Kristu Jayanti University (Deemed to be University) Ph.D Counselling Psychology: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Kothanur, BangaloreDeemed to be UniversityEstd 1999 Bangalore University, Bangalore NAAC Grade A++ 3.7
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated 3+ months ago

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Counselling Psychology at Kristu Jayanti University (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, is a full-time, specialised research-oriented doctoral programme offered under the Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences. The programme spans a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years, with an annual fee of INR 65,000, and is designed to develop advanced expertise in counselling theory, therapeutic interventions, psychopathology, and applied mental health research. The department is equipped with state-of-the-art Counselling Skills Laboratories (individual and group settings), psychology laboratories with psychometric testing stations, and biofeedback systems, and has strategic collaborations with premier hospitals, NGOs, and industries. The programme is popular among MSc Counselling Psychology graduates seeking careers in clinical practice, mental health research, academia, and community mental health.

Admissions for the Spring 2026-27 batch (January 2027 intake) opened on October 1, 2026, with a deadline of November 25, 2026, and the entrance test and interview were held on December 6, 2026 - this cycle is now closed. For the next intake (Autumn 2027-28, July 2027 batch), applications are expected to open around April-May 2027 based on the previous year's schedule. Prospective candidates are advised to monitor the official website at www.kristujayanti.edu.in for announcements.

Key Points

  • Specialised doctoral programme in Counselling Psychology, distinct from the broader Ph.D. in Psychology and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology offered by the same department.
  • Faculty expertise includes Counselling, Trauma-informed interventions, Therapeutic modalities (mindfulness, art therapy), Child and Adolescent Psychology, Health Psychology, and Group Therapy techniques.
  • Dedicated Counselling Skills Laboratories (individual and group settings) for practicum training, mock sessions, and supervised counselling.
  • Strategic collaborations with premier hospitals, NGOs, and industries for structured internships and field-based research in community mental health.
  • Two-stage selection: KJUET (written test) followed by a Personal Interview; UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/SLET holders are exempt from the written test.
  • Full-time scholars are eligible for a monthly fellowship of INR 15,000 (post-coursework completion, for up to 30 months).
  • Programme is fully compliant with UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations, 2022.
  • NAAC A++ accredited university (CGPA 3.78/4), ranked 34th nationally by NIRF 2025 and #1 in Karnataka.

Kristu Jayanti Ph.D. Counselling Psychology Fees

The Ph.D. (Counselling Psychology) Full-Time programme at Kristu Jayanti University has an annual fee of INR 65,000. The total fee for the minimum programme duration of 3 years amounts to INR 1,95,000. Full-time scholars are additionally eligible for an annual scholarship of INR 10,000, effectively reducing the net annual cost. Hostel accommodation, if availed, is charged separately and is not mandatory.

Fee Structure

Fee ComponentAmount (Per Annum)Total (3 Years - Minimum Duration)
Tuition / Programme FeeINR 65,000INR 1,95,000
Annual Scholarship (Full-Time Scholars)- INR 10,000- INR 30,000
Net Fee After ScholarshipINR 55,000INR 1,65,000
Total Fees (without scholarship)INR 65,000INR 1,95,000
  • Part-time scholars pay INR 60,000 per annum with no scholarship benefit.
  • Scholars holding National/State-level Fellowships (e.g., UGC-JRF) receive an additional 33% annual fee waiver.
  • Contingency grant of up to INR 10,000 per annum is available for non-STEM (Counselling Psychology) scholars for research-related expenses.
  • Monthly fellowship of INR 15,000 is available for full-time scholars after completion of coursework and receipt of full registration order, for a maximum of 30 months.
  • Fellowship recipients are required to contribute a minimum of 6 hours per week in tutorial/evaluation work in the department.
  • Hostel fees are separate and not included in the above; hostel is optional.

Kristu Jayanti Ph.D. Counselling Psychology Admission 2026

Kristu Jayanti University admits Ph.D. scholars in two cycles annually - a July intake (Autumn admissions) and a January intake (Spring admissions). The Spring 2026-27 admissions cycle (January 2027 batch) is now closed. The next cycle (Autumn 2027-28, July 2027 batch) is expected to open around April-May 2027 based on the previous year's pattern. Candidates must apply online through the university website and submit a research proposal, statement of purpose, and recommendation letter.

Kristu Jayanti University Ph.D. Admission Dates

EventDate
Applications OpenOctober 1, 2026
Application DeadlineNovember 25, 2026
Entrance Test (KJUET) and InterviewDecember 6, 2026
Programme CommencementJanuary 5, 2027
Next Cycle (Autumn 2027-28) Applications Open (Tentative)April - May 2027

Relevant Entrance Exam Dates

ExamEventDate
UGC-NET Phase 1RegistrationOctober 7 - November 7, 2026
UGC-NET Phase 1ExamDecember 31, 2026 - January 7, 2027
UGC-NET Phase 1ResultFebruary 4, 2027
UGC-NET Phase 2Registration (Tentative)April 1 - May 1, 2027
UGC-NET Phase 2Exam (Tentative)June 2027

Note: UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, GATE, and SLET qualified candidates are exempt from KJUET but must appear for the personal interview.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Master's degree in Counselling Psychology (M.Sc. Counselling Psychology) or equivalent postgraduate degree in Psychology from a recognized university with a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent CGPA (50% for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/Differently-Abled candidates).
  • Candidates with a 4-year Bachelor's Degree (Honours with Research) with a minimum of 75% marks are also eligible.
  • Must qualify KJUET (Kristu Jayanti University Entrance Test) or hold a valid UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/SLET qualification for exemption from the written test.

