Manonmaniam Sundaranar University (MSU), Tirunelveli, is a public teaching-cum-affiliating university established in 1990 by the Government of Tamil Nadu. Named after the renowned Tamil poet-scholar Sundaram Pillai (1855-1897), MSU is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and holds a NAAC ’A’ Grade re-accreditation (3rd cycle, CGPA 3.13 out of 4). It serves students across four southern Tamil Nadu districts.
As per NIRF 2025, MSU is ranked #132 in the Universities category and #33 among State Public Universities in India.
The main campus spans 520 acres at Abishekapatti, Tirunelveli. Two additional campuses, a 120-acre site at Alwarkurichi and a 70-acre site at Rajakkamangalam, house specialised research centres in Environmental Sciences and Marine Sciences respectively.
- MSU runs 29 university departments and affiliates 104 colleges across Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, and Kanyakumari districts.
- Undergraduate programmes: B.Sc in AI and Machine Learning, Cyber Security, and Data Science; 5-year Integrated B.Sc+M.Sc in 8 science disciplines (Biotechnology, Botany, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Marine Science, Mathematics, Physics, Zoology); Integrated B.A.+M.A. (History); Integrated B.Com+M.Com; B.Ed; D.Pharma
- Postgraduate programmes: MBA (Finance, Marketing, HR, Production Management, Systems Management, Entrepreneurship), MCA, M.E. (CSE), M.Sc across 20 disciplines, M.A. in Tamil, English, History, Economics, Sociology, Mass Communication and Archaeology, M.Com, M.Lib, M.Ed, and M.P.Ed
- Research programmes: M.Phil and PhD across 30 disciplines in Arts, Sciences, and Management
The total fee for B.Sc programmes (AI and ML, Cyber Security, Data Science) is INR 87,500 for the full 3-year duration. The total fee for MBA, MCA, and M.E. is INR 1,01,000 for 2 years. M.Sc programme fees range from INR 30,000 to INR 56,000 for 2-year courses, while M.A. programmes are priced between INR 16,000 and INR 48,000.
MSU offers the Sundaranar Meritorious Scholarship of INR 20,000 per year for the top 10 students in each Integrated PG discipline, alongside state and central government scholarship schemes for SC, ST, OBC, and economically weaker section students.
As per NIRF 2025 placement data, 181 PG students were placed in the 2024 placement season with a median package of INR 3 LPA. The PG placement rate stood at 85 per cent.
- Manonmaniam Sundaranar University Admission Dates 2027
- Manonmaniam Sundaranar University Courses and Fees
- Manonmaniam Sundaranar University Admission Process
- Manonmaniam Sundaranar University Placements
- Manonmaniam Sundaranar University Rankings
- Manonmaniam Sundaranar University Scholarships
- Manonmaniam Sundaranar University Campus and Infrastructure
- Manonmaniam Sundaranar University vs Alagappa University vs Madurai Kamaraj University
- Manonmaniam Sundaranar University FAQs
Manonmaniam Sundaranar University Admission Dates 2027
Admissions for the 2026 academic session at MSU are fully concluded. The university admitted students for UG and PG programmes through CUET scores (for B.Com), TANCET (for MBA and MCA), and direct merit-based selection (for M.Sc, M.A., and other PG programmes). The next admission cycle for the 2027-28 academic year is expected to follow a similar calendar.
| Event | 2026 Cycle (Concluded) |
|---|---|
| CUET Application Window | January to March 30, 2026 |
| CUET Exam | May 2026 |
| TANCET Exam (MBA/MCA) | May 9, 2026 |
| TANCET Results | May 22, 2026 |
| PG Programme Application Deadline | June 5, 2026 |
| TANCET Counselling Registration Close | June 30, 2026 |
| Academic Year Commencement | July/August 2026 |
Tentative dates for the 2027-28 admission cycle are expected to follow the pattern established in the 2026 cycle. The table below outlines the likely schedule for aspirants planning ahead.
| Event | 2027 Cycle (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| CUET Application Window | February to March 2027 (Tentative) |
| TANCET Exam (MBA/MCA) | April to May 2027 (Tentative) |
| PG Programme Application Deadline | May to June 2027 (Tentative) |
| Academic Year Commencement | July 2027 (Tentative) |
The table below lists the entrance exams accepted for major programme families at MSU.
