CSJMU Ph.D Music: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. Ph.D. Music is a niche programme at CSJMU with a limited number of seats, which vary each year based on the availability of approved supervisors. In the 2026-27 session, 2 seats were allotted in Music across affiliated colleges. Given the limited seats and the specialized nature of the programme, competition can be significant. Candidates with UGC NET/JRF qualification in Music have a clear advantage as they are directly called for an interview. It is strongly advisable to contact the Department of Music at CSJMU and identify a potential supervisor before applying.

Ans. The Department of Music at CSJMU, under the School of Creative and Performing Arts, offers research in Hindustani classical music traditions including vocal music (Khayal, Dhrupad, Thumri), instrumental music (sitar, tabla, sarod, harmonium), music theory and aesthetics, musicology and ethnomusicology, folk and regional music of Uttar Pradesh, music education and pedagogy, and the history and evolution of Indian classical music. The department has faculty with expertise in both performance and academic research aspects of music.

Ans. Ph.D. Music at CSJMU is primarily an academic research programme, but a strong foundation in music performance is generally expected, especially for research topics related to performance practice, raga analysis, or tala systems. The subject-wise interview conducted after the entrance test may include an assessment of the candidate's musical knowledge and performance background. Candidates with a Master's degree in Music (M.A./M.Mus.) from a recognized university are eligible, and the research proposal presented during the interview should demonstrate both academic and musical understanding of the proposed topic.

Ans. For a General/OBC candidate completing the Ph.D. in the minimum 3-year period, the total cost is ₹1,07,000. This includes the one-time admission fee of ₹45,000, annual fees of ₹10,000 per year for 3 years (₹30,000), synopsis/RDC fee of ₹6,000, thesis evaluation fee of ₹15,000, viva fee of ₹10,000, and provisional certificate fee of ₹1,000. SC/ST/PwD candidates pay ₹92,000 for a 3-year completion. If the thesis submission is delayed beyond 3 years, additional annual fees of ₹10,000 per year apply.

Ans. CSJMU offers a part-time Ph.D. option for working professionals, including music teachers and performers. The part-time Ph.D. fee is ₹50,000 per year. However, all scholars, including part-time candidates, must complete the mandatory pre-Ph.D. coursework and submit six-monthly progress reports. The minimum duration for part-time Ph.D. is also 3 years. If you are a regular faculty member in a government college affiliated to CSJMU, you may also be eligible for direct interview exemption from the entrance test, subject to fulfilling the conditions specified in the admission brochure.

Ans. The UGC NET for Music (Subject Code 32) is a national-level examination that tests knowledge of Indian classical music, music theory, musicology, and research aptitude. Qualifying UGC NET (with or without JRF) exempts you from the CSJMU Ph.D. entrance test entirely and directly qualifies you for the interview stage. The CSJMU entrance test is a university-level OMR-based MCQ examination covering similar topics. For a research career in Music, qualifying UGC NET/JRF is strongly recommended, as JRF holders receive a monthly fellowship of ₹37,000 during their Ph.D. tenure, significantly reducing the financial burden of doctoral research.