The Doctor of Philosophy [PhD] in Manuscriptology at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit [SSUS], Kalady, Ernakulam, Kerala, is a full-time research programme offered by the Centre of Studies for Manuscriptology. The programme is designed for scholars holding a Master’s degree who wish to pursue advanced research in manuscript survey, collection, and preservation, transcription and digitisation of manuscripts, conservation techniques and critical editing, publishing of manuscript texts, Sanskrit manuscript traditions, and digital humanities in manuscript studies. SSUS holds a NAAC Grade A+ accreditation with a score of 3.3 and offers PhD in 25 disciplines. The Centre of Studies for Manuscriptology at SSUS, established in 2003, is one of the few dedicated centres for manuscript studies at a university level in India. Research focuses on survey, documentation, conservation, digitisation, and critical editing of manuscripts from Kerala and broader South Asian traditions. The minimum programme fee is ₹8,850 for a 3-year doctoral programme. Admission is through the SSUS PhD Entrance Examination; UGC JRF and RGNF awardees are exempt.
Admissions to PhD Manuscriptology at SSUS Kalady are through the university-conducted PhD entrance examination. UGC JRF, RGNF awardees, and eligible regular faculty are exempt from the entrance test. Final admission is subject to the availability of an approved research guide and seat vacancy in the chosen research area.
Key Points
- NAAC Grade A+ accredited university; PhD offered across 25 disciplines including Manuscriptology.
- Duration: Minimum 3 years; maximum 6 years (extendable with justification).
- Total fee: ₹8,850 for a 3-year minimum programme (includes thesis adjudication fee).
- UGC JRF and RGNF awardees are exempt from the SSUS PhD entrance examination.
- SSUS follows UGC minimum standards for PhD; mandatory coursework in Year 1.
- The Centre of Studies for Manuscriptology at SSUS, established in 2003, is one of the few dedicated centres for manuscri...
SSUS Kalady PhD Manuscriptology Fees
PhD Manuscriptology Fee Structure
| Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|
| Registration Fee (Admission) | ₹210 |
| Research Student Registration Fee | ₹530 |
| Matriculation Fee | ₹210 |
| Authentication Fee (PhD Registration) | ₹530 |
| Course Work Registration Fee | ₹1,050 |
| Library Fee (3 Years, per annum ₹530) | ₹1,590 |
| Department Development Fund | ₹530 |
| Caution Deposit (Refundable) | ₹1,050 |
| Thesis Adjudication Application Fee (at completion) | ₹3,150 |
| Total Fees (3-Year Minimum) | ₹8,850 |
- Total fee for the PhD programme at SSUS (minimum 3-year duration) is ₹8,850, comprising registration fees (₹1,480), course work registration (₹1,050), library fee for 3 years (₹1,590), department development fund (₹530), caution deposit (₹1,050, refundable), and thesis adjudication fee (₹3,150).
- Library fee of ₹530 per annum is payable each year of registration; extension fees apply if submission exceeds the standard 6-year limit.
- The caution deposit of ₹1,050 is refundable upon completion of the programme and clearance of all dues.
SSUS Kalady PhD Manuscriptology Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| PhD Admission Notification 2026 (Re-notification if applicable) | March to April 2026 (Tentative) |
| Online Application Deadline | April to May 2026 (Tentative) |
| SSUS PhD Entrance Examination | May to June 2026 (Tentative) |
| Interview and Research Proposal Presentation | June 2026 (Tentative) |
| Registration Confirmation | June to July 2026 (Tentative) |
| Research Commencement | July to August 2026 (Tentative) |
Entrance Exam Dates
| Exam | Registration End | Exam Date | Result |
|---|
| UGC JRF / RGNF (exempts from SSUS entrance) | As per UGC schedule | As per UGC schedule | As per UGC schedule |
| SSUS PhD Entrance Examination | April to May 2026 (Tentative) | May to June 2026 (Tentative) | June 2026 (Tentative) |
- SSUS offers PhD in 25 disciplines including Ayurveda, Sanskrit, Malayalam, English, Hindi, History, Philosophy, and Sociology across the Kalady and Koyilandy centres.
- SSUS follows UGC Minimum Standards for Award of PhD Degree; coursework in the first year is mandatory for all scholars.
- Candidates should identify a potential research guide and area before applying; final admission is subject to guide availability and seat vacancy.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Master’s degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised university with a minimum of 55 percent marks in aggregate (50 percent for reserved categories).
- Candidates should hold a Master’s degree in Sanskrit, Manuscriptology, History, or an allied discipline from a recognised university.
- Candidates must score minimum 50 percent in the SSUS PhD Entrance Examination; UGC JRF and RGNF awardees and eligible regular faculty are exempt from the entrance test.
- Final admission is subject to the availability of an approved guide and seat vacancy.
Admission Process
- Obtain the SSUS PhD admission notification from the official website at phd.ssus.ac.in and verify eligibility and available research areas.
- Apply online through the PhD admission portal; pay the application fee of ₹150 to generate login credentials for Part Two.
- Complete Part Two by uploading postgraduate marksheets, provisional degree certificate, research proposal (with title, objectives, methodology, and bibliography), category certificate (if applicable), and identity proof.
- Appear for the SSUS PhD Entrance Examination at the Kalady campus on the notified date (UGC JRF / RGNF holders are exempt).
- Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview before the Research Committee; present a detailed research synopsis and discuss methodology.
- On selection, pay the registration fees and complete enrolment as a research student; course work begins in the first semester.
SSUS Kalady PhD Manuscriptology Scholarships 2026
PhD Manuscriptology Scholarships Available
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|
| UGC JRF (NET-JRF) | ₹37,000 per month (1st 2 years), ₹42,000 per month (next 3 years) | UGC NET qualifiers with JRF rank |
| RGNF (Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship) | ₹37,000 per month | SC/ST PhD scholars; apply through UGC RGNF portal |
| MANF (Maulana Azad National Fellowship) | ₹37,000 per month | Minority community PhD scholars; apply through UGC MANF portal |
| Kerala State Research Fellowship | As per Kerala govt. norms | Eligible research scholars domiciled in Kerala; state government scheme |
- UGC JRF holders receive ₹37,000 per month for the first two years and ₹42,000 per month thereafter; JRF holders are also exempt from the SSUS entrance examination.
- RGNF and MANF are available for SC/ST and minority community scholars respectively; apply through the UGC portal at ugc.ac.in.
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