Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 8, 2026

Pondicherry University offers a full-time Ph.D. in Mathematics through its Department of Mathematics under the Ramanujan School of Mathematical Sciences. The programme is a research-oriented doctoral degree with a minimum duration of 3 years, offered in honour of the legendary mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. The department offers research across diverse areas of pure and applied mathematics. The tentative intake for 2026-27 is 40 seats (37 at the main Puducherry campus and 3 at the Community College), making it one of the larger PhD programmes at the university. Total fees over the minimum 3-year duration amount to approximately Rs. 48,180 (Non-Science category, as Mathematics is explicitly excluded from the Advanced Lab Facility Fund). The programme is popular among mathematics graduates seeking to pursue research in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, algebra, graph theory, and related areas. The Ramanujan School of Mathematical Sciences is one of the most reputed mathematics schools in South India.

Admission for the academic year 2026-27 is currently ongoing through the University's own Entrance Examination (CBT mode). The last date to submit the online application has been extended to March 31, 2026 (11:50 PM). The entrance exam date is yet to be officially announced and will be notified on the University website (www.pondiuni.edu.in). Candidates are advised to check the portal regularly for updates on hall ticket download and exam schedule.

Key Points

The Ph.D. in Mathematics at Pondicherry University is offered under the Ramanujan School of Mathematical Sciences, named after the legendary mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan.
The department covers research areas including Algebra, Graph Theory, Number Theory, Analysis, Topology, Differential Equations, Combinatorics, and Applied Mathematics.
Admission is based on a University-level Entrance Examination (70% weightage) followed by a personal interview and academic record evaluation (30% weightage).
The entrance exam (PHD 118, Slot IV) consists of 100 MCQs in 120 minutes, covering Research Methodology (50%) and Mathematics subject knowledge (50%).
Mathematics is explicitly excluded from the Advanced Lab Facility Fund, so the fee structure follows the Non-Science/Humanities category.
JRF/NET-qualified candidates are given preference (Preference 1 and 2) in the admission process.
Full-time scholars admitted to University departments are eligible for a Non-NET Fellowship of Rs. 8,000 per month along with a contingency grant.
The University is accredited with A+ Grade by NAAC and is a centrally funded institution.

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Fees
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Scholarships
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FAQs

Pondicherry University Latest Updates and News

03 Feb, 2026 Pondicherry University Ph.D Mathematics Fee Structure 2026 is out. The total academic fee is ₹ 96,655 .

PU Ph.D. Mathematics Fees

The Ph.D. Mathematics programme at Pondicherry University falls under the Non-Science fee category (Mathematics is explicitly excluded from the Advanced Lab Facility Fund as per the University's fee structure). The initial payment at the time of admission is Rs. 19,430, which includes registration, research fee, amenities fund, insurance, and other one-time charges. Subsequent semester-wise payments are Rs. 5,750 per semester. Over the minimum 3-year (6-semester) duration, the total programme fee works out to approximately Rs. 48,180.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Initial Payment (Semester 1)	Subsequent Semesters (per semester)
Research Fee (per annum)	Rs. 2,500	Rs. 2,500
Registration Fee	Rs. 1,000	-
Matriculation Fee	Rs. 500	-
Recognition Fee	Rs. 500	-
Sports Fund	Rs. 250	Rs. 250
Medical Examination / Facilities Fund	Rs. 250	Rs. 250
Library Fund	Rs. 1,000	Rs. 1,000
Amenities Development Fund	Rs. 6,000	-
Students' Welfare Fund	Rs. 250	Rs. 250
Alumni Association Fund	Rs. 500	-
Caution Deposit (Refundable)	Rs. 1,000	-
ICT Fund and Computer	Rs. 1,500	Rs. 1,500
Group Medical Insurance (Full-time only)	Rs. 1,180	-
University Development Fund	Rs. 2,000	-
Total (per semester)	Rs. 19,430	Rs. 5,750
Total Fees (3 years / 6 semesters minimum)	Rs. 48,180

