Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 30, 2026

Khallikote Unitary University (KUU), Berhampur, Odisha, offers the Master of Philosophy [M.Phil.] in Economics as a 1-year full-time research-oriented postgraduate programme. The M.Phil. is designed to bridge the gap between a Master's degree and a Ph.D, providing students with advanced training in economic theory, research methodology, and dissertation writing. The programme is ideal for MA/M.Sc (Economics) graduates who wish to pursue doctoral research or strengthen their academic credentials for college teaching. The total fees for the programme are modest, in line with other research programmes at KUU. Admission is through a university-level entrance test and/or interview conducted by KUU. The M.Phil. in Economics at KUU is a niche programme suited for students with a strong academic background in Economics who wish to pursue a research career.

As of March 2026, the 2026-27 admission cycle for M.Phil. at KUU has not yet been announced. Candidates are advised to check the official KUU website (kuu.ac.in) and the SAMS Odisha portal for the latest admission notifications.

Key Points

The M.Phil. (Economics) is a 1-year research programme that includes coursework in advanced economic theory and research methodology, followed by a dissertation.
Successful completion of M.Phil. provides exemption from the Ph.D entrance test at many universities, as per UGC regulations.
The programme is suitable for candidates who have cleared UGC-NET (Economics) and wish to pursue Ph.D with JRF funding.
M.Phil. graduates are eligible to apply for Assistant Professor positions in colleges (subject to UGC regulations in force at the time of appointment).
KUU's Department of Economics has experienced faculty with expertise in development economics, agricultural economics, and regional economics relevant to Odisha.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

KUU M.Phil. Economics Fees

The M.Phil. (Economics) at Khallikote Unitary University follows the university's standard fee structure for research programmes. The fees are modest and in line with other PG programmes at KUU. Students are advised to verify the exact fee structure from the official KUU website or the admissions office at the time of application.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (INR)
Admission Fee (per year)	1,791 (approx., General Boys)
Examination / Thesis Fee	As applicable
Total Fees (1 Year)	Approx. 3,500 - 5,000 (verify from KUU)

Fees are subject to revision by the university for each academic session.
Hostel fee is Rs. 3,300 per year (optional, not mandatory for the course).
Students are strongly advised to verify the exact fee structure directly from the KUU admissions office or official website (kuu.ac.in) before applying.

KUU M.Phil. Economics Admission 2026

Admission to the M.Phil. (Economics) programme at Khallikote Unitary University is conducted through a university-level entrance test and/or interview. Unlike UG and PG programmes, M.Phil. admissions are not conducted through the SAMS portal and are managed directly by the university. Candidates who have cleared UGC-NET/JRF in Economics may be given preference or exemption from the entrance test as per UGC norms.

Important Dates

Event	Date
Admission Notification	May/June 2026 (Tentative)
Application Form Availability	June 2026 (Tentative)
Entrance Test / Interview	July 2026 (Tentative)
Result and Merit List	July/August 2026 (Tentative)
Classes Commence	August 2026 (Tentative)

Note: M.Phil. admissions at KUU are managed directly by the university. Candidates must check the official KUU website (kuu.ac.in) for the exact admission schedule and notification.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have a Master's degree (MA/M.Sc) in Economics with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PWD candidates) from a recognised university.
Candidates who have cleared UGC-NET (Economics) with or without JRF are preferred and may be exempted from the entrance test as per UGC norms.
Candidates must meet any additional eligibility criteria specified by KUU in the admission notification.

Admission Process

Check the official KUU website (kuu.ac.in) for the M.Phil. admission notification.
Obtain and fill the application form as per the instructions in the notification.
Appear for the entrance test and/or interview conducted by the Department of Economics, KUU.
Merit list is prepared based on entrance test score, academic record, and interview performance.
Selected candidates are intimated and required to complete admission formalities at the university.
Documents required: MA/M.Sc mark sheets and certificates, UGC-NET/JRF certificate (if applicable), caste certificate (if applicable), Aadhaar card, passport-size photographs, and residence certificate.

KUU M.Phil. Economics Scholarships 2026

Students enrolled in the M.Phil. (Economics) programme at Khallikote Unitary University can avail scholarships and fellowships offered by the UGC and the Odisha State Government. UGC-JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) is the most significant financial support available for M.Phil./Ph.D students, providing a monthly stipend for research.

