Kerala University Ph.D Demography: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. Kerala University conducts Ph.D. admissions in two sessions per year - January and July. The January 2026 session notification was released on 31.12.2025 with a last date of 15.01.2026 (now closed). The July 2026 session notification is expected around August 2026. However, it is critical to first check the vacancy list for Demography on the research portal (research.keralauniversity.ac.in) before applying, as the subject had no vacancies in the July 2025 session. Vacancies depend on faculty capacity and the number of scholars already registered under each supervisor.

Ans. Yes, candidates who have qualified UGC-NET in any of the three categories (including Category 3 - Admission to Ph.D. only) are exempted from the university entrance test. However, you must ensure that your UGC-NET certificate is valid and has not expired at the time of application. You are still required to apply online through the research portal, pay the registration fee of ₹800, and appear for the departmental interview conducted by the Doctoral Committee. Final selection is based on the interview performance and academic record.

Ans. Yes, Kerala University allows Ph.D. research in part-time mode for employed candidates. However, you must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer clearly stating that you are permitted to pursue studies on a part-time basis, will be relieved for course work if required, and your official duties permit sufficient time for research. Note that part-time scholars are not eligible for any fellowship or scholarship. Also, employed candidates cannot pursue full-time research unless they obtain Leave Without Allowance (LWA) from their employer.

Ans. The Department of Demography at Kerala University conducts research in mortality, fertility, migration, urbanisation, reproductive and child health, population ageing, biostatistics, business demography, population genetics, and public health. The department also hosts one of the 18 Population Research Centres (PRCs) in India, funded by the Government of India, which provides additional research infrastructure and funding opportunities. The department has international collaborations with the University of Groningen (Netherlands), INED Paris, and the University of Manitoba (Canada). Prospective Ph.D. students should review faculty profiles and ongoing research projects on the department's page to identify a suitable supervisor before applying.

Ans. The minimum duration for a full-time Ph.D. at Kerala University is 3 years from the date of registration. All Ph.D. scholars, irrespective of mode of research, must complete course work for a minimum of one semester (6 months) with 14 credits within the first year of registration. The course work includes Paper-I (Research Methodology - exempted for M.Phil. holders who had this course) and Paper-II (Research and Publication Ethics - compulsory for all scholars). Ethical Committee Clearance is mandatory for research involving human subjects.

Ans. The Ph.D. fee structure at Kerala University (revised w.e.f. January 2025 session) includes a one-time registration fee of ₹800, annual affiliation fee of ₹750, and annual research fee of ₹1,000 (Category I - Social Sciences, Full Time). The thesis submission fee is ₹5,000 for full-time scholars. The total minimum cost for a 3-year full-time Ph.D. is approximately ₹8,050 (excluding course work and other incidental fees). An annual 5% increase is applicable on all fees. SC/ST candidates are eligible for fee concessions and special financial assistance as per university and government norms. Full-time scholars holding UGC/CSIR JRF receive a monthly fellowship of ₹37,000 (JRF) or ₹42,000 (SRF), which substantially covers research expenses.