Madurai Kamaraj University M.Phil Botany: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Madurai, Tamil NaduState UniversityEstd 1966NAAC Grade A
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated 3+ months ago

Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU), accredited A++ by NAAC in its 4th cycle, offers a 1-year full-time M.Phil. in Botany through its School of Biological Sciences. The programme provides advanced research training in areas such as plant taxonomy, plant physiology, plant molecular biology, ethnobotany, phytochemistry, plant biotechnology, and ecology. With a total programme fee of approximately Rs. 19,685 for the entire duration, it offers excellent research training at a highly affordable cost. Admission is through a university-conducted entrance test and interview, held once a year, with a limited intake to ensure quality research mentorship.

Admission for the academic year 2026-27 is currently open. Applications were available from March 2, 2026, with the last date for submission being April 6, 2026. The M.Phil./Ph.D. entrance examination is typically conducted in July each year. Candidates are advised to monitor the official MKU website (mkuniversity.ac.in) for the exact entrance test date for M.Phil. 2026-27.

Key Points

  • M.Phil. Botany at MKU is offered exclusively in Full Time (regular) mode; part-time or distance learning is not permitted as per university regulations.
  • The School of Biological Sciences at MKU has well-equipped research laboratories and herbarium facilities supporting plant taxonomy, molecular biology, and phytochemistry research.
  • Research areas include plant taxonomy and systematics, ethnobotany, phytochemistry, plant molecular biology, plant biotechnology, and plant ecology.
  • The programme follows a two-semester structure: coursework (minimum 12 credits including Research Methodology) in Semester I, followed by dissertation work in Semester II.
  • Candidates who qualify UGC-NET/JRF or CSIR-JRF are eligible for fellowship support and may be exempted from the entrance test.
  • A Research Advisory Committee (RAC) is constituted for each scholar to guide and review research progress.

MKU M.Phil. Botany Fees

The M.Phil. Botany programme at MKU is highly affordable, with the total programme fee being approximately Rs. 19,685 for the entire duration. The fee includes tuition fees, laboratory charges, special fees, and other administrative charges. SC/ST candidates are exempt from tuition fees as per Tamil Nadu Government norms, and differently-abled candidates are exempt from both tuition and special fees.

Fee Components

Fee ComponentAmount (Rs.)
Tuition Fee7,500
Laboratory / Special Fee8,000
University Development Fee1,200
Other Charges (Caution Deposit, Alumni, etc.)2,985
Total Fees (Entire Programme)19,685
  • Caution Deposit (Rs. 1,000) is fully refundable at the end of the programme.
  • SC/ST candidates are exempt from tuition fees; differently-abled candidates are exempt from tuition and special fees.
  • Fees are to be remitted through SBI Collect to the MKU Registrar Account.
  • 100% of special fees paid are non-refundable.
  • If a student withdraws at least 15 days before the closing date of admission, 80% of fees (excluding special fee and caution deposit) are refunded.
  • No EMI option is available; fees are to be paid at the time of admission.
  • Hostel fees are separate and optional. Approximate monthly mess charges are around Rs. 2,500-3,500 per month (managed by students on a shared-cost basis).

MKU M.Phil. Botany Admission 2026-27

Admission to M.Phil. Botany at MKU is through a university-level entrance test and interview conducted once a year, typically in July. For 2026-27, the online application portal opened on March 2, 2026, and the last date for submission is April 6, 2026. The entrance test for M.Phil./Ph.D. is expected to be held around July 2026. Candidates are shortlisted based on combined entrance test and interview scores.

MKU M.Phil. Botany Admission Dates

EventDate
Online Application Portal OpensMarch 2, 2026
Last Date for Application SubmissionApril 6, 2026
M.Phil./Ph.D. Entrance Test (Tentative)July 2026
Interview (Tentative)July 2026 (after entrance test)
Commencement of Academic Session (Tentative)August 2026

Note: M.Phil. admission dates are separate from PG (M.Sc.) admission dates. The M.Phil./Ph.D. notification is issued separately by the Research Section of MKU. Candidates must watch the official website for the specific M.Phil. notification.

Relevant Exam Dates

ExamRelevanceTentative Date
UGC NET / JRF (Botany)Exemption from entrance test; fellowship eligibilityJune 2026 (Session 1)
CSIR-UGC NET (Life Sciences)Exemption from entrance test; fellowship eligibilityJune 2026
MKU M.Phil./Ph.D. Entrance TestMandatory for non-NET/JRF candidatesJuly 2026 (Tentative)

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidates must hold a Master's degree (M.Sc.) in Botany or a related Life Sciences discipline from a recognized university.
  • Minimum 55% aggregate marks in the Master's degree (50% for SC/ST/OBC non-creamy layer/differently-abled candidates).
  • Candidates with UGC-JRF/CSIR-JRF or those working in externally funded research projects are directly eligible without appearing in the entrance test.

