Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 8, 2026

The Master of Arts in National Security Studies (also known as Defence and Strategic Studies) is a two-year full-time postgraduate programme offered by the Department of National Security Studies at Rajiv Gandhi University. This specialized course focuses on the comprehensive study of national security, defence policy, military strategy, geopolitical dynamics, and international relations. The programme is designed to develop analytical, leadership, and research skills essential for security and policy-related careers. With an intake capacity of 38 students (including 4 seats for affiliated colleges), the course is offered in full-time mode on campus at Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. The total fees for the two-year programme is 14,300 INR. The primary entrance exams are CUET-PG 2026 (20% seats) and RGUCET 2026 (80% seats). This course is highly popular among students interested in defence analysis, strategic policy, international relations, and government service, offering strong career prospects in government departments, armed forces, think tanks, and international organizations.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic year are currently ongoing through CUET-PG 2026 and RGUCET 2026. The CUET-PG 2026 registration period is from December 14, 2025 to January 25, 2026, with the exam scheduled from March 6 to March 27, 2026, and results expected on May 6, 2026. RGUCET 2026 will be conducted between late June and mid-July 2026. Admission process will commence soon after declaration of results. Merit lists will be notified by the Department of National Security Studies. Counselling and seat allotment are expected to be completed by August 14, 2026, with classes commencing on September 1, 2026. Fee payment and hostel admission must be completed by August 30, 2026.

KEY POINTS

Comprehensive curriculum covering national security, defence policy, military strategy, and international relations
Strong emphasis on strategic thought, military history, conflict management, and intelligence studies
Practical training through research projects, seminars, and strategic simulations
Faculty expertise in geopolitical analysis, defence economics, and security policy
Opportunities for internships and placements in government and defence organizations

Official Link:

Go To Website

Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Placements
Cutoff
FAQs

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RGU MA NSS Fees

The MA National Security Studies programme at RGU is one of the most affordable postgraduate courses in India. The total fees for the two-year programme is 14,300 INR, which includes tuition fees, registration, and other mandatory charges. This breaks down to approximately 7,150 INR per year. The fees structure is designed to be accessible to students from all economic backgrounds, particularly benefiting students aspiring for government service. A caution deposit of 1,100 INR is refundable upon completion of the course. Hostel fees are charged separately and are optional, with both regular and HEFA hostel options available at different rates.

Fees Breakdown Table

Fee Component	Amount (INR)
Tuition Fee (Per Year)	3,575
Registration Fee	500
Library Fee	300
Examination Fee	425
Student Activity Fee	150
Research/Seminar Fee	200
Total Annual Fee	5,150
Total Fees (2 Years)	10,300
Caution Deposit (Refundable)	1,100
Miscellaneous Charges	2,900
TOTAL FEES	14,300

The caution deposit of 1,100 INR is fully refundable upon completion of the course.
Hostel fees are charged separately and are optional.
No EMI options are available, but the university accepts payment in two installments (one at admission and one at the start of the second year).
Students from Arunachal Pradesh and economically disadvantaged backgrounds may be eligible for additional scholarships and fee waivers.

RGU MA NSS Admission 2026

Admission to the MA National Security Studies programme is merit-based and conducted through two pathways: CUET-PG 2026 (20% of seats) and RGUCET 2026 (80% of seats). The admission process is transparent and follows the guidelines of Rajiv Gandhi University and the National Testing Agency (NTA). Candidates must apply separately for each entrance exam through the official admissions portal. Merit lists are prepared based on entrance exam scores, with additional weightage given to bonafide students from RGU-affiliated colleges (10% weightage) and APST (Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe) candidates from other universities (5% weightage). The Department of National Security Studies conducts the selection process and notifies merit lists on the official website.

Admission Dates Table

Event	Date
CUET-PG 2026 Registration Start	December 14, 2025
CUET-PG 2026 Registration End	January 25, 2026
CUET-PG 2026 Admit Card Release	March 3, 2026
CUET-PG 2026 Exam Date	March 6 - March 27, 2026
CUET-PG 2026 Result Declaration	May 6, 2026
RGUCET 2026 Exam Window	Late June - Mid July 2026
Merit List Notification	On or before August 1, 2026
Counselling and Seat Allotment	August 1 - August 14, 2026
Fee Payment Deadline	August 30, 2026
Hostel Admission and Room Allotment	On or before August 30, 2026
Hostel Opening	August 31, 2026
Commencement of Classes	September 1, 2026
Induction Programme	On or before September 6, 2026

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have completed a Bachelor's degree (10+2+3 pattern) from Rajiv Gandhi University or any other UGC-recognized university with a minimum of 45% marks in aggregate
SC/ST/OBC (NCL) candidates are eligible with a relaxation of 5% marks (i.e., 40% marks)
Candidates who have appeared in their final semester UG examinations and are awaiting results can also apply, provided they submit their pass certificates and marksheets at the time of admission

Admission Process

Register on the official admissions portal (admissions.rgu.ac.in) and fill the application form with required details
Select MA National Security Studies as the preferred course and choose the entrance exam (CUET-PG or RGUCET)
Pay the application fee online through the portal
Download the admit card from the portal on the specified date
Appear for the entrance exam on the scheduled date and time
Check the merit list released by the Department of National Security Studies
Participate in counselling (if called) and accept the seat allotment
Complete fee payment and hostel admission formalities within the specified deadline
Submit original documents (College Leaving Certificate/Migration Certificate, marksheets, caste certificate if applicable) at the time of admission

RGU MA NSS Scholarships 2026

Rajiv Gandhi University offers multiple scholarship schemes to support students pursuing higher education. Students of the MA National Security Studies programme are eligible for various central and state-level scholarships based on their category, income, and academic merit. The university has tie-ups with the National Scholarships Portal (NSP) through which students can apply for scholarships. Additionally, students from Arunachal Pradesh, particularly those belonging to Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, have access to dedicated scholarship schemes. The application process is merit-based and transparent, with deadlines typically in October-November of the admission year.

