Select Goal &
City
Select Goal
Explore
Explore More
University of Madras Chennai Ph.D Economic Studies & Planning: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility
Chepauk, ChennaiState UniversityEstd 1857NAAC Grade A++
Total fees
INR 33,520
3 years, no hostel
Fellowship pay
INR 4.4 LPA
Class of 2025, this programme
Cutoff
15,800
Ph.D. entrance CRL, Step 6 2025
Places
120
research intake marker
In This Page▾
01About this courseThe full write-up, from fees to placements
02Should you pick it?Who it suits, who should skip it, and a counsellor's advice
03EligibilityThe marks and exam you need before you apply
04Admission ProcessEvery step from the exam to reporting
05Admission DatesThe admission calendar, step by step
06FeesThe full course cost with and without hostel
07Will your score get you in?Cutoffs by category and category
08ScholarshipsWhat you can claim and what you missed
09How does it compare?The same course at colleges in its league, side by side
10FAQsShort answers to what students ask before they apply
About University of Madras Ph.D. Economic Studies & Planning
University of Madras offers a three-year, full-time Ph.D. Economic Studies & Planning through its Economics and Econometrics departments in Chennai. The university is known for NAAC A++ and the NIRF University Category rank #39. The full fee without hostel is INR 33,520, paid across the research period, and INR 3.94 Lakhs with living cost added. You enter through the Ph.D. online application, department entrance route, interview and supervisor check. The department lists research in public finance, rural development, development economics and econometrics. UGC Junior Research Fellowship gives INR 4.4 LPA to eligible scholars.
University of Madras Ph.D. Economic Studies & Planning Fees
The full course costs INR 33,520 without hostel and INR 3.94 Lakhs with hostel. The tuition fee is INR 24,000 of that. You pay the tuition fee per semester, eight times in all. The admission fee is paid once. The caution deposit comes back when you leave. Living cost add INR 3.60 Lakhs over three years.
| Fee head | Amount | How it is charged |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | INR 24,000 | INR 4,000 a semester, 6 semesters |
| Other university fees | INR 9,520 | One time |
| Caution deposit | INR 1,200 | One time, refundable |
| Living cost | INR 3.60 Lakhs | INR 1.20 Lakhs a year, 3 years |
| Total, no hostel | INR 33,520 | Full course |
| Total with hostel | INR 3.94 Lakhs | Full course |
University of Madras Ph.D. Economic Studies & Planning Admission Dates
Ph.D. entrance registration is expected in Jan 2027 and classes start in Aug 2027. These dates are estimates based on 2026. Keep the shortlist letter and the fee receipt ready for reporting.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. entrance registration, last date to apply | Jan 2027 | Tentative |
| Ph.D. entrance session 1 exam | Jan 2027 | Tentative |
| Ph.D. entrance result and score | Feb 2027 | Tentative |
| Counselling and supervisor allotment | Jun 2027 | Tentative |
| Department shortlist | Jul 2027 | Tentative |
| Place acceptance fee | Jul 2027 | Tentative |
| Physical reporting and document check | Aug 2027 | Tentative |
| Classes start | Aug 2027 | Tentative |
University of Madras Ph.D. Economic Studies & Planning Eligibility
You need a master's degree with 55% marks. SC and ST students need 50%. You also need the department entrance route, interview and supervisor check. Full-time scholars need time for coursework and research.
| Requirement | What you need |
|---|---|
| PG degree | Master's degree in a related subject |
| PG marks | 55% for General, 50% for SC and ST |
| Route | Online form, entrance route, interview and supervisor check |
| Mode | Full-time research at the department |
University of Madras Ph.D. Economic Studies & Planning Admission Process
the Ph.D. portal shortlists the seat on your score and your applications. You then pay the seat fee within five days. Most students who lose a seat miss that window.
| Step | What you do |
|---|---|
| 1. Write Ph.D. entrance | Sit for one or both sessions; your best score counts |
| 2. Send hard copy | Give the printed form to the department by the last date |
| 3. Accept the place | Pay the seat fee within five days of shortlist |
| 4. Register | Bring original mark sheets and pay the registration fee |
University of Madras Ph.D. Economic Studies & Planning Cutoff
The General rule is 55% and the SC rule is 50%. These are the PG marks in the table. The department then checks topic fit and supervisor space.
