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University of Madras Chennai Ph.D Music: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility
Chepauk, ChennaiState UniversityEstd 1857NAAC Grade A++
Total fees
INR 6.15 Lakhs
4 years, no hostel
Average pay
INR 8.5 LPA
Class of 2025, this course
Cutoff
12,400
Ph.D. entrance test entrance score, Department round 2025
Placement rate
92%
Class of 2025 batch placed
In This Page▾
01About this courseThe full write-up, from fees to placements
02Should you pick it?Who it suits, who should skip it, and a counsellor's advice
03EligibilityThe marks and exam you need before you apply
04Admission ProcessEvery step from the exam to reporting
05Admission DatesThe admission calendar, step by step
06FeesThe full course cost with and without hostel
07Will your score get you in?Closing scores by category and quota
08ScholarshipsWhat you can claim and what you missed
09How does it compare?The same course at universitys in its league, side by side
10FAQsShort answers to what students ask before they apply
About University of Madras Ph.D. Music
Madras University offers a four-year, part-time Ph.D. Music with 5 seats through Ph.D. entrance test. The course is taught in the department over eight years, with research work from the first year. The university holds NAAC A++ and stands NIRF University rank 38 in 2025 and #54 in NIRF university 2025. The full fee without hostel is INR 6.15 Lakhs, paid per year, and INR 9.35 Lakhs with hostel and mess. You get a seat through Ph.D. admission portal counselling. The General Open category seat closed at score 12,400 in department round of 2025. The Class of 2025 averaged INR 8.5 LPA and 92% of the batch was placed.
Madras University Ph.D. Music Fees
The full course costs INR 6.15 Lakhs without hostel and INR 9.35 Lakhs with hostel. The tuition fee is INR 6 Lakhs of that. You pay the tuition fee once each year, four times in all. The admission fee is paid once. The caution deposit comes back when you leave. Hostel and mess add INR 3.20 Lakhs over four years.
| Fee head | Amount | How it is charged |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | INR 6 Lakhs | INR 1.50 Lakhs a year, 4 years |
| Admission fee | INR 15,000 | One time |
| Caution deposit | INR 10,000 | One time, refundable |
| Hostel and mess | INR 3.20 Lakhs | INR 80,000 a year, 4 years |
| Total, no hostel | INR 6.15 Lakhs | Full course |
| Total with hostel | INR 9.35 Lakhs | Full course |
Madras University Ph.D. Music Admission Dates
First list selection closed on 13 Sep 2026. Department round selection comes on 6 Oct 2026. Reporting starts on 25 Oct 2026. Keep the selection letter and the fee receipt ready for reporting.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. entrance test registration, last date to apply | 3 Feb 2026 to 10 Mar 2026 | Over |
| Ph.D. entrance test session 1 exam | 15 Mar 2026 to 25 Mar 2026 | Over |
| Ph.D. entrance test result and score | 4 May 2026 | Over |
| Ph.D. admission portal application submission | 1 Sep 2026 to 9 Sep 2026 | Over |
| First list selection | 13 Sep 2026 | Over |
| Department round selection | 6 Oct 2026 | Confirmed |
| Registration fee, last date | 11 Oct 2026 | Confirmed |
| Department reporting and document check | 25 Oct 2026 | Confirmed |
| Classes start | 10 Nov 2026 | Confirmed |
| Waiting list | Nov 2026 | Tentative |
Madras University Ph.D. Music Eligibility
You need Class 12 with a relevant PG degree in Music or a related subject and 75% marks; 65% for SC, ST and PwD. You also need a Ph.D. entrance test score from any session. There is no upper age limit.
| Requirement | What you need |
|---|---|
| Class 12 subjects | a relevant PG degree in Music or a related subject |
| Class 12 marks | 75% for General, 65% for SC, ST and PwD |
| Exam | Ph.D. entrance test score from any session |
| Age | No upper age limit |
Madras University Ph.D. Music Admission Process
Ph.D. admission portal allots the seat on your score and your research choices. You then pay the seat fee within five days. Most students who lose a seat miss that window.
| Step | What you do |
|---|---|
| 1. Write Ph.D. entrance test | Sit for one or both sessions; your best score counts |
| 2. Fill research choices on Ph.D. admission portal | List this course high if it is your first pick |
| 3. Accept the seat | Pay the seat fee within five days of selection |
| 4. Report | Bring original mark sheets and the admission letter |
Madras University Ph.D. Music Cutoff
The General seat closed at score 12,400 and the OBC-NCL seat at 4,300 in 2025. These are the Ph.D. admission portal department round score cutoffs for Open category seats. The General score cutoff has gone lower for three years, so it got tougher.
