The Ph.D. in Communication System (Part Time) at Dr. G.R. Damodaran College of Science (GRDCS), Coimbatore, is a doctoral research programme offered by the Department of Visual Communication under Bharathiar University. The programme spans a minimum of 3 years (post-M.Phil.) or 4 years (post-M.Sc.), covering original research in mass communication research, digital media studies, journalism research, media technology, communication theory, and contemporary media and society, and culminates in a thesis and viva voce examination. Research areas at GRDCS include Mass Communication, Digital Media, Journalism Studies, Media Technology, Communication Theory, and Media and Society. GRDCS is an autonomous institution with NAAC A+ Grade (2023), affiliated to Bharathiar University, with an active research programme across science and humanities departments.
Applications for Ph.D. admission at GRDCS for the 2026-27 session are governed by Bharathiar University Research Admission notifications; candidates should monitor the BU website and the GRDCS admissions portal at grd.org for the current admission schedule.
Key Points
- GRDCS Ph.D. (Communication System) Part Time spans minimum 3 years (post-M.Phil.) or 4 years (post-M.Sc.), affiliated to Bharathiar University at a NAAC A+ Grade institution.
- Research areas include Mass Communication, Digital Media, Journalism Studies, Media Technology, Communication Theory, and Media and Society.
- Total research fee is ₹21,210 for the minimum 3-year programme (post-M.Phil.).
- Admission is through the Bharathiar University Research CET; UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, SLET, and SET holders may be exempted from the CET.
- Ph.D. from GRDCS opens pathways to postdoctoral research in media studies, faculty positions in communication departments, research roles in broadcasting, digital media organisations, and policy research in communication and media.
GRDCS Ph.D. (Communication System) Fees
Ph.D. (Communication System) Fee Structure
| Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|
| Research Fee (Year 1) | ₹7,070 |
| Research Fee (Year 2) | ₹7,070 |
| Research Fee (Year 3) | ₹7,070 |
| Total Fees (Minimum 3 Years, Post-M.Phil.) | ₹21,210 |
- The part-time Ph.D. programme fee is ₹7,070 per year; total for the minimum 3-year duration (post-M.Phil.) is ₹21,210.
- Candidates admitted post-M.Sc. (without M.Phil.) require a minimum of 4 years; the total research fee for 4 years is ₹28,280.
- The fee covers Bharathiar University research and tuition charges; additional college and laboratory fees may apply as per institutional norms.
- Actual fee components for the 2026-27 session may be confirmed from the GRDCS admissions office at grd.org.
GRDCS Ph.D. (Communication System) Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| BU Research Admission Notification | May-June 2026 |
| Application to GRDCS / BU Portal | June 2026 |
| Bharathiar University Research CET | June-July 2026 (as per BU notification) |
| Interview at GRDCS | July 2026 |
| Final Selection and Enrolment | July-August 2026 |
Entrance Exam Dates
| Exam | Registration End | Exam Date | Result |
|---|
| Bharathiar University Research CET | June 2026 | June-July 2026 | July 2026 |
| UGC-NET / CSIR-NET / SLET / SET | Exempt from CET | Directly shortlisted for interview | As per BU norms |
- Admission to the Part-Time Ph.D. at GRDCS is governed by Bharathiar University regulations; candidates must qualify the BU Research Admission CET or hold a valid NET/SET/SLET qualification.
- Part-time candidates are typically required to be employed (teaching or regular employment) with at least two years of post-PG work experience; M.Phil. degree holders may apply directly.
- NET/SET/CSIR-NET holders are exempt from the university CET and are shortlisted directly for the interview.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must hold a M.A. (Journalism and Mass Communication), M.Sc. (Visual Communication), M.J.M.C., or an equivalent postgraduate degree in communication studies with a minimum of 55 percent aggregate marks (50 percent for SC/ST candidates).
- Candidates holding a M.Phil. (Communication) or a closely related research degree with 55 percent marks qualify for a shorter minimum duration under BU norms.
- NET/SET/SLET/CSIR-NET qualifiers may be exempted from the Bharathiar University Research CET and admitted directly to the interview.
- Part-time candidates are typically required to be employed in a teaching position or regular employment; M.Phil. holders may apply without the employment condition under BU norms.
Admission Process
- Monitor the Bharathiar University website (b-u.ac.in) and the GRDCS notice board for the Research Admission CET notification for the current academic year.
- Apply online through the Bharathiar University admissions portal and register at the GRDCS admissions office at grd.org.
- Qualify the BU Research Admission CET (exempted for NET/SET/CSIR-NET holders) and submit postgraduate and M.Phil. mark sheets with the CET/NET scorecard.
- Appear for the Personal Interview and research proposal discussion conducted at GRDCS by the doctoral committee.
- Upon provisional selection, register with Bharathiar University, submit the doctoral committee fee, and confirm enrolment through GRDCS.
GRDCS Ph.D. (Communication System) Scholarships 2026
Ph.D. (Communication System) Scholarships Available
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|
| UGC-JRF Fellowship | ₹37,000-42,000 per month | UGC-NET JRF qualifiers in FT research programmes |
| CSIR-JRF Fellowship | ₹37,000-42,000 per month | CSIR-NET JRF qualifiers in science research |
| Tamil Nadu Government Scholarship | As per government rates | SC, ST, and MBC students in Tamil Nadu colleges |
| NSP Post-Matric Scholarship | As per government rates | Minority and eligible PG/research students |
- UGC-JRF and CSIR-JRF fellowship holders admitted to full-time Ph.D. programmes may draw fellowship support as per UGC/CSIR regulations; candidates should check with the GRDCS research coordinator.
- Scholarship applications should be submitted through the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in and the Tamil Nadu state portal during the annual window.
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