is applicable for this programme category.
• No donation or capitation fee is charged. Admissions are purely merit-based.
• Private accommodation is available within a commutable radius of the Kumbakonam campus; the university provides documentation support for students seeking paid accommodation.
• Refund and cancellation policy is as per statutory body guidelines and SASTRA's academic calendar.

SASTRA M.A. Sanskrit (5-Year Integrated) Admission 2026

Admissions to the M.A. Sanskrit (5-Year Integrated) programme at SASTRA University for 2026 are open and being conducted on a rolling basis. The process is entirely online, from application submission to fee payment and enrolment. Admissions are based on Class XII qualifying marks, and CUET 2026 scores will be given preference if results are declared on time. Students are advised to apply early as seats are filled on a merit basis.

SASTRA University Admission Dates

CUET UG 2026 Exam Dates

Note: CUET is not mandatory for admission to this programme. Admissions can be done based on Class XII marks alone. CUET scores are considered if available on time.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must have passed Class XII (10+2) from a recognised board with relevant subjects (Sanskrit as a subject is preferred but not mandatory).
• A pass in the qualifying examination is required; students from any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts) are eligible.
• All UG applicants should not have completed 19 years of age as on August 1, 2026.

Admission Process

• Visit the SASTRA admissions portal at www.sastra.edu and submit the online application form starting March 27, 2026.
• Enter Class XII marks and CUET 2026 scores (if applicable) in the application form.
• A provisional admission letter will be sent to shortlisted applicants by email.
• Complete the online fee payment and enrolment process as per the instructions in the admission letter.
• Admissions are conducted in multiple rolling batches; no changes in assigned counselling date are possible.
• The entire process - application, admission, fee payment, and enrolment - is 100% online.
• For Kumbakonam Campus specific queries, contact: srcadmissions@sastra.ac.in or +91 435 2426823.

SASTRA M.A. Sanskrit (5-Year Integrated) Scholarships 2026

SASTRA University offers merit-based scholarships to deserving students across all programmes. The university follows a transparent, merit-only admission and scholarship policy with no capitation fees. Scholarships are primarily in the form of tuition fee concessions and are awarded based on academic performance. Government scholarships are also available for eligible students.

Scholarship Details

• Dean's Merit List scholarships are awarded after each semester based on CGPA performance within the programme.
• Merit-based fee concessions at the time of admission are based on Class XII aggregate scores.
• Students must apply separately for government scholarships through the respective portals (NSP, state scholarship portals, etc.).
• Scholarship amounts and conditions are subject to change; students are advised to verify current details from the official SASTRA admissions office.

SASTRA M.A. Sanskrit (5-Year Integrated) FAQs

Ques. Is the M.A. Sanskrit (5-Year Integrated) at SASTRA offered at the Thanjavur campus?

Ans. No. This programme is offered exclusively at SASTRA's Kumbakonam Campus (SRC - Shanmugha Rajendra College), not at the main Thanjavur campus. Students should apply specifically for the Kumbakonam campus. Separate applications are required for each campus.

Ques. Do I need to have studied Sanskrit in Class XII to be eligible for this programme?

Ans. While having Sanskrit as a subject in Class XII is beneficial, it is not mandatory. Students from any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts) who have passed Class XII from a recognised board are eligible to apply. A genuine interest in Sanskrit and classical Indian studies is recommended.

Ques. What career options are available after completing this programme?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as Sanskrit teachers/lecturers in schools and colleges, researchers in Sanskrit and Indology, translators of classical texts, civil servants (UPSC/state PSC exams have Sanskrit as an optional subject), cultural heritage professionals, and content creators for Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) initiatives under NEP 2020.

Ques. Is the M.A. Sanskrit degree from SASTRA recognised for NET/JRF eligibility?

Ans. Yes. Since SASTRA is a UGC-recognised Deemed University with NAAC A++ accreditation, the M.A. Sanskrit degree is valid for appearing in the UGC-NET/JRF examination in Sanskrit, which is required for lectureship and research fellowship positions.

Ques. Is hostel accommodation available at the Kumbakonam campus?

Ans. On-campus hostel accommodation is not available at the Kumbakonam campus. Private paid accommodation is available within a commutable radius of the campus. The university provides documentation support to students seeking paid accommodation outside.

Ques. What is the difference between this 5-year integrated programme and doing B.A. + M.A. separately?

Ans. The 5-year integrated programme saves one year compared to doing a 3-year B.A. followed by a 2-year M.A. (total 6 years). The integrated curriculum is more cohesive, with a seamless progression from foundational to advanced Sanskrit studies, and students graduate with both B.A. and M.A. qualifications in just 5 years.