The Ph.D. (Public Health) program at Central University of Kerala is a prestigious full-time doctoral program designed to develop research scholars and experts in public health. This comprehensive 5-year program is tailored for students passionate about addressing public health challenges through rigorous research and evidence-based solutions.
Program Overview:
- Duration: 5 Years (Full Time)
- Total Program Fees: ₹159,000
- Admission Mode: Department Entrance Test / Direct Interview
- Seat Intake: 6 seats
- Mode of Study: Full Time On Campus
- Location: Kasaragod, Kerala
Why This Program is Popular:
The Ph.D. (Public Health) program at CUK has gained significant recognition for its rigorous curriculum, experienced faculty, and strong emphasis on research-driven learning. Students are exposed to contemporary public health issues including epidemiology, health policy, disease prevention, and community health interventions. The program's focus on practical research applications makes graduates highly sought after by government health agencies, NGOs, research institutions, and international health organizations.
Key Points
- Research Opportunities: Students engage in cutting-edge public health research covering epidemiological studies, health systems research, and community-based interventions
- Faculty Expertise: Experienced faculty members with publications in national and international journals guide research work
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Integration of biostatistics, epidemiology, health policy, and social sciences
- Field Work: Mandatory field placements in health departments and NGOs for practical exposure
- Seminars & Workshops: Regular seminars featuring renowned public health experts and researchers
- Publication Support: Assistance in publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals
- Networking: Access to national and international public health research networks
- Career Development: Dedicated placement and career guidance support
CUK Ph.D. (Public Health) Fees
Component-wise Fee Breakdown
| Fee Component | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Total |
|---|
| Tuition Fee | ₹28,000 | ₹28,000 | ₹26,000 | ₹26,000 | ₹25,000 | ₹133,000 |
| Laboratory & Research Fee | ₹4,000 | ₹4,000 | ₹4,000 | ₹4,000 | ₹4,000 | ₹20,000 |
| Library & IT Fee | ₹2,000 | ₹2,000 | ₹2,000 | ₹2,000 | ₹0 | ₹8,000 |
| Examination Fee | ₹1,000 | ₹1,000 | ₹1,000 | ₹1,000 | ₹1,000 | ₹5,000 |
| Miscellaneous | ₹500 | ₹500 | ₹500 | ₹500 | ₹500 | ₹2,500 |
| Annual Total | ₹35,500 | ₹35,500 | ₹33,500 | ₹33,500 | ₹30,500 | ₹159,000 |
Payment Schedule: Fees are payable annually at the beginning of each academic year. Installment options are available upon request.
CUK Ph.D. (Public Health) Admission 2026
Registration Deadlines
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Online Application Submission | Extended till March 31, 2026 |
| Entrance Test Date | April 15, 2026 |
| Interview Round | April 25-30, 2026 |
| Final Merit List Publication | May 10, 2026 |
| Admission Confirmation | May 15-20, 2026 |
| Classes Commence | June 1, 2026 |
Status: Admissions are currently open for the 2026-27 academic year with 6 seats available in the Ph.D. (Public Health) program.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Bachelor's degree in any discipline with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST candidates)
- Master's degree in Public Health, Medicine, Life Sciences, or related field preferred
- Valid GATE/UGC-NET score or equivalent qualification
- Strong interest in public health research
College-Specific Dates (2025-26)
| Event | Date/Time |
|---|
| Application Portal Opens | January 15, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | March 31, 2026 |
| Entrance Test | April 15, 2026 (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM) |
| Interview Dates | April 25-30, 2026 |
| Merit List Declaration | May 10, 2026 |
| Admission Confirmation Deadline | May 20, 2026 |
| Academic Session Begins | June 1, 2026 |
Required Documents:
- Bachelor's and Master's degree certificates
- Mark sheets from all semesters
- GATE/UGC-NET scorecard (if applicable)
- Research proposal (1-2 pages)
- Statement of purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
- Valid ID proof and address proof
Admission Process
Step 1: Online Application
Candidates must register on the university portal and fill the application form with accurate personal and academic details. Upload scanned copies of all required documents.
Step 2: Application Review
The admissions committee reviews applications for eligibility. Shortlisted candidates are invited for the entrance test.
Step 3: Entrance Test
The Department Entrance Test (DET) evaluates candidates' knowledge in:
- Public Health Fundamentals
- Biostatistics and Research Methodology
- General Aptitude
- English Language Proficiency
Test Duration: 2 hours | Total Marks: 100
Step 4: Interview
Shortlisted candidates from the entrance test are called for a personal interview. The interview panel assesses:
- Research aptitude and motivation
- Subject knowledge and clarity of concepts
- Communication skills
- Fit with program objectives
Step 5: Merit List and Admission
Final selection is based on entrance test score (60%) and interview performance (40%). Selected candidates receive admission offers and must confirm within the specified deadline.
Step 6: Registration
Admitted students complete registration formalities, pay fees, and receive enrollment documents.
CUK Ph.D. (Public Health) Scholarships 2026
Available Scholarships
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Benefit | Renewable |
|---|
| Merit-Based Scholarship | Top 2 performers in entrance test | 50% tuition fee waiver | Annually based on academic performance |
| SC/ST Scholarship | SC/ST candidates meeting admission criteria | Full tuition fee waiver + ₹5,000 annual stipend | Throughout the program duration |
| Research Excellence Scholarship | Candidates with published research papers | 30% fee waiver + ₹3,000 monthly research allowance | Based on research output |
| Women Scholar Award | Female candidates from economically weaker sections | 40% tuition fee waiver | Annually |
| University Assistantship | All admitted students (competitive selection) | ₹8,000-12,000 monthly stipend for 20 hours/week work | Throughout the program |
| External Funding Opportunities | | ICMR Research Fellowships DBT-JRF Program CSIR-UGC NET Fellowship State Government Scholarships | |
Application Process: Scholarship applications are submitted during admission confirmation. Merit-based scholarships are awarded automatically based on entrance test performance.
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