Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

Ph.D. (Political Science) at Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU), Madurai is a full-time doctoral research programme offered by the Department of Political Science under the School of Social Sciences. Established in 1976, the department is one of the oldest and most reputed political science departments in Tamil Nadu, offering research at PG, M.Phil., Ph.D., and Post-Doctoral levels. The programme spans a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years, with an affordable annual research and administration fee of Rs. 10,000 for Arts subjects. Admission is through the MKU Common Entrance Test (CET) conducted annually, and the programme attracts scholars interested in governance, public policy, comparative politics, and social science research. MKU is NAAC A++ accredited (4th Cycle, 2021) and ranked 9th among Government Multidisciplinary Universities in India.

Admissions for the 2026-27 cycle were notified in October-November 2026, with the entrance test conducted in late 2026. For the 2027-28 cycle, a fresh notification is expected around July-August 2027, with the entrance test likely in September-October 2027 (tentative, based on previous year patterns). Candidates holding UGC-NET/JRF, CSIR, SET/SLET, or GATE qualifications are exempted from the entrance test and may apply directly to the university departments or recognised research centres.

Key Points

Ph.D. in Political Science is offered by the Department of Political Science, established in 1976, one of the oldest departments at MKU.
The department specialises in Constitutional Studies, Panchayat Raj and Urban Local Governments, Police Administration, Behavioural Studies, Tribal Development Administration, Women Studies, and Election Studies.
The department runs a UGC-sanctioned Nehru Study Centre and has received multiple ICSSR and UGC-funded research projects.
Candidates with UGC-NET/JRF, CSIR, SET/SLET, or GATE are exempted from the MKU entrance test.
Women candidates and persons with disability are eligible for up to 2 additional years of extension (maximum 8 years total).
Maternity/Child Care Leave of up to 240 days is available for women research scholars.
The programme is offered in both Full Time and Part Time modes.

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

MKU Ph.D. (Political Science) Fees

The Ph.D. (Political Science) programme at MKU is among the most affordable doctoral programmes in Tamil Nadu. The total fee for the minimum duration of 3 years is approximately Rs. 56,000, comprising a one-time registration fee of Rs. 11,000 and an annual research and administration fee of Rs. 10,000 per year for Arts subjects. Additional charges apply at the time of thesis submission. SC/ST candidates are exempted from tuition fees as per Government of Tamil Nadu norms.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Application Fee (one-time)	1,000
Registration Fee (one-time)	3,000
Methodology Test Fee (one-time)	3,000
Course Work Fee (one-time)	2,000
Administrative Fee (one-time)	2,000
Total Registration (one-time)	11,000
Annual Research + Administration Fee (Arts)	10,000 per year
Annual Research + Administration Fee x 3 years	30,000
Synopsis Submission Fee	5,000
Thesis Submission Fee	10,000
Total Fees (Minimum 3-year duration)	56,000

Hostel accommodation is available on campus (optional). Hostel fees are approximately Rs. 75,000 for the entire duration (not included in the above total as it is optional and not mandatory).
SC/ST candidates are exempted from tuition fees as per Government of Tamil Nadu norms.
Extension fee: Rs. 4,000 per year (applicable if research extends beyond the stipulated period).
100% of Caution Deposit is refundable.
Fees are to be remitted through SBI I-Collect to the Registrar, Madurai Kamaraj University.

MKU Ph.D. (Political Science) Admission 2026

Ph.D. (Political Science) admissions at MKU are conducted once a year through the MKU Common Entrance Test (CET). The selection is based on 50% weightage to the entrance test and 50% weightage to the interview. Candidates with UGC-NET/JRF, CSIR, SET/SLET, or GATE qualifications are directly eligible for the interview without appearing for the entrance test. The 2026-27 admission cycle was notified in October-November 2026, and the next cycle (2027-28) is expected to be notified around July-August 2027.

MKU Ph.D. Admission Dates

Event	Tentative Date
Notification / Application Release	July-August 2026
Last Date for Application Submission	August-September 2026
MKU Ph.D. Common Entrance Test (CET)	September-October 2026
Interview / Selection	October-November 2026
Commencement of Research	November-December 2026

Relevant Exam Dates

Exam	Event	Date
UGC NET	Registration	Ongoing (check ugcnet.nta.ac.in)
TANCET 2026	Registration	March 16 - April 10, 2026
TANCET 2026	Exam Date	May 9, 2026
TANCET 2026	Result (Tentative)	June 24, 2026

Note: UGC-NET/JRF, CSIR-NET, SET/SLET, and GATE qualified candidates are exempted from the MKU Ph.D. entrance test. TANCET is relevant for PG admissions at MKU; for Ph.D., MKU conducts its own CET.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a Master's degree (10+2+3+2 pattern) in Political Science, Public Administration, or a related discipline from a recognised university with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate.
SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently Abled candidates require a minimum of 50% marks in the Master's degree.
Candidates pursuing the final semester of their PG programme are also eligible to apply for the CET; the eligibility certificate will be issued only after submission of the final mark statement.