Caution Deposit of Rs. 1,000 is refundable upon leaving the University after deducting dues.
SC/ST students eligible for Post-Matric Scholarships may pay fees after receiving scholarship amounts, subject to submission of an undertaking.
Differently abled students are exempted from all fees except refundable caution deposits and Group Medical Insurance premium.
Late payment fine: Rs. 5 per day for the first 10 days; Rs. 10 per day thereafter.
Hostel fees are separate and charged annually.
Room rent for Ph.D. scholars: Rs. 1,800 per annum; General Amenities Fund: Rs. 700 per annum; Establishment Charges: Rs. 300 per annum; Caution Deposit (Hostel, refundable): Rs. 3,000.
Hostel mess fees are paid semester-wise and notified separately.
No room rent is charged from SC/ST students in the hostel.

PU Ph.D. Mathematics Admission 2026-27

Admission to the Ph.D. Mathematics programme at Pondicherry University for 2026-27 is through a University-level Entrance Examination conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode. The application process is currently ongoing with the last date extended to March 31, 2026. The selection is based on a composite score of entrance exam performance (70%) and personal interview along with academic record (30%). Candidates who qualify UGC-NET/CSIR-NET with JRF are given top priority in the admission process.

Important Dates

Event	Date
Online Registration Start Date	November 19, 2025
Last Date to Apply (Extended)	March 31, 2026 (11:50 PM)
Entrance Exam Date	To be announced on University website
Hall Ticket Download	To be announced on University website
Personal Interview	To be announced post entrance exam results
Batch Commencement	Tentatively July/August 2026

Entrance Exam Accepted

Exam	Details	Relevance
Pondicherry University Ph.D. Entrance Exam (PHD 118)	CBT, 100 MCQs, 120 minutes, Slot IV	Primary/Mandatory exam for admission
UGC-NET (Mathematical Sciences)	Conducted by NTA; JRF/NET qualified candidates get Preference 1 or 2	Exempts from entrance exam; direct interview call
CSIR-NET (Mathematical Sciences)	Conducted by NTA/CSIR; JRF qualified candidates get Preference 1	Exempts from entrance exam; direct interview call

Note: UGC-NET/CSIR-NET qualified candidates (JRF/Assistant Professor category) are given priority in admissions as per UGC Ph.D. Regulations 2022. They are called directly for interview without appearing in the University entrance exam.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a Master's degree in Mathematics with a minimum of 55% marks (or equivalent grade) in the qualifying PG degree.
A relaxation of 5% (from 55% to 50%) is applicable for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/Differently Abled candidates.
Final year PG students are also eligible to apply, subject to producing mark sheets before the date notified by the University.

Admission Process

Submit online application at pondiunivadmission.samarth.edu.in with required documents and application fee.
Application fee: Rs. 1,500 for General/OBC/EWS; Rs. 750 for SC/ST; Nil for PH/Transgender candidates.
Download hall ticket from the University portal (not sent via email).
Appear for the CBT-based entrance examination at the allotted centre.
Candidates scoring above the minimum cut-off (50% of average marks of all candidates in the subject) are shortlisted for interview.
Attend personal interview and present a written research proposal on the proposed topic.
Final merit list is prepared based on 70% entrance exam score + 30% interview and academic record.
Selected candidates complete document verification and fee payment for admission.

PU Ph.D. Mathematics Scholarships 2026-27

Ph.D. scholars at Pondicherry University can avail multiple fellowships and financial assistance schemes, ranging from the University's own Non-NET fellowship to prestigious national fellowships like UGC-JRF and CSIR-JRF. These fellowships significantly reduce the financial burden and incentivise full-time research. JRF-qualified scholars receive substantially higher stipends compared to Non-NET scholars.

