Madurai Kamaraj University Ph.D Remote Sensing: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Madurai, Tamil NaduState UniversityEstd 1966NAAC Grade A
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Collegedunia Team

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Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU) offers a Ph.D. in Environmental Remote Sensing and Cartography (commonly referred to as Ph.D. Remote Sensing) through its Department of Environmental Remote Sensing and Cartography (ERAC) under the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. This is a full-time research programme with a minimum duration of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years, focusing on Earth Sciences, Cartography, Remote Sensing, Photogrammetry, Geographic Information System (GIS), and Global Navigational Satellite System (GNSS). The programme is offered exclusively in full-time and part-time on-campus modes; distance education is not permitted for Ph.D. programmes at MKU. Admission is through a Common Entrance Test (CET) conducted by the university twice a year, and the total research fee for Science subjects is Rs. 15,000 per year (excluding registration and submission fees). The programme is popular among students interested in geospatial technology, environmental monitoring, and satellite-based applications, with alumni working across government organisations and private sectors.

Admission for the Ph.D. programme (2026-27 batch) was conducted in December 2026, with the last date for application on 12 December 2026 and the entrance exam on 14 December 2026. For the upcoming 2027 cycle, MKU is expected to notify a new CET round; based on past patterns, the next notification is anticipated around mid-2027. Candidates who have cleared UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/SET are exempted from the entrance test and may apply directly.

Key Points

  • The Department of Environmental Remote Sensing and Cartography (ERAC) is one of the few specialised departments in India offering dedicated Ph.D. research in Remote Sensing and Cartography.
  • Candidates with JRF/SRF fellowships from national/state funding agencies are directly admitted without appearing for the entrance test.
  • Interdisciplinary research is permitted; candidates with a Master's degree in a related discipline may register for Ph.D. in Remote Sensing with appropriate supervisor certification.
  • The university conducts the CET twice a year, providing two admission windows annually.
  • Women candidates and persons with disability are eligible for up to 2 additional years of extension (maximum 8 years total).
  • International students who completed their Master's degree outside India are exempted from the entrance test and are admitted through an online/personal interview.
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MKU Ph.D. (Remote Sensing) Fees

The Ph.D. (Remote Sensing) programme at MKU follows a nominal fee structure designed to be accessible to students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds. The primary recurring cost is the annual research fee of Rs. 15,000 (Science category), along with a one-time registration fee of Rs. 11,000 at the time of admission. Additional charges apply at the time of thesis submission and viva-voce. The total estimated cost over the minimum 3-year duration is approximately Rs. 56,000 to Rs. 60,000 (excluding hostel).

Fee Components

Fee ComponentAmount (Rs.)
Ph.D. Application Form Fee1,000 (500 for SC/ST)
Registration Fee3,000
Methodology Test Fee3,000 (Exempted for M.Phil candidates)
Course Work Fee2,000
Administrative Fee2,000
Total Registration (at admission)11,000
Annual Research Fee (Science)15,000 per year
Ph.D. Synopsis Submission Fee5,000
Ph.D. Thesis Submission Fee10,000
Ph.D. Viva-voce Completion Certificate500
Publication of Ph.D. Thesis2,000
Total Fees (3-year minimum, Science)~58,500
  • SC/ST candidates pay Rs. 1,000 for the application form (50% concession).
  • Extension fee is Rs. 4,000 per year if the scholar exceeds the minimum duration.
  • Hostel accommodation is available on campus separately; it is not mandatory and fees are charged as per hostel norms.
  • The CET online registration fee is Rs. 2,000 (Rs. 1,000 for SC/ST), paid separately before applying.
  • Fees are subject to revision by the university.

MKU Ph.D. (Remote Sensing) Admission 2026

Admission to the Ph.D. (Remote Sensing) programme at MKU is conducted through a Common Entrance Test (CET) held twice a year. The selection is based on 70% weightage for the entrance test and 30% for the interview/viva-voce. Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, GATE, or SET are exempted from the entrance test. The 2026-27 admission cycle was completed in December 2026; the next cycle is expected to be notified by mid-2027 based on previous patterns.

MKU Ph.D. Admission Dates

EventDate
Ph.D. CET Application Last Date12 December 2026
Ph.D. Entrance Examination14 December 2026
Interview / Viva-voceNotified after entrance results
Batch CommencementJanuary 2027 (tentative)

Relevant Entrance Exam Dates

ExamRegistration DatesExam DateResult Date
UGC-NET (Phase 2)Apr 1, 2027 (Tentative) - May 1, 2027 (Tentative)Jun 1, 2027 (Tentative)Jul 1, 2027 (Tentative)
CSIR-NETMay 1, 2027 (Tentative) - May 21, 2027 (Tentative)Jul 25-27, 2027 (Tentative)Sep 4, 2027 (Tentative)

Note: Qualifying UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/SET exempts candidates from MKU's own CET for Ph.D. admission.