Admission Process:

  • Apply online at www.kristujayanti.edu.in during the application window.
  • Submit required documents: Research Proposal, Statement of Purpose, and one Recommendation Letter (not mandatory at application stage; must be submitted before joining coursework).
  • Appear for KJUET (Part A: Research Aptitude and Reasoning; Part B: Psychology/Counselling Psychology discipline-specific) - exempted for NET/GATE/SLET holders.
  • Attend the Personal Interview (mandatory for all candidates, including those exempt from KJUET).
  • Final selection based on KJUET score (70% weightage) and Interview performance (30% weightage).
  • Merit list prepared and admission offers issued in order of merit within available seats.

Kristu Jayanti Ph.D. Counselling Psychology Scholarships 2026

Kristu Jayanti University offers a comprehensive financial support ecosystem for Ph.D. scholars, combining institutional fellowships, contingency grants, and fee waivers. Full-time scholars benefit the most, with a monthly fellowship of INR 15,000 post-coursework, an annual scholarship of INR 10,000, and contingency support for research expenses. Additionally, scholars with national/state fellowships receive significant fee waivers, making the programme financially accessible for meritorious researchers.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / SupportAmountEligibilityConditions
Annual Scholarship (Institutional)INR 10,000 per annumFull-time Ph.D. scholarsAutomatically applicable for full-time scholars
Monthly FellowshipINR 15,000 per month (up to 30 months)Full-time scholars post-coursework completionActivated after full registration order; requires 6 hrs/week departmental contribution
Contingency GrantUp to INR 10,000 per annumFull-time scholars in non-STEM disciplines (Counselling Psychology)For research-related expenses
National/State Fellowship Fee Waiver33% annual fee waiverScholars with UGC-JRF or equivalent national/state fellowshipsApplicable on annual programme fee
Jayantian Upliftment Scholarship (JUS)VariableStudents with annual family income up to INR 2 lakhMinimum 60% marks and 85% attendance required
Government Scholarships (NSP, Karnataka SSP)VariableSC/ST/OBC/Minority/EWS studentsApply via scholarships.gov.in or ssp.postmatric.karnataka.gov.in
  • The monthly fellowship can be availed for a maximum of 30 months (2.5 years after completion of coursework).
  • Part-time scholars are not eligible for the fellowship or annual scholarship.
  • Candidates are encouraged to apply for external fellowships such as UGC-JRF before joining to maximize financial benefits.

Kristu Jayanti Ph.D. Counselling Psychology FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between the Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology and the Ph.D. in Psychology at KJU?

Ans. The Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology is a specialised doctoral programme focused specifically on counselling theory, therapeutic interventions, psychopathology, and applied mental health research in counselling contexts. The Ph.D. in Psychology is broader in scope and covers general psychological research across multiple sub-disciplines. Candidates with a background in counselling and a desire to contribute to counselling-specific research should opt for the Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology.

Ques. I have an MSc in Clinical Psychology. Can I apply for the Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology?

Ans. Yes. Candidates with an MSc in Clinical Psychology or any equivalent postgraduate degree in Psychology from a recognized university with a minimum of 55% marks are generally eligible. However, admission to a particular discipline requires the candidate to have completed the eligibility degree in the sought discipline or an allied discipline. It is advisable to contact the university's doctoral research office at doctoral.research@kristujayanti.com to confirm eligibility before applying.

Ques. Does KJU have dedicated counselling research infrastructure for Ph.D. scholars?

Ans. Yes. The Department of Psychology has dedicated Counselling Skills Laboratories (individual and group settings) designed as confidential, professionally equipped spaces for practicum training, mock sessions, supervised counselling, and skill development. Advanced research facilities with statistical software, qualitative analysis tools, and digital research databases are also available for doctoral scholars.

Ques. What research areas can I pursue under the Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology at KJU?

Ans. Research areas include evidence-based counselling approaches, trauma-informed interventions, mindfulness-based therapies, art therapy, child and adolescent counselling, group therapy techniques, community mental health, rehabilitation psychology, health psychology, and psychometric tool development. Candidates are advised to review the research supervisor profiles on the university's doctoral research webpage to align their research proposal with available expertise.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing a Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology from KJU?

Ans. Ph.D. graduates in Counselling Psychology are well-positioned for careers in academia as faculty and researchers, clinical and counselling practice in hospitals, mental health centres, and rehabilitation facilities, community mental health organisations, NGOs, school and college counselling, and research institutions. The department's collaborations with premier hospitals and NGOs provide strong professional networks for doctoral scholars.

Ques. Is the Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology available in part-time mode?

Ans. Yes. Kristu Jayanti University offers the Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology in both full-time and part-time modes. Part-time scholars pay INR 60,000 per annum but are not eligible for the monthly fellowship or annual scholarship. The part-time mode is suitable for practising counsellors, therapists, or mental health professionals who wish to pursue doctoral research alongside their careers.

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