Select Goal &
City
Select Goal
Explore
Explore More
University of Madras Chennai Ph.D Sociology: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility
Chepauk, ChennaiState UniversityEstd 1857NAAC Grade A++
Total fees
INR 24,500
3 years, no hostel
Average pay
INR 4.4 LPA
Class of 2025, this research area
Cutoff
12,400
Ph.D test merit score, Round 6 2025
Placement rate
92%
Class of 2025 batch placed
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?Closing scores by category and quota
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. Sociology
Madras University offers a three-year, full-time Ph.D. Sociology with 120 seats through the Ph.D test. The course is taught on campus over eight terms, with fieldwork from the first term. The institute holds NAAC A++ and stands #12 in Collegedunia's University scoreing 2026 and #38 in NIRF University 2025. The full fee without hostel is INR 24,500, paid per semester, and INR 33,500 with hostel and mess. You get a seat through Madras University selection. The General Full-time seat closed at score 12,400 in round 6 of 2025. The Class of 2025 averaged INR 4.4 LPA and 92% of the batch was placed.
Madras University Ph.D. Sociology Fees
The full course costs INR 24,500 without hostel and INR 33,500 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. Hostel and mess add INR 9,000 over three years.
| Fee head | Amount | How it is charged |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | INR 24,000 | INR 4,000 a semester, 8 terms |
| Admission fee | INR 500 | One time |
| Caution deposit | INR 1,200 | One time, refundable |
| Hostel and mess | INR 9,000 | INR 3,000 a year, 3 years |
| Total, no hostel | INR 24,500 | Full course |
| Total with hostel | INR 33,500 | Full course |
Madras University Ph.D. Sociology Admission Dates
Round 1 selection closed on 15 Sep 2026. Round 6 selection comes on 8 Oct 2026. Reporting starts on 27 Oct 2026. Keep the selection letter and the fee receipt ready for reporting.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ph.D test registration, last date to apply | 5 Feb 2026 to 12 Mar 2026 | Over |
| Ph.D test session 1 exam | 17 Mar 2026 to 27 Mar 2026 | Over |
| Ph.D test result and score | 6 May 2026 | Over |
| Madras University application form | 3 Sep 2026 to 11 Sep 2026 | Over |
| Round 1 selection | 15 Sep 2026 | Over |
| Round 6 selection | 8 Oct 2026 | Confirmed |
| Admission fee, last date | 13 Oct 2026 | Confirmed |
| Physical reporting and document check | 27 Oct 2026 | Confirmed |
| Classes start | 12 Nov 2026 | Confirmed |
| Spot round | Dec 2026 | Tentative |
Madras University Ph.D. Sociology Eligibility
You need Master's degree with a relevant PG subject and 75% marks; 65% for SC, ST and PwD. You also need a Ph.D test score from any session. There is no upper age limit.
| Requirement | What you need |
|---|---|
| Master's degree subjects | a relevant PG subject |
| Master's degree marks | 75% for General, 65% for SC, ST and PwD |
| Exam | Ph.D test score from any session |
| Age | No upper age limit |
Madras University Ph.D. Sociology Admission Process
The department selects students on PG marks, the test and interview. You then pay the admission fee within five days. Most students who lose a seat miss that window.
| Step | What you do |
|---|---|
| 1. Write Ph.D test | Sit for one or both sessions; your best score counts |
| 2. Fill papers on Madras University | List this course high if it is your first pick |
| 3. Accept the seat | Pay the admission fee within five days of selection |
| 4. Report | Bring original mark sheets and the selection letter |
Madras University Ph.D. Sociology Cutoff
The General seat closed at score 12,400 and the OBC-NCL seat at 4,300 in 2025. These are the Madras University round 6 minimum marks for Full-time seats. The General minimum mark has gone lower for three years, so it got tougher.
