Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Department of Mass Communication at Assam University, Silchar, established in 1996, offers a full-time Ph.D. programme in Journalism and Mass Communication. The programme is conducted on campus at the Silchar headquarters under the Abanindranath Tagore School of Creative Arts and Communication Studies. With a minimum duration of 3 years, the programme is designed to produce high-quality researchers and academicians in the field of media and communication studies. The total course fee is Rs. 55,380 for the entire duration, making it one of the most affordable doctoral programmes in journalism and mass communication in India. Admission is through an entrance test and viva voce, with UGC-NET/JRF qualified candidates exempted from the written test. The department has an intake of 2 seats for the 2026-27 session. Research areas include health communication, media literacy, political communication, digital and new media, advertising, public relations, development communication, film studies, and social media research. The programme is popular among aspiring media researchers, journalism educators, and communication scholars from Northeast India and beyond.

Admissions for the 2026-27 session have been completed. The admission portal opened on 26 September 2026, and classes commenced on 25 November 2026. The next admission cycle (2027-28) is expected to open tentatively in September 2027, based on the previous year's schedule.

Key Points

The Department of Mass Communication was established in 1996 and is one of the pioneering media studies departments in Northeast India.
Research areas include health communication, media literacy, political communication, digital media, advertising, public relations, development communication, film studies, and social media research.
The intake is limited to 2 seats per session (1 UR, 1 OBC), making it a highly competitive programme.
UGC-NET/JRF qualified candidates are exempted from the written entrance test but must appear for the personal interview (viva voce).
The department offers both MA (Mass Communication) and Ph.D. programmes, with the Ph.D. building on the research traditions established through the MA programme.
The university may provide Non-NET fellowship to selected candidates on merit basis, subject to availability of funds received from UGC.
The programme includes a mandatory course work component before provisional registration for the Ph.D. thesis.
The department has a YouTube channel showcasing student productions, reflecting its strong practical orientation alongside research.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

AU Ph.D. JMC Fees

The Ph.D. (Journalism and Mass Communication) programme at Assam University, Silchar carries a total academic fee of Rs. 55,380 for the entire 3-year duration, consistent with all other Ph.D. programmes at the university. This is among the most affordable doctoral programmes in journalism and mass communication in India. The fee covers tuition (during course work), registration, library, development fund, and other institutional charges. Hostel accommodation is available on campus at an additional cost of approximately Rs. 25,000 per year, subject to availability.

Fee Structure

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Admission Fee (one-time)	500
Tuition Fee (Course Work, per month)	200
Identity Card Fee	50
University Registration Fee	250
University Development Fund (Annual)	600
Library Fee (Annual)	400
Sports Fee (Annual)	100
Basic Primary Health Service (Annual)	100
Students Co-curricular Fund (Annual)	200
Students Aid Fund (Annual)	100
Magazine Fee (Annual)	100
Examination Fee - Course Work	1,000
Title Registration Fee	200
Examination Fee - Thesis Evaluation	3,000
Laboratory Caution Money (Refundable)	1,000
Library Caution Money (Refundable)	2,000
Total Academic Fee (Entire Duration)	55,380
Hostel Fee (per year, optional)	~25,000

Laboratory Caution Money (Rs. 1,000) and Library Caution Money (Rs. 2,000) are refundable on completion/exit from the programme.
Hostel accommodation is not mandatory; it is subject to availability and separate allotment.
Application fee: Rs. 1,000 (General/OBC Creamy Layer), Rs. 900 (OBC-NCL/EWS), Rs. 800 (SC/ST/PWD) - payable at the time of applying.
University employees pursuing Ph.D. are exempted from Tuition Fee, Library Fee, and Library/Laboratory Caution Money.
Fees are to be paid at the time of admission or commencement of the academic year.

AU Ph.D. JMC Admission 2026

The Ph.D. (Journalism and Mass Communication) admissions at Assam University, Silchar follow a structured process involving an online application, departmental verification, entrance test, and viva voce. With only 2 seats available, the programme is highly competitive and candidates with strong academic backgrounds, relevant research proposals, and UGC-NET qualifications have a significant advantage. For the 2026-27 session, the admission process was completed in November 2026 with classes commencing on 25 November 2026. The next cycle (2027-28) is expected to follow a similar timeline, with the portal likely opening in September 2027.

Admission Schedule

Event	Date
Opening of Admission Portal	26 September 2026
Last Date of Online Application	29 October 2026
Departmental Verification	Up to 31 October 2026
Entrance Test and Viva Voce	7 November 2026
Entry of Composite Score by Department	On or before 10 November 2026
Publication of First Merit List	12 November 2026
Admission from First Merit List	12 to 14 November 2026
Publication of Second Merit List (if any)	19 November 2026
Admission from Second Merit List (if any)	19 to 24 November 2026
Commencement of Course Work Classes	25 November 2026

UGC-NET Exam Dates

Event	Phase 1 (2026-27)	Phase 2 (2027) - Tentative
Application Start Date	7 October 2026	1 April 2027
Application End Date	7 November 2026	1 May 2027
Admit Card Release	28 December 2026	1 June 2027
Exam Date	31 December 2026 to 7 January 2027	June 2027
Answer Key Release	14 January 2027	July 2027
Result Declaration	4 February 2027	July 2027

Note: UGC-NET qualified candidates (in Mass Communication and Journalism, Subject Code 48, or allied subjects) are exempted from the written entrance test at Assam University but must appear for the personal interview.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

Candidates must have a Master's degree in Mass Communication, Journalism, Communication Studies, or allied subjects with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate (or equivalent grade).
A relaxation of 5% marks is applicable for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/Differently-abled/EWS candidates.
Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the same or allied subject with at least 55% marks in course work are also eligible for direct Ph.D. registration.
Candidates from foreign educational institutions must have qualifications accredited by a recognised assessment agency.