| Programme | Entrance Exam | Selection Mode |
|---|---|---|
| B.Com | CUET | Merit in CUET score |
| B.Sc (AI and ML, Cyber Security, Data Science) | University Admission Test | Merit-based |
| MBA | TANCET | TANCET score + state counselling |
| MCA | TANCET | TANCET score + state counselling |
| M.E. (CSE) | TANCET / GATE | TANCET or GATE score |
| M.Sc / M.A. / M.Com / M.Lib | No entrance exam | Merit in qualifying degree |
| M.Phil / PhD | University Entrance Test | Written test + interview |
Manonmaniam Sundaranar University Courses and Fees
MSU offers over 100 programmes at UG, PG, integrated, M.Phil, PhD, diploma, and certificate levels across three faculties: Arts, Science, and Languages. The university is particularly strong in science disciplines, Tamil language studies, marine sciences, and environmental sciences. The fee structure is among the most accessible in Tamil Nadu for a government teaching university.
| Programme | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Sc (AI and ML / Cyber Security / Data Science) | 3 years | 10+2 with PCM | INR 87,500 |
| Integrated B.Sc+M.Sc (Science disciplines) | 5 years | 10+2 with relevant science subjects | INR 77,000 |
| Integrated B.A.+M.A. (History) / B.Com+M.Com | 5 years | 10+2 pass | INR 77,000 |
| B.Ed | 2 years | Graduation in relevant teaching subject | INR 47,500 |
| MBA | 2 years | Any graduation + TANCET | INR 1,01,000 |
| MCA | 2 years | Graduation with Mathematics + TANCET | INR 1,01,000 |
| M.E. (CSE) | 2 years | B.E./B.Tech (CSE or IT) + TANCET/GATE | INR 1,01,000 |
| M.Sc (Science programmes) | 2 years | B.Sc in relevant discipline | INR 30,000 to INR 56,000 |
| M.A. (Tamil / English / History / Economics / Sociology) | 2 years | B.A. in relevant subject | INR 16,000 to INR 32,000 |
| M.Lib (Library and Information Science) | 2 years | Any graduation + B.Lib | INR 20,000 |
| PhD (across disciplines) | 3 years minimum | PG degree in relevant subject | INR 45,300 to INR 1,06,200 |
MSU also offers a Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharma), Post-Graduate Diploma programmes in GST, Financial Management, and Renewable Energy, and a Certificate Course in Library and Information Science. Among M.Sc programmes, Biotechnology carries the highest fee at INR 56,000, while Mathematics and Statistics programmes are the most affordable at INR 30,000 for the full 2-year duration.
Manonmaniam Sundaranar University Admission Process
MSU follows distinct admission pathways for UG, PG, and research programmes. The university participates in the Tamil Nadu state counselling system for TANCET-linked programmes and conducts its own merit selection for science and arts PG admissions.
UG Admission (B.Sc, B.Ed, Integrated Programmes)
Undergraduate admissions at MSU are merit-based. Candidates apply through the university’s official admission portal, with B.Com admissions linked to CUET scores. Key eligibility criteria:
- B.Sc in AI and ML, Cyber Security, and Data Science: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
- Integrated B.Sc+M.Sc programmes: 10+2 with the relevant science subject combination
- Integrated B.A.+M.A. and Integrated B.Com+M.Com: 10+2 pass in relevant stream
- B.Ed: Any graduation in the relevant teaching subject
CUET scores are factored into the B.Com merit list. The CUET exam is typically held in May. Closing scores for B.Com under the General Category vary based on seat availability and the number of applicants in a given year.
PG Admission (MBA, MCA, M.E.)
Admission to MBA and MCA is governed by TANCET, conducted annually by Anna University on behalf of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Candidates register through the TANCET portal, appear for the exam in May, and participate in the state counselling process. Key eligibility criteria:
- MBA: Any recognised graduation with a minimum 50 per cent aggregate (General Category)
- MCA: Graduation with Mathematics as a subject with a minimum 50 per cent aggregate
- M.E. (CSE): B.E./B.Tech in CSE or IT with a valid TANCET or GATE score
TANCET cutoff scores for MSU MBA have generally ranged between 40 and 60 for the General Category, placing MSU among the accessible state university MBA options in Tamil Nadu.
Other PG Programmes (M.Sc, M.A., M.Com, M.Lib, M.Ed)
Most PG programmes at MSU do not require a separate entrance test. Candidates apply through the university admission portal and are selected based on merit in the qualifying degree. Minimum eligibility is typically 50 per cent aggregate for General Category candidates and 45 per cent for SC/ST/OBC candidates. M.Sc programmes in Marine Science, Nano Science, and Applied Geophysics have specific subject-based eligibility requirements tied to the undergraduate specialisation.
M.Phil and PhD Admission
MSU admits M.Phil and PhD candidates through a University Entrance Test followed by a personal interview with the research supervisor. Admissions occur twice a year, in January and July sessions. Candidates holding a valid UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, or SLET qualification are generally exempt from the written test. The minimum eligibility for PhD is 55 per cent aggregate in the qualifying PG degree.