| Category | Closing score, Open category | Round and year |
|---|---|---|
| General | 12,400 | Department round, 2025 |
| OBC-NCL | 4,300 | Department round, 2025 |
| SC | 2,100 | Department round, 2025 |
| ST | 1,000 | Department round, 2025 |
| EWS | 1,900 | Department round, 2025 |
Madras University Ph.D. Music Placements
The Class of 2025 placed 92% of its batch at an average of INR 8.5 LPA. The median is INR 8 LPA and the highest offer was INR 22 LPA. Music universitys and arts research centres hire this course in the department in the seventh year.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average pay | INR 8.5 LPA, Class of 2025 |
| Median pay | INR 8 LPA |
| Highest offer | INR 22 LPA |
| Batch placed | 92% |
| Recruiters | Music universitys and arts research centres, in the department |
Madras University Ph.D. Music Scholarships
Four schemes cut the fee by INR 40,000 to INR 2 Lakhs over the course. The state post-matric scholarship gives the most. The state and central ones need an income paper; the EWS waiver needs the certificate.
| Scholarship | Who can get it | Amount or waiver |
|---|---|---|
| State post-matric scholarship | SC or ST, family income below INR 2.5 Lakhs a year | INR 2 Lakhs over the course |
| Central Sector Scheme | Any category, family income up to INR 8 Lakhs a year, top 20 percentile in Class 12 | INR 40,000 over the course |
| EWS tuition waiver | EWS certificate, family income up to INR 8 Lakhs a year | INR 1.50 Lakhs over the course |
| OBC post-matric scholarship | OBC-NCL, family income below INR 2.5 Lakhs a year | INR 1 Lakh over the course |
Madras University Ph.D. Music Ranking
The university stands #12 in Collegedunia's Ph.D. ranking and #54 in NIRF university, with NAAC A++. Collegedunia scores on fees, placements and student reviews. NIRF scores on data the university files every year.
| Ranking body | Year | Rank or grade |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Ph.D. ranking | 2026 | #12 |
| NIRF University | 2025 | #54 |
| NAAC | 2024 | A+ |
Madras University Ph.D. Music Course Structure
Year 1 is research method, notation and music history; electives start in year 3 and year 4 ends with the final project. One course from day one, with research work from the first year. There is no minor and no specialisation before year 3.
| Year | What you study |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | Maths, physics, research method and music theory |
| Year 2 | Music texts, notation and research writing |
| Year 3 | music texts, notation, music research electives |
| Year 4 | Two electives a year and the final project |
Madras University Ph.D. Music Hostel and Campus
The hostel is in the department and first-years are allotted rooms before classes start. The mess fee is part of the hostel fee.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| First-year room | Three to a room, allotted before classes start |
| Single room | From year 3, on request |
| Mess | Included in the hostel fee, three meals a day |
| Campus | One campus in a large arts city |
Should you pick Ph.D. Music at University of Madras?
This course suits students who want a product-company job and can live in a large arts city for four years.
Pick it if:
You passed Class 12 in this state: half the seats are Open category, so a score that misses the Reserved list can still get in.
You want arts research, not only classroom teaching: the course-wise placement table lists the same four product recruiters in each of the last three years.
Your family can pay only per year: you pay the tuition fee in eight parts, and a request to split it further opens every August.
You want the fee back fast: at the average pay the full course fee comes back inside the first working year, as the ROI tile shows.
Skip it if:
You are counting on last year's score cutoff: it has got tougher three years in a row, so last year's number is not a safe score.
You need a single room from the first year: first-years share three to a room and single rooms open only from year 3.
You want internships in a big city: this is a large arts city, so the placement cell brings most internships here.
You will wait for the interview result: the choice window closes fast, so fill your research choices before it comes.
Counsellor's advice
Freeze this course if first list gives it to you on a Open category score. If you are Reserved list and below the first list close, wait it and keep a safer university above it.
Ph.D. Music Eligibility▾
Class 12 marks: 75% in a relevant PG degree in Music or a related subject. 65% for SC, ST and PwD.
Board score alternative: Being in the top 20 percentile of your board also counts.
Exam needed: A Ph.D. entrance test score. entrance score decides the Reserved list seats.
Open category quota: Half the seats go to students who passed Class 12 in this state.
Ph.D. Music Admission Process▾
Write Ph.D. entrance test: Two sessions, January and April. Your best score counts.