Admission Process:

Apply online at https://www.ausexamination.ac.in/admission by paying the applicable application fee.
Candidates may apply to a maximum of two allied departments; a separate application and fee must be submitted for each.
Shortlisted candidates appear for the Entrance Test and Viva Voce (UGC-NET/JRF qualified candidates are exempted from the written test but must attend the viva voce).
Merit list is prepared based on composite score (entrance test + viva voce performance).
Selected candidates must complete a mandatory one-semester Pre-Ph.D. Course Work before provisional registration for the thesis.
Candidates must secure a minimum of 55% marks in each course and 55% in aggregate in the course work examination to qualify for provisional Ph.D. registration.
Given the very limited intake (2 seats), it is strongly advisable to contact the department in advance to identify a potential supervisor and align your research proposal with available faculty expertise.

AU Ph.D. JMC Scholarships 2026

Ph.D. scholars at Assam University, Silchar can avail of several fellowship and scholarship options. For the Ph.D. in Journalism and Mass Communication, the UGC-JRF under Mass Communication and Journalism and the university's Non-NET fellowship are the most relevant financial supports. These fellowships allow scholars to focus entirely on their research without financial constraints.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / Fellowship	Amount	Eligibility	Remarks
UGC-JRF (Junior Research Fellowship)	Rs. 37,000/month (1st 2 years); Rs. 42,000/month (from 3rd year)	UGC-NET JRF qualified candidates	Awarded by UGC; candidate must be enrolled full-time
UGC-NET (LS) - Lectureship	Eligibility for Ph.D. admission (no stipend)	UGC-NET qualified (non-JRF)	Exempts from written entrance test
Assam University Non-NET Fellowship	As per UGC norms (subject to fund availability)	Full-time Ph.D. scholars selected on merit	Awarded by the university subject to UGC fund availability; not guaranteed
Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST)	As per Government of India norms	SC/ST students	Provided by Ministry of Social Justice / Tribal Affairs
Central Sector Scholarship	Varies	Meritorious students from economically weaker sections	Based on 12th marks and family income
Minority Scholarship	Varies	Students from notified minority communities	Provided by Ministry of Minority Affairs

The Non-NET fellowship is subject to availability of funds received from UGC and is not guaranteed for all admitted scholars.
JRF holders must register their fellowship within the stipulated time after admission.
Scholars receiving any fellowship must be enrolled as full-time students and cannot take up employment simultaneously without prior permission.
Application for government scholarships (Post-Matric, Central Sector, Minority) must be made through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in).

AU Ph.D. JMC FAQs

Ques. What is the UGC-NET subject code for Mass Communication and Journalism, and is it accepted for Ph.D. admission at Assam University?

Ans. The UGC-NET subject for Mass Communication and Journalism has Subject Code 48. Qualifying UGC-NET in this subject exempts candidates from the written entrance test at Assam University's Department of Mass Communication. Candidates with NET in allied subjects such as Education (for media education research) may also be considered. It is advisable to confirm with the department before applying.

Ques. With only 2 seats, how does the department decide who gets admitted to the Ph.D. programme?

Ans. Selection is based on a composite score comprising performance in the written entrance test (for non-NET candidates) and the viva voce (personal interview). NET/JRF qualified candidates are directly considered for the viva voce. The department evaluates the candidate's research aptitude, clarity of research proposal, academic background, and alignment with available faculty expertise. Given the limited seats, having a well-defined research topic and prior contact with a potential supervisor significantly improves chances.

Ques. What are the current research focus areas of the faculty in the Department of Mass Communication?

Ans. The department's faculty have expertise across a wide range of areas: Prof. Partha Sarkar specialises in Advertising, Public Relations, New Media, and Media Research; Dr. Charvak focuses on Print and Electronic Media, Development Communication, Political Communication, and Film Studies; Prof. Syed Murtaza Alfarid Hussain works on Radio and Television Journalism, Digital Media, and Political Communication; Prof. Ayesha Tahera Rashid specialises in Communication Research, Health Communication, and Social Media; and Prof. Paromita Das focuses on Advertising, Public Relations, and Communication Research. Candidates should align their research proposals with these areas.

Ques. Can a working journalist or media professional apply for the Ph.D. programme at Assam University?

Ans. Yes, working journalists and media professionals can apply, provided they meet the academic eligibility criteria (Master's degree with 55% marks). However, the programme is full-time and on-campus, so candidates must be able to commit to full-time research. Employed candidates with at least 5 years of professional experience in media/research may be exempted from attending course work classes but must submit assignments and clear the course work examination. A No Objection Certificate from the employer is required.

Ques. Does the Department of Mass Communication at Assam University have any publications or journals?

Ans. The department has an active research culture with faculty publishing in national and international journals in the areas of media studies, communication research, and journalism. The department also has a YouTube channel showcasing student productions, reflecting its practical orientation. Ph.D. scholars are expected to publish research papers during their doctoral tenure as part of the pre-submission requirements.

Ques. What is the scope of a Ph.D. in Journalism and Mass Communication from a central university like Assam University?

Ans. A Ph.D. from a UGC-recognised central university like Assam University is fully valid for academic positions (Assistant Professor) in colleges and universities across India, as per UGC norms. Graduates can also pursue careers in media research organisations, government communication departments, think tanks, NGOs working in development communication, and international media organisations. The central university tag and the department's research reputation in Northeast India add significant value to the degree.