Kerala University Ph.D Chemical Engineering: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. The Ph.D. programme can be pursued at the University Departments at Kariavattom Campus as well as at approved Research Centres in affiliated colleges. However, the availability of vacancies and recognised supervisors in Chemical Engineering is primarily at the University's own departments. Candidates should check the Research Portal (research.keralauniversity.ac.in) under "Other Info" for subject-wise vacancy details before applying.

Ans. Yes, a valid GATE score qualifies you for exemption from the Kerala University Ph.D. Entrance Test. You will be directly called for an interview by the Doctoral Committee. However, your GATE score must be valid at the time of application. GATE scores are typically valid for 3 years from the date of the result, so ensure your score is within the validity period when you apply.

Ans. Yes, part-time Ph.D. registration is permitted for employed candidates. You will need to submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer stating that you are permitted to pursue studies on a part-time basis and that your official duties allow sufficient time for research. Note that part-time scholars are not eligible for any fellowship or scholarship, and the maximum duration for part-time research is generally longer than for full-time scholars.

Ans. All Ph.D. scholars, whether full-time or part-time, must complete a mandatory course work of minimum one semester (6 months) with 14 credits within the first year of registration. The course work includes Research Methodology (Paper I) and Research and Publication Ethics (Paper II). Candidates who hold an M.Phil. degree with Research Methodology in their curriculum may be exempted from Paper I, but Paper II (Research and Publication Ethics) is compulsory for all scholars registered from January 2021 onwards.

Ans. Kerala University conducts Ph.D. admissions twice a year - the January Session (notification typically in December, last date in mid-January) and the July Session (notification typically in June, last date in mid-July). For the 2026 cycle, the January 2026 session has already closed (last date was 15 January 2026). The July 2026 session notification is expected in June 2026. It is advisable to keep checking the Research Portal (research.keralauniversity.ac.in) for the latest notifications.

Ans. There is no scholarship exclusive to Chemical Engineering Ph.D. students at Kerala University. However, students can avail national and state-level fellowships such as CSIR-JRF (Chemical Sciences / Engineering Sciences), UGC-JRF, DST-INSPIRE, and KSCSTE Research Fellowship (Engineering Sciences stream). The KSCSTE fellowship, in particular, is specifically for students pursuing Ph.D. at Kerala universities and carries a monthly stipend of Rs. 31,000 (JRF) and Rs. 35,000 (SRF) along with an annual contingency grant of Rs. 20,000. Applications are submitted through the KSCSTE online portal.