| Category | Closing score, Full-time | Round and year |
|---|---|---|
| General | 12,400 | Round 6, 2025 |
| OBC-NCL | 4,300 | Round 6, 2025 |
| SC | 2,100 | Round 6, 2025 |
| ST | 1,000 | Round 6, 2025 |
| EWS | 1,900 | Round 6, 2025 |
Madras University Ph.D. Sociology Placements
The Class of 2025 placed 92% of its batch at an average of INR 4.4 LPA. The median is INR 4.4 LPA and the highest offer was INR 5.04 LPA. Product and research centres hire this research area on campus in the seventh term.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average pay | INR 4.4 LPA, Class of 2025 |
| Median pay | INR 4.4 LPA |
| Highest offer | INR 5.04 LPA |
| Batch placed | 92% |
| Recruiters | Product and research centres, on campus |
Madras University Ph.D. Sociology Scholarships
Four schemes cut the fee by INR 40,000 to INR 2 Lakhs 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 |
|---|---|---|
| State post-matric scholarship | SC or ST, family income below INR 2.5 Lakhs a year | INR 2 Lakhs over the course |
| Central Sector Scheme | Any category, family income up to INR 8 Lakhs a year, top 20 percentile in Master's degree | INR 40,000 over the course |
| EWS tuition waiver | EWS certificate, family income up to INR 8 Lakhs a year | INR 1.50 Lakhs over the course |
| OBC post-matric scholarship | OBC-NCL, family income below INR 2.5 Lakhs a year | INR 1 Lakh over the course |
Madras University Ph.D. Sociology Ranking
The college stands #38 in NIRF University scoreing and #38 in NIRF University, with NAAC A++. Collegedunia scores on fees, placements and student reviews. NIRF scores on data the institute files every year.
| Ranking body | Year | Score or grade |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia University scoreing | 2026 | #12 |
| NIRF Engineering | 2025 | #38 |
| NAAC | 2024 | A+ |
Madras University Ph.D. Sociology Course Structure
Year 1 is maths, physics and research methods; electives start in year 3 and year 4 ends with the thesis. One research area from day one, with fieldwork from the first term. There is no minor and no specialisation before year 3.
| Year | What you study |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | social theory, research methods and field study |
| Year 2 | Data structures, Indian society and methods |
| Year 3 | social research and policy, machine learning electives |
| Year 4 | Topic papers and the thesis |
Madras University Ph.D. Sociology Hostel and Campus
The hostel is on campus and first-years are allotted rooms before classes start. The mess fee is part of the hostel fee.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| First-year room | Three to a room, allotted before classes start |
| Single room | From year 3, on request |
| Mess | Included in the hostel fee, three meals a day |
| Campus | One campus in a large city campus |
Should you pick Ph.D. Sociology at University of Madras?
This course suits students who want a research and teaching path and can live in a large city campus for three years.
Pick it if:
You passed Master's degree in this state: half the seats are Full-time, so a score that misses the Part-time list can still get in.
You want research projects, not only teaching only: the research area-wise placement table lists the same four research guides in each of the last three years.
Your family can pay only per semester: you pay the tuition fee in eight parts, and a request to split it further opens every August.
You want the fee back fast: at the average pay the full course fee comes back inside the first working year, as the ROI tile shows.
Skip it if:
You are counting on last year's minimum mark: it has got tougher three years in a row, so last year's number is not a safe score.
You need a single room from the first year: first-years share three to a room and single rooms open only from year 3.
You want internships in a big city: this is a large city campus, so the placement cell brings most internships here.
You wait for the interview result: the Madras University choice window closes within days of it, so fill your papers before the result comes.
Counsellor's advice
Take this seat if the supervisor matches your topic. If the guide fit is weak, ask the department before paying.
Ph.D. Sociology Eligibility▾
Master's degree marks: 75% in a relevant PG subject. 65% for SC, ST and PwD.
Board score alternative: Being in the a valid PG mark sheet also counts.
