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

Thiruvananthapuram, KeralaState UniversityEstd 1937NAAC Grade A++
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated on - Jul 25, 2026

Kerala University’s PhD in Psychology is a minimum 3-year full-time doctorate offered by the Department of Psychology at the Kariavattom campus in Thiruvananthapuram. Research scholars are selected through a General Aptitude Test and departmental interview, with UGC NET JRF holders exempted from the entrance exam. A registration fee of INR 800 is payable at the time of admission. The university admits PhD scholars in January and July sessions each year.

📋 Admission Status: Applications are currently open. Last date to apply is 31 July 2026.


Kerala University PhD Psychology Fees 2026

ComponentAmount (INR)
PhD Registration Fee (one-time, at the time of admission)INR 800
Total FeesINR 800
  • Annual research programme fees are additional and notified by the department as per Kerala University PhD Ordinance.
  • Research scholars with UGC JRF or ICSSR fellowship receive monthly stipends from the respective funding body.
  • Scholars without fellowship are required to pay annual programme fees as notified by the university.

Kerala University PhD Psychology Admission 2026

EventDate
January 2026 Session Application Deadline15 January 2026
July 2026 Session Application Deadline31 July 2026
  • Kerala University admits PhD scholars in two sessions each year: January and July.
  • Candidates with UGC NET JRF qualification are exempted from the university General Aptitude Test.
  • The Department of Psychology conducts a subject-specific interview for all shortlisted candidates after the aptitude test.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidates must hold an M.Sc or MA in Psychology from a recognized university with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate.
  • SC/ST category candidates are eligible with a minimum of 50% marks in the qualifying postgraduate degree.
  • Candidates with a 4-year bachelor’s degree followed by a 1-year Master’s programme from a recognized institution are also eligible.
  • A confirmed research supervisor from the Department of Psychology at Kerala University is required for admission.

Admission Process

  • Apply online at the Kerala University PhD admissions portal for the relevant January or July session.
  • Candidates without UGC NET JRF must appear for the Kerala University General Aptitude Test.
  • JRF holders and other qualifying fellowship holders are exempted from the aptitude test.
  • Shortlisted candidates attend a subject-specific interview conducted by the Department of Psychology faculty.
  • Final selection depends on interview performance, research proposal, and supervisor and departmental vacancy availability.
  • Pay the registration fee and submit required documents to complete PhD enrolment at the Kariavattom campus.

✓ Opt for this if

  • Holding UGC NET JRF in Psychology or an ICSSR fellowship.
  • Planning a career in clinical psychology, counselling, or academic research.
  • Want to pursue doctoral research at a recognized state university campus in Kerala.
  • Have identified a supervisor in the Department of Psychology at Kerala University.

✗ Skip if

  • Prefer a central university or NIMHANS with fully funded research positions.
  • Need a structured clinical internship integrated into the doctoral programme.
  • Looking for a specialization not available in the Kerala University Psychology department.
  • Self-funding without a fellowship and require upfront fee transparency.

Kerala University PhD Psychology Scholarships 2026

Scholarship/FellowshipAmountEligibility
UGC NET Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)INR 37,000 per month (Year 1 to 2)Qualified candidates in UGC NET Psychology with JRF cut-off. Upgraded to SRF at INR 42,000 per month from Year 3.
ICSSR National Doctoral FellowshipINR 25,000 per monthFull-time PhD scholars in Social Sciences including Psychology at recognized Indian universities.
Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF)INR 31,000 per month (JRF) to INR 35,000 per month (SRF)SC/ST candidates pursuing PhD at recognized universities. Apply through UGC portal.
  • Fellowship amounts are as per UGC, ICSSR, and DST revised guidelines and subject to periodic revision.
  • ICSSR fellowship applications are submitted online and shortlisting is based on academic performance and research proposal.
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Table of Contents

Kerala University PhD Psychology FAQs

Ques. Do UGC NET JRF holders need to take the entrance test for Kerala University PhD Psychology?

Ans. No, candidates who hold a valid UGC NET JRF in Psychology are exempted from the Kerala University General Aptitude Test. However, they must still appear for the departmental interview conducted by the Department of Psychology faculty. Admission is also subject to the availability of a willing research supervisor and an open vacancy in the department for the applied session.

Ques. What postgraduate degree is required for PhD Psychology admission at Kerala University?

Ans. Candidates must hold an M.Sc or MA in Psychology from a recognized university with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate. SC/ST candidates are eligible with a minimum of 50% marks in the qualifying degree. Graduates with a 4-year bachelor’s degree followed by a 1-year master’s programme from a recognized institution are also eligible for PhD admission at Kerala University.

Ques. How many times a year does Kerala University admit PhD Psychology scholars?

Ans. Kerala University conducts PhD admissions twice a year through January and July sessions. Candidates can apply for either session depending on their eligibility and preparation. The July 2026 session deadline is 31 July 2026. Admission for each session depends on the availability of research supervisors and departmental vacancies in the Psychology department at the Kariavattom campus.

Ques. What fellowship options are available for PhD Psychology students at Kerala University?

Ans. PhD scholars in Psychology can apply for the UGC NET JRF fellowship, which provides INR 37,000 per month for the first two years and INR 42,000 per month from Year 3 as SRF. The ICSSR National Doctoral Fellowship provides INR 25,000 per month for full-time social science PhD scholars. SC/ST candidates can apply for the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship through the UGC portal.

Ques. What career options are available after completing PhD Psychology from Kerala University?

Ans. PhD Psychology graduates can pursue careers as university and college teachers, clinical psychologists, counsellors, organizational behaviour consultants, and researchers. Academic careers in psychology at higher education institutions are the most common pathway. Some alumni also pursue postdoctoral research, work in mental health hospitals, NGOs, or government public health departments across Kerala and other states.

Ques. Is part-time PhD in Psychology available at Kerala University?

Ans. Yes, Kerala University offers a part-time PhD option for working professionals in Psychology and other disciplines. Part-time scholars may take up to 6 years to complete the doctorate. They must meet the same eligibility and selection criteria as full-time scholars and must secure a research supervisor from the Department of Psychology who agrees to guide their thesis on a part-time basis.

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