RTMNU Ph.D Political Science: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. Candidates must hold an MA in Political Science or an equivalent postgraduate degree from a recognised university with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD). They must either qualify the RTMNU PhD Entrance Test (PET) or hold a valid UGC NET or JRF in Political Science, which exempts them from PET. A research interest aligned with available supervisor expertise at RTMNU is also expected at the interview stage.

Ans. UGC NET is not mandatory, but candidates who hold a valid UGC NET or JRF in Political Science are exempted from RTMNU’s PhD Entrance Test (PET). Non-NET candidates must appear for and qualify PET 2026, which was conducted online from May 9 to 12, 2026. The PET consists of Section A (research methodology) and Section B (Political Science subject-specific questions). All candidates must then clear a departmental interview.

Ans. The total academic fee for PhD Political Science at RTMNU is INR 60,300 for the minimum 3-year doctoral program. Optional hostel accommodation is charged separately at INR 23,670 per year. Additional charges may apply for library access, thesis submission, and university examination fees. These fees are among the lower ranges for PhD programs at NAAC-accredited state universities in Maharashtra.

Ans. The Department of Political Science at RTMNU offers research supervision across areas including Indian political theory, constitutional studies, comparative politics, public administration, international relations, political sociology, tribal politics, and Vidarbha regional governance. The exact research topics depend on available faculty supervisors and their approved research areas. Prospective candidates should contact the department directly to identify a supervisor whose work matches their research interest before applying.

Ans. JRF-qualified scholars receive INR 37,000 per month for the first two years, increasing to INR 42,000 per month for the following three years under the UGC Junior Research Fellowship scheme. SC/ST scholars can apply for the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship and minority community scholars for the Maulana Azad National Fellowship, both offering INR 37,000 per month. These fellowships are administered by NTA and the respective ministries, not by RTMNU directly.

Ans. PhD Political Science graduates from RTMNU are eligible to apply for college lecturer and assistant professor positions under UGC norms, in addition to their NET qualification. Other career paths include research officer roles in policy think tanks, state planning boards, public sector organisations, and government advisory bodies. Some graduates also pursue careers in civil services, media, and political consulting, where doctoral-level research expertise adds professional credibility.