Exam needed: A Ph.D test score. merit score decides the Part-time seats.
Full-time quota: Half the seats go to students who passed Master's degree in this state.
Ph.D. Sociology Admission Process▾
Write Ph.D test: Two sessions, January and April. Your best score counts.
Register on Madras University: The department selects students here.
Fill papers: List this college and research area high. Submit the form, then attend the test and interview.
Pay the admission fee: Pay within five days of selection or you lose the seat.
Report on campus: Bring originals for document check on the reporting date.
Ph.D. Sociology Admission Dates 2026
▾
These are the official 2026 dates. Tap 2027 Session for expected dates of the next batch.
The 2027 calendar is not out yet. These dates are estimates based on 2026.
Over
5 Feb 2026 to 12 Mar 2026
Ph.D test registration
Last date to apply was 12 Mar 2026. Late forms were not taken.
Over
17 Mar 2026 to 27 Mar 2026
Ph.D test session 1 exam
Your main score comes from your best session.
Over
6 May 2026
Ph.D test result and score
The score card is the only paper Madras University reads.
Over
3 Sep 2026 to 11 Sep 2026
Madras University application form
Papers locked when the window shut on 11 Sep 2026.
Over
15 Sep 2026
Round 1 selection
The first selection letter came online the same day.
Confirmed
8 Oct 2026
Round 6 selection
The last regular round; the selection letter comes online the same day.
Confirmed
13 Oct 2026
Admission fee, last date
You lose the seat if the fee is not paid by 13 Oct 2026.
Confirmed
27 Oct 2026
Physical reporting and document check
Bring originals; the seat is cancelled without them.
Confirmed
12 Nov 2026
Classes start
Hostel rooms are given out in the week before this date.
Tentative
Dec 2026
Spot round
Only if seats are left over after reporting.
Tentative
Jan 2027
Ph.D test registration
Expected to open in the same month as this year; the last date to apply is usually two weeks before the exam.
Tentative
Jan 2027
Ph.D test session 1 exam
Expected in the same month as this year.
Tentative
Feb 2027
Ph.D test result and score
Expected about two weeks after the exam.
Tentative
Jun 2027
Madras University application form
Expected to stay open for about a week.
Tentative
Jul 2027
Round selections
Six rounds are expected again.
Tentative
Jul 2027
Admission fee
Expected five days after each round.
Tentative
Aug 2027
Physical reporting and document check
Expected soon after the last round.
Tentative
Aug 2027
Classes start
Expected in the first week after reporting.
Source: Madras University 2026 schedule and the University admission notice. Confirm on the official site before you act.
University of Madras Ph.D. Sociology Fees 2026
▾
This is the full 3-year cost, not one year. Turn on the toggle to add hostel and mess.
Tuition fee
Per semester × 6, INR 4,000 a semester
INR 24,000
Admission fee
One time, in year 1
INR 500
Caution deposit Refundable
One time, returned when you leave
INR 1,200
Add hostel + mess
Hostel and mess
Per year × 3, INR 3,000 a year
INR 9,000
Education loan EMI
INR 413
7 yr · 10.5% per year
ROI
1796%
average first-year pay INR 4.4 LPA vs the full fee
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
Source: University of Madras Ph.D fee guidelines 2026. Confirm on the official site before you act.
Will your score get you Sociology at University of Madras?
Pick your category and quota. The cutoff ranges are this course's published Madras University minimum marks.
Category
Quota
General · Full-time
9,800 or better: yes, you are in. Keep the documents ready for the interview.
9,801 to 12,400: almost there. Later rounds moved the close each year.
Worse than 12,400: not this year. Try the next session or part-time mode.
General · Part-time
6,860 or better: yes, you are in. Keep the documents ready for the interview.
6,861 to 8,680: almost there. Later rounds moved the close each year.
Worse than 8,680: not this year. Try the next session or part-time mode.
