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

Madurai, Tamil NaduState UniversityEstd 1966NAAC Grade A
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Ph.D. (Journalism and Mass Communication) at Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU), Madurai is a full-time doctoral research programme offered under the School of Linguistics and Communication, Department of Journalism and Science Communication. The programme is designed to produce researchers, academicians, and media scholars who can contribute to the evolving landscape of journalism, digital media, and mass communication. The minimum duration is 3 years and the maximum is 6 years (8 years for women and differently abled candidates). The total registration fees at admission are Rs. 11,000, with an annual research fee of Rs. 10,000 (Arts stream). Admission is through the MKU Common Entrance Test (CET) conducted twice a year, and candidates with valid UGC-NET/SET/GATE scores are exempted from the entrance test. The programme is popular among media professionals and postgraduates in journalism who wish to pursue academic research.

Admissions for Ph.D. (Journalism and Mass Communication) at MKU are conducted periodically through a Common Entrance Test. The most recent Ph.D. admission cycle (2026) had a last date of March 12, 2026, and the entrance test was scheduled for March 22, 2026. The next Ph.D. admission cycle is expected around October-November 2026 (tentative). Students are advised to monitor the official MKU website (mkuniversity.ac.in) for updated notifications.

Key Points

  • The programme is offered under the Department of Journalism and Science Communication within the School of Linguistics and Communication.
  • Candidates with valid UGC-NET/SET/GATE scores are exempted from the MKU Ph.D. Common Entrance Test.
  • JRF/SRF holders from national/state-level research funding agencies are directly admitted without appearing for the entrance test.
  • The entrance test comprises two parts: Part I (Research Aptitude, English Comprehension, Logic) and Part II (Subject-specific questions in Journalism and Mass Communication).
  • Women candidates and differently abled persons can avail up to 8 years for thesis submission, with maternity/child care leave of up to 240 days.
  • Separate hostel facilities are available for men and women on the MKU campus at Palkalai Nagar, Madurai.
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MKU Ph.D. (Journalism and Mass Communication) Fees

The Ph.D. (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme at MKU is highly affordable, with structured fees payable at the time of registration and annually thereafter. The total registration fees at admission are Rs. 11,000, and the annual research fee (Arts stream) is Rs. 10,000 per year. For a 3-year programme, the total fees (excluding thesis and viva charges) amount to approximately Rs. 41,000.

Fee Components

Fee ComponentAmount (Rs.)
Ph.D. Application Form1,000
Registration Fee3,000
Methodology Test Fee3,000
Course Work Fee2,000
Administrative Fee2,000
Total Registration Fees (at admission)11,000
Annual Research Fee (Arts stream)10,000
Ph.D. Synopsis Submission5,000
Ph.D. Thesis Submission10,000
Ph.D. Thesis Submission Certificate500
Ph.D. Viva-voce Completion Certificate500
Extension Fee (per year, if applicable)4,000
Total Fees (3 years, Arts stream, excl. thesis/viva)41,000
  • Journalism and Mass Communication falls under the Arts stream; annual research fee is Rs. 10,000 per year.
  • Total fees for a 3-year programme = Registration (Rs. 11,000) + 3 years research fee (Rs. 30,000) = Rs. 41,000 (excluding thesis submission and viva charges).
  • Thesis submission fee (Rs. 10,000) and synopsis fee (Rs. 5,000) are additional charges payable at the time of submission.
  • Extension fee of Rs. 4,000 per year is applicable if the candidate exceeds the stipulated duration.
  • SC/ST candidates are eligible for fee concessions as per Tamil Nadu Government norms.
  • Entrance test registration fee: Rs. 2,000 (Rs. 1,000 for SC/ST candidates).
  • Hostel fees: Approximately Rs. 25,000 per year (optional, not mandatory).

MKU Ph.D. (Journalism and Mass Communication) Admission 2026

Admission to Ph.D. (Journalism and Mass Communication) at MKU is conducted through a Common Entrance Test (CET) held twice a year, followed by an interview. Candidates who score 50% or above in the entrance test are called for the interview. The final selection is based on 70% weightage for the entrance test and 30% for the interview. Candidates with valid UGC-NET/SET/GATE scores are exempted from the entrance test. The most recent 2026 cycle had a last date of March 12, 2026, and entrance test on March 22, 2026.

Ph.D. Admission Dates

EventDate
Ph.D. Admission Notification (Recent Cycle)February-March 2026
Last Date to Apply (Recent Cycle)March 12, 2026
Admit Card Download (Recent Cycle)March 18, 2026
Ph.D. Entrance Test (Recent Cycle)March 22, 2026
Next Ph.D. Admission Cycle (Tentative)October-November 2026

Accepted Entrance Exam Dates

ExamRegistration PeriodExam DateResult Date
UGC-NET (Phase 2, 2026)April 1 - May 1, 2026 (Tentative)June 2026 (Tentative)July 2026 (Tentative)
CSIR-NET (2026)May 1 - May 21, 2026 (Tentative)July 25-27, 2026 (Tentative)September 2026 (Tentative)

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidates must hold a Master's Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, M.A. (JMC), M.Sc. (Communication), or a related discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PWD candidates).
  • Candidates must have cleared the MKU Ph.D. Common Entrance Test or hold a valid UGC-NET/SET/GATE qualification.
  • Students in the final semester of their PG programme are also eligible to apply for the entrance test.

