Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Communication (Part Time) at Kristu Jayanti University, Bangalore, is a research-oriented doctoral programme offered under the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Media Studies. The programme is listed as Ph.D. in Media and Communication at KJU and is designed to develop advanced expertise in media studies, communication theory, journalism, digital media, public relations, advertising, film studies, and allied communication disciplines. The Part Time mode is specifically suited for working media professionals, journalists, communication practitioners, and educators who wish to pursue doctoral research alongside their careers. The programme has a minimum duration of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years, with an annual fee of Rs. 60,000. The primary entrance exam is the Kristu Jayanti University Entrance Test (KJUET), though candidates with UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/SLET qualifications are exempt. The programme is popular for its structured research environment, expert supervisors, and the university's NAAC A++ accreditation (CGPA 3.78/4) and NIRF 2025 rank of 34 nationally (No. 1 in Karnataka).

Admission for the Spring 2026-27 batch (January 2027 intake) opened on October 1, 2026, with a deadline of November 25, 2026, and the entrance test and interview were held on December 6, 2026. The programme commenced on January 5, 2027. As of March 2027, the Spring 2026-27 admissions are closed. The next admission cycle (Fall/Autumn 2027-28) is expected to open tentatively around July-August 2027, based on the previous year's pattern.

Key Points

Part Time mode allows working media professionals, journalists, communication practitioners, and educators to pursue doctoral research without leaving their careers.
The programme covers advanced research areas including media studies, communication theory, journalism, digital media, public relations, advertising, film studies, and new media.
Candidates holding UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, GATE, or SLET qualifications are exempt from the university entrance test (KJUET) but must appear for the personal interview.
The university is NAAC A++ accredited (CGPA 3.78/4) and ranked 34th nationally by NIRF 2025, holding the No. 1 position in Karnataka.
Full compliance with UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations, 2022.
Research supervisors are qualified experts with active research profiles in media, communication, and allied disciplines.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Ranking
FAQs

KJU Ph.D Communication Fees

The Ph.D. (Communication) Part Time programme at Kristu Jayanti University has a straightforward annual fee structure. Part Time scholars pay Rs. 60,000 per year, with no fellowship or contingency grant applicable for part-time mode. The total fees for the minimum duration of 3 years amount to Rs. 1,80,000. Hostel accommodation is available on campus but is not mandatory for part-time doctoral scholars.

Fee Structure

Fee Component	Amount (Per Year)
Tuition Fee (Part Time)	Rs. 60,000
Other Charges	Included in tuition
Hostel Fee	Not applicable (Part Time)
Total Fees (Per Year)	Rs. 60,000
Total Fees (Minimum 3 Years)	Rs. 1,80,000

The annual fee for Part Time scholars is Rs. 60,000; no fellowship or contingency grant is provided for part-time mode.
For Full Time scholars, the annual fee is Rs. 65,000, with an annual scholarship of Rs. 10,000, a 33% annual fee waiver for candidates with National/State-level Fellowships, and a contingency grant of up to Rs. 10,000 per annum for non-STEM disciplines.
Fee details are subject to revision each academic year; candidates should verify the latest fee structure from the official university website or the PhD Fee PDF.
No EMI or instalment information is publicly available; candidates may contact the university directly for payment schedule details.

KJU Ph.D Communication Admission 2026

Admissions to the Ph.D. (Communication) Part Time programme at Kristu Jayanti University follow a two-stage selection process: a university entrance test (KJUET) followed by a personal interview. The Spring 2026-27 admissions (January 2027 intake) are now closed. The next cycle is expected to open tentatively around July-August 2027 for the Autumn/Fall 2027-28 intake, based on the previous year's pattern.

Admission Dates

Event	Date
Applications Open	October 1, 2026
Application Deadline	November 25, 2026
Entrance Test and Interview (KJUET)	December 6, 2026
Programme Commencement	January 5, 2027

UGC-NET Exam Dates

Event	Date
UGC-NET Phase 1 Registration Start	October 7, 2026
UGC-NET Phase 1 Registration End	November 7, 2026
UGC-NET Phase 1 Admit Card	December 28, 2026
UGC-NET Phase 1 Exam	December 31, 2026 - January 7, 2027
UGC-NET Phase 1 Answer Key	January 14, 2027
UGC-NET Phase 1 Result	February 4, 2027
UGC-NET Phase 2 Registration (Tentative)	April 1, 2027
UGC-NET Phase 2 Exam (Tentative)	June 2027

Note: UGC-NET qualification exempts candidates from KJUET but a personal interview is still mandatory.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Master's degree in Mass Communication, Journalism, Media Studies, Communication, or equivalent from a recognized university with a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent CGPA (50% for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/Differently-Abled candidates).
Qualifying entrance examination: KJUET (university entrance test) or exemption via UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/SLET or equivalent qualifications.
Submission of a research proposal, statement of purpose, and one recommendation letter (recommendation letter not mandatory at application stage; must be submitted before joining coursework).

