D.G. Vaishnav College (DGVC), Arumbakkam, Chennai, is a government-aided private arts and science college established in 1964, affiliated with University of Madras and accredited NAAC A++. The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Botany is a full-time doctoral research programme offered through the Department of Botany, DGVC. The programme develops original scholarship in plant taxonomy and systematics, plant physiology and biochemistry, ethnobotany and medicinal plants, plant molecular biology and genomics, phytochemistry and natural products, plant ecology and conservation biology, mycology and plant pathology, and applied botany. The minimum duration is three years as per UGC regulations. Programme fees are ₹40,000 per year (total ₹1,20,000 for the minimum three-year registration period). Collegedunia ranks D.G. Vaishnav College 193 among Arts colleges in India in its 2026 list.
D.G. Vaishnav College accepts Ph.D. (Botany) applications for the 2026-27 session; the application window typically opens in June - July 2026. Admission is through a research aptitude entrance test and interview; candidates with CSIR-JRF / UGC-JRF in Life Sciences are exempted from the entrance test.
Key Points
- Ph.D. in Botany affiliated with University of Madras, Arumbakkam, Chennai; NAAC A++ accreditation; minimum 3-year full-time research
- Fees: ₹40,000/year (₹1,20,000 for 3-year minimum registration); Collegedunia ranks D.G. Vaishnav College 193 among Arts colleges in India in its 2026 list.
- CSIR-JRF / UGC-JRF in Life Sciences holders exempted from entrance test; UGC-JRF fellowship of ₹37,000/month (first 2 years) applicable for eligible scholars
- Research areas: plant taxonomy and systematics, plant physiology and biochemistry, ethnobotany and medicinal plants, plant molecular biology and genomics, phytochemistry and natural products, plant ecology and conservation biology, mycology and plant pathology, and applied botany
- Ph.D. degree awarded by University of Madras on successful thesis submission and viva voce defence
D.G. Vaishnav College Ph.D. Botany Fees
Ph.D. Botany Fee Structure
| Component | Amount (INR) |
| Annual Fee (per year of registration) | ₹40,000 |
| Total Fees (3-year minimum registration) | ₹1,20,000 |
- Annual fee of ₹40,000 (total ₹1,20,000 for the minimum 3-year registration) is for Ph.D. Botany at D.G. Vaishnav College; actual duration may extend up to 5-6 years; fees are subject to revision by the college and University of Madras.
- Ph.D. scholars holding UGC-JRF receive a monthly fellowship directly from UGC; JRF scholars may be eligible for fee waivers or concessions as per institutional policy; contact the DGVC Research Office for details.
D.G. Vaishnav College Ph.D. Botany Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Application Open (Tentative) | June - July 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply (Tentative) | August 2026 |
| Entrance Test / Interview (Tentative) | August - September 2026 |
| Commencement of Research (Tentative) | September - October 2026 |
Entrance Exam Dates
| Exam | Registration End | Exam Date | Result |
- Admission to Ph.D. Botany at D.G. Vaishnav College is through a research aptitude entrance test and interview conducted by University of Madras or the college; candidates holding CSIR-JRF / UGC-JRF in Life Sciences are exempted from the entrance test as per UGC guidelines.
- Candidates must identify a research guide from the recognised Ph.D. faculty at the Department of Botany, DGVC; availability of a suitable guide in the proposed research area is a key factor in the selection process.
- After admission, scholars must submit an approved research proposal and complete the mandatory coursework in research methodology as prescribed by University of Madras within the first year of registration.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Master's degree (M.Sc. Botany, M.Sc. Plant Biology, M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology, or an allied life-science master's degree) from a UGC-recognised university with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks (50% for SC/ST candidates as per UGC regulations).
- Candidates holding CSIR-JRF / UGC-JRF in Life Sciences are exempted from the research entrance test; NET without JRF qualification may still require the entrance test as per institutional policy.
- Candidates must identify a recognised research guide in the Department of Botany, DGVC, whose area of expertise aligns with the proposed research topic before or during the application process.
Admission Process
- Visit dgvaishnavcollege.edu.in to access the Ph.D. application form; fill in postgraduate academic credentials, proposed research area in Botany, and preferred research guide; submit by the announced closing date.
- Pay the application fee as specified; JRF holders must attach a copy of the JRF award letter with the application.
- Candidates without JRF appear for the written research aptitude entrance test covering Botany fundamentals, research methodology, and general aptitude at the DGVC campus.
- Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview with the Doctoral Committee; research proposal, academic record, and proposed guide availability are evaluated.
- Selected scholars receive an admission letter; complete document verification (original PG and UG mark sheets, degree certificates, UGC-NET/JRF certificate, community certificate, and Aadhaar card) and pay the first-year registration fee at the Research Office.
D.G. Vaishnav College Ph.D. Botany Scholarships 2026
Ph.D. Botany Scholarships Available
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
| UGC-JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) | ₹37,000/month (first 2 years); ₹42,000/month (thereafter) | Qualify UGC-NET with JRF; apply through NTA; no separate college application needed after producing JRF award letter at admission |
| CSIR-JRF (for science disciplines) | ₹37,000/month | For science research candidates; apply through CSIR-NET; subject to research topic and discipline eligibility |
| Tamil Nadu SC/ST Research Fellowship | Variable | SC/ST category Ph.D. scholars; apply through Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Department; contact the college welfare officer for current amounts |
| University of Madras Research Fellowship | Variable | For Ph.D. scholars registered at University of Madras affiliated colleges; details at unom.ac.in; limited seats |
- UGC-JRF is the primary fellowship for Ph.D. scholars; candidates who qualify UGC-NET with JRF rank receive the fellowship directly from UGC without a separate college-level application.
- Ph.D. scholars not holding JRF or institutional fellowship are responsible for their own programme fees; contact the DGVC Research Office for the current year's internal fellowship availability.
- SC/ST and OBC (non-creamy layer) research scholars may also be eligible for the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF) administered by UGC; apply at ugc.ac.in within the stipulated window.
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