Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit (SSUS), Kalady, Ernakulam, Kerala, offers the Doctor of Philosophy in Theatre as a full-time research programme through the Department of Theatre. The programme provides doctoral-level research training in theatre and performance studies, Indian classical theatre forms (Kutiyattam, Krishnanattam, Kathakali, Theyyam), Sanskrit drama (Natyashastra tradition), contemporary theatre theory, performance studies, dramaturgy, folk theatre of Kerala, and allied performing arts research. SSUS is a state public university established in 1993, recognised by the UGC and accredited by NAAC. Admission is through a departmental entrance examination followed by a Research Committee interview; candidates must hold a Master’s degree with a minimum of 55 per cent marks in Theatre, Performing Arts, or an allied discipline. The estimated total fee for the minimum three-year programme is ₹5,150. Graduates pursue careers as theatre researchers, academic faculty, performing arts archivists, dramaturgs, and scholars of Indian performance traditions.
SSUS Kalady invites applications for PhD admissions annually. The 2026-27 PhD admission cycle at the Department of Theatre involves a departmental entrance examination and Research Committee interview; candidates are advised to monitor the SSUS official website (ssus.ac.in) for the current notification.
Key Points
- SSUS Kalady offers PhD in Theatre as a full-time research programme (minimum three years, maximum six years) through the Department of Theatre, Kalady, Ernakulam, Kerala.
- SSUS is a state public university established in 1993, recognised by UGC and accredited by NAAC; the PhD Theatre programme focuses on classical Indian and Kerala theatre traditions.
- Estimated total fee for the minimum three-year programme is ₹5,150; annual fees continue for each enrolled year beyond three years.
- Eligibility: Master’s degree in Theatre, Performing Arts, or an allied discipline with minimum 55 per cent marks (50 per cent for SC/ST/PwD); UGC-JRF/NET awardees are exempt from the entrance exam.
- Graduates pursue careers as theatre researchers, performing arts faculty, classical theatre scholars, cultural officers, and dramaturgs.
SSUS Kalady Ph.D. Theatre Fees
Ph.D. Theatre Fee Structure
| Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|
| Total Fees (Minimum 3-Year Programme) | ₹5,150 |
- Total fee of ₹5,150 covers the estimated minimum three-year PhD Theatre programme at SSUS Kalady (Tier 3a source; fee figures as per 2026-27 schedule). Students are advised to verify the current fee structure directly with the SSUS Department of Theatre.
- Annual fees continue for each enrolled year beyond the minimum three years; thesis evaluation and viva-voce fees are charged separately.
- UGC-JRF and UGC-RGNF fellowship holders may receive monthly stipends; apply through the relevant fellowship portals after enrolment.
SSUS Kalady Ph.D. Theatre Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| PhD Notification | February to March 2026 |
| Application Deadline | March to April 2026 |
| Departmental Entrance Exam and Aptitude Test | April to May 2026 |
| Research Committee Interview | May 2026 |
| Admission Confirmation | June 2026 |
Entrance Exam Dates
| Exam | Registration End | Exam Date | Result |
|---|
| SSUS PhD Departmental Entrance Exam (Theatre) | Mar to Apr 2026 | April to May 2026 | May 2026 |
- Admission to PhD Theatre at SSUS is through a departmental entrance examination followed by a Research Committee interview; candidates must submit a research proposal (title, objectives, significance, literature review, and methodology).
- UGC-JRF, UGC-NET, and RGNF awardees are exempt from the departmental entrance examination and proceed directly to the Research Committee interview.
- Eligibility: Master’s degree in Theatre, Performing Arts, Sanskrit, or an allied discipline with minimum 55 per cent marks (50 per cent for SC/ST/PwD); practising artists with a Master’s degree and relevant experience are encouraged to apply.
- Applications are submitted through the SSUS PhD admission portal (phd.ssus.ac.in); application fee is ₹160.
- The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Theatre, Performing Arts, Sanskrit, or an allied discipline from a recognised university with a minimum of 55 per cent marks (50 per cent for SC/ST/PwD categories).
- UGC-JRF, UGC-NET, and RGNF awardees are exempt from the departmental entrance examination and proceed directly to the Research Committee interview.
- Teachers with five or more years of teaching or research experience and at least two published research papers in UGC-recognised journals are also exempt from the entrance exam.
- Candidates must submit a research proposal at the time of the interview covering research title, objectives, significance, literature review, and methodology.
Admission Process
- Monitor the SSUS official website (ssus.ac.in) for the annual PhD admission notification from the Department of Theatre, typically released in February to March.
- Register and apply through the SSUS PhD admission portal (phd.ssus.ac.in); pay the application fee of ₹160 and upload all required documents including the research proposal.
- Appear for the departmental entrance examination conducted at the Kalady campus; UGC-JRF, NET, and RGNF awardees and qualifying teachers are exempt.
- Shortlisted candidates attend the Research Committee interview; present the research proposal covering title, objectives, significance, literature review, and methodology.
- Selected candidates confirm admission by paying the statutory fees and completing enrolment formalities; the university assigns a research supervisor from the Department of Theatre.
SSUS Kalady Ph.D. Theatre Scholarships 2026
Ph.D. Theatre Scholarships Available
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|
| Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST/OBC) | As per Kerala government norms | Kerala domicile SC/ST/OBC students; apply via National Scholarship Portal |
| Central Sector Scholarship (CSSS) | As per central norms | Merit-based; family income below ₹8,00,000; apply via NSP |
| EBC/Minority Scholarship (State) | As per Kerala government norms | Economically backward and minority community students; apply via Kerala Scholarship Portal |
| Ilanji Scholarship (SSUS) | As per university norms | Meritorious students with financial need; apply to the SSUS Scholarship Committee |
- Government scholarships are applied through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in); eligible candidates must apply between August and November annually.
- Kerala domicile students from SC/ST and OBC categories should also check state-specific schemes through the Kerala Social Welfare Department.
- Students are advised to apply for scholarships early in the academic year to avoid missing deadlines.
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