It's set for 2 years over 4 semesters (July to Nov for odd ones, Jan to May for even), but you get up to 5 years if work or life gets in the way—just follow the N+3 rule. Plenty of students stretch it out.

Nope, any graduation works—10+2+3 pattern with 50% marks (45% if you're SC/ST/OBC). Commerce or science grads jump in all the time and do fine.

Head to the CDOE site during Jan or July admissions, pay ₹118 for the form, upload your marksheets/degree/photo, then semester fee around ₹6,000 total spread out. No test, they confirm by SMS in a few days, books show up in 15-20. Super easy.

Twice a year at local centers (Dec/Jan and June/July)—25 marks from assignments you download/submit online (late ones cost ₹300 extra), 75 from written papers. Hit 50% per paper and 64 credits total to pass; re-sits next round if needed.

Totally legit—UGC-DEB approved, same as regular MA. Folks use it for UPSC history optional, NET/SET, teaching posts, even PhD anywhere. No issues reported.

Printed books on Tamil Nadu history/Cholas mailed free, e-books/videos on the portal (topics like freedom struggle), plus optional weekend classes at 300+ centers near you—like in Gurugram area. Helpline's there 24/7 too.

Yeah, Semester 1 has a compulsory field study (2 credits)—visit a local site like a museum or ruins, write a report. Simple, counts toward your grade, no big travel needed.

Pay semester by semester online (card/net banking), starting at ~₹1,500-3,000 each time. If late on assignments or fees, small penalties, but they work with you—call the helpline.