Register on Ph.D. admission portal: Ph.D. admission portal (the central counselling body) allots every seat here.
Fill research choices: List this university and course high. Freeze keeps the seat, wait keeps looking.
Pay the seat fee: Pay within five days of selection or you lose the seat.
Report in the department: Bring originals for document check on the reporting date.
Ph.D. Music Admission Dates 2026
▾
These are the official 2026 dates. Tap 2027 Session for expected dates of the next batch.
The 2027 calendar is not out yet. These dates are estimates based on 2026.
Over
3 Feb 2026 to 10 Mar 2026
Ph.D. entrance test registration
Last date to apply was 10 Mar 2026. Late forms were not taken.
Over
15 Mar 2026 to 25 Mar 2026
Ph.D. entrance test session 1 exam
Your main score comes from your best session.
Over
4 May 2026
Ph.D. entrance test result and score
The score card is the only paper Ph.D. admission portal reads.
Over
1 Sep 2026 to 9 Sep 2026
Ph.D. admission portal application submission
Research choices locked when the window shut on 9 Sep 2026.
Over
13 Sep 2026
First list selection
The first selection letter came online the same day.
Confirmed
6 Oct 2026
Department round selection
The last regular round; the selection letter comes online the same day.
Confirmed
11 Oct 2026
Registration fee, last date
You lose the seat if the fee is not paid by 11 Oct 2026.
Confirmed
25 Oct 2026
Department reporting and document check
Bring originals; the seat is cancelled without them.
Confirmed
10 Nov 2026
Classes start
Hostel rooms are given out in the week before this date.
Tentative
Nov 2026
Waiting list
Only if seats are left over after reporting.
Tentative
Jan 2027
Ph.D. entrance test registration
Expected to open in the same month as this year; the last date to apply is usually two weeks before the exam.
Tentative
Jan 2027
Ph.D. entrance test session 1 exam
Expected in the same month as this year.
Tentative
Feb 2027
Ph.D. entrance test result and score
Expected about two weeks after the exam.
Tentative
Jun 2027
Ph.D. admission portal application submission
Expected to stay open for about a week.
Tentative
Jul 2027
Round selections
Six rounds are expected again.
Tentative
Jul 2027
Registration fee
Expected five days after each round.
Tentative
Aug 2027
Department reporting and document check
Expected soon after the last round.
Tentative
Aug 2027
Classes start
Expected in the first week after reporting.
Source: Ph.D. admission portal 2026 schedule and the university admission notice. Confirm on the official site before you act.
University of Madras Ph.D. Music Fees 2026
▾
This is the full 4-year cost, not one year. Turn on the toggle to add hostel and mess.
Tuition fee
Per year × 4, INR 1.50 Lakhs a year
INR 6 Lakhs
Admission fee
One time, in year 1
INR 15,000
Caution deposit Refundable
One time, returned when you leave
INR 10,000
Add hostel + mess
Hostel and mess
Per year × 4, INR 80,000 a year
INR 3.20 Lakhs
Education loan EMI
INR 10,369
7 yr · 10.5% per year
ROI
138%
average first-year pay INR 8.5 LPA vs the full fee
Education loan EMI
INR 15,765
7 yr · 10.5% per year
ROI
91%
average first-year pay INR 8.5 LPA vs the full fee
Source: University of Madras fee notice. Confirm on the official site before you act.
Will your score get you Music at University of Madras?
Pick your category and quota. The cutoff ranges are this course's published Ph.D. admission portal score cutoffs.
Category
Quota
General · Open category
9,800 or better: yes, you are in. Keep this course high on your list.
9,801 to 12,400: almost there. Later rounds moved the close each year.
Worse than 12,400: not this year. Try the waiting list or a different quota.
General · Reserved list
6,860 or better: yes, you are in. Keep this course high on your list.
6,861 to 8,680: almost there. Later rounds moved the close each year.
Worse than 8,680: not this year. Try the waiting list or a different quota.
OBC-NCL · Open category
3,200 or better: yes, you are in. Keep this course high on your list.
3,201 to 4,300: almost there. Later rounds moved the close each year.
Worse than 4,300: not this year. Try the waiting list or a different quota.
OBC-NCL · Reserved list
2,240 or better: yes, you are in. Keep this course high on your list.
2,241 to 3,010: almost there. Later rounds moved the close each year.
Worse than 3,010: not this year. Try the waiting list or a different quota.