Admission Process

Apply online through the official university website (kristujayanti.edu.in) during the application window.
Submit required documents: research proposal, statement of purpose, academic certificates, and recommendation letter.
Appear for KJUET (Part A: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Research Aptitude and Methodology; Part B: Media and Communication discipline-specific) - minimum 50% for General, 45% for reserved categories. Candidates with UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/SLET are exempt from KJUET.
Appear for personal interview (research proposal presentation, research aptitude, subject knowledge).
Final selection based on KJUET score (70% weightage) and interview performance (30% weightage).
Merit list prepared and admissions offered in order of merit within available seats.

KJU Ph.D Communication Scholarships 2026

Kristu Jayanti University offers a range of institutional and external scholarship opportunities. For Ph.D. scholars, the university provides financial support primarily to full-time scholars; part-time scholars are not eligible for the university's monthly fellowship. However, part-time scholars may apply for government and external scholarships. The university actively facilitates access to national and private scholarship schemes.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount / Benefit	Notes
KJU Annual Scholarship (Full Time only)	Full Time PhD scholars	Rs. 10,000 per annum	Not applicable for Part Time scholars
KJU Contingency Grant (Full Time only)	Full Time PhD scholars (non-STEM)	Up to Rs. 10,000 per annum	Not applicable for Part Time scholars
KJU Fee Waiver for National/State Fellowship holders (Full Time only)	Full Time scholars with UGC-JRF/CSIR-JRF or equivalent	33% annual fee waiver	Not applicable for Part Time scholars
UGC-JRF Fellowship	Candidates qualifying UGC-NET with JRF	Rs. 37,000/month (initial), Rs. 42,000/month (after 2 years)	Applicable if enrolled as Full Time; Part Time scholars may check UGC norms
National Scholarship Portal (NSP)	SC/ST/OBC/Minority/EWS students	Varies by scheme	Apply via scholarships.gov.in
Karnataka Government Post-Matric Scholarship	Karnataka domicile SC/ST/OBC students	Varies	Apply via ssp.postmatric.karnataka.gov.in
Jayantian Upliftment Scholarship (JUS)	Students with annual family income up to Rs. 2 lakh	Financial support	Primarily for UG/PG; PhD scholars may check eligibility with the scholarship committee

Part Time PhD scholars are not eligible for the university's monthly fellowship (Rs. 15,000/month), which is exclusively for full-time scholars.
Candidates are advised to check the official scholarship page (kristujayanti.edu.in/student_services/scholarship.php) regularly for updated deadlines and new schemes.
Government scholarships via NSP and Karnataka SSP are available for eligible reserved category students.

Kristu Jayanti University (Deemed to be University) Ph.D Communication Ranking

Collegedunia Ranking

#61 out of 85 in India 2025

#6th in Bangalore

#9 in Karnataka

Indiatoday Ranking

#23 out of 58 in India 2025

#4th in Bangalore

#6 in Karnataka

TOI Ranking

#11 out of 70 in India 2025

#4th in Bangalore

#4 in Karnataka

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KJU Ph.D Communication FAQs

Ques. Can a working journalist or media professional pursue the Ph.D. (Communication) Part Time at KJU while continuing their job?

Ans. Yes, the Part Time mode is specifically designed for working professionals. Classes and research activities are scheduled to accommodate those who are employed. However, candidates must ensure they can dedicate sufficient time to coursework, research, and mandatory attendance requirements as per UGC regulations.

Ques. What is the minimum and maximum duration for the Part Time Ph.D. in Communication at KJU?

Ans. As per UGC regulations and the university's guidelines, the minimum duration for a Part Time Ph.D. is 3 years and the maximum is 6 years from the date of registration.

Ques. Is there any fellowship or financial support available for Part Time PhD scholars in Communication?

Ans. The university's monthly fellowship of Rs. 15,000 is exclusively for full-time scholars. Part Time scholars do not receive the fellowship or contingency grant from the university. However, they may apply for government scholarships (NSP, Karnataka SSP) and external scholarships if eligible.

Ques. What research areas are available under the Ph.D. (Communication) Part Time programme at KJU?

Ans. The programme covers a wide range of research areas including media studies, communication theory, journalism, digital media, social media, public relations, advertising, film studies, new media, media policy, and allied communication disciplines. Candidates are advised to check the research supervisor profiles on the university website to identify available supervisors and their areas of expertise before applying.

Ques. Is the KJUET mandatory for all Part Time applicants in Communication, or can it be waived?

Ans. Candidates who hold valid UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, GATE, SLET, or equivalent qualifications are exempt from the KJUET. However, all candidates, including those with exemptions, must appear for the personal interview as part of the selection process.

Ques. When is the next admission cycle for Ph.D. (Communication) Part Time expected to open?

Ans. The Spring 2026-27 admissions (January 2027 intake) are now closed. Based on the previous year's pattern, the next admission cycle is expected to open tentatively around July-August 2027 for the Autumn/Fall 2027-28 intake. Candidates should monitor the official doctoral research page at kristujayanti.edu.in/doctoral-research for announcements.