Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU), Madurai, offers a full-time Ph.D. in Sociology through its Department of Sociology under the School of Social Sciences. Established in 1976, the department is housed in the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Maligai and has a strong legacy of research in social change, marginal communities, medical sociology, mass communication, and social anthropology. The department has awarded doctoral degrees to more than 150 scholars and currently has around 30 candidates working on their dissertations. The programme spans a minimum of 3 years and can extend up to 5 years. The total fee payable to the university is approximately Rs. 39,000 (registration + research + submission fees). Admission is through the MKU Common Entrance Test (CET), with UGC-NET/SET/GATE qualified candidates exempted. The programme is offered in full-time, on-campus mode and is popular among scholars of social change, Dalit studies, rural development, gender studies, and community health.

Admission for the 2026 cycle is expected to be notified by the university. The last MKU PhD CET was conducted in September 2024 for the 2024-25 batch. Based on the previous year's pattern, the 2026-27 CET notification and application process is expected to be announced on the official research portal (research.mkuniversity.ac.in). Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET/SET/GATE are exempted from the entrance test and may apply directly to the department. The application fee for the CET is Rs. 2,000 (Rs. 1,000 for SC/ST candidates).

Key Points

The Department of Sociology at MKU was established in 1976 and is recognised by the UGC under its Special Assistance Programme (SAP-DRS-III), reflecting its research excellence.
The department has awarded doctoral degrees to more than 150 scholars, with around 30 candidates currently pursuing their dissertations.
UGC-identified thrust areas for the department are: (1) Social Change with special reference to Marginal Communities, and (2) Community Health, Mass Communication and Social Development.
The department has carried out 24 research projects funded by national and international agencies including UGC and ICSSR.
Faculty expertise spans Mass Communication, Medical Sociology, Social Change, Social Anthropology, Panchayat Raj, Rural Development, and Subaltern Studies.
Approved research supervisors include Dr. C. Karuppiah (Professor), Dr. P. Rajkumar (Professor and Head), and others listed in the MKU research supervisor registry.
MKU is accredited with A++ grade by NAAC (4th Cycle, 2021) and ranked 9th among government multidisciplinary universities in India (Education World, 2022).

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Placements
FAQs

MKU Ph.D. (Sociology) Fees

The Ph.D. (Sociology) programme at MKU is highly affordable, with the total university fee structured across registration, research, and thesis-related components. For Arts subjects, the research fee is Rs. 10,000, and the registration fee (including application form, registration, methodology test, course work, and administrative fee) is Rs. 11,000 for PG candidates. Additional charges apply at the time of thesis submission and viva-voce. Hostel accommodation is available on campus at separate charges and is not mandatory.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Ph.D. Application Form Fee	1,000
Registration Fee	3,000
Methodology Test Fee	3,000
Course Work Fee	2,000
Administrative Fee	2,000
Research Fee (Arts subjects)	10,000
Ph.D. Synopsis Submission Fee	5,000
Ph.D. Thesis Submission Fee	10,000
Ph.D. Thesis Submission Certificate	500
Ph.D. Viva-voce Completion Certificate	500
Publication of Ph.D. Thesis	2,000
Total Fees (Registration + Research + Submission)	39,000

The methodology test fee (Rs. 3,000) is exempted for M.Phil. candidates.
Extension fee is Rs. 4,000 per year if the scholar exceeds the stipulated period.
Fees for change of title, guide, or institution are Rs. 3,000 each.
CET application fee: Rs. 2,000 (Rs. 1,000 for SC/ST candidates) - paid separately at the time of applying for the entrance test.
Hostel fees (optional): Approximately Rs. 13,500 to Rs. 35,000 per year depending on room type; mess charges are additional (Rs. 5,000 for vegetarians, Rs. 8,500 for non-vegetarians per year approximately).
SC/ST candidates are eligible for fee waivers on tuition and special fees as per Tamil Nadu Government norms.