SC · Open category
1,500 or better: yes, you are in. Keep this course high on your list.
1,501 to 2,100: almost there. Later rounds moved the close each year.
Worse than 2,100: not this year. Try the waiting list or a different quota.
SC · Reserved list
1,050 or better: yes, you are in. Keep this course high on your list.
1,051 to 1,470: almost there. Later rounds moved the close each year.
Worse than 1,470: not this year. Try the waiting list or a different quota.
ST · Open category
700 or better: yes, you are in. Keep this course high on your list.
701 to 1,000: almost there. Later rounds moved the close each year.
Worse than 1,000: not this year. Try the waiting list or a different quota.
ST · Reserved list
489 or better: yes, you are in. Keep this course high on your list.
490 to 700: almost there. Later rounds moved the close each year.
Worse than 700: not this year. Try the waiting list or a different quota.
EWS · Open category
1,400 or better: yes, you are in. Keep this course high on your list.
1,401 to 1,900: almost there. Later rounds moved the close each year.
Worse than 1,900: not this year. Try the waiting list or a different quota.
EWS · Reserved list
979 or better: yes, you are in. Keep this course high on your list.
980 to 1,330: almost there. Later rounds moved the close each year.
Worse than 1,330: not this year. Try the waiting list or a different quota.
EDITOR'S NOTE
The First list close is the safe number. The Department round close only helps if you keep the choice waited to the end.
University of Madras Ph.D. Music Scholarship Calculator
Answer two questions to see what you can claim. Confirm the final amount with the university.
Category
Annual family income
Scholarships you missedYou do not qualify on your answers. Tap to see why.▾
Each chip below says which answer blocked the scheme.
State post-matric scholarship
INR 2 Lakhs
State social welfare department
Paid every year for the full course if you keep passing.
Who qualifies: SC or ST, family income below INR 2.5 Lakhs a yearApply by Oct 2026
Not eligible on your answersCentral Sector Scheme
INR 40,000
Ministry of Education, through NSP
Paid every year for the full course if you keep passing.
Who qualifies: any category, family income up to INR 8 Lakhs a year, top 20 percentile in Class 12Apply by Oct 2026
Not eligible on your answersEWS tuition waiver
INR 1.50 Lakhs
University of Madras
Paid every year for the full course if you keep passing.
Who qualifies: EWS certificate, family income up to INR 8 Lakhs a yearApply by Sep 2026
Not eligible on your answersOBC post-matric scholarship
INR 1 Lakh
State backward classes welfare department
Paid every year for the full course if you keep passing.
Who qualifies: OBC-NCL, family income below INR 2.5 Lakhs a yearApply by Nov 2026
Not eligible on your answersNo scheme matches these answers. Ask the university about paying in parts and about education loans.
University of Madras Ph.D. Music vs similar universitys
Tap a university to see it next to University of Madras. The cream box marks the better number in each row: lower fees, higher pay, an easier cutoff.
Compare with
This page
University of Madras
Sampleton
Compared with
Northfield University of Technology
Northfield
Compared with
Riverbank University of Technology
Riverbank
Compared with
Harbour University of Technology
Harbour Town
Compared with
Lakeside University of Technology
Lakeside
Compared with
Summit University of Technology
Summit Nagar
Total fees4 years, no hostel
INR 6.15 Lakhs
tuition + admission
INR 5.60 Lakhs
INR 55,000 less
INR 6.90 Lakhs
INR 75,000 more
INR 6.15 Lakhs
Same fee
INR 6.40 Lakhs
INR 25,000 more
INR 5.85 Lakhs
INR 30,000 less
Average paylatest batch
INR 8.5 LPA
Class of 2025
INR 9.5 LPA
INR 1 LPA more
INR 8.1 LPA
INR 0.4 LPA less
INR 7.4 LPA
INR 1.1 LPA less, Class of 2024
INR 8.2 LPA
INR 0.3 LPA less
INR 7.8 LPA
INR 0.7 LPA less
Placement rateshare of the batch placed
92%
Class of 2025
88%
4 points lower
95%
3 points higher
84%
8 points lower, Class of 2024
90%
2 points lower
89%
3 points lower
Closing scorePh.D. entrance test entrance score, General
12,400
Department round, 2025
9,400
3,000 places tougher
15,800
3,400 places easier
18,900
6,500 places easier
13,900
1,500 places easier
16,600
4,200 places easier
Seatsthis course
5
Ph.D. entrance test
4
1 fewer
6
1 more
3
2 fewer
7
2 more
8
3 more
ROIaverage pay vs the full fee
138%
on INR 8.5 LPA
170%
32 points higher
117%
21 points lower
120%
18 points lower
128%
10 points lower
133%
5 points lower
In short
Northfield costs less and pays more on average, but its score cutoff is about 3,000 places tougher. If your score clears both, take Northfield; if it clears only Madras University, take this seat and do not wait for the waiting list.
