Madras University PhD Program 2026 — Admission, Eligibility, Fees, Scholarships & Placements
- Chennai , Tamil Nadu
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Madras University PhD Fees & Courses List
Madras University PhD Course Highlights
| Course Name | PhD |
| Course Level | Doctorate Program |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Average Fees | ₹ 27,533 |
| Mode | Offline |
Madras University, established in 1857, offers a prestigious PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) program for aspiring researchers aiming to contribute to academic and industrial advancements. Known for its rigorous academic standards and interdisciplinary research opportunities, the PhD program at the University of Madras is designed to foster innovation across various disciplines. This page provides detailed insights into the Madras University PhD admission process for 2026, covering eligibility criteria, fees, application steps, scholarships, and placement opportunities. With a legacy of producing notable scholars, the program is ideal for candidates seeking to excel in research.
Madras University PhD Program Overview
The PhD program at Madras University is a research-intensive course offered across multiple disciplines, including Arts, Science, Commerce, Management, and Interdisciplinary Studies. It equips candidates with advanced research skills and opportunities to work under esteemed faculty. The program duration typically ranges from 3 to 5 years, depending on the research area and candidate category (full-time or part-time).
- Disciplines Offered: Humanities, Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Commerce, Management, and more.
- Mode: Full-time and Part-time options available.
- Research Focus: Interdisciplinary research, industry collaboration, and global academic contributions.
For a comprehensive list of courses, check the University of Madras Courses and Fees.
Madras University PhD Eligibility Criteria 2026
To apply for the Madras University PhD program in 2026, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements as outlined by the university. These criteria ensure that applicants are well-prepared for advanced research.
- Educational Qualification: A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC candidates) from a recognized university.
- Entrance Exam: Candidates must qualify for the University’s PhD Entrance Test or hold a valid score in UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, or equivalent national-level exams.
- Work Experience (for Part-time PhD): Candidates applying for part-time PhD must have at least two years of professional experience in a relevant field.
- Other Requirements: Submission of a research proposal and clearance of a personal interview conducted by the university.
Madras University PhD Fees Structure 2026
The fee structure for the PhD program at Madras University is affordable, reflecting its status as a public institution. The fees vary based on the candidate’s category and mode of study (full-time or part-time). Below is the detailed fee structure for 2026, sourced from the official website (unom.ac.in).
| Category | Full-Time PhD (Annual Fees) | Part-Time PhD (Annual Fees) |
|---|---|---|
| General Category | INR 10,970 | INR 13,970 |
| SC/ST Category | INR 5,485 (50% concession) | INR 6,985 (50% concession) |
| Additional Fees (One-Time) | Registration: INR 2,000; Library Fee: INR 1,500 | |
Note: Fees are subject to revision by the university. Candidates are advised to check the official website for updates. For more details, visit University of Madras Courses and Fees.
Madras University PhD Application Process 2026
The application process for Madras University PhD admission 2026 is conducted online through the university’s official portal. Below are the steps to apply:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to unom.ac.in and navigate to the PhD admission section.
- Register Online: Create an account using a valid email ID and phone number.
- Fill the Application Form: Provide personal, academic, and research details, including the proposed research topic.
- Upload Documents: Submit scanned copies of your Master’s degree certificate, mark sheets, entrance exam scorecard (if applicable), and research proposal.
- Pay Application Fee: The application fee is INR 500 (subject to change) for General Category and INR 250 for SC/ST candidates.
- Submit and Track: After submission, track your application status using the login credentials.
Important Dates: The application window typically opens in April 2026 and closes by June 2026. The entrance exam is scheduled for July 2026, with interviews in August 2026. Check the official website for exact dates.
For detailed admission guidelines, refer to University of Madras Admission.
Madras University PhD Entrance Exam 2026
The University of Madras conducts a PhD Entrance Test for candidates who do not have a valid UGC-NET/CSIR-NET score. The exam assesses research aptitude, subject knowledge, and analytical skills.
- Exam Pattern: The test includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and descriptive questions on research methodology and the chosen discipline.
