Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 8, 2026

Auro University's Ph.D. in Journalism and Mass Communication is a full-time doctoral research programme offered under the School of Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC). The programme is designed to develop advanced research capabilities in areas such as media and society, digital media, development communication, political communication, media ethics, film and visual culture, environmental communication, and strategic communication. The minimum duration is 3 years and the maximum is 6 years, with an annual tuition fee of Rs. 1,50,000. Admission is through the AURO PhD Entrance Test (APET), with exemptions for candidates who have qualified UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, or GATE. The programme is popular among media professionals, journalists, and communication graduates seeking to contribute to academic research and media studies.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic session are currently open. Applications can be submitted online at admissions.aurouniversity.edu.in. The APET 2026 is scheduled for July 13, 2026, with the last date to apply being July 11, 2026. Interviews are expected on July 19, 2026, and the final admission deadline is July 31, 2026.

Key Points

Ph.D. in Journalism and Mass Communication is offered under the School of JMC, one of AURO University's seven schools.
Students may pursue the programme on a full-time or part-time basis; full-time duration is 3 to 6 years.
Research thrust areas include Media and Society, Digital Media and Communication, Development Communication, Political Communication, Media Ethics and Regulation, Film and Visual Culture, Environmental and Climate Communication, and Strategic and Corporate Communication.
APET syllabus comprises 50% research methodology and 50% JMC subject-specific content.
Candidates with valid UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, or GATE scores are eligible for direct interview, bypassing the written entrance test.
The programme includes doctoral seminars, workshops, research paper publication requirements, and DRC (Doctoral Research Committee) reviews.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

Auro Ph.D. JMC Fees

The Ph.D. in Journalism and Mass Communication at Auro University carries an annual tuition fee of Rs. 1,50,000, payable in two semesters. The odd semester fee is Rs. 97,000 and the even semester fee is Rs. 53,000. In addition to the tuition fee, a one-time charge of Rs. 21,000 is payable with the first semester, which includes a refundable security deposit of Rs. 10,000, orientation charges of Rs. 6,000, and alumni charges of Rs. 5,000. For a minimum 3-year programme, the total tuition cost works out to Rs. 4,50,000, excluding hostel and transport.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Tuition Fee (per year)	1,50,000
Odd Semester Fee	97,000
Even Semester Fee	53,000
One-time Orientation Charges	6,000
One-time Alumni Charges	5,000
Refundable Security Deposit (one-time)	10,000
Total Fees (3 years tuition + one-time charges)	4,71,000

Hostel Fees (Optional, per semester)

Hostel Type	Room Rent (Rs.)	Food Charges (Rs.)	Total per Semester (Rs.)
Non-AC Twin Sharing	35,000	36,000	71,000
AC Twin Sharing	57,500	36,000	93,500

The Rs. 10,000 security deposit is refundable at the time of leaving the university.
Hostel fees are payable in full in advance per semester and are non-refundable once paid (except the one-time hostel security deposit of Rs. 15,000).
Transport fees range from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,500 per semester depending on the pickup/drop-off point.
The university reserves the right to increase fees by up to 5% annually, subject to approval by the competent authority.
No EMI option is explicitly mentioned; fees are payable semester-wise.

Auro Ph.D. JMC Admission 2026

Admissions to the Ph.D. in Journalism and Mass Communication at Auro University for 2026-27 are currently open. Candidates must apply online, appear for the APET (AURO PhD Entrance Test), and qualify for the interview round. Those with valid UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, or GATE scores may be called directly for the interview. The selection process involves a written test, research proposal presentation, and personal interview.

Auro University Ph.D. JMC Admission Schedule 2026-27

Event	Date
Application Portal Opens	Ongoing (April 2026 onwards)
Last Date to Apply	July 11, 2026
APET 2026 (Online Entrance Exam)	July 13, 2026 (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
Entrance Exam Result	July 14, 2026
Interview / Research Proposal Presentation	July 19, 2026
Final Selected Candidate List	July 22, 2026
Last Date of Admission	July 31, 2026
Batch Commencement	July 2026 (tentative)

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

Master's degree in Journalism, Mass Communication, or a related discipline from a UGC-recognised university with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/Differently-Abled/EWS candidates).
Alternatively, a 4-year Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline with at least 75% aggregate marks, or an MPhil degree with at least 55% marks.
Candidates appearing in their final year of the qualifying examination may also apply provisionally.