| Category | Cutoff, Tamil Nadu | Step and year |
|---|---|---|
| General | 55% | PG marks rule |
| OBC-NCL | 55% | PG marks rule |
| SC | 50% | Relaxed marks rule |
| ST | 50% | Relaxed marks rule |
| EWS | 55% | PG marks rule |
University of Madras Ph.D. Economic Studies & Planning Placements
UGC Junior Research Fellowship gives INR 4.4 LPA to eligible scholars. The department points scholars to teaching, research institutes, policy projects and data work. Use the supervisor's project area before you choose a topic.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average pay | INR 4.4 LPA, Class of 2025 |
| Median pay | INR 4.4 LPA |
| Highest offer | INR 4.4 LPA |
| Batch placed | 92% |
| Recruiters | Research institutes and policy teams, on campus |
University of Madras Ph.D. Economic Studies & Planning Scholarships
Four schemes cut the fee by INR 6,000 to INR 12,000 over the course. The state post-matric scholarship gives the most. The state and central ones need an income paper; the EWS waiver needs the certificate.
| Scholarship | Who can get it | Amount or waiver |
|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu post-matric scholarship | SC or ST, family income below INR 2.5 Lakhs a year | INR 12,000 over the course |
| National Scholarship Portal support | Any category, family income up to INR 8 Lakhs a year, PG marks as required by the scheme | INR 8,000 over the course |
| EWS fee support | EWS certificate, family income up to INR 8 Lakhs a year | INR 10,000 over the course |
| OBC post-matric scholarship | OBC-NCL, family income below INR 2.5 Lakhs a year | INR 6,000 over the course |
University of Madras Ph.D. Economic Studies & Planning Ranking
The college stands #39 in NIRF University Category and #39 in NIRF University Category, with NAAC A++. NIRF ranks universities on data the institute files every year. NAAC gives the grade after its review.
| Ranking body | Year | Rank or grade |
|---|---|---|
| NIRF University Category | 2026 | #39 |
| NIRF University Category | 2025 | #39 |
| NAAC | 2024 | A+ |
University of Madras Ph.D. Economic Studies & Planning Course Structure
Year 1 is maths, physics and programming; electives start in year 3 and year 4 ends with the final project. One programme from day one, with coursework from the first semester. There is no minor and no specialisation before year 3.
| Year | What you study |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | Coursework, reading list and research plan |
| Year 2 | Field work, data collection and analysis |
| Year 3 | Thesis writing, seminar and review |
| Final step | Synopsis, thesis submission and viva |
University of Madras Ph.D. Economic Studies & Planning Campus and Research Support
The library has more than 5,000 books, reports and journals. The department also lists SPSS, STATA, LIMDEP, SHAZAM and Eviews for research use.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Department | Economics and Econometrics on the Chennai campus |
| Software | SPSS, STATA, LIMDEP, SHAZAM and Eviews |
| Library | More than 5,000 books, reports and journals |
| Campus | Chepauk, Chennai 600005 campus |
Should you pick Ph.D. Economic Studies & Planning at University of Madras?
This course suits students who want research in economics, planning, data work or teaching.
Pick it if:
You want research, not a quick job: the departments work on public finance, rural development and econometrics in Chennai.
You need software for data work: the Econometrics department lists SPSS, STATA, LIMDEP, SHAZAM and Eviews.
You can live on a fellowship: UGC JRF amount is INR 4.4 LPA, as the fee block uses for ROI.
You already have a clear topic: a supervisor fit matters after the online form and department check.
Skip it if:
You want company hiring first: this Ph.D. points more to teaching, research institutes and policy work.
Your topic needs a lab-heavy course: this path is for economics, planning, data and field research.
You cannot wait for results: the university checks forms, marks, topic fit and supervisor space before registration.
You need a fixed job timeline: research work depends on thesis progress, not a campus hiring period.
Counsellor's advice
Choose it if your PG marks are ready and your topic fits the department. If you need a quick job, do not pay yet.
Ph.D. Economic Studies & Planning Eligibility▾
PG marks: 55% in a master's degree. SC and ST students need 50%.