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 a relevant subject with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks.
  • SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-abled candidates are eligible with a minimum of 50% marks (5% relaxation).
  • Candidates in the final semester of their PG programme may also apply; the pass certificate will be issued upon submission of final mark statements.
  • Candidates with JRF/SRF from national/state funding agencies are directly eligible without the entrance test.

Admission Process:

  • Apply online through the MKU Research portal (research.mkuniversity.ac.in) and pay the registration fee of Rs. 2,000 (Rs. 1,000 for SC/ST).
  • Submit the hard copy of the application along with PG mark sheets, degree certificate, and payment receipt to the Director, Research and Development Cell, MKU, Madurai - 625 021.
  • Appear for the CET (100 MCQ questions: 50 marks Research Aptitude/English/Logic + 50 marks Subject-specific), conducted in Madurai only.
  • Candidates scoring 50% or above in the CET are called for the interview (45% for SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled).
  • Final selection is based on 70% CET marks + 30% interview performance.
  • Selected candidates register for Ph.D. under Full-Time or Part-Time category and pay the registration fees.

MKU Ph.D. (Remote Sensing) Scholarships 2026

MKU Ph.D. scholars in Remote Sensing and related disciplines are eligible for a range of national and university-level fellowships. The most prominent are the UGC-JRF and CSIR-JRF, which provide monthly stipends and are highly competitive. Additionally, the university offers its own University Research Fellowship (URF) and University Stipendiary Research Fellowship (USRF) for eligible scholars. SC/ST students can avail the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF) and Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF). DST-INSPIRE is particularly relevant for science research scholars in Remote Sensing.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / FellowshipEligibilityAmount / Benefit
UGC-JRF (Junior Research Fellowship)UGC-NET qualified with JRFRs. 37,000/month (JRF); Rs. 42,000/month (SRF)
CSIR-JRFCSIR-NET qualified with JRFRs. 37,000/month (JRF); Rs. 42,000/month (SRF)
DST-INSPIRE FellowshipScience graduates with strong academic recordRs. 31,000/month + Rs. 20,000 annual contingency
Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF)SC/ST candidatesRs. 31,000/month (JRF); Rs. 35,000/month (SRF)
Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF)Minority community candidatesRs. 31,000/month (JRF); Rs. 35,000/month (SRF)
University Research Fellowship (URF)MKU scholars (merit-based)As per university norms
Non-NET FellowshipPh.D. scholars without NET/JRFRs. 8,000/month (as per UGC norms)
DBT-JRFBiotechnology/Life Sciences (relevant for interdisciplinary)Rs. 37,000/month
  • JRF/SRF holders are directly admitted to Ph.D. without appearing for the CET.
  • Fellowship amounts are subject to revision by the respective funding agencies.
  • Application for national fellowships (UGC-JRF, CSIR-JRF, DST-INSPIRE) must be done separately through the respective agency portals.
  • RGNF and MANF applications are processed through the UGC portal.

MKU Ph.D. (Remote Sensing) FAQs

Ques. Is the Ph.D. in Remote Sensing at MKU available in distance or online mode?

Ans. No. MKU strictly offers Ph.D. programmes only in Full-Time or Part-Time on-campus mode. Distance education is not permitted for any Ph.D. programme at MKU as per UGC regulations.

Ques. I have a Master's degree in Geography, not Remote Sensing. Am I eligible to apply for Ph.D. (Remote Sensing) at MKU?

Ans. Yes, interdisciplinary research is permitted. If your topic of research is relevant to Remote Sensing and Cartography, you may register for Ph.D. in this discipline with a supervisor's certification. You will need a co-supervisor from the interdisciplinary area, and at least one supervisor must be from MKU.

Ques. How many times does MKU conduct the Ph.D. CET in a year?

Ans. MKU conducts the Common Entrance Test (CET) for Ph.D. admission twice a year, typically in June-July and December. This gives candidates two opportunities annually to qualify and seek admission.

Ques. If I have cleared CSIR-NET or UGC-NET, do I still need to appear for MKU's entrance test?

Ans. No. Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, GATE, or SET are exempted from MKU's CET. They can directly approach the university departments or research centres for Ph.D. registration without paying the online registration fee.

Ques. What is the scope of Ph.D. in Remote Sensing from MKU? Where do alumni typically work?

Ans. The Department of Environmental Remote Sensing and Cartography (ERAC) has a strong track record. Alumni work in government organisations such as ISRO, NRSC, Survey of India, State Remote Sensing Centres, and in private GIS/geospatial companies. The programme covers GIS software, DGPS, Total Station, and satellite data analysis, making graduates industry-ready.

Ques. Can a working professional pursue Ph.D. (Remote Sensing) at MKU?

Ans. Yes. MKU offers a Part-Time Ph.D. option for working professionals. Part-time scholars are required to be accessible to their guide during weekends, holidays, and vacations. If a part-time scholar receives a fellowship or scholarship, they may be permitted to convert to full-time status.

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