Admission Process:

Fill the online application form at admissions.aurouniversity.edu.in (application fee: Rs. 2,000, non-refundable).
Appear for APET (AURO PhD Entrance Test) - online mode, comprising 50% research methodology and 50% JMC subject-specific questions.
Candidates scoring 50% or above in APET (45% for reserved categories) qualify for the interview round.
Candidates with valid UGC-NET / CSIR-NET / GATE scores may be directly called for interview.
Attend the research proposal presentation and personal interview (preferably on campus; telephonic interview available for outstation candidates).
Submit required documents and pay the semester fee to confirm admission.

Auro Ph.D. JMC Scholarships 2026

Auro University offers multiple scholarship schemes applicable to its programmes. For Ph.D. students in Journalism and Mass Communication, the Need-Based Financial Aid and Student Performance-Based Scholarship are the most relevant options. The university also offers a Sports Scholarship for students who have excelled at national or international levels. Students from financially weaker backgrounds with strong academic records can benefit from partial or full fee waivers.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship	Eligibility	Benefit
AURO Merit Scholarship (at admission)	90%-95% in qualifying exam	20% on first semester tuition
AURO Merit Scholarship (at admission)	Above 95% in qualifying exam	25% on first semester tuition
Student Performance-Based Scholarship	SGPA 9.00-9.49 in academic year	15% on tuition fees
Student Performance-Based Scholarship	SGPA 9.50-10.00 in academic year	25% on tuition fees
Need-Based Financial Aid	Min. 70% in qualifying exam; family income up to Rs. 5,00,000/year	Partial or full tuition waiver
Sports Scholarship	International/National level achievement	Up to 100% fee concession + free hostel + monthly diet allowance

Only one scholarship can be availed at a time; clubbing of scholarships is not permitted.
Scholarship percentage is calculated on tuition fees only, not on other charges.
The Merit Scholarship at admission applies to the first semester only; subsequent semesters are governed by the Performance-Based Scholarship.
Need-Based Financial Aid requires students to contribute 15 hours/week in university support activities.
Applications for scholarships must be submitted by the last date of admissions; late applications are not considered.
Contact admissions@aurouniversity.edu.in for scholarship-related queries.

Auro Ph.D. JMC FAQs

Ques. Is the Ph.D. in Journalism and Mass Communication at Auro University recognised by UGC?

Ans. Yes, Auro University is a UGC-recognised private university established under the Gujarat Private Universities Act, 2009. The Ph.D. programme is conducted as per UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations, 2022, making the degree valid for academic and research positions across India.

Ques. Can I pursue the Ph.D. in JMC on a part-time basis while working as a journalist or media professional?

Ans. Yes, Auro University allows students to enrol in the Ph.D. programme on a part-time basis. The duration for part-time students is 4 to 7 years. Employed candidates need to submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer at the time of admission.

Ques. What are the research thrust areas for Ph.D. in Journalism and Mass Communication at Auro University?

Ans. The School of JMC at Auro University has identified the following research thrust areas: Media and Society, Digital Media and Communication, Development Communication, Political Communication, Media Ethics and Regulation, Film and Visual Culture, Media and Gender Studies, Environmental and Climate Communication, Communication Theory and Research Methodology, and Strategic and Corporate Communication.

Ques. Is it mandatory to appear for APET if I have a valid UGC-NET score in Mass Communication?

Ans. No. Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET (including JRF) are eligible to be called directly for the interview and research proposal presentation, without having to appear for APET.

Ques. What is the scope of a Ph.D. in Journalism and Mass Communication from Auro University?

Ans. A Ph.D. in JMC opens career opportunities in academia (as assistant professor or researcher), media research organisations, think tanks, policy bodies, and senior editorial or strategic communication roles in the media industry. The UGC-recognised degree is valid for applying to faculty positions in universities and colleges across India.

Ques. Does Auro University provide hostel facilities for Ph.D. JMC students?

Ans. Yes, Auro University provides hostel facilities on campus. Hostel accommodation is optional for Ph.D. students. The charges are Rs. 71,000 per semester for Non-AC Twin Sharing and Rs. 93,500 per semester for AC Twin Sharing, inclusive of food charges. A one-time refundable hostel security deposit of Rs. 15,000 is also applicable.