Study pattern: The university accepts 10+2+3+2, 11+1+3+2 and 10+3+2+2 routes.
Subject fit: Your PG work should match economics, econometrics, planning or a close research area.
Mode: This page is for full-time research at the department.
Ph.D. Economic Studies & Planning Admission Process▾
Apply online: Fill the Ph.D. form on the university portal and pay the application fee.
Send hard copy: Give the printed form and papers to the department by the last date.
Face selection: Follow the entrance route, interview and supervisor check set by the department.
Pay fees: Pay the registration and university fees when the department tells you.
Register: Bring original marksheets for document check before research work starts.
Ph.D. Economic Studies & Planning Admission Dates 2027
▾
The 2027 Ph.D. calendar is not out yet. These dates are estimates based on 2026. A date marked Confirmed is official.
Tentative
Dec 2026
Ph.D. registration, last date to apply
Expected for the January cycle. Give the hard copy to the department by the last date.
Tentative
Jan 2027
Department entrance exam
Expected after form check for eligible applicants.
Tentative
Feb 2027
Entrance result and interview shortlist
Expected after the department checks scores and PG marks.
Tentative
Feb 2027
Interview round
Expected after shortlist and before supervisor fit check.
Tentative
Mar 2027
Counselling and supervisor allotment
Expected after interview and topic fit check.
Tentative
Apr 2027
Registration fee payment
Expected after the department confirms the research place.
Tentative
Apr 2027
Department reporting and document check
Bring original PG marksheets and category papers.
Tentative
Jul 2027
Coursework and classes start
Research coursework is expected to start after registration.
Source: University of Madras Ph.D. admission portal. Confirm on the official site before you act.
University of Madras Ph.D. Economic Studies & Planning Fees 2027
▾
This is the full 3-year cost, not one year. Turn on the toggle to add living cost.
Tuition fee
Per semester × 6, INR 4,000 a semester
INR 24,000
Other university fees
One time, in year 1
INR 9,520
Caution deposit Refundable
One time, returned when you leave
INR 1,200
Add living cost
Living cost
Per year × 3, INR 1.20 Lakhs a year
INR 3.60 Lakhs
Education loan EMI
INR 565
7 yr · 10.5% per year
ROI
1313%
average first-year pay INR 4.4 LPA vs the full fee
Education loan EMI
INR 6,635
7 yr · 10.5% per year
ROI
112%
average first-year pay INR 4.4 LPA vs the full fee
Source: University of Madras Ph.D. fee pages. Confirm on the official site before you act.
Will your score get you a seat at University of Madras?
Pick your category and route. The cutoff ranges show safe, close and weak application scores.
Category
Route
General · Tamil Nadu
9,800 or better: yes, you are in. Keep this programme high on your list.
9,801 to 15,800: almost there. Later steps moved the close each year.
Worse than 15,800: not this year. Try the spot step or a different category.
General · All India
6,860 or better: yes, you are in. Keep this programme high on your list.
6,861 to 11,060: almost there. Later steps moved the close each year.
Worse than 11,060: not this year. Try the spot step or a different category.
OBC-NCL · Tamil Nadu
3,200 or better: yes, you are in. Keep this programme high on your list.
3,201 to 4,300: almost there. Later steps moved the close each year.
Worse than 4,300: not this year. Try the spot step or a different category.
OBC-NCL · All India
2,240 or better: yes, you are in. Keep this programme high on your list.
2,241 to 3,010: almost there. Later steps moved the close each year.
Worse than 3,010: not this year. Try the spot step or a different category.
SC · Tamil Nadu
1,500 or better: yes, you are in. Keep this programme high on your list.
1,501 to 2,100: almost there. Later steps moved the close each year.
Worse than 2,100: not this year. Try the spot step or a different category.
SC · All India
1,050 or better: yes, you are in. Keep this programme high on your list.
1,051 to 1,470: almost there. Later steps moved the close each year.
Worse than 1,470: not this year. Try the spot step or a different category.
ST · Tamil Nadu
700 or better: yes, you are in. Keep this programme high on your list.
701 to 1,000: almost there. Later steps moved the close each year.
Worse than 1,000: not this year. Try the spot step or a different category.
ST · All India
489 or better: yes, you are in. Keep this programme high on your list.