Admission Process

Apply online through the MKU Research portal (research.mkuniversity.ac.in) and pay the application fee of Rs. 1,000 (Rs. 500 for SC/ST).
Appear for the MKU Ph.D. Common Entrance Test (CET) - objective type, 2 parts of 50 marks each (Research Aptitude + Subject-specific).
Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview (50 marks) at the Department of Political Science.
Final selection is based on combined CET and interview marks.
Selected candidates complete registration formalities and pay the prescribed fees through SBI I-Collect.
Candidates with UGC-NET/JRF, CSIR, SET/SLET, GATE, or Project Fellowship may directly apply for the interview without appearing for the CET.

MKU Ph.D. (Political Science) Scholarships 2026

MKU Ph.D. scholars in Political Science can avail a wide range of fellowships and scholarships from national agencies. The ICSSR and UGC fellowships are particularly relevant for social science research scholars. The department has a strong track record of receiving ICSSR and UGC-funded research projects, making it a conducive environment for fellowship applications.

Scholarships and Fellowships

Scholarship / Fellowship	Eligibility	Amount (Approx.)
UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)	UGC-NET qualified with JRF	Rs. 31,000/month (1st 2 years)
UGC Senior Research Fellowship (SRF)	After 2 years of JRF	Rs. 35,000/month
UGC Non-NET Fellowship	Ph.D. scholars without NET	Rs. 5,000/month
Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF)	SC/ST Ph.D. scholars	Rs. 25,000-28,000/month
Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF)	Minority community Ph.D. scholars	Rs. 25,000-28,000/month
ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship	Social science research scholars	Rs. 20,000-25,000/month
Tamil Nadu State BC/MBC/DNC Scholarship	BC/MBC/DNC candidates	As per Govt. norms
Post Matric Scholarship (SC/ST)	SC/ST candidates	As per Govt. norms
University Research Fellowship (URF)	MKU research scholars	As per university norms
University Stipendiary Research Fellowship (USRF)	MKU research scholars	As per university norms

JRF/SRF holders are exempted from the MKU entrance test and can directly register for Ph.D.
RGNF and MANF are administered by UGC; applications are made separately through the UGC portal.
ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship applications are made through the ICSSR portal (icssr.org).
Tamil Nadu state scholarships are administered through the respective community welfare departments.

MKU Ph.D. (Political Science) FAQs

Ques. What are the key research areas in the Department of Political Science at MKU?

Ans. The Department of Political Science at MKU specialises in Constitutional Studies, Panchayat Raj and Urban Local Governments, Police Administration, Behavioural Studies, Tribal Development Administration, Women Studies, and Election Studies. The department also runs a UGC-sanctioned Nehru Study Centre and has conducted multiple ICSSR and UGC-funded research projects on governance, urban renewal, and rural administration.

Ques. Can I do Ph.D. in Political Science at MKU if my Master's degree is in Public Administration?

Ans. Yes. Candidates with a Master's degree in Political Science, Public Administration, or related disciplines are eligible to apply for Ph.D. in Political Science at MKU. The department explicitly offers research programmes in both Political Science and Public Administration.

Ques. Is the MKU Ph.D. entrance test conducted online or offline?

Ans. The MKU Ph.D. Common Entrance Test (CET) is conducted in objective type format. Based on recent years, the test has been conducted at Madurai only. Candidates should check the official notification for the mode and centre details for each cycle.

Ques. What is the minimum percentage required for Ph.D. in Political Science at MKU?

Ans. Candidates must have a minimum of 55% marks in their Master's degree. SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently Abled candidates require a minimum of 50% marks. Candidates who obtained their Master's degree prior to 19th September 1991 are also eligible with 50% marks.

Ques. How long does it take to complete Ph.D. in Political Science at MKU?

Ans. The minimum duration is 3 years and the maximum is 6 years from the date of registration. Women candidates and persons with disability can avail up to 2 additional years of extension, making the maximum duration 8 years for them. Women scholars are also entitled to Maternity/Child Care Leave of up to 240 days during the entire research period.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after Ph.D. in Political Science from MKU?

Ans. Ph.D. graduates from MKU's Department of Political Science have gone on to serve as faculty members in universities and colleges, as researchers in think tanks and policy institutes, as civil servants in state and central government departments, and as analysts in NGOs and international organisations. The department's alumni include individuals in high academic positions and as bureaucrats in governmental offices, as noted on the official department page.

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Madurai Kamaraj University Ph.D Political Science: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Table of Contents

MKU Ph.D. (Political Science) Fees

Fee Components

MKU Ph.D. (Political Science) Admission 2026

MKU Ph.D. Admission Dates

Relevant Exam Dates

Eligibility Criteria

Admission Process

MKU Ph.D. (Political Science) Scholarships 2026

Scholarships and Fellowships

MKU Ph.D. (Political Science) FAQs

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