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Ph.D. (Media Studies) at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, is a full-time, on-campus doctoral programme offered by the Department of Media Studies under the School of Social Sciences at the Central Campus. The programme spans a minimum of 3 years and is designed to nurture artist-scholars, enabling them to define new art and research practices for the 21st century through theoretical, historical, and critical frameworks. The annual tuition fee is Rs 80,000, making the total tuition fee for 3 years Rs 2,40,000. Admission is through a university-level entrance test, skill assessment, research proposal presentation, and personal interview, with UGC-NET/JRF/CSIR-NET/GATE/SLET/SET/KSET/M.Phil holders exempted from the entrance test. The programme is popular among media professionals, journalists, filmmakers, and communication scholars seeking to contribute original research to the evolving media landscape.

Admissions for the June 2026 cohort are currently ongoing. Applications are open from March 3, 2026, and the last date to apply is June 14, 2026. The selection process is scheduled for June 19, 2026.

Key Points

The Ph.D. in Media Studies at CHRIST University Central Campus is offered in Full Time mode only; Part Time mode is not available at this campus.
Research areas include media arts, digital media, journalism studies, film studies, media theory, communication research, and media policy.
The department is committed to supporting excellence and originality in research, with a focus on both theoretical and practice-based inquiry.
Full-time PhD scholars are eligible for a Research Fellowship (Rs 15,000/month in Year 1, Rs 18,000/month in Year 2, and Rs 20,000/month in Year 3 for those with Q1/Q2 journal publications).
The programme follows UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D. Degrees) Regulations.
Scholars have access to media labs, production studios, and the university's research infrastructure.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Ranking
FAQs

Christ University Latest Updates and News

05 Mar, 2026 Christ University Ph.D Media Studies Application (Jun 2026 Cohort) is open till Jun 14. Entrance Test, SA, Research Proposal, and PI will be held on Jun 19, 2026. Read more.

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CHRIST PhD Media Studies Fees

The Ph.D. (Media Studies) programme at CHRIST University carries an annual fee of Rs 80,000 for full-time scholars, resulting in a total tuition fee of Rs 2,40,000 over the minimum 3-year duration. A one-time thesis adjudication fee of Rs 25,000 is payable at the time of thesis submission. Hostel accommodation is available on campus at approximately Rs 50,000 per year (optional). Full-time scholars are eligible for an annual scholarship of Rs 20,000 and a contingency allowance of Rs 10,000 per year, reducing the net financial burden.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (INR)
Annual Tuition Fee	80,000
Application Fee (one-time)	8,000
Thesis Adjudication Fee (one-time)	25,000
Total Tuition Fee (3 Years)	2,40,000
Total Academic Fee (Tuition + Application + Thesis)	2,73,000
Hostel Fee (per year, optional)	50,000
Hostel Fee (3 Years, optional)	1,50,000
Total Fees (without Hostel)	2,73,000
Total Fees (with Hostel, 3 Years)	4,23,000

Hostel accommodation is optional and not mandatory for PhD scholars.
Full-time PhD scholars receive an annual scholarship of Rs 20,000 and a contingency allowance of Rs 10,000 per year (for up to 3 years post-coursework).
Research Fellowship for full-time scholars not receiving external fellowships: Rs 15,000/month (Year 1), Rs 18,000/month (Year 2), Rs 20,000/month (Year 3 with Q1/Q2 publication).
The application fee of Rs 8,000 is non-refundable.
Thesis adjudication fee of Rs 25,000 is payable at the time of thesis submission.
NRI quota total fee is approximately Rs 2,65,000 (academic fees only).

CHRIST PhD Media Studies Admission 2026

Admissions to the Ph.D. (Media Studies) programme at CHRIST University for the June 2026 cohort are currently open. The application window runs from March 3, 2026, to June 14, 2026. The selection process involves an Entrance Test, Skill Assessment, Research Proposal Presentation, and Personal Interview, all conducted in person at the respective campus. Candidates holding UGC-NET/JRF, CSIR-NET, SLET, SET, KSET, GATE, or M.Phil qualifications are exempted from the Entrance Test but must appear for the Skill Assessment and Personal Interview.

June 2026 Cohort Admission Dates

Event	Date
Application Opens	March 3, 2026
Last Date to Apply	June 14, 2026
Release of Selection Process Admit Card	June 15, 2026
Orientation for Applicants	June 16, 2026
Entrance Test, Skill Assessment, Research Proposal Presentation and Personal Interview	June 19, 2026
Publishing of Final Selection List	June 24, 2026
Last Date for Payment of Fees	July 6, 2026
Last Date to Complete Admissions	July 7, 2026
Inauguration and Commencement of Coursework	July 10, 2026

Entrance Exam Dates

Exam	Event	Date
UGC-NET (Mass Communication & Journalism)	Registration Start	December 14, 2025
UGC-NET (Mass Communication & Journalism)	Registration End	January 25, 2026
UGC-NET (Mass Communication & Journalism)	Admit Card Release	March 3, 2026
UGC-NET (Mass Communication & Journalism)	Exam Date	March 6 - March 27, 2026
UGC-NET (Mass Communication & Journalism)	Result Date	May 6, 2026

Note: UGC-NET (Mass Communication & Journalism or related subject) qualification exempts candidates from the CHRIST University PhD Entrance Test. Candidates with valid UGC-NET/JRF scores may also apply directly by sending their Research Proposal and CV to phd@christuniversity.in at any time of the year.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

Candidates must have passed a postgraduate degree in Media Studies, Mass Communication, Journalism, or a related discipline with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD as per UGC norms).
Candidates who have completed their post-graduation from an international university must submit an equivalency certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
Candidates with UGC-NET (including JRF), CSIR-NET, SLET, SET, KSET, GATE, or M.Phil qualifications are exempted from the Entrance Test.

