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

Ans. Yes, the Ph.D. in Futures Studies is offered in both full-time and part-time modes. The course listed here is Full Time, which requires the scholar to be physically present at the research centre (Department of Futures Studies, Kariavattom Campus) on all working days. Working professionals who wish to pursue it must obtain Leave Without Allowance from their employer for the duration of the full-time research. However, if you are employed and cannot take leave, you may apply for the part-time mode (subject to availability of vacancies), provided you submit a No Objection Certificate from your employer. Note that part-time scholars are not eligible for any fellowship or scholarship.

Ans. Seat availability in Futures Studies depends entirely on the number of vacancies with approved Research Supervisors in the department. For the January 2026 session, only 3 vacancies were available in Futures Studies. This makes it a highly competitive programme. Candidates are advised to check the vacancy list on the Research Portal (research.keralauniversity.ac.in) before applying each session. Candidates with UGC-NET/JRF or GATE qualifications have a significant advantage as they are directly called for an interview without needing to clear the university entrance test.

Ans. Candidates who qualify the Kerala University Ph.D. Entrance Test (General Aptitude Test) are selected based on 70% weightage for the entrance test score and 30% for the interview. However, candidates who hold a valid UGC-NET (any category, including Category 3 which is for Ph.D. admission only), CSIR-NET/JRF, GATE, KSET/SLET, DST-INSPIRE, or similar national/state fellowships are completely exempted from the entrance test and are directly called for an interview by the Doctoral Committee. This is a significant advantage, as the entrance test is conducted only once or twice a year and has limited pass rates.

Ans. The Department of Futures Studies at Kerala University is one of the few dedicated departments in India for this discipline. Research areas include technology forecasting and assessment, foresight methodologies, systems analysis and design, knowledge management, sustainable development futures, science and technology policy, innovation studies, and interdisciplinary futures research. The department has strong connections with national and international futures studies networks. Candidates are advised to review the research interests of available supervisors on the Research Portal before applying, as supervisor allocation is based on matching research interests.

Ans. All Ph.D. scholars at Kerala University, regardless of full-time or part-time mode, must complete mandatory course work of a minimum of one semester (6 months) with 14 credits within the first year of registration. The course work includes Paper I (Research Methodology) and Paper II (Research and Publication Ethics). Paper II is compulsory for all scholars. Scholars who hold an M.Phil degree with Research Methodology in their curriculum may be exempted from Paper I, provided their M.Phil is recognised by the University of Kerala. Ethical Committee Clearance is mandatory for research involving human subjects.

Ans. Yes, full-time Ph.D. scholars can convert to part-time mode after getting regular employment, but only after completing the mandatory course work period of 6 months from the date of joining. Additionally, conversion is permitted only after a minimum of 3 years of valid research period. A conversion fee applies: Rs. 1,320 for the conversion itself, with late fees ranging from Rs. 1,000 (within 6 months of employment) to Rs. 5,000 (more than 9 months). Importantly, once you convert to part-time mode, you lose eligibility for all fellowships and scholarships. The conversion requires approval and submission of relevant employment documents to the university.