Kerala University Ph.D Journalism And Mass Communication: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. Kerala University conducts Ph.D. admissions in two sessions per year: the July session (notified around May-June) and the January session (notified around November-December). The January 2026 session notification was issued on December 31, 2025, with a last date of January 15, 2026. The July 2026 session is expected to be notified in mid-2026. However, admission in each session is subject to the availability of vacancies with approved research supervisors in the Department of Communication and Journalism. Candidates should regularly check research.keralauniversity.ac.in for the latest notifications.

Ans. Both options are available. Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET (Category 1, 2, or 3), UGC-CSIR NET/JRF, GATE, SLET, or hold approved fellowships (DST-INSPIRE, DBT-JRF, etc.) are exempted from the university entrance test and are selected based on an interview by the Doctoral Committee. Candidates who have not qualified any of these national tests must appear for the Ph.D. General Aptitude Test (GAT) conducted by Kerala University. Selection for GAT-qualified candidates is based on 70% weightage for the entrance test and 30% for the interview.

Ans. Yes, Kerala University allows part-time Ph.D. registration for employed candidates. However, part-time scholars must submit a No Objection Certificate from their employer confirming that they are permitted to pursue studies on a part-time basis, will be relieved for course work if required, and their official duties permit sufficient time for research. Part-time scholars are not eligible for any fellowship or scholarship. Additionally, employed candidates cannot pursue full-time research unless they obtain Leave Without Allowance from their employer.

Ans. The minimum duration for a full-time Ph.D. at Kerala University is 3 years from the date of registration. All research scholars, irrespective of the mode of research, 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 Paper-I (Research Methodology) and Paper-II (Research and Publication Ethics), which is compulsory for all scholars. M.Phil. holders who have studied Research Methodology in their M.Phil. curriculum are exempted from Paper-I.

Ans. Vacancy information for each subject and each approved research supervisor is available on the Kerala University Research Portal at research.keralauniversity.ac.in (under the 'Other Info' link). The number of vacancies varies each session depending on the current number of scholars under each supervisor. A Professor can supervise a maximum of 8 scholars, an Associate Professor up to 6, and an Assistant Professor up to 4 at any given time. Candidates are advised to check the portal at the time of each notification to confirm availability before applying.

Ans. A Ph.D. from Kerala University's Department of Communication and Journalism opens doors to academic careers as Assistant Professor/Lecturer in journalism and mass communication departments at universities and colleges (UGC-NET/SET qualification is additionally required for teaching positions). Graduates can also pursue careers in media research, policy analysis, think tanks, and senior editorial roles in media organisations. The degree is also valued for positions in government communication departments, public broadcasting organisations like Doordarshan and All India Radio, and international media research institutions. Kerala University's NAAC A++ accreditation and NIRF ranking add significant credibility to the doctoral degree.