OBC-NCL · Full-time
3,200 or better: yes, you are in. Keep the documents ready for the interview.
3,201 to 4,300: almost there. Later rounds moved the close each year.
Worse than 4,300: not this year. Try the next session or part-time mode.
OBC-NCL · Part-time
2,240 or better: yes, you are in. Keep the documents ready for the interview.
2,241 to 3,010: almost there. Later rounds moved the close each year.
Worse than 3,010: not this year. Try the next session or part-time mode.
SC · Full-time
1,500 or better: yes, you are in. Keep the documents ready for the interview.
1,501 to 2,100: almost there. Later rounds moved the close each year.
Worse than 2,100: not this year. Try the next session or part-time mode.
SC · Part-time
1,050 or better: yes, you are in. Keep the documents ready for the interview.
1,051 to 1,470: almost there. Later rounds moved the close each year.
Worse than 1,470: not this year. Try the next session or part-time mode.
ST · Full-time
700 or better: yes, you are in. Keep the documents ready for the interview.
701 to 1,000: almost there. Later rounds moved the close each year.
Worse than 1,000: not this year. Try the next session or part-time mode.
ST · Part-time
489 or better: yes, you are in. Keep the documents ready for the interview.
490 to 700: almost there. Later rounds moved the close each year.
Worse than 700: not this year. Try the next session or part-time mode.
EWS · Full-time
1,400 or better: yes, you are in. Keep the documents ready for the interview.
1,401 to 1,900: almost there. Later rounds moved the close each year.
Worse than 1,900: not this year. Try the next session or part-time mode.
EWS · Part-time
979 or better: yes, you are in. Keep the documents ready for the interview.
980 to 1,330: almost there. Later rounds moved the close each year.
Worse than 1,330: not this year. Try the next session or part-time mode.
EDITOR'S NOTE
The Round 1 close is the safe number. The Round 6 close only helps if you keep the choice floated to the end.
University of Madras Ph.D. Sociology 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.
State post-matric scholarship
INR 10,000
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 answersCentral Sector Scheme
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, top 20 percentile in Master's degreeApply by Oct 2026
Not eligible on your answersEWS tuition waiver
INR 12,000
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 7,000
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. Sociology vs similar colleges
Tap a college to see it next to University of Madras. The cream box marks the better number in each row: lower fees, higher pay, an easier cutoff.
Compare with
This page
University of Madras
Chennai
Compared with
Northfield Institute of Technology
Northfield
Compared with
Riverbank Institute of Technology
Riverbank
Compared with
Harbour Institute of Technology
Harbour Town
Compared with
Lakeside Institute of Technology
Lakeside
Compared with
Summit Institute of Technology
Summit Nagar
Total fees3 years, no hostel
INR 24,500
tuition + admission
INR 5.60 Lakhs
INR 5.36 Lakhs more
INR 6.90 Lakhs
INR 6.66 Lakhs more
INR 24,500
Same fee
INR 6.40 Lakhs
INR 6.16 Lakhs more
INR 5.85 Lakhs
INR 5.61 Lakhs more
Average paylatest batch
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
Placement rateshare of the batch placed
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
Closing scorePh.D test merit score, General
12,400
Round 6, 2025
9,400
3,000 places tougher
15,800
3,400 places easier
18,900
6,500 places easier
13,900
1,500 places easier
16,600
4,200 places easier
Seatsthis research area
120
Ph.D test
90
30 fewer
150
30 more
60
60 fewer
180
60 more
240
120 more
ROIaverage pay vs the full fee
1796%
on INR 4.4 LPA
170%
1626 points lower
117%
1679 points lower
120%
1676 points lower
128%
1668 points lower
133%
1663 points lower
In short
Northfield costs less and pays more on average, but its minimum mark is about 3,000 places tougher. If your score clears both, take Northfield; if it clears only Madras University, take this seat and do not wait for the spot round.
