Bachelor of Arts [BA] + Master of Arts [MA] (Public Services)
Fees
Fees at Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) - AP for the Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) program in Computer Science and Engineering are structured based on the ranks in the VITEEE entrance exam. The tuition fees are divided into five categories: Category 1 at Rs. 1,95,000 per year, Category 2 at Rs. 3,00,000 per year, Category 3 at Rs. 4,00,000 per year, Category 4 at Rs. 4,45,000 per year, and Category 5 at Rs.
5,00,000 per year. Students gaining admission through the AP EAPCET pay a significantly lower tuition fee of Rs. 70,000 per annum. Hostel fees vary according to room selection, ranging from Rs. 1,30,000 to Rs. 1,70,000 annually, depending on the type of accommodation and mess choice, with options including air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms, as well as vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and special mess facilities. A non-refundable admission fee of Rs. 15,000 and a refundable caution deposit of Rs.
3,000 are additional charges. Scholarships are available for high-ranking students and those joining through specific categories. The overall cost for the B.Tech program can range from Rs. 8,00,000 to Rs. 16,00,000 based on the category and accommodation selected.
About Bachelor of Arts [BA] + Master of Arts [MA] (Public Services)
The B.A. + M.A. (Public Services) at VIT-AP University is a 5-year integrated dual degree programme offered under the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (VISH). The programme is uniquely designed to combine a comprehensive liberal arts education in History, Economics, and Political Science with dedicated training for UPSC and allied competitive examinations. The total tuition fee for the entire 5-year programme is Rs. 2,75,000 (Rs. 55,000 per year), with a one-time refundable caution deposit of Rs. 3,000, making it one of the most affordable integrated humanities programmes in India. Admission is based on merit in 10+2 followed by an interview, and the programme is open to students from any stream. It is a full-time, on-campus programme and is particularly popular among students aspiring for civil services and public administration careers.
Admissions for the 2026 batch are currently ongoing. Applications are open on the VIT-AP University website, and candidates are shortlisted based on 10+2 merit followed by a personal interview. The batch is expected to commence in July 2026.
Key Points
- Unique programme in India that integrates a full B.A. + M.A. curriculum with structured UPSC and allied competitive exam preparation.
- Flexible exit options: students can exit with a B.A. degree after 3 years, a B.A. (Hons.) after 4 years, or complete the full M.A. in 5 years.
- Three major specializations available: History, Economics, and Political Science.
- Multiple minor options available across social science disciplines.
- Students from any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts) in Class XII are eligible to apply.
- Internship opportunities with government and non-governmental organizations are part of the curriculum.
- Interactions with UPSC exam toppers and civil servants are organized as part of the programme.
- Curriculum aligned with NEP-2020 guidelines.
VIT-AP BA+MA (Public Services) Fees
The B.A. + M.A. (Public Services) programme at VIT-AP is one of the most affordable integrated humanities programmes in the country. The total tuition fee for the entire 5-year course is Rs. 2,75,000, which works out to approximately Rs. 55,000 per year. A one-time refundable caution deposit of Rs. 3,000 is also payable at the time of admission. Hostel facility is optional and not mandatory for this programme.
Fee Components
| Fee Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (Total for 5 Years) | 2,75,000 |
| Caution Deposit (One-time, Refundable) | 3,000 |
| Total Academic Fee | 2,78,000 |
| Hostel Fee (Optional, per year approx.) | 96,000 - 1,20,000 |
| Hostel Admission Fee (One-time, Non-refundable) | 15,000 |
| Hostel Caution Deposit (One-time, Refundable) | 15,000 |
| Total Fees (Without Hostel) | 2,78,000 |
| Total Fees (With Hostel, 5 Years approx.) | 7,73,000 - 8,78,000 |
- Caution deposit of Rs. 3,000 is refundable upon course completion.
- Hostel fee is inclusive of room, mess, and laundry charges (maximum 44 washes in 10 months).
- Hostel admission fee of Rs. 15,000 is non-refundable and payable at the time of joining.
- Hostel caution deposit of Rs. 15,000 is refundable after course completion.
- Hostel is not mandatory; day scholars can opt out.
- Hostel fee is subject to annual escalation.
- No refund is applicable for mess or room downgrade.
- Educational loans are accepted by the university.