Admission Process

  • Monitor the official MKU website (mkuniversity.ac.in) for Ph.D. CET notifications.
  • Apply online and pay the registration fee of Rs. 2,000 (Rs. 1,000 for SC/ST).
  • Appear for the MKU Ph.D. Common Entrance Test at Madurai (if not NET/SET/GATE qualified).
  • Candidates scoring 50% or above in the entrance test are called for an interview.
  • Final selection is based on 70% entrance test marks + 30% interview performance.
  • Selected candidates must identify a research supervisor from the Department of Journalism and Science Communication.
  • Complete registration formalities and pay the prescribed fees via SBI I-Collect.
  • Attend mandatory coursework and methodology test as per UGC Ph.D. Regulations.

MKU Ph.D. (Journalism and Mass Communication) Scholarships 2026

Ph.D. scholars in Journalism and Mass Communication at MKU can avail several fellowships and scholarships from national and state-level bodies. The UGC-JRF fellowship is the most significant for NET-qualified candidates, while the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship is available for SC/ST scholars. Tamil Nadu Government scholarships are also available for eligible candidates.

Available Scholarships

ScholarshipEligibilityAmount (Approx.)Offered By
UGC-JRF FellowshipCandidates who have cleared UGC-NET with JRFRs. 37,000/month (1st-2nd year), Rs. 42,000/month (3rd year onwards) + HRAUniversity Grants Commission (UGC)
Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF)SC/ST Ph.D. scholarsRs. 25,000/month (JRF) + HRAUniversity Grants Commission (UGC)
Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/STSC/ST students with minimum 50% marksRs. 5,000 - Rs. 20,000 per annumTamil Nadu Government / Government of India
Tamil Nadu Government BC/MBC ScholarshipBC/MBC students with 50%+ marks, family income up to Rs. 2.5 LPAPartial to full tuition fee waiverTamil Nadu Government
  • UGC-JRF fellowship is the most prestigious and financially rewarding option for Ph.D. scholars.
  • RGNF applications are submitted through the university to UGC.
  • BC/MBC and SC/ST scholarship applications are submitted to the Tamil Nadu Government through the university.
  • Application deadlines for government scholarships are typically announced by the Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Department each academic year.

MKU Ph.D. (Journalism and Mass Communication) FAQs

Ques. Is UGC-NET mandatory for Ph.D. Journalism and Mass Communication admission at MKU?

Ans. No, UGC-NET is not mandatory. MKU conducts its own Ph.D. Common Entrance Test (CET) twice a year. However, candidates who have cleared UGC-NET/SET/GATE are exempted from the entrance test and can directly proceed to the interview stage. JRF/SRF holders are directly admitted without any entrance test.

Ques. Can a candidate with a background in Visual Communication or Media Studies apply for Ph.D. Journalism and Mass Communication at MKU?

Ans. Yes, candidates with a Master's degree in Visual Communication, Media Studies, Communication Studies, or any related discipline are eligible to apply, provided the topic of research is relevant to Journalism and Mass Communication, as certified by the research supervisor. Interdisciplinary research is permitted with a supervisor and co-supervisor arrangement.

Ques. What is the pattern of the MKU Ph.D. Common Entrance Test for Journalism and Mass Communication?

Ans. The entrance test is of 2 hours duration with 100 Multiple Choice Objective Questions (100 marks). Part I (50 marks) covers Research Aptitude, English Comprehension, Logic, and General Reasoning. Part II (50 marks) covers subject-specific questions in Journalism and Mass Communication at PG standard level.

Ques. What is the minimum and maximum duration of the Ph.D. programme at MKU?

Ans. The minimum duration is 3 years and the maximum is 6 years from the date of registration. Women candidates and differently abled persons can avail up to 8 years. Women scholars are also entitled to maternity/child care leave of up to 240 days during the entire Ph.D. duration.

Ques. Can a working journalist or media professional pursue Ph.D. Journalism at MKU in part-time mode?

Ans. Yes, MKU offers Ph.D. in both Full Time and Part Time modes. Working media professionals can register under the Part Time category and are required to be accessible to their research guide during weekends, holidays, and vacations. If selected for a fellowship/scholarship, they can switch to full-time mode.

Ques. What are the career prospects after completing Ph.D. Journalism and Mass Communication from MKU?

Ans. Ph.D. graduates can pursue careers as university professors, media researchers, journalism educators, communication consultants, and policy researchers. The degree is UGC-recognized and opens doors to academic positions in universities and colleges across India. With the rapid growth of digital media, there are also emerging research opportunities in areas like data journalism, media ethics, and communication policy.

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