Manonmaniam Sundaranar University Placements
Campus placements at MSU are primarily concentrated among PG and Integrated programme graduates. The university’s placement cell works with companies in IT services, manufacturing, banking, insurance, and retail sectors operating in the Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi industrial corridors. Placement activity is in line with that of other government teaching-cum-affiliating universities in Tamil Nadu.
As per NIRF 2025 placement data, 181 PG students were placed during the 2024 placement season. The median package for PG 2-year programmes stood at INR 3 LPA. The overall PG placement rate was 85 per cent.
| Placement Cycle | Programme | Students Placed | Median Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | PG 2-Year Programmes | 181 | INR 3 LPA |
| 2023 | Integrated PG (5-Year) | - | INR 2.4 LPA |
Key sectors recruiting MSU graduates include IT services, pharmaceutical firms in the Tirunelveli industrial belt, public sector banking and insurance (BFSI), and education. MBA graduates in Finance and Marketing have secured roles at regional branches of public sector banks and mid-sized private firms. M.Sc graduates in Biotechnology and Marine Science frequently pursue research fellowships, government service positions, or higher studies rather than corporate placements.
Manonmaniam Sundaranar University Rankings
MSU is ranked by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) under the Universities and State Public Universities categories. The NIRF 2025 rankings place MSU among the top 35 state-funded universities in India and in the 101 to 150 band overall.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2025 Rank |
|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Universities | 132 (Band: 101 to 150) |
| NIRF | State Public Universities | 33 |
Manonmaniam Sundaranar University Scholarships
MSU offers a range of institutional and government-linked scholarships to support meritorious and economically weaker students. University-funded merit awards and state or central government schemes are available alongside application-based national scholarship schemes routed through the National Scholarship Portal.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Sundaranar Meritorious Scholarship | Top 10 students in each Integrated PG discipline | INR 20,000 per year |
| Vidyadhan Scholarship | Merit-cum-means; family income below INR 2.5 Lakhs per year | INR 12,000 per year |
| Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST/OBC) | SC/ST/OBC students; family income below INR 2.5 Lakhs per year | Up to INR 15,000 per year |
| National Merit Scholarship (NSP) | 80 per cent and above in Class 12 | INR 4,500 per year |
| Peraringar Anna Memorial Award | Merit-based; selected annually | INR 5,000 per year |
| Sultan Chand Memorial Scholarship | Merit-based; selected annually | INR 3,000 per year |
| E.V.R. Nagammai Free Educational Scholarship | Merit-based; selected annually | INR 2,000 per year |
Students may also apply for the Kamaraj Trust Scholarship (INR 2,500 per year) and the DAW Scholarship for candidates whose parent’s annual income is below INR 2.5 Lakhs. Applications for all government scholarship schemes are submitted through the National Scholarship Portal.
Manonmaniam Sundaranar University Campus and Infrastructure
The main campus of MSU is spread across 520 acres at Abishekapatti, Tirunelveli. It houses 29 university departments, administrative buildings, a central library, a central instrumentation facility, and a Learning Management System that serves both university departments and affiliated colleges.
MSU operates two additional specialised campuses. A 120-acre campus at Alwarkurichi is home to the Sri Parama Kalyani Centre for Environmental Sciences. A 70-acre campus at Rajakkamangalam houses the Centre for Marine Sciences and Technology, giving MSU direct access to coastal research facilities, a distinction not shared by most Tamil Nadu state universities.
The main campus offers separate hostel facilities for boys and girls with a combined capacity of over 1,000 students. Sports facilities include cricket, football, basketball, and a gymnasium. The campus is Wi-Fi enabled and a health centre with emergency services is available for resident students. A video-conferencing facility supports research collaborations and academic events across campuses.
Manonmaniam Sundaranar University vs Alagappa University vs Madurai Kamaraj University
Aspirants from southern Tamil Nadu considering MSU typically also evaluate Alagappa University, Karaikudi, and Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU), Madurai, as both are state-run affiliating universities serving comparable student profiles in the same region.
| Parameter | MSU, Tirunelveli | Alagappa University, Karaikudi | Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 1990 | 1985 | 1966 |
| Type | State Teaching-cum-Affiliating | State Teaching-cum-Affiliating | State Teaching-cum-Affiliating |
| NIRF 2025 (Universities) | 132 | Ranked (NIRF portal) | Ranked (NIRF portal) |
| Main Campus | 520 acres, Tirunelveli | 500+ acres, Karaikudi | 860 acres, Madurai |
| Districts Covered | Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, Kanyakumari | Sivaganga, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram | Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Ramanathapuram |
| Distinctive Strength | Marine Sciences, Tamil studies, Environmental Sciences | Distance education, Tamil studies | Oldest; broadest programme range in central Tamil Nadu |
MSU leads among the three in Marine Science research infrastructure owing to its dedicated coastal campus at Rajakkamangalam. MKU, being the oldest, has the largest affiliated colleges network across central and southern Tamil Nadu. Alagappa University is a preferred choice for working professionals through its established distance education division. The right choice depends on the aspirant’s target programme and home district.
