Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), Kottayam is a state public university located in Kottayam, Kerala, established on 2 October 1983. Accredited with NAAC A++ (CGPA 3.61) and recognized as a UGC Category 1 university (2025), it serves over 40,000 students annually through 31 teaching departments and 260+ affiliated colleges. The university is known for its interdisciplinary programs in science, humanities, management, and technology, and consistently ranks among the top Indian universities in NIRF and QS rankings.
- Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam Highlights
- Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam Rankings
- Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam Courses & Fees
- Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam Admission Process
- Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam Scholarships
- Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam Campus & Facilities
- Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam Placements
- Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam Notable Alumni
Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam Highlights
Established in 1983, MGU Kottayam is a prominent public university in Kerala, with a sprawling 110-acre campus at Priyadarsini Hills. It holds NAAC A++ accreditation and UGC Category 1 status (2025), granting it significant academic autonomy. With a student strength of ~40,000 and a network of 260+ affiliated colleges, MGU offers flagship programs like MSc, MA, MBA, and BTech. Admissions are primarily through MGU CAT and state/national entrance exams.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Established |
1983 |
|
Type |
State Public University |
|
Approvals/Accreditations |
UGC, NAAC A++ (CGPA 3.61), UGC Category 1 (2025) |
|
Location |
Kottayam |
|
Student Intake / Strength |
~40,000 (annual enrolment) |
|
Faculty |
~50+ University Schools, 31 Departments |
|
Flagship Program & Fees |
MSc, MA, MBA, BTech (Fees: INR 6,000–60,000 per year approx.) |
|
Entrance Exams |
MGU CAT, KEAM, GATE, CMAT, MAT |
|
Official Website |
Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam Rankings
MGU Kottayam has consistently featured in national and international rankings. In NIRF 2023, it ranked 31st among Indian universities. The QS World University Rankings 2025 placed it in the 421–430 band (Asia). The university is also listed among the top 500 globally by Times Higher Education (2023).
|
Year |
Ranking Body |
Category |
Rank |
|
2025 |
QS Asia |
Universities (Asia) |
421–430 |
|
2023 |
NIRF |
Universities (India) |
31 |
|
2023 |
NIRF |
Overall (India) |
52 |
|
2023 |
Times Higher Education |
World University |
Top 500 |
Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam Courses & Fees
MGU Kottayam offers a wide spectrum of programs across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. Popular courses include BSc, BA, BTech, MSc, MA, MBA, MCA, MTech, and PhD. Fees are highly subsidized for most programs, with annual tuition ranging from INR 6,000 to INR 60,000 depending on the course and category.
|
Program |
Level |
Duration |
Eligibility |
Total Fees |
|
BSc, BA |
UG |
3 years |
10+2 (Science/Arts) |
INR 6,000–12,000/year |
|
BTech |
UG |
4 years |
10+2 with PCM, KEAM |
INR 35,000–60,000/year |
|
MSc, MA |
PG |
2 years |
Relevant UG degree, MGU CAT |
INR 7,500–25,000/year |
|
MBA |
PG |
2 years |
UG degree, CMAT/MAT/KMAT |
INR 40,000–60,000/year |
|
MCA |
PG |
2 years |
BCA/BSc (CS/IT), Entrance |
INR 20,000–35,000/year |
|
PhD |
Doctoral |
3–5 years |
PG degree, Entrance + Interview |
INR 12,000–20,000/year |
Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam Admission Process
Admissions to MGU Kottayam are conducted through a mix of entrance exams and centralized allotment. UG admissions use state-level entrance tests (KEAM) or merit, while PG admissions are via the MGU Common Admission Test (CAT). The process includes online registration, entrance exam, and document verification.
-
Application Window: March–May (UG/PG), October–November (PhD)
-
Entrance Exams (if any): MGU CAT, KEAM, GATE, CMAT, MAT
-
Selection Stages (GD/PI/WAT/etc.): GD/PI for MBA, Interview for PhD
|
Step |
Details |
Indicative Timeline |
Documents |
|
Online Registration |
Apply via MGU portal |
March–May |
Photo, ID proof, Academic certificates |
|
Entrance Exam |
MGU CAT/KEAM/Other |
May–June |
Admit card, ID proof |
|
Result & Allotment |
Centralized Allotment Process (CAP) |
June–July |
Scorecard |
|
Document Verification |
Physical/Online verification |
July |
All original documents |
|
Fee Payment & Admission |
Pay fees to confirm seat |
July–August |
Fee receipt |
Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam Scholarships
MGU Kottayam offers a variety of scholarships, including government, merit, and need-based schemes. Popular options include the Post-Matric Scholarship, Central Sector Scholarship, and university-level merit scholarships. Application is typically online through the university or government portals.
|
Scholarship |
Eligibility |
Benefit |
How to Apply |
|
Post-Matric Scholarship |
SC/ST/OBC students, family income below threshold |
Tuition & maintenance allowance |
Online via state scholarship portal |
|
Central Sector Scholarship |
Top 20th percentile in 12th, UG/PG students |
INR 10,000–20,000/year |
Online via National Scholarship Portal |
|
University Merit Scholarship |
Top rankers in entrance/semester exams |
Fee waiver/allowance |
Apply through MGU portal |
|
Research Fellowships |
PhD scholars, merit-based |
Monthly stipend |
Departmental selection |
Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam Campus & Facilities
The 110-acre Priyadarsini Hills campus in Kottayam is equipped with modern amenities, including a central library with 500,000+ volumes and digital resources, specialized research labs, and advanced IT infrastructure. Hostel accommodation is available for both men and women, along with sports complexes, auditoriums, and medical facilities.
-
Library / Digital Resources: Central library, e-journals, online databases
-
Labs / Research Centres / Special Equipment: 31 departments, 225+ research centres
-
Classrooms / Seminar Halls / Auditoriums: Smart classrooms, multiple seminar halls, main auditorium
-
Hostel / Dining: Separate hostels for men and women, canteens, mess facilities
-
Sports / Gym / Grounds: Sports complex, gymnasium, athletic tracks, indoor/outdoor courts
-
Connectivity / Transport: Campus buses, public transport links to Kottayam town (12 km away)
Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam Placements
MGU Kottayam has a dedicated placement cell that coordinates campus recruitment for both UG and PG students. In 2023, the median package for PG students was INR 5 LPA, while UG students received a median of INR 1.8 LPA. Top recruiters include DC Books, HDB Financial Services, TVS Group, AVG Motors, and Faith Infosys.
|
Year |
Highest Package |
Average Package |
Median Package |
Top Recruiters |
|
2023 |
INR 10 LPA (approx) |
INR 3.5–4.5 LPA |
UG: INR 1.8 LPA, PG: INR 5 LPA |
DC Books, HDB Financial, TVS Group, AVG Motors |
Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam Notable Alumni
MGU Kottayam has produced several distinguished alumni in academia, public service, literature, and the arts. Many hold prominent positions in government, research, and industry, reflecting the university's academic impact.
Name | Role / Achievement |
Dr. Shashi Tharoor | Member of Parliament, Author, Former UN Under-Secretary-General |
Justice Kurian Joseph | Former Judge, Supreme Court of India |
Meera Jasmine | National Award-winning Actress |
Dr. Viju Jacob | Managing Director, Synthite Industries |