Fellowships Available

Scholarship / Fellowship	Eligibility	Amount	Duration
UGC-JRF Fellowship (Mathematical Sciences)	UGC-NET qualified with JRF	Rs. 37,000/month (Year 1-2); Rs. 42,000/month (SRF, Year 3 onwards)	Up to 5 years
CSIR-JRF Fellowship (Mathematical Sciences)	CSIR-NET qualified with JRF	Rs. 37,000/month (Year 1-2); Rs. 42,000/month (SRF, Year 3 onwards)	Up to 5 years
PU Non-NET Fellowship (UGC)	Full-time Ph.D. scholars admitted to University departments (non-JRF)	Rs. 8,000/month + contingency grant	Duration of Ph.D.
National Fellowship for OBC (NFOBC)	OBC candidates pursuing Ph.D.	As per UGC norms	Duration of Ph.D.
National Fellowship for SC (NFSC)	SC candidates pursuing Ph.D.	As per UGC norms	Duration of Ph.D.
Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF)	Minority community candidates	As per UGC norms	Duration of Ph.D.

JRF-qualified candidates (NFOBC/NFSC/MANF) are treated on par with UGC-NET JRF holders for admission priority.
Non-NET fellowship scholars must submit an undertaking that they will reimburse the fellowship amount if they leave the programme before thesis submission.
SC/ST students are exempted from room rent in University hostels.
Differently abled students are exempted from all fees (except caution deposit and medical insurance).
Scholars should check the University website and UGC portal for updated fellowship amounts and application procedures.

Pondicherry University Ph.D Mathematics Ranking

THE Ranking

#801 out of 801 in International 2020

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PU Ph.D. Mathematics FAQs

Ques. Why is the Ph.D. Mathematics fee at Pondicherry University categorised under Non-Science despite being a science subject?

Ans. The University's fee structure explicitly excludes Mathematics (along with Applied Psychology and Library Science) from the Advanced Lab Facility Fund, which is charged only to science departments that use laboratory facilities. Since Mathematics is primarily a theoretical discipline that does not require laboratory infrastructure, it is placed in the Non-Science fee category, resulting in lower fees compared to other science PhD programmes.

Ques. What research areas are available under Ph.D. Mathematics at Pondicherry University?

Ans. The Department of Mathematics under the Ramanujan School of Mathematical Sciences at Pondicherry University covers research areas including Algebra, Graph Theory, Number Theory, Analysis, Topology, Differential Equations, Combinatorics, Discrete Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, and Mathematical Modelling. Faculty members have specialisations in areas such as Algebra, Graph Theory, and related fields.

Ques. Is CSIR-NET in Mathematical Sciences accepted for Ph.D. Mathematics admission at Pondicherry University?

Ans. Yes, CSIR-NET qualified candidates in Mathematical Sciences (JRF holders) are given top priority (Preference 1) in the Ph.D. Mathematics admission process at Pondicherry University. UGC-NET qualified candidates in Mathematical Sciences are given Preference 1 (JRF) or Preference 2 (Assistant Professor category). Both are called directly for interview without needing to appear in the University entrance exam.

Ques. What is the intake for Ph.D. Mathematics at Pondicherry University for 2026-27?

Ans. The tentative intake for Ph.D. Mathematics (PHD 118) for 2026-27 is 40 seats (37 at the main Puducherry campus and 3 at the Community College), distributed as: General-14, OBC-11, SC-6, ST-3, PH-2, EWS-4. This is one of the larger PhD intakes at the university.

Ques. What is the significance of the Ramanujan School of Mathematical Sciences at Pondicherry University?

Ans. The Ramanujan School of Mathematical Sciences is named after the legendary Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, reflecting the university's commitment to mathematical excellence. The school offers B.Sc. (Honours), M.Sc., and Ph.D. programmes in Mathematics and Statistics. It is one of the most reputed mathematics schools in South India, with a strong focus on research in pure and applied mathematics.

Ques. Can a candidate with an M.Sc. in Applied Mathematics or Statistics apply for Ph.D. Mathematics at Pondicherry University?

Ans. The eligibility for Ph.D. Mathematics (PHD 118) specifically requires a Master's degree in Mathematics. Candidates with M.Sc. in Applied Mathematics may be considered if their degree is equivalent to M.Sc. Mathematics. However, candidates with M.Sc. in Statistics should apply for Ph.D. Statistics (PHD 149) instead, which is a separate programme at the Ramanujan School of Mathematical Sciences.