Master of Arts [MA]
at Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology - [Thapar University]
Fees
Fees at Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology for the Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) program in Computer Engineering are structured based on several components. The per-semester tuition fee is approximately INR 2,97,500 for computer-related branches, with an annual increment of around 10%. This leads to an estimated total of INR 22 to 30 lakhs for the complete four-year degree depending on hostel accommodations and lifestyle choices. The hostel fees range between INR 40,000 to 85,000 per semester, while the mess fees are approximately INR 24,000 per semester.
Additional one-time charges include an admission fee of INR 30,000 and a refundable caution fee of INR 10,000. Various merit and merit-cum-means scholarships are available, providing partial or full tuition fee waivers. These are determined by high performance in JEE Main, Class 12 board exams, and maintaining a high CGPA throughout the study period. The NRI/Foreign National students have different fee structures, with annual tuition and development fees totaling approximately USD 20,000.
Merit scholarships can significantly reduce financial burdens, with top performers eligible for full tuition waivers.
About Master of Arts [MA]
Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (Thapar University), Patiala, Punjab, offers Master of Arts (MA) in four specializations through the Thapar School of Liberal Arts and Sciences (TSLAS): Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Economics, and Industrial and Organisational Psychology. All programmes are 2-year full-time postgraduate degrees. Total fees are ₹2,32,000 for the full 2-year programme (Year 1: ₹1,31,000 including one-time admission charges; hostel charges separate). Admission is through the TSLAS Online Entrance Test and personal interview; CUET-PG and UGC NET scores are also accepted in lieu of the institute test.
MA admissions for 2026 at TSLAS are ongoing. Applications are accepted until June 2026. The TSLAS entrance test and personal interview are scheduled for June 2026, with final selection in July 2026 and classes commencing July 2026.
Key Points
- Four MA specializations through TSLAS: Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Economics, and Industrial and Organisational Psychology, interdisciplinary and research-oriented.
- Admission requires either the TSLAS Online Entrance Test or a valid CUET-PG or UGC NET score, followed by a personal interview with faculty.
- Merit scholarships of up to 50% tuition waiver are available based on entrance test or graduation aggregate; minimum CGPA of 7.5 required for renewal in Year 2.
- Psychology specializations (Clinical and Counselling) prefer candidates with Psychology as a graduation subject, though other backgrounds may apply.
Thapar MA Fees 2026
Fee Structure
| Specialization | Year 1 Fee | Total Fees (2 Years, Hostel charges separate) |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Psychology / Counselling Psychology / Economics / I/O Psychology | ₹1,31,000 | ₹2,32,000 |
- Fees is subject to change, Please verify with the official sources before taking admission.
- Year 1 fee of ₹1,31,000 includes a one-time admission and registration component; Year 2 fee is lower.
- Hostel charges of ₹31,000 to ₹55,000 per year (AC and non-AC options) are billed separately.
- Tuition fees may see a 5 to 8% revision in the second year as per Thapar norms.
Thapar MA Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Window | January to June 2026 |
| TSLAS Online Entrance Test | June 2026 |
| Personal Interview | June 2026 |
| Final Selection List | July 2026 |
| Classes Commence | July 2026 |
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Entrance Exam Dates
| Exam | Registration End | Exam Date | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSLAS Online Entrance Test | June 2026 | January to June 2026 (rolling) | Within 2 weeks |
| CUET-PG 2026 | April 1, 2026 | December 2025 to January 2026 | April 30, 2026 |
| UGC NET | June 2026 | May 2026 | July 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
- Bachelor’s degree of minimum 3 years from a recognized university with at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST candidates).
- Valid score in the TSLAS Online Entrance Test, CUET-PG, or UGC NET in the relevant subject.
- Candidates with Psychology as a major subject in graduation are preferred for Clinical and Counselling Psychology specializations.
Admission Process
- Register on the TSLAS admissions portal (apply-tslas.thapar.edu) and submit the MA application with graduation transcripts and a Statement of Purpose.
- Appear for the TSLAS Online Entrance Test, or submit a valid CUET-PG or UGC NET score.
- Shortlisted candidates attend the personal interview with the relevant department faculty at Thapar Patiala.
- Accept the selection offer, pay the admission fee, and complete enrolment formalities to confirm the seat.
Thapar MA Scholarships 2026
Available Scholarships
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| TSLAS Merit Scholarship | Up to 50% tuition waiver | Based on entrance test score or graduation aggregate |
| Need-Based Scholarship | Up to 50% waiver | Subject to family income criteria as assessed by TSLAS |
| Loyalty Scholarship | 5% to 10% waiver | Wards of Thapar alumni |
| External Fellowship Hosting | As per agency norms | UGC, ICSSR, and similar fellowship awardees |
- Merit scholarships earned in Year 1 require a minimum CGPA of 7.5 for renewal into Year 2.
- External fellowship holders follow the stipend and tenure rules of the awarding agency.
Thapar MA FAQs
Ques. Is the TSLAS entrance test mandatory, or can I use CUET-PG or UGC NET for MA admission at Thapar?
Ans. The TSLAS Online Entrance Test is Thapar’s own in-house test but is not the only route. A valid CUET-PG or UGC NET score in the relevant subject is accepted in lieu of the institute test. However, regardless of the entrance route, a personal interview with TSLAS faculty is a mandatory component of the selection process. Candidates who have already appeared in CUET-PG 2026 or UGC NET should submit their scorecard at the time of application.
Ques. Do I need a Psychology background for MA Clinical Psychology or Counselling Psychology at Thapar?
Ans. A Psychology major in graduation is preferred and gives applicants a stronger profile, but the minimum eligibility is a 3-year Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with 50% aggregate. Candidates from non-Psychology backgrounds (Sociology, Life Sciences, Education) can apply but should expect the personal interview to assess their suitability and motivation for clinical or counselling psychology. A Statement of Purpose explaining your interest and career goals is part of the application.
Ques. What career paths are available after MA Psychology or Economics from TSLAS Thapar?
Ans. MA Clinical and Counselling Psychology graduates can work in hospitals, NGOs, corporate wellness programs, and rehabilitation centres. Graduates who want to practice as clinical psychologists or therapists typically pursue an RCI-recognized M.Phil in Clinical Psychology after the MA. MA I/O Psychology graduates are sought in HR and organizational development roles. MA Economics graduates target research, banking, civil services (UPSC), or PhD programmes. TSLAS’s Thapar University affiliation adds value in campus placement for corporate and research-sector roles.
Ques. How is TSLAS different from the main Thapar University engineering school?
Ans. TSLAS (Thapar School of Liberal Arts and Sciences) is a dedicated humanities and sciences school within Thapar University that runs its own MA, MSc, and postgraduate programmes separate from the engineering departments. The TSLAS campus environment benefits from Thapar’s strong infrastructure and placement network while offering a focused liberal arts and social science academic experience. Faculty at TSLAS typically come from universities with liberal arts backgrounds and the curriculum is designed for humanities and social science graduates rather than engineers.
Ques. What CGPA is needed to retain the TSLAS merit scholarship in Year 2 of the MA?
Ans. A minimum CGPA of 7.5 at the end of Year 1 is generally required to retain the TSLAS merit scholarship into the second year. Students who receive a merit scholarship offer at the time of admission should clarify the exact retention criteria with the TSLAS scholarship office, as conditions may be updated annually. The need-based scholarship has a separate renewal process based on continued income verification rather than CGPA alone.