- Bus/transport fee for day scholars is approximately Rs. 50,000 per year (varies by distance).
VIT-AP BA+MA (Public Services) Admission 2026
Admissions to the B.A. + M.A. (Public Services) programme at VIT-AP are conducted through a merit-based process. Candidates are shortlisted based on their 10+2 marks, and shortlisted candidates are called for a personal interview. The final selection is based on a combination of 10+2 marks and interview performance. There is no entrance exam requirement for this programme. The 2026 admission cycle is currently open, with applications available on the VIT-AP University website.
College Admission Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | February 2026 (Ongoing) |
| Application End Date | To be announced (check vitap.ac.in) |
| Interview Process | After shortlisting |
| Batch Start (Tentative) | July 2026 |
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum 55% marks at 10+2 level (CBSE / ICSE / State Board or equivalent).
- Students from any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts) in Class XII are eligible.
- 10% relaxation for SC/ST category students and candidates from Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and North-Eastern states.
Admission Process
- Apply online at vitap.ac.in.
- Pay the application fee (mandatory to be eligible for the interview).
- Shortlisting based on 10+2 merit.
- Attend the personal interview (shortlisted candidates only).
- Final selection based on 10+2 marks and interview performance.
- Document verification and fee payment to confirm admission.
VIT-AP BA+MA (Public Services) Scholarships 2026
VIT-AP University offers merit-based scholarships for students of the B.A. + M.A. (Public Services) programme. The GV Merit Scholarship and Tmt. Rajeswari Ammal Merit Scholarship are specifically applicable to B.A. degree programme admissions at VIT-AP. Students with outstanding academic records can avail significant fee concessions. Government scholarships for SC/ST/OBC and BPL candidates are also applicable.
Scholarship Details
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| GV Merit Scholarship | Board topper (State/National) | 100% tuition fee waiver for all years |
| Tmt. Rajeswari Ammal Merit Scholarship | District topper | 50% fee waiver; additional 25% for girl candidates (75% total) |
| Government / State Scholarships | SC/ST/OBC/BPL candidates | As per government norms |
| Financial Assistance | BPL candidates | Available on application |
- GV Merit Scholarship and Rajeswari Ammal Scholarship are officially applicable to B.Com and B.A. degree programme admissions at VIT-AP University.
- Any board topper across the country gets 100% scholarship for all years of the B.A. programme.
- Any district topper gets 50% scholarship; if the district topper is a girl, she gets an additional 25% (total 75%).
- Scholarship details should be confirmed directly with the admissions office at the time of joining.
- Educational loans are accepted; students are advised to apply early.
VIT-AP BA+MA (Public Services) FAQs
Ques. Is this programme only for students who want to appear for UPSC? Can students with other career goals also join?
Ans. No, the programme is not exclusively for UPSC aspirants. While UPSC preparation is a key component, the curriculum also prepares students for careers in research, academia, journalism, NGOs, international organizations, and the private sector. The flexible exit options (B.A. after 3 years, B.A. Hons. after 4 years, M.A. after 5 years) allow students to tailor their academic journey to their career goals.
Ques. Can students from Science or Commerce background apply for this programme?
Ans. Yes, students from any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts) in Class XII are eligible to apply for this programme. There is no restriction on the stream of study in Class XII.
Ques. What are the major specializations available in this programme?
Ans. The programme offers three major specializations: History, Economics, and Political Science. Students can also choose from multiple minor options across social science disciplines, allowing for a customized academic experience.
Ques. Is there a separate entrance exam for admission to this programme?
Ans. No, there is no separate entrance exam. Admission is based on merit in 10+2 followed by a personal interview. Candidates are shortlisted based on their 10+2 marks and then called for an interview.
Ques. What kind of internship opportunities are available during this programme?
Ans. The curriculum includes internship opportunities with various government and non-governmental organizations. These internships provide practical exposure to public administration, policy-making, and social sector work, which is valuable for both UPSC aspirants and students pursuing other careers.
Ques. How does VIT-AP prepare students for UPSC and allied competitive examinations within this programme?
Ans. The curriculum is specifically designed to cover subjects relevant to UPSC (History, Geography, Economics, Political Science, Psychology). The programme also organizes interactions with UPSC toppers and civil servants, and includes dedicated coaching and guidance for competitive examinations as part of the regular academic schedule.