Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora, Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, offers Ph.D. (Journalism and Mass Communication) as a full-time doctoral research programme through the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, School of Humanities and Social Sciences. The programme is designed for advanced research in media research methods, journalism theory, mass communication effects, digital media studies, political communication, media economics, communication policy, news media analysis, and social media research. Established in 2005 as a state public university, IUST holds UGC recognition and NAAC Grade B+ accreditation. Admission is through the IUST Research Entrance Test (RET); candidates holding UGC-NET/JRF are exempt from the RET as per UGC norms. The one-time programme fee at admission is ₹22,200. PhD graduates pursue careers as university professor or lecturer, media researcher, journalism educator, think-tank analyst, media policy consultant, senior journalist, communication researcher, editorial director.
PhD admissions for 2026-27 are conducted as per IUST’s research admission schedule. Candidates are advised to monitor the official IUST website (iust.ac.in) for admission notifications and RET dates.
Key Points
- IUST offers Ph.D. (Journalism and Mass Communication) as a full-time doctoral research programme through the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Awantipora, Pulwama, J&K.
- IUST is a state public university established in 2005, recognised by UGC and accredited NAAC Grade B+.
- One-time fee at admission is ₹22,200; UGC-NET/JRF holders are exempt from the Research Entrance Test (RET).
- Eligibility: Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, Mass Media, Communication Studies, or a closely related discipline from a recognised university with a minimum of 55 per cent marks.
- Research areas include Media Studies, Digital Journalism, Broadcast Journalism, Communication Theory, Political Communication, Media Policy and Regulation, and Social Media Research.
IUST Ph.D. (Journalism and Mass Communication) Fees
Ph.D. (Journalism and Mass Communication) Fee Structure
| Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|
| Course/Registration Fee (one-time) | ₹18,000 |
| Admission Fee (one-time, non-refundable) | ₹2,200 |
| Security Deposit (one-time, refundable) | ₹2,000 |
| Total Fees (One-time at admission) | ₹22,200 |
- Total Fees of ₹22,200 is a one-time payment at the time of admission, comprising a registration fee of ₹18,000, a non-refundable admission fee of ₹2,200, and a refundable security deposit of ₹2,000.
- PhD scholars may be required to pay an annual continuation or thesis submission fee as per IUST PhD Statutes; candidates are advised to check the official IUST research fee notification for any additional annual dues.
- Students are advised to verify the current fee structure directly with IUST before confirming admission, as fees are subject to revision by the university.
IUST Ph.D. (Journalism and Mass Communication) Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| PhD Admission Notification | As per IUST announcement |
| Application Window | As per IUST announcement |
| Research Entrance Test (RET) | As per IUST announcement |
| Interview / Viva Voce | Following RET result |
| Admission Confirmation | As per IUST announcement |
Entrance Exam Dates
| Exam | Registration End | Exam Date | Result |
|---|
| IUST RET | As per IUST announcement | As per IUST announcement | As per IUST announcement |
- Admission to Ph.D. (Journalism and Mass Communication) at IUST is through the IUST Research Entrance Test (RET); candidates must apply through the official IUST research admission portal when the notification is released.
- UGC-NET/JRF qualified candidates are exempt from the RET and may be admitted directly subject to an interview/viva voce as per IUST PhD Regulations.
- Minimum eligibility is a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, Mass Media, Communication Studies, or a closely related discipline with 55 per cent marks (50 per cent for SC/ST/PwD categories) from a recognised university.
- IUST follows J&K state reservation norms; reserved category candidates are advised to check the official admission notification for category-wise eligibility.
- The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, Mass Media, Communication Studies, or a closely related discipline from a recognised university with minimum 55 per cent aggregate marks (50 per cent for SC/ST/PwD categories).
- UGC-NET/JRF qualification is preferred; JRF holders are exempt from the IUST Research Entrance Test (RET).
- Candidates must clear the IUST RET (written test) followed by an interview/viva voce, unless exempted by virtue of national fellowship.
- J&K domicile and state reservation norms apply; refer to the official IUST PhD admission notification for category-wise details.
Admission Process
- Monitor the IUST official website (iust.ac.in) for the PhD admission notification and research entrance test schedule.
- Apply through the IUST research admission portal, uploading Master’s degree certificate, mark sheets, NET/JRF certificate (if applicable), research proposal, and passport-size photograph.
- Appear for the IUST Research Entrance Test (RET); UGC-NET/JRF qualified candidates may be called directly for interview.
- Attend the interview/viva voce at the IUST Awantipora campus; shortlisted candidates receive an admission offer letter.
- Pay the one-time fee of ₹22,200 and complete enrolment at the IUST Research Section to confirm PhD registration.
IUST Ph.D. (Journalism and Mass Communication) Scholarships 2026
Ph.D. (Journalism and Mass Communication) Scholarships Available
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|
| UGC-JRF (Humanities/Social Sciences) | ₹37,000 per month (JRF) to ₹42,000 per month (SRF) | NET-JRF qualified candidates; fellowship administered by UGC |
| ICSSR Research Fellowship | As per ICSSR norms | Social science research scholars; apply through ICSSR |
| IUST University Fellowship | As per university norms | Selected PhD scholars; merit-based; apply through IUST Research Section |
| J&K Government Research Scholarship | As per J&K government norms | J&K domicile research scholars; apply through J&K Higher Education Department |
- UGC-NET/JRF qualified candidates are exempt from the Research Entrance Test (RET) at IUST and may be directly eligible for fellowship as per UGC norms.
- ICSSR (Indian Council of Social Science Research) provides fellowships for postdoctoral and doctoral research in the social sciences; eligible scholars are encouraged to apply through ICSSR.
- PhD scholars are encouraged to apply for external research fellowships (UGC, ICSSR) through the respective national agencies during their programme tenure.
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