Every year Kerala Universities receive thousands of applications for Part time PhD in Kerala. Kerala has several leading institutions that offer research programs in various subjects. Top Kerala universities that offer Part time PhD include, State Universities like University of Kerala, MG University, Calicut University, KTU as well as NIIT and IIM Calicut etc. Research programs include Management, Engineering, Psychology, Medicine and various other subjects.

Part-Time PhD in Kerala- Key Aspects
Course Duration | Minimum 4 and Maximum 7 Years |
Eligibility | PG with Minimum 55% marks |
Admission Process | UGC NET/University entrance |
Entrance Exam | UGC NET, CSIR, University Entrance,NPAT etc. |
PhD Topics | Humanities, Management, Engineering, Computer Science, Management, Nursing, Law, English Economics, Psychology, Malayalam, Hindi, etc |
Top Universities | Kerala University, Calicut University, MG University, CUSAT etc, |
Average Fees | INR 15,000 to 25,000/Year in State Universities |
Why Join Part time PhD Programs in Kerala?
First of all Kerala is among the leading states known for quality of education in India, It has several universities which are listed among the top in India with NAAC A++ grades. The research quality and facilities, and guides are best in the country. 99% of the PhD colleges are in the Government sector so you don’t need to worry about the high fee structure as the fee structure of Doctorate programs is in the range of Rs- 15,000 to 25,000/year only. If you are a working professional with a desire to enroll for a Part time PhD which allows you to continue your work along with your research, Kerala.
Eligibility Criteria for Part Time PhD in Kerala Universities
To join a part time PhD program in Kerala state universities you must
- Qualification: You must have a master’s degree in the same or similar subject and must have minimum 55% marks in your PG. Mark concession is applicable for reserved categories like SC ST and OBC
- University Faculty: Part time PhD applicants must be working as a faculty in any universities in Kerala or its affiliated colleges or aided schools and must have at least 3 years continues working experience.
- Entrance Tests: Admission to Part time PhD in Kerala is done on the basis of University entrance test. UGC NET holders will be given preference for admission and they are not required to attend the university entrance tests.
- Interview: Applicants who have cleared the entrance will be called for the interview process.
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Part Time PhD in Kerala Universities- Admission Process
Applicants who have cleared the interview process will be called for documents and certificate verification. Applicants have to bring all original certificates, experience certificate and No Objection certificate from the current employer for verification process. After the verification process they can deposit the fees and admission confirmation.
The Part-time PhD admission process includes submitting the online application with the required documents, appearing for the entrance examination, shortlisting based on qualifications & exam performance, interview rounds, document verification & paying fees. Selection is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the candidate’s potential, subject knowledge, communication skills and fit with the department’s research areas.
Part-Time PhD in Kerala – Options
Pursuing a part-time PhD in Kerala is an excellent option for working professionals and researchers who wish to balance their careers with academic growth. Kerala, known for its high literacy rate and quality education, offers several reputed universities and colleges that provide part-time PhD programs in various disciplines.
Part-Time PhD -Kerala Universities
University | Subjects Available | Average Fees (INR/year) | Website |
---|---|---|---|
MG University (MGU) | Arts, Science, Commerce, Social Sciences, Law, Management, Engineering, Pharmacy | 18,000 – 24,000 | https://www.mgu.ac.in/ |
Kerala University | Humanities, Sciences, Education, Law, Management, Medical Sciences, Technology | 17,000 – 25,000 | https://www.keralauniversity.ac.in/ |
CUSAT | Engineering, Technology, Marine Sciences, Law, Environmental Studies, Management | 15,000 – 27,000 | https://www.cusat.ac.in/ |
KTU | Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Applied Sciences, Management, Computer Science | 19,000 – 26,000 | https://www.ktu.edu.in/ |
Kannur University | Social Sciences, Languages, Commerce, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Law | 17,000 – 24,000 | https://www.kannuruniversity.ac.in/ |
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PHD Entrance Tests in Kerala
- UGC NET: Accepted by all Kerala universities and usually given preference over university entrance tests.
- University level entrance tests.
- GATE
- SET Of MG University
- SET of Kerala University
- TUEE
Documents Required for Part-Time PhD Admission in Kerala
- Application Form (Duly filled & signed)
- Academic Certificates
- 10th & 12th Mark Sheets & Certificates
- Bachelor’s Degree & Mark Sheets
- Master’s Degree & Mark Sheets (Minimum 55% or equivalent CGPA)
3. Proof of Employment (For Part-Time PhD):
- Experience Certificate from current employer
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer
4. Other Documents
- Research Proposal (Approx. 1500–2000 words)
- Valid ID Proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.)
- Passport-size Photographs
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS, if applicable)
- Migration Certificate (If Applicable)
- Entrance Exam Score Card (UGC-NET/JRF, MGU SET, KU SET,KUET, etc.)
- Publications/Research Papers (If any, for additional weightage)
Also Read: Easy PhD in India
Additional Notes:
- Some universities may ask for the approval of synopsis before confirmation of admission.
Eligibility Relaxations for Part-Time PhD Programs in Kerala
Universities in Kerala offer some relaxations for part-time PhD admission as per the UGC regulations.
1. Marks Relaxation
- General Category: There is no mark relaxation for general category applicants. for other categories, marks relaxation is as under
- Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD): Only 50% is required
2. Entrance Exemption
Candidates with UGC-NET/JRF, CSIR-NET, SLET, or GATE can skip the entrance tests and directly appear the interview.
3. Relaxation for Mphil Holders: Most universities in Kerala offer 1 year reducation in the PhD duration as per UGC rules. But it depends on the university rules and your M -Phil course work.
Please visit the websites of the universities, you want to apply for detailed information.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Employment Requirement
Q: Can professionals outside Kerala universities apply for part-time PhD?
A: No. Part-time PhD applicants must be faculty members of the same university where they seek admission.
2. Work Experience Requirement
Q: How many years of experience are needed for part-time PhD applicants?
A: Candidates must have at least 4 years of teaching experience (as a faculty) in the specific university
3. UGC NET Requirement
Q: Is UGC NET mandatory for part-time PhD admission?
A: No. While UGC NET/JRF qualifiers are exempted from entrance tests, other candidates can appear for the university-level entrance exam to become eligible.
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Call/Whatsapp us for the details of PhD Admission in top ranked Universities in Chennai and Tamilnadu