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

Ans. Practising doctors with an MD/MS degree can apply for Ph.D. (Medicine) at Kerala University. If they hold a valid UGC-NET certificate (any category), CSIR-NET, GATE, or a recognised JRF fellowship, they are exempted from the university entrance test and are directly called for an interview. Additionally, regular teachers at government or aided medical colleges with 7 or more years of teaching experience are also exempted from the entrance test. Those without any of these qualifications must appear for the university-conducted Ph.D. entrance examination.

Ans. The Faculty of Medicine at Kerala University does not have dedicated teaching departments on the main campus. Ph.D. (Medicine) research is conducted at affiliated medical colleges that have been recognised as research centres by the university and have approved research supervisors with PG teaching facilities. Scholars must carry out their research at the specific affiliated medical college where their supervisor is based. The list of approved research centres and available vacancies can be checked on the Kerala University Research Portal.

Ans. Kerala University conducts Ph.D. admissions in two sessions per year: January and July. The January 2026 session notification was issued on December 31, 2025, with the application deadline of January 15, 2026. The July 2026 session is expected to be notified around May-June 2026. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official research portal at research.keralauniversity.ac.in for the latest notifications, as the exact dates vary each year.

Ans. The minimum duration for completing a Ph.D. at Kerala University is 3 years for full-time scholars and 4 years for part-time scholars, as per UGC Regulations 2022. The maximum duration is generally 6 years (extendable in special cases). Scholars must complete mandatory course work of one semester (minimum 14 credits) within the first year of registration. The actual duration depends on the nature of the research, availability of data, and the supervisor's guidance.

Ans. Yes, part-time Ph.D. (Medicine) is available at Kerala University for employed candidates. Part-time scholars must submit a No Objection Certificate from their employer stating that they are permitted to pursue studies on a part-time basis, will be relieved for course work if required, and their official duties permit sufficient time for research. Part-time scholars are not eligible for any fellowship or scholarship. The minimum duration for part-time Ph.D. is 4 years.

Ans. Ph.D. (Medicine) at Kerala University covers a broad range of research areas depending on the specialisation of the approved research supervisor at the affiliated medical college. Common research areas include clinical medicine, surgery, pathology, pharmacology, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, community medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, orthopaedics, and other medical specialities. The specific research areas available in a given session depend on the vacancies reported by approved supervisors. Candidates should check the Research Portal for subject-wise vacancy details before applying.