Bharathiar University Coimbatore Ph.D Journalism And Mass Communication: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. No, the CET is not mandatory for all candidates. Those who have qualified UGC-NET (including JRF), CSIR-NET (including JRF), SLET/SET, GATE, DST-INSPIRE fellowship awardees, candidates holding an M.Phil. degree with minimum 55% marks, teacher fellowship (FIP/FDP) holders, scientists working in DRDO, and faculty of Air Force Administrative College are all exempt from appearing in the CET. Such candidates can apply directly for Ph.D. admission through the university's research portal. For all other candidates, the CET is compulsory and a minimum score of 15 out of 50 is required for eligibility.

Ans. The department has defined nine chief research areas effective from 2018: Advertising, Development Communication, Film Studies, Journalism, New Media Studies, Media Uses and Effects, Semiotics, Public Relations, and Culture and Communication. Additionally, the department has been active in emerging research domains such as Media Literacy, Health Communication, Gender Issues, Conflict Resolution, Technology for the Marginalised, and New Media. Candidates are advised to align their research proposal with one of these thrust areas and identify a faculty supervisor before applying.

Ans. The minimum duration for a Full Time Ph.D. at Bharathiar University is 3 years. The programme is also available in Part Time mode for working professionals, with a minimum duration of 3 years as well. Part-time scholars are required to spend a minimum number of days on campus as per university regulations. The fees for Part Time Ph.D. are lower (e.g., tuition fee is Rs. 2,310 per annum vs. Rs. 4,620 for Full Time). Both modes lead to the same Ph.D. degree from Bharathiar University.

Ans. After qualifying the CET (or being exempted), candidates must appear before the Doctoral Research Committee (DRC) for an interview and research proposal presentation. The DRC evaluates the candidate's research aptitude, proposed topic, and its alignment with the department's thrust areas. A one-time DRC fee of Rs. 8,000 is charged. The DRC also approves the research supervisor, course work requirements, and the research plan. Candidates must successfully complete the prescribed course work and pass the course work examination before proceeding to full-time research.

Ans. Yes, candidates with a Master's degree in any relevant discipline (such as Mass Communication, Journalism, Media Studies, English, Sociology, or related fields) with a minimum of 55% marks are eligible. The department evaluates the relevance of the candidate's PG background to the proposed research area during the DRC interview. Candidates from adjacent disciplines like English, Sociology, or Psychology who wish to research media-related topics have been admitted in the past, subject to the supervisor's discretion and DRC approval.

Ans. Ph.D. scholars who qualify UGC-NET with JRF receive a monthly fellowship of Rs. 37,000 (for the first two years) and Rs. 42,000 (from the third year onwards) as per UGC norms. Scholars who clear the BU CET but do not hold JRF do not automatically receive a fellowship from the university; however, they may apply for state government scholarships (Post Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/BC/MBC candidates) and other external fellowships. SC/ST scholars are also exempt from tuition fees. Candidates are strongly advised to apply for UGC-NET JRF before or alongside their Ph.D. admission to secure financial support throughout the programme.