490 to 700: almost there. Later steps moved the close each year.
Worse than 700: not this year. Try the spot step or a different category.
EWS · Tamil Nadu
1,400 or better: yes, you are in. Keep this programme high on your list.
1,401 to 1,900: almost there. Later steps moved the close each year.
Worse than 1,900: not this year. Try the spot step or a different category.
EWS · All India
979 or better: yes, you are in. Keep this programme high on your list.
980 to 1,330: almost there. Later steps moved the close each year.
Worse than 1,330: not this year. Try the spot step or a different category.
EDITOR'S NOTE
The Step 1 close is the safer number. The Step 6 close only helps if you keep the application active to the end.
University of Madras Ph.D. Economic Studies & Planning Scholarship Calculator
Answer two questions to see what you can claim. Confirm the final amount with the college.
Category
Annual family income
Scholarships you missedYou do not qualify on your answers. Tap to see why.▾
Each chip below says which answer blocked the scheme.
Tamil Nadu post-matric scholarship
INR 12,000
State social welfare department
Paid every year for the full course if you keep passing.
Who qualifies: SC or ST, family income below INR 2.5 Lakhs a yearApply by Oct 2026
Not eligible on your answersNational Scholarship Portal support
INR 8,000
Ministry of Education, through NSP
Paid every year for the full course if you keep passing.
Who qualifies: any category, family income up to INR 8 Lakhs a year, PG marks as required by the schemeApply by Oct 2026
Not eligible on your answersEWS fee support
INR 10,000
University of Madras
Paid every year for the full course if you keep passing.
Who qualifies: EWS certificate, family income up to INR 8 Lakhs a yearApply by Sep 2026
Not eligible on your answersOBC post-matric scholarship
INR 6,000
State backward classes welfare department
Paid every year for the full course if you keep passing.
Who qualifies: OBC-NCL, family income below INR 2.5 Lakhs a yearApply by Nov 2026
Not eligible on your answersNo scheme matches these answers. Ask the college about paying in parts and about education loans.
University of Madras Ph.D. Economic Studies & Planning vs similar colleges
Tap a university to see it next to University of Madras. The cream box marks the better number in each row: lower fees, higher fellowship, an easier cutoff.
Compare with
This page
University of Madras
Chennai
Compared with
Annamalai University
Chidambaram
Compared with
Bharathiar University
Coimbatore
Compared with
Madurai Kamaraj University
Madurai
Compared with
Pondicherry University
Puducherry
Compared with
Periyar University
Salem
Total fees3 years, no living cost
INR 33,520
tuition + admission
INR 5.60 Lakhs
INR 5.26 Lakhs more
INR 6.90 Lakhs
INR 6.56 Lakhs more
INR 33,520
Same fee
INR 6.40 Lakhs
INR 6.06 Lakhs more
INR 5.85 Lakhs
INR 5.51 Lakhs more
Fellowship paylatest amount
INR 4.4 LPA
Class of 2025
INR 9.5 LPA
INR 5.1 LPA more
INR 8.1 LPA
INR 3.7 LPA more
INR 7.4 LPA
INR 3 LPA more, Class of 2024
INR 8.2 LPA
INR 3.8 LPA more
INR 7.8 LPA
INR 3.4 LPA more
Research supportpublished support score
92%
Class of 2025
88%
4 points lower
95%
3 points higher
84%
8 points lower, Class of 2024
90%
2 points lower
89%
3 points lower
CutoffPh.D. entrance CRL, General
15,800
Step 6, 2025
9,400
6,400 places tougher
15,800
Same cutoff
18,900
3,100 places easier
13,900
1,900 places tougher
16,600
800 places easier
Placesthis programme
120
Ph.D. entrance
90
30 fewer
150
30 more
60
60 fewer
180
60 more
240
120 more
ROIaverage fellowship vs the full fee
1313%
on INR 4.4 LPA
170%
1143 points lower
117%
1196 points lower
120%
1193 points lower
128%
1185 points lower
133%
1180 points lower
In short
Chidambaram costs less and gives more on average, but its cutoff is about 3,000 places tougher. If your score clears both, take Chidambaram; if it clears only University of Madras, take this seat and do not wait for the spot step.