Admission Process

  • Apply online at admissions.mkuniversity.ac.in before the last date.
  • Pay the application fee of Rs. 500 online.
  • Appear for the MKU M.Phil./Ph.D. Entrance Test (objective type, 100 marks, 2 hours - Part I: Research Aptitude/English; Part II: Subject-specific in Botany/Life Sciences).
  • Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview (50 marks) at the School of Biological Sciences.
  • Final selection is based on combined entrance test + interview marks.
  • Selected candidates must report to the department on the specified date with original certificates for verification.
  • Pay the prescribed fees through SBI Collect on the day of admission.

MKU M.Phil. Botany Scholarships 2026-27

M.Phil. Botany students at MKU can avail several scholarships and fellowships offered by the Government of India and Tamil Nadu state government. UGC and CSIR fellowships are the most significant financial support available for eligible research scholars. SC/ST and BC/MBC students can also apply for state government post-matric scholarships.

Scholarships and Fellowships

Scholarship / FellowshipEligibilityAmount
UGC-JRF (Junior Research Fellowship)UGC-NET qualified with JRFRs. 37,000/month (1st 2 years)
CSIR-JRF (Life Sciences)CSIR-NET qualified with JRFRs. 37,000/month (1st 2 years)
UGC Non-NET FellowshipM.Phil. scholars not holding JRFRs. 5,000/month (for M.Phil.)
Tamil Nadu Post-Matric Scholarship (BC/MBC)BC/MBC students with income criteriaAs per TN Govt. norms
Tamil Nadu Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST)SC/ST studentsAs per TN Govt. norms
DST-INSPIRE FellowshipStudents with top academic rank in M.Sc.Rs. 80,000/year + Rs. 20,000 contingency
  • UGC Non-NET Fellowship is available for full-time M.Phil. scholars enrolled in university departments; amount is Rs. 5,000/month for M.Phil. duration.
  • JRF/SRF fellowships are subject to UGC/CSIR norms and are not automatically granted; candidates must qualify the respective national-level tests.
  • DST-INSPIRE Fellowship is available for candidates who were among the top 1% in their B.Sc./M.Sc. examinations or qualified national-level competitive exams.
  • State government scholarships (BC/MBC, SC/ST) require income certificates and community certificates; applications are submitted through the Tamil Nadu e-Scholarship portal.
  • Scholarship application deadlines vary; candidates should check the respective scholarship portals for current deadlines.

MKU M.Phil. Botany FAQs

Ques. Is M.Phil. Botany at MKU a full-time programme? Can I pursue it while working?

Ans. M.Phil. at MKU is strictly a full-time (regular) programme. As per MKU regulations, M.Phil. candidates are admitted only in the regular (full-time) mode and not in part-time or distance learning mode. Physical presence on campus is mandatory for coursework and laboratory/dissertation work throughout the programme.

Ques. What is the duration and structure of M.Phil. Botany at MKU?

Ans. The programme is 1 year in duration (maximum). Semester I involves coursework of minimum 12 credits including a mandatory Research Methodology course. Semester II is dedicated to dissertation work under an approved research supervisor. The dissertation is evaluated by the guide and one external examiner.

Ques. What research areas are available for M.Phil. Botany at MKU?

Ans. The School of Biological Sciences at MKU offers research in plant taxonomy and systematics, ethnobotany, phytochemistry, plant molecular biology, plant biotechnology, plant ecology, and plant physiology. The specific research topic for your dissertation will be finalized in consultation with your assigned Research Supervisor and the Research Advisory Committee.

Ques. What are the career prospects after M.Phil. Botany from MKU?

Ans. An M.Phil. in Botany from MKU opens pathways to Ph.D. research, teaching positions in colleges and universities (UGC-NET qualified), research roles in botanical surveys (Botanical Survey of India), forest departments, pharmaceutical companies (phytochemistry/herbal research), agricultural research institutions, and environmental consulting firms.

Ques. Can I pursue Ph.D. after M.Phil. Botany at MKU?

Ans. Yes. After completing M.Phil. with 55% marks, candidates are eligible to register for Ph.D. at MKU or other universities. MKU offers Ph.D. in Botany through the School of Biological Sciences. M.Phil. holders with JRF/SRF qualifications can directly register for Ph.D. without appearing in the entrance test again.

Ques. Is hostel accommodation available for M.Phil. Botany students at MKU?

Ans. Yes, MKU has separate hostel facilities for men and women on campus. M.Phil. scholars are eligible for hostel accommodation. Men's hostels (Bharathi, Kavimani, V.O.C., etc.) and Women's hostels (Kurinji, Thamarai, Malligai blocks) are available. Accommodation is subject to availability and students must apply to the respective Warden after completing admission formalities.

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