- Syllabus: Covers research methodology, subject-specific topics, and general aptitude.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Exemption: Candidates with UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, or other recognized national-level exam scores are exempt from the entrance test but must attend the interview.
Madras University PhD Scholarships 2026
Madras University offers several scholarships to support PhD scholars, particularly those from economically weaker sections and reserved categories. Below is a table summarizing key scholarships available for 2026:
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Post Matric Scholarship | SC/ST/OBC students with family income below INR 2.5 LPA | Up to INR 8,000/month |
| Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship | SC/ST candidates pursuing full-time PhD | INR 28,000/month + HRA |
| University Research Fellowship | Meritorious PhD candidates | INR 7,000/month |
| PhD Fellowship for SC/ST | SC/ST candidates enrolled in PhD | INR 25,000/month |
Application Process: Candidates must apply through the university’s scholarship portal with relevant documents like income certificates and caste certificates.
For more details, explore University of Madras Scholarships.
Madras University PhD Placements 2024
Madras University’s PhD graduates are highly sought after in academia, research institutions, and industries. The university’s Career Guidance and Placement Cell facilitates placements by organizing workshops, seminars, and industry interactions. Below are the placement highlights for 2024, based on the latest NIRF data:
| Particulars | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Placement Percentage | 75% |
| Median Package | INR 6.00 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | CSIR Labs, IITs, TISS, TCS, Infosys, DRDO |
Key Sectors: Academia (40%), Research Institutions (30%), Corporate R&D (20%), Government Organizations (10%).
Madras University PhD Rankings 2025
Madras University is recognized for its academic excellence and research contributions. The PhD program benefits from the university’s strong rankings, as per NIRF 2025:
| Ranking Body | Category | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Overall | 39 |
| NIRF | University | 25 |
| QS Asia | University | 251-260 |
The university’s research output, with over 1,200 publications in 2024, enhances the credibility of its PhD program.
Madras University PhD Infrastructure and Facilities
The University of Madras provides state-of-the-art facilities to support PhD research, ensuring a conducive environment for scholars.
- Research Labs: Advanced laboratories for Science and Technology research.
- Library: Access to over 1.2 million books, e-journals, and digital databases like Scopus and Web of Science.
- Hostels: Affordable accommodation with single and double-sharing options (INR 12,000–15,000/year).
- Other Facilities: Wi-Fi campus, sports complex, and research centers like the Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany.
For more details, visit University of Madras Facilities.
Why Choose Madras University PhD Program
The Madras University PhD program stands out for its academic rigor, experienced faculty, and strong industry connections. Key reasons to choose this program include:
- Collaboration with national research bodies like CSIR, DRDO, and ICMR.
- Access to funding through scholarships and fellowships.
- Opportunities for international conferences and publications.
- A legacy of notable alumni, including Nobel laureates and Padma awardees.
Madras University PhD Courses List
FAQs on Madras University PhD
Q: What is the duration of the PhD program at Madras University?
The PhD program is 3 to 5 years, depending on the discipline and whether the candidate is full-time or part-time.
Q: What are the eligibility criteria for PhD admission?
Candidates must have a Master’s degree in a relevant field with minimum 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC) and either a UGC-NET/CSIR-NET score or pass the university PhD entrance test.
Q: Can working professionals apply for part-time PhD?
Yes, part-time PhD applicants must have at least 2 years of relevant work experience in their field.
Q: Is UGC-NET/CSIR-NET mandatory for admission?
No, candidates without NET scores can take the University of Madras PhD Entrance Exam to qualify.
Q: What career opportunities are available after PhD?
Graduates can work in academia, research institutions, corporate R&D, and government organizations, with a median salary of INR 6 LPA.
Q: What facilities are provided for PhD students at Madras University?
- Advanced research labs in Science & Technology
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Library access with 1.2 million+ books and e-journals
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Affordable hostels and Wi-Fi-enabled campus
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Research centers and access to national research collaborations
Q: What is the selection process for PhD admission?
- Online application
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Qualifying entrance exam (or NET exemption)
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Submission of research proposal
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Personal interview
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Merit-based final selection
Other Courses Offered by Madras University
| Course | Duration | Average Fees |
| MD | 3 Years | ₹17,620 |