Available Scholarships

Scholarship / Fellowship	Offered By	Amount	Eligibility
UGC-JRF (Junior Research Fellowship)	UGC	Rs. 37,000 per month (1st 2 years)	Cleared UGC-NET with JRF; for full-time research
Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF)	UGC / Ministry of Social Justice	Rs. 25,000 per month	SC/ST students pursuing M.Phil./Ph.D
Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF)	UGC / Ministry of Minority Affairs	Rs. 25,000 per month	Minority community students pursuing M.Phil./Ph.D
Post Matric Scholarship	ST&SC and MBC Welfare Dept., Odisha	As per scheme guidelines	SC/ST/OBC students
Banishree Scholarship	Social Security Dept., Odisha	As per course duration	Students with disabilities

UGC-JRF is the most prestigious fellowship for research students; candidates must clear UGC-NET with JRF to avail this fellowship.
RGNF and MANF are specifically for SC/ST and minority community students respectively and provide substantial financial support for research.
Applications for Odisha state scholarships are submitted through the State Scholarship Portal (scholarship.odisha.gov.in).
Scholarship deadlines vary each year; students should check the respective portals regularly.

KUU M.Phil. Economics FAQs

Q1. Is M.Phil. still valid after the NEP 2020? Can I pursue Ph.D directly after MA (Economics)?

A1. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommended phasing out M.Phil. programmes, and UGC issued guidelines in 2023 discontinuing M.Phil. admissions at central universities. However, state universities like KUU may continue to offer M.Phil. programmes subject to state government and UGC regulations. Students are advised to check the current status of M.Phil. at KUU directly from the university. For Ph.D, candidates can apply directly after MA (Economics) with the required percentage, subject to clearing the Ph.D entrance test or UGC-NET/JRF.

Q2. What is the duration and structure of M.Phil. (Economics) at KUU?

A2. The M.Phil. (Economics) at KUU is a 1-year programme. It typically includes one semester of coursework covering advanced economic theory, research methodology, and quantitative methods, followed by a dissertation/thesis in the second semester. The dissertation is supervised by a faculty member from the Department of Economics and is evaluated through a viva voce examination.

Q3. Does completing M.Phil. (Economics) from KUU help in getting a college teaching job?

A3. As per UGC regulations, the minimum qualification for Assistant Professor is a Master's degree with 55% marks and UGC-NET qualification. M.Phil. was previously an alternative to UGC-NET for teaching eligibility, but this provision has been discontinued. Currently, UGC-NET is mandatory for college teaching. However, M.Phil. strengthens your academic profile and is valued during Ph.D admissions and academic job interviews. It also demonstrates research aptitude, which is important for academic careers.

Q4. What is the difference between M.Phil. and Ph.D in Economics?

A4. M.Phil. (1 year) is a shorter research programme that includes coursework and a dissertation, while Ph.D (3-5 years) is a full doctoral programme requiring original research and a thesis. M.Phil. is often seen as a stepping stone to Ph.D. At many universities, M.Phil. completion provides exemption from the Ph.D entrance test. Ph.D is the terminal degree for academic careers and is required for Professor positions. If your goal is a full academic career, Ph.D is the ultimate qualification.

Q5. Can I pursue M.Phil. (Economics) at KUU while working?

A5. M.Phil. at KUU is a full-time programme, which means regular attendance at the university is required for coursework and research supervision. It is generally not possible to pursue M.Phil. while working full-time. However, candidates who are already employed and wish to pursue research may consider part-time Ph.D programmes (if offered by KUU) or distance education options from open universities.

Q6. What research areas are available in M.Phil. (Economics) at KUU?

A6. The Department of Economics at KUU has faculty expertise in areas including Development Economics, Agricultural Economics, Regional Economics (with focus on Odisha), Labour Economics, Environmental Economics, and Macroeconomic Policy. M.Phil. students typically work on topics related to the economic development of Odisha and the southern Odisha region, agricultural issues, poverty and inequality, and public finance. Students are advised to contact the Department of Economics at KUU to discuss potential research topics and supervisor availability before applying.