Scholarships Available Table

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Amount (INR)	Application Deadline
Post Matric Scholarship (PMS) for ST Students (Arunachal Pradesh)	ST students from Arunachal Pradesh, enrolled at RGU	19,000 per annum	October 31 / November 30
Post Matric Scholarship (PMS) for ST Students (Other States)	ST students from other states, enrolled at RGU	16,000 per annum	October 31 / November 30
National Scholarship Scheme (NSP)	Merit-based, all categories	Varies (up to 50,000 per annum)	As per NSP timeline
UGC-sponsored Scholarships	Merit-based, all categories	Varies	As per UGC guidelines
State Government Scholarships	Arunachal Pradesh domicile students	Varies	As per state guidelines
University Merit Scholarship	Top performers in entrance exam	Partial fee waiver	Automatic
Single Girl Child Scholarship	Female students (single child)	Partial fee waiver	At admission

All scholarships are subject to verification of documents and eligibility criteria.
Students must maintain a minimum academic performance to retain scholarships.
Application deadlines are typically October 31 or November 30 of the admission year.
Scholarships are credited directly to the student's bank account.
Some scholarships may require submission of income certificate and caste certificate.
For detailed information, visit the National Scholarships Portal (scholarships.gov.in) or contact the RGU Financial Aid Office.

RGU MA NSS Placement 2026

The MA National Security Studies programme at RGU has a strong track record of graduate placements in government, defence, and policy sectors. Graduates are well-positioned for roles as defence analysts, policy advisors, researchers, educators, and officers in government departments, armed forces, think tanks, and international organizations. The university's Placement Cell actively facilitates recruitment drives and maintains connections with major employers in the defence and security sectors. Graduates have secured positions in Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, intelligence agencies, state governments, and international organizations. Many graduates pursue further studies (M.Phil/PhD) or join government services through competitive exams like UPSC and state PSCs. Average salary packages for MA graduates in this field range from 2.45 LPA to 3.25 LPA depending on the sector and role.

Placement Statistics Table

Metric	Details
Average Placement Rate	65-75% (Estimated for MA programmes)
Average Salary Package	2.45 - 3.25 LPA
Highest Salary Package	4.50 LPA (Estimated)
Primary Sectors	Government, Defence, Think Tanks, International Organizations
Top Recruiters	Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, State Governments, Research Institutions
Further Studies	20-25% pursue M.Phil/PhD or competitive exams

Placement data is based on general MA programme statistics at RGU.
Specific placement data for MA National Security Studies is not separately published.
Placements depend on individual performance, interview skills, and market demand.
The university provides career counselling and skill development workshops to enhance employability.

RGU MA NSS FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between MA National Security Studies and MA Defence & Strategic Studies at RGU?

Ans. MA National Security Studies and MA Defence & Strategic Studies are the same programme offered by the Department of National Security Studies at RGU. The course focuses on national security, defence policy, military strategy, and international relations. The terminology may vary in different documents, but the curriculum and career prospects are identical.

Ques. What are the career prospects after completing MA National Security Studies?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as defence analysts, policy advisors, researchers, educators, and officers in government departments, armed forces, think tanks, and international organizations. Many join government services through UPSC or state PSCs. Others work in Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, intelligence agencies, and research institutions. The course opens doors to diverse career paths in security and policy sectors.

Ques. Is this course suitable for students interested in government service?

Ans. Yes, this course is highly suitable for students aspiring for government service. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for competitive exams like UPSC and state PSCs. Many graduates have successfully joined government services in defence, foreign affairs, and security-related positions. The course provides strong foundational knowledge for policy-related roles.

Ques. What subjects are covered in the MA National Security Studies programme?

Ans. The programme covers subjects such as strategic thought, military history, national security, conflict management, intelligence studies, international diplomacy, geopolitical analysis, defence economics, and security policy. Students also undertake research projects and participate in strategic simulations to develop practical skills.

Ques. Are there internship opportunities during the MA National Security Studies programme?

Ans. Yes, the programme includes opportunities for internships and research projects with government organizations, think tanks, and research institutions. Students can work on real-world security and policy issues under faculty guidance. These internships provide valuable practical experience and networking opportunities.

Ques. What is the admission process for MA National Security Studies?

Ans. Admission is through CUET-PG 2026 (20% seats) or RGUCET 2026 (80% seats). Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree with 45% marks. The selection is merit-based. Candidates need to register on the admissions portal, appear for the entrance exam, and participate in counselling. Original documents must be submitted at the time of admission.