MKU Ph.D. (Sociology) Admission 2026

Admissions to the Ph.D. (Sociology) programme at MKU are conducted through the MKU Common Entrance Test (CET), held annually. The last CET was conducted in September 2024 for the 2024-25 batch. For the 2026-27 cycle, the notification is expected to be released on the official research portal. Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET, SET, or GATE are exempted from the entrance test. The selection process involves a written test followed by an interview conducted by the department.

MKU Ph.D. Admission Dates

Event	Date / Period
CET Notification / Application Opens	July - August 2026
Last Date for Online Application	August - September 2026
CET Application Fee	Rs. 2,000 (Rs. 1,000 for SC/ST)
MKU Ph.D. CET (Entrance Test)	September 2026
Declaration of Results / Eligibility Certificate	October 2026
Interview / Viva-voce for Shortlisted Candidates	October - November 2026
Ph.D. Registration / Admission	November - December 2026

UGC-NET Exam Dates

Exam	Registration Period	Exam Date	Result Date
UGC-NET Phase 1 (2026-27)	Oct 7 - Nov 7, 2026	Dec 31, 2026 - Jan 7, 2027	Feb 4, 2027
UGC-NET Phase 2 (2027)	Apr 1 - May 1, 2027	June 2027	July 2027

Note: UGC-NET qualified candidates (JRF/NET) are exempted from the MKU CET. GATE and SET qualified candidates are also exempted.

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 Sociology or a relevant discipline from a recognised university with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate.
A relaxation of 5% (from 55% to 50%%) is applicable for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-abled candidates and those who obtained their Master's degree prior to September 19, 1991.
Final-year PG students (awaiting results) may also apply for the CET; the pass certificate will be issued only upon submission of the final mark statement with the minimum required percentage.

Admission Process

Step 1: Check the official MKU research portal (research.mkuniversity.ac.in) for the CET notification and apply online by paying the application fee.
Step 2: Candidates with UGC-NET/SET/GATE/JRF/SRF qualifications are exempted from the entrance test and may apply directly to the Department of Sociology.
Step 3: Appear for the MKU CET (objective-type, 2-hour paper) conducted at Madurai and other designated centres (Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Salem, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Karaikudi).
Step 4: Shortlisted candidates (those scoring 50% or above in the CET) are called for an interview at the department.
Step 5: Final selection is based on CET performance and interview; selected candidates must submit original documents for verification.
Step 6: Pay the prescribed fees through SBI I-Collect and complete the Ph.D. registration formalities.
Step 7: Complete the mandatory coursework (including Research and Publication Ethics) as prescribed under UGC 2016 regulations.

MKU Ph.D. (Sociology) Scholarships 2026

Ph.D. scholars at MKU's Department of Sociology can avail a range of fellowships and scholarships from central and state government agencies. The most prominent are the UGC-JRF/SRF fellowship and the Non-NET fellowship, which provide monthly stipends to eligible research scholars. Reserved category students can additionally benefit from RGNF, MANF, and other targeted fellowships.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / Fellowship	Eligibility	Amount	Duration
UGC-JRF (Junior Research Fellowship)	UGC-NET qualified with JRF	Rs. 37,000/month (JRF, first 2 years); Rs. 42,000/month (SRF, remaining period)	Up to 5 years
UGC Non-NET Fellowship	Full-time Ph.D. scholars not holding JRF	Rs. 8,000/month (Ph.D. scholars)	Up to 2 years
Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF)	SC/ST candidates pursuing full-time Ph.D.	Rs. 25,000/month (JRF); Rs. 28,000/month (SRF) + contingency	Up to 5 years
Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF)	Minority community candidates	Rs. 37,000/month (JRF); Rs. 42,000/month (SRF)	Up to 5 years
National Fellowship for OBC	OBC candidates	As per UGC norms	Up to 5 years
University Stipendiary Research Fellowship (USRF)	MKU scholars (merit-based)	As per university norms	As per award
University Research Fellowship (URF)	MKU scholars	As per university norms	As per award
Tamil Nadu State BC/MBC/DNC Scholarship	BC/MBC/DNC candidates	As per state government norms	Annual
Post Matric Scholarship for SC/ST	SC/ST candidates	As per government norms	Annual

