Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit (SSUS), Kalady, Ernakulam, Kerala, offers the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Vastuvidya as a full-time research programme through the Department of Vastuvidya. The programme provides doctoral-level research training in ancient Indian architecture, Vastu Shastra, traditional Hindu temple architecture (Agamas), Thachu Shastra (Kerala traditional carpentry science), iconography, spatial science of the Manushyalaya, and allied classical Indian building traditions. SSUS is a state public university established in 1993, recognised by the UGC and accredited by NAAC, and is a premier centre of Sanskrit and classical Indian knowledge systems. Admission is through a departmental entrance examination followed by a Research Committee interview; candidates must hold a Master’s degree or M.Phil with a minimum of 55 per cent marks. The estimated total academic cost for the minimum three-year programme is ₹9,700. Graduates pursue careers as researchers, faculty in architecture and Vastu studies, consultants, and heritage conservation specialists.
SSUS Kalady invites applications for PhD admissions annually. The 2026-27 PhD admission cycle at SSUS 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 Vastuvidya as a full-time research programme (minimum three years, maximum six years) through the Department of Vastuvidya, Kalady, Ernakulam, Kerala.
- SSUS is a state public university established in 1993, recognised by UGC and accredited by NAAC; a premier institution for Sanskrit and classical Indian knowledge systems.
- Estimated total academic cost for the minimum three-year programme is ₹9,700, inclusive of all statutory fees and thesis evaluation; annual fees continue beyond three years.
SSUS Kalady Ph.D. Vastuvidya Fees
Ph.D. Vastuvidya Fee Structure
| Component | Amount (INR) |
| Registration as Research Student (one-time) | ₹530 |
| Matriculation Fee (one-time) | ₹210 |
| Course Work Registration Fee (one-time) | ₹1,050 |
| Development Fund (one-time) | ₹530 |
| Library Fee (₹530 per year × 3 years, minimum) | ₹1,590 |
| Annual Fee (₹530 per year × 3 years, minimum) | ₹1,590 |
| Caution Deposit (refundable) | ₹1,050 |
| Thesis Evaluation Fee (one-time) | ₹3,150 |
| Total Fees (Minimum 3-Year Programme) | ₹9,700 |
- Total Fees of ₹9,700 represents the estimated cost for the minimum three-year full-time PhD programme, including all one-time charges, three years of annual library and annual fees, a refundable caution deposit of ₹1,050, and the thesis evaluation fee.
- The PhD programme has a minimum duration of three years and a maximum of six years; annual fees continue for each enrolled year beyond the minimum.
- Examination and adjudication fees beyond the thesis evaluation fee may apply separately; students are advised to verify the current fee schedule with the SSUS Vastuvidya Department.
SSUS Kalady Ph.D. Vastuvidya Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| PhD Notification | February to March 2026 |
| Application Deadline | March to April 2026 |
| Departmental Entrance Exam | 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 | Mar to Apr 2026 | April to May 2026 | May 2026 |
- Admission to PhD Vastuvidya 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/RGNF awardees and teachers with five or more years of service and at least two published research papers are exempt from the entrance examination and proceed directly to the Research Committee interview.
- Eligibility: M.Phil or Master’s degree with minimum 55 per cent marks (50 per cent for SC/ST/PwD); candidates with M.Phil are preferred.
- Applications are submitted through the SSUS PhD admission portal (phd.ssus.ac.in); application fee is ₹160 including the application form.
- 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 an M.Phil or Master’s degree in Vastuvidya, Architecture, 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, 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/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 interview; the proposal should include research title, objectives, significance, literature review, and methodology.
Admission Process
- Monitor the SSUS official website (ssus.ac.in) for the annual PhD admission notification, 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.
- Appear for the departmental entrance examination conducted at the Kalady campus (JRF/RGNF/NET 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 Vastuvidya Department.
SSUS Kalady Ph.D. Vastuvidya Scholarships 2026
Ph.D. Vastuvidya 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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