Manonmaniam Sundaranar University FAQs
Ques. What is the NIRF ranking of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University?
Ans. As per NIRF 2025, MSU is ranked #132 in the Universities category and #33 among State Public Universities in India. The university is also accredited with a NAAC ’A’ Grade (3rd cycle, CGPA 3.13 out of 4).
Ques. What is the total fee for MBA at MSU?
Ans. The total fee for the MBA programme at MSU is INR 1,01,000 for the full 2-year duration. This covers tuition and other fees across all four semesters. MBA is offered in six specialisations: Finance, Marketing, HR, Production Management, Systems Management, and Entrepreneurship.
Ques. Which entrance exam is required for MSU MBA admission?
Ans. Admission to the MBA programme at MSU is based on a valid TANCET score. The TANCET exam is conducted annually by Anna University in May, and candidates are admitted through the Tamil Nadu state counselling process. A minimum of 50 per cent aggregate in any recognised graduation degree is required.
Ques. Does MSU have hostel facilities?
Ans. Yes, MSU provides separate hostel facilities for boys and girls on the main campus at Abishekapatti, Tirunelveli. The combined hostel capacity is over 1,000 students. A health centre with emergency services is available on campus for all resident students.
Ques. How many affiliated colleges does MSU have?
Ans. MSU affiliates 104 colleges across four southern Tamil Nadu districts: Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, and Kanyakumari. The university operates 29 departments directly on its three campuses in addition to the affiliated college network.
Ques. What is the fee for M.Sc programmes at MSU?
Ans. M.Sc programme fees at MSU range from INR 30,000 (Mathematics, Statistics) to INR 56,000 (Biotechnology) for the full 2-year duration. Most M.Sc science programmes are priced at INR 34,000. Admission to most M.Sc programmes is merit-based, requiring a B.Sc degree in the relevant discipline with a minimum 50 per cent aggregate.
Ques. Is MSU good for Marine Science research?
Ans. Yes, MSU has a dedicated 70-acre campus at Rajakkamangalam, Kanyakumari, housing the Centre for Marine Sciences and Technology. This gives the university direct access to coastal research infrastructure. The M.Sc and PhD programmes in Marine Biotechnology, Marine Science, and Coastal Aquaculture are among the few such offerings at a state government university in Tamil Nadu.
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Manonmaniam Sundaranar University (MS University), Tirunelveli, offers a BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) program. The on-campus full-time BBA lasts 3 years, with total tuition fees around INR 15,000.
MBAJoining
Admission to the MBA program at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University requires a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for reserved categories). Selection is primarily based on TANCET entrance exam scores, followed by a university-level Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) or centralized state counseling.
Yes, You can check here for the Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli MPhil Course & Fees Details
To know more on the placement details, you can check out the page MSU Tirunelveli Placement to get the stats.
The fee per year is INR 4,885 to 21,650 depending on the course. Check here for the Manonmaniam Sundaranar University Courses and Fees
MSU Tirunelveli offers a lot of M.Sc courses, however Food Nutrition is not one of them and you can check out more on it at the page MSU Tirunelveli M.Sc courses.
The fee structure depends on the course you want to opt for at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University. Generally, fee starts from INR 4,885 and goes up to INR 21,650.
Check out the website for more information.
Manomaniam Sundaranar University does not offer MSW course in distance mode.
TANCET 2023 has been scheduled to be conducted on March 25, 2023 with MCA paper in the morning shift and MBA paper in the day shift. Please check the syllabus for the respective papers of this examination from TANCET Syllabus.
2023 b.ed fees details.
The total fee of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University B.Ed. is INR 48 thousand. The per year fee of the course is INR 24 thousand.
How much mark needed to get in b.sc biotechnology seat?
MSU Tirunelveli does not offer B.Sc Biotechnology program at the university campus. Bachelor programs are offered through its affiliated colleges. You can apply for admission in the B.Sc Biotechnolgy program after passing Class XII examination with at least 40% marks taking any biological subject.
Manonmaniam Sundaranar University does not offer an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) but you can apply to other colleges such as Delhi Technological University (DTU), Indian Institute Of Business Management And Studies, Amity University, etc.
You need to appear for the TANCET examination and pass it with valid scores for taking admission to MS University Tirunelveli MCA.
Yes, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli provides hostel facilities. Check here for Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli Hostel Details.
The fees for the Masters of Computer Applications (MCA) is INR 47,000 for the duration of 2 years which includes various charges such as registration fees, tuition fees, examination fees, college development fund, security deposit, mess charges, and other minimal charges.