UGC Non-NET fellowship is available only to full-time Ph.D. scholars enrolled in UGC-recognised universities; MKU qualifies.
Contingency grant under UGC-JRF for Humanities and Social Sciences: Rs. 10,000 per annum (JRF period); Rs. 20,500 per annum (SRF period).
RGNF and MANF applications are submitted through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in).
Scholars are advised to apply for fellowships immediately upon Ph.D. registration to avoid delays in disbursement.

MKU Ph.D. (Sociology) Placement 2026

The Department of Sociology at MKU has a strong track record of alumni securing positions in academia, government, and the development sector. Ph.D. holders from the department have been placed in universities, colleges, research institutions, NGOs, and government bodies. The department's focus on social change, marginal communities, and community health makes its graduates well-suited for roles in social policy, development research, and public administration.

Career Opportunities

Career Area	Examples
Academia	Assistant/Associate Professor in Sociology, Social Work, and Social Science departments across India
Research Institutions	ICSSR-funded research centres, CSDS, ISEC, and other social science institutes
Government Organisations	IAS/IPS/TNPSC roles, social welfare departments, planning commissions
Development Sector	NGOs, international development organisations (UN, World Bank projects), CSR roles
Media and Communication	Social research roles in media organisations, think tanks, and policy bodies

MKU Ph.D. (Sociology) FAQs

Ques. What are the UGC-recognised thrust areas for research in the Department of Sociology at MKU?

Ans. The UGC has recognised two thrust areas for the Department of Sociology at MKU under its Special Assistance Programme (SAP-DRS-III): (1) Social Change with special reference to Marginal Communities, and (2) Community Health, Mass Communication and Social Development. These areas reflect the department's focus on applied and policy-relevant sociological research.

Ques. Can candidates from Social Work, Political Science, or Anthropology backgrounds apply for Ph.D. in Sociology at MKU?

Ans. Yes, candidates with a Master's degree in Sociology or related disciplines such as Social Work, Political Science, Anthropology, or Economics from a recognised university with 55% marks are generally eligible. Candidates should confirm eligibility with the department before applying, as the department may have specific requirements based on the research area.

Ques. I have cleared UGC-NET but not JRF. Am I still exempted from the MKU CET for Ph.D. in Sociology?

Ans. Yes. Candidates who have cleared UGC-NET (even without JRF), SET, or GATE are exempted from appearing in the MKU CET. They must still apply to the university and appear for the departmental interview for final selection.

Ques. What is the minimum duration to complete a Ph.D. in Sociology at MKU?

Ans. The minimum duration for a full-time Ph.D. at MKU is 3 years from the date of registration. The maximum duration is typically 6 years, with an extension fee of Rs. 4,000 per year applicable beyond the standard period.

Ques. Who are the current research supervisors in the Department of Sociology at MKU?

Ans. The department has 4 current faculty members: Dr. P. Rajkumar (Professor and Head), Dr. M. Buvaneswaran (Associate Professor), Dr. B. Geetha (Assistant Professor), and Dr. R.M. Muthu (Assistant Professor). Approved research supervisors also include Dr. C. Karuppiah (Professor) as per the MKU research supervisor registry. Scholars should contact the department to confirm guide availability before applying.

Ques. What is the significance of the UGC-SAP DRS-III recognition for the Department of Sociology at MKU?

Ans. The UGC's Special Assistance Programme (SAP) recognition under DRS-III is a prestigious designation awarded to departments with demonstrated research excellence. It provides additional funding for research infrastructure, seminars, and scholar support. For Ph.D. aspirants, it signals that the department has a strong research environment, experienced faculty, and access to UGC-funded resources, making it a preferred destination for sociological research in South India.