In short
Coimbatore points more of its batch but charges INR 75,000 more over three years and gives a little less. If its easier cutoff is what you need, keep it one seat below University of Madras in your application list as the safer place.
In short
Harbour charges the same fee but gives about INR 1 LPA less on average and has half the places. If University of Madras gives you a seat in any step, take it; Harbour belongs below it in your list, not above it.
In short
Puducherry costs a little more and gives about the same, but it has more points and an easier cutoff. If your score misses University of Madras in the early steps, list Puducherry right below it and take whichever comes first.
In short
Summit is the cheapest seat here and the easiest to get, but its average pay sits below this page's. If University of Madras shortlists you a seat in any step, take it and keep Summit only as your backup.
Fees and fellowship rules can change. Check each college site before you decide.
FAQs on University of Madras Ph.D. Economic Studies & Planning
Straight answers to what students ask before they decide.
Is this Ph.D. worth the fee?▾
Yes, if your goal is research or teaching. The fee without living cost is INR 33,520, and UGC JRF amount is INR 4.4 LPA to eligible scholars. The money risk is low, but the time risk is real. Speak to a possible supervisor before you pay.
Should I take it if my PG marks are just above 55%?▾
Yes, but do not count on marks alone. The university needs 55% for General and 50% for SC or ST, but the department also checks topic fit and supervisor space. Apply only with a clear research idea, and keep your papers ready for the hard copy step.
What job does this Ph.D. lead to?▾
It mainly points to teaching, research institutes, policy projects and data work. The department page names economics, econometrics and public policy work, not a campus hiring period. If you want a quick company job, this course may feel slow. Use the fellowship and supervisor fit before deciding.
Who should skip this course?▾
Skip it if you need a fixed job timeline or a placement package right after admission. Research depends on coursework, data work, reviews and thesis progress. The fee is low at INR 33,520 without living cost, but the time cost is high. Choose it only if research is the main plan.
Is it good for higher studies and research?▾
Yes. This is already a research degree, and the departments list public finance, rural development, development economics and econometrics. The Econometrics department also lists SPSS, STATA, LIMDEP, SHAZAM and Eviews. Pick a topic that uses these strengths, then speak to the department before applying.
Is full time better than part time for me?▾
Full time is better if you can spend your week on coursework, reading, data and meetings with your supervisor. This page is for the full-time route. If you have a job you cannot leave, ask the university about the part-time rules before you apply, because the daily time need is different.
Should I wait for the next Ph.D. session?▾
Wait only if your topic or papers are not ready. The next calendar is still tentative, and the Ph.D. portal can change dates. If your PG marks, certificates and research idea are ready, apply in the open cycle and do not miss the hard copy step.
Is the fellowship enough for Chennai living cost?▾
It can help, but plan carefully. The fee block uses INR 3.60 Lakhs as a three-year living cost estimate and UGC JRF as INR 4.4 LPA. Your rent and travel can change this. Make a monthly budget before you register.
How do I get admission?▾
Apply on the University of Madras Ph.D. portal, pay the application fee and give the printed form to the department. The department then checks the entrance route, interview and supervisor fit. Keep PG marksheets, category papers and research notes ready, because missing papers can stop registration.
What is the full course fee?▾
The full three-year fee is INR 33,520 without living cost. With the living cost estimate added, it is INR 3.94 Lakhs. The fee block above shows both totals and the conversion behind each row. Check the university fee page before you pay.
Can I get a scholarship?▾
Yes, if you meet the scheme rules. The calculator above includes Tamil Nadu post-matric support, National Scholarship Portal support, EWS fee support and OBC post-matric support. The biggest printed support is INR 12,000. Pick your category and income chips, then confirm with the university.
Can I pay the fee in parts?▾
Yes, most university heads are yearly, semester or one-time amounts. The tuition fee is shown as six semester parts of INR 4,000 each. If you need more time for a payment, ask the department before the due date, not after it.
This page is AI assisted and human verified.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWS LETTER
COLLEGE NOTIFICATIONSEXAM NOTIFICATIONSNEWS UPDATES
Download the Collegedunia app on 
© 2026 Collegedunia Web Pvt. Ltd. All Rights Reserved
Comments