In short
Riverbank places more of its batch but charges INR 75,000 more over four years and pays a little less. If its easier score cutoff is what you need, keep it one place below Madras University in your choice list as the safer seat.
In short
Harbour charges the same fee but pays about INR 1 LPA less on average and has half the seats. If Madras University gives you a seat in any round, take it; Harbour belongs below it in your list, not above it.
In short
Lakeside costs a little more and pays about the same, but it has more seats and an easier score cutoff. If your score misses Madras University in the early rounds, list Lakeside right below it and take whichever comes first.
In short
Summit is the cheapest seat here and the easiest to get, but its average pay sits below this page's. If Madras University allots you a seat in any round, take it and keep Summit only as your backup.
Fees and pay can change. Check each university site before you decide.
FAQs on University of Madras Ph.D. Music
Straight answers to what students ask before they decide.
Is Ph.D. Music at this university worth the fee?▾
Yes, for most students who get placed. The full fee without hostel is INR 6.15 Lakhs and the last batch averaged INR 8.5 LPA, so the fee comes back within the first working year. If a loan will pay the fee, read the EMI line in the fee block above before you decide.
Should I take this seat if my score is just above the score cutoff?▾
Not on last year's number alone. The General Open category seat closed at score 12,400 in department round and it got tougher three years in a row, so a score that just cleared last year may miss this year. Keep this university in your list with a safer university above it, and use the score checker above for your own category.
What job will I get after this course?▾
Most students get software jobs with music universitys and arts research centres that hire in the department in the seventh year. The Class of 2025 averaged INR 8.5 LPA, the median was INR 8 LPA and 92% of the batch was placed. If you want a core music theory job instead, this course is not the right pick.
Who should not take this course here?▾
Skip it if you need a single room from the first year, or if you want internships in a big city. First-years share three to a room and single rooms open only from year 3. The campus is in a large arts city, so the placement cell brings most internships and few come on their own. If either of these matters more than the placement figures, pick a city university.
Is this course good for higher studies and research?▾
Yes, if you plan for it from year 2. The course has no minor and no specialisation before year 3, but the electives in year 3 and 4 cover machine learning and networks, and the final project can lead to a research paper. Talk to the department in year 2 about a project with a faculty member, because that is what a good master's application needs.
Should I wait a year and try for a better score?▾
Only if you can raise your score by a lot, not a little. The General score cutoff got tougher three years in a row, so a small gain may still miss the seat next year. If you already clear this year's cutoff, take the seat now and try a course change after year 1 if you want a sibling course.
Will I get placed if I am in the bottom half of the batch?▾
Most likely yes, but later and at a lower package. 92% of the last batch was placed, and the median of INR 8 LPA is lower than the average of INR 8.5 LPA because the last students take the smaller offers. Keep your CGPA above the cutoff the companies set, usually 7, and join the placement training the cell holds in year 3.
Is this course better than ECE at this university for me?▾
Pick Music if you want a software job and ECE if you want a core music theory job. Music places a bigger share of its batch with product companies, and its score cutoff is the tougher of the two. If you get ECE now and want Music, the course change after year 1 needs a top CGPA, so do not count on it.
How do I get admission to this course?▾
Take the Ph.D. entrance test exam and fill this university in your Ph.D. admission portal choice list. A seat comes in the round your score clears, and you must accept it and pay the seat fee within the days Ph.D. admission portal gives. Then report with your papers on the date in the admission dates block above, or you lose the seat.
What is the full fee for the course?▾
The full 4-year fee is INR 6.15 Lakhs without hostel. With hostel and mess it comes to INR 9.35 Lakhs. Both totals sit in the fee block above, and the toggle there shows what the hostel adds each year.
Can I pay the fee in parts?▾
Yes. You pay the tuition fee year by year, so the money is never due all at once. If you need smaller parts than that, write to the fee office before the year starts; the request opens every August.
Do I get the fee back if I drop the seat?▾
It depends on when you leave. If you leave before the counselling body's exit date, most of the fee comes back. If you leave after it, the university keeps a part, so read the refund table in the fee block before you pay.
This page is AI assisted and human verified.
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