Admission Process:

Submit the online application at espro.christuniversity.in before June 14, 2026.
Prepare and upload a Research Proposal as part of the application.
Appear for the Entrance Test and Skill Assessment on June 19, 2026 (exempted for NET/JRF/GATE/M.Phil holders, but Skill Assessment is mandatory for all).
Attend the Research Proposal Presentation and Personal Interview on the same day.
Check the Final Selection List published on June 24, 2026.
Complete fee payment by July 6, 2026, and admission formalities by July 7, 2026.
Coursework commences on July 10, 2026.

CHRIST PhD Media Studies Scholarships 2026

CHRIST University offers a comprehensive fellowship and scholarship structure for PhD scholars in Media Studies. Full-time scholars not receiving external fellowships are entitled to a Research Fellowship ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 per month, along with an annual scholarship and contingency allowance. The university's Scholarship and Fellowship Support Cell assists scholars in identifying and applying for external funding opportunities such as UGC-JRF and ICSSR fellowships.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / Fellowship	Eligibility	Amount
CHRIST University Annual Scholarship	All full-time PhD scholars	Rs 20,000 per year
Contingency Allowance	Full-time scholars (post-coursework, up to 3 years)	Rs 10,000 per year
CHRIST Research Fellowship - Year 1	Full-time scholars not receiving external fellowships	Rs 15,000 per month
CHRIST Research Fellowship - Year 2	Full-time scholars not receiving external fellowships	Rs 18,000 per month
CHRIST Research Fellowship - Year 3 (with Q1/Q2 publication)	Full-time scholars with at least one Q1/Q2 journal publication	Rs 20,000 per month
CHRIST Research Fellowship - Year 3 (without Q1/Q2 publication)	Full-time scholars without Q1/Q2 publication	Rs 18,000 per month
UGC-JRF / SRF	Candidates qualifying UGC-NET with JRF	Rs 37,000/month (JRF), Rs 42,000/month (SRF)
ICSS Fellowship	Social science / humanities researchers (applied separately)	As per ICSSR norms
St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara Research Fellowship	Selected PhD scholars (merit-based, university award)	As announced by university
Merit Scholarship	Outstanding academic performance (up to 50% fee waiver)	Up to 50% of tuition fee

Research Fellowship is paid from the month following successful completion of coursework (generally from the 7th month of the cohort).
Scholars receiving UGC, ICSSR, or similar external fellowships are not eligible for the CHRIST Research Fellowship but are guided by separate university guidelines.
Application for external scholarships must be made independently through the respective agencies.

Christ University Ph.D Media Studies Ranking

Collegedunia Ranking

#23 out of 277 in India 2025

#2nd in Bangalore

#2 in Karnataka

Indiatoday Ranking

#10 out of 217 in India 2025

#2nd in Bangalore

#2 in Karnataka

The Week Ranking

#10 out of 100 in India 2025

#1st in Bangalore

#1 in Karnataka

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CHRIST PhD Media Studies FAQs

Ques. What research areas can I pursue under the Ph.D. in Media Studies at CHRIST University?

Ans. The Ph.D. in Media Studies at CHRIST University covers a wide range of research areas including digital media and new media studies, film studies and visual culture, journalism and media ethics, media policy and regulation, advertising and public relations research, media arts and practice-based research, communication theory, and social media studies. Scholars are expected to identify a specific research problem and a suitable supervisor from the Department of Media Studies faculty.

Ques. Is the Ph.D. in Media Studies at CHRIST University available in Part Time mode?

Ans. At the Central Campus (Bangalore), the Ph.D. in Media Studies is offered in Full Time mode only. However, Part Time mode is available at other CHRIST University campuses such as the Bannerghatta Road Campus and Yeshwanthpur Campus. Candidates interested in Part Time should check the specific campus offerings on the official website.

Ques. Can a working media professional apply for the Ph.D. in Media Studies at CHRIST University?

Ans. The Full Time PhD at the Central Campus requires regular physical presence on campus, especially during the coursework phase. Working professionals may find it challenging to commit to full-time attendance. However, candidates with UGC-NET/JRF or M.Phil qualifications may discuss their specific situation with the Centre for Research. Part Time options are available at other campuses.

Ques. What is the Research Fellowship amount for PhD Media Studies scholars at CHRIST University?

Ans. Full-time PhD scholars not receiving external fellowships are eligible for a Research Fellowship starting from the month after successful completion of coursework (typically from the 7th month). The fellowship is Rs 15,000/month in Year 1, Rs 18,000/month in Year 2, and Rs 20,000/month in Year 3 (for scholars with at least one Q1/Q2 journal publication; otherwise Rs 18,000/month continues).

Ques. Does CHRIST University have media labs and production facilities for PhD Media Studies scholars?

Ans. Yes. CHRIST University has dedicated media labs, production studios, and digital media facilities that PhD scholars can access for their research and practice-based projects. The university's School of Social Sciences and the Department of Media Studies are well-equipped to support both theoretical and practice-based doctoral research.

Ques. What career options are available after completing a Ph.D. in Media Studies from CHRIST University?

Ans. Graduates of the Ph.D. in Media Studies from CHRIST University can pursue careers as faculty members and researchers at universities and media schools, media policy analysts, senior journalists and editors, documentary filmmakers and media practitioners, communication consultants, and researchers at think tanks and media organisations. The degree is particularly valued for academic and research positions in the media and communication field.