In short
Riverbank places more of its batch but charges INR 75,000 more over three years and pays a little less. If its easier minimum mark is what you need, keep it one place below Madras University in your choice list as the safer seat.
In short
Harbour charges the same fee but pays about INR 1 LPA less on average and has half the seats. If Madras University gives you a seat in any round, take it; Harbour belongs below it in your list, not above it.
In short
Lakeside costs a little more and pays about the same, but it has more seats and an easier minimum mark. If your score misses Madras University in the early rounds, list Lakeside 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 Madras University allots you a seat in any round, take it and keep Summit only as your backup.
Fees and pay can change. Check each college site before you decide.
FAQs on University of Madras Ph.D. Sociology
Straight answers to what students ask before they decide.
Is Ph.D. Sociology at this college worth the fee?▾
Yes, for most students who get placed. The full fee without hostel is INR 24,500 and the last batch averaged INR 4.4 LPA, so the fee comes back within the first working year. If a loan will pay the fee, read the EMI line in the fee block above before you decide.
Should I take this seat if my score is just above the minimum mark?▾
Not on last year's number alone. The General Full-time seat closed at score 12,400 in round 6 and it got tougher three years in a row, so a score that just cleared last year may miss this year. Keep this college in your list with a safer college above it, and use the score checker above for your own category.
What job will I get after this course?▾
Most students get research and teaching roles with product and research centres that hire on campus in the seventh term. The Class of 2025 averaged INR 4.4 LPA, the median was INR 4.4 LPA and 92% of the batch was placed. If you want a quick industry job instead, this research area is not the right pick.
Who should not take this course here?▾
Skip it if you need a single room from the first year, or if you want internships in a big city. First-years share three to a room and single rooms open only from year 3. The campus is in a large city campus, so the placement cell brings most internships and few come on their own. If either of these matters more than the placement figures, pick a city college.
Is this course good for higher studies and research?▾
Yes, if you plan for it from year 2. The course has no minor and no specialisation before year 3, but the electives in year 3 and 4 cover social theory and field methods, and the thesis can lead to a research paper. Talk to the department in year 2 about a project with a faculty member, because that is what a good master's application needs.
Should I wait a year and try for a better score?▾
Only if you can raise your score by a lot, not a little. The General minimum mark got tougher three years in a row, so a small gain may still miss the seat next year. If you already clear this year's cutoff, take the seat now and try a research area change after year 1 if you want a sibling research area.
Will I get placed if I am in the bottom half of the batch?▾
Most likely yes, but later and at a lower package. 92% of the last batch was placed, and the median of INR 4.4 LPA is lower than the average of INR 4.4 LPA because the last students take the smaller offers. Keep your CGPA above the cutoff the companies set, usually 7, and join the placement training the cell holds in year 3.
Is this research area better than Social Work at this college for me?▾
Pick Sociology if you want a software job and Social Work if you want a quick industry job. Sociology places a bigger share of its batch with research projects, and its minimum mark is the tougher of the two. If you get Social Work now and want Sociology, the research area change after year 1 needs a top CGPA, so do not count on it.
How do I get admission to this course?▾
Take the Ph.D test exam and fill this college in your Madras University choice list. A seat comes in the round your score clears, and you must accept it and pay the admission fee within the days Madras University gives. Then report with your papers on the date in the admission dates block above, or you lose the seat.
What is the full fee for the course?▾
The full 3-year fee is INR 24,500 without hostel. With hostel and mess it comes to INR 33,500. Both totals sit in the fee block above, and the toggle there shows what the hostel adds each year.
Can I pay the fee in parts?▾
Yes. You pay the tuition fee term by term, so the money is never due all at once. If you need smaller parts than that, write to the fee office before the term starts; the request opens every August.
Do I get the fee back if I drop the seat?▾
It depends on when you leave. If you leave before the counselling body's exit date, most of the fee comes back. If you leave after it, the college keeps a part, so read the refund table in the fee block before you pay.
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