Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Economics (Part-Time) at Kristu Jayanti University (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, is a part-time research-oriented doctoral programme offered under the Department of Economics, School of Commerce, Accounting and Finance. The programme spans a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years, with an annual fee of INR 60,000, and is designed for working professionals, economists, policy analysts, and academics who wish to pursue doctoral research alongside their careers. The programme covers specialisations such as Agricultural Economics, International Economics, Development Economics, Public Economics, Health Economics, Environmental Economics, and Econometrics. It is popular among working professionals in government agencies, research institutions, banks, and the private sector who seek to contribute to academic research and policy development.

Admissions 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 - this cycle is now closed. For the next intake (Autumn 2027-28, July 2027 batch), applications are expected to open around April-May 2027 based on the previous year's schedule. Prospective candidates are advised to monitor the official website at www.kristujayanti.edu.in for announcements.

Key Points

Part-time mode designed for working professionals who wish to pursue doctoral research without leaving their current employment.
Offered under the Department of Economics with faculty expertise in Health Economics, Econometrics, International Trade, Finance, and Agricultural Economics.
Research specialisations include Agricultural Economics, International Economics, Development Economics, Public Economics, Health Economics, Environmental Economics, and Econometrics.
Two-stage selection: KJUET (written test) followed by a Personal Interview; UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/SLET holders are exempt from the written test.
Part-time scholars are NOT eligible for the monthly fellowship or annual scholarship (these are available only for full-time scholars).
Programme is fully compliant with UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations, 2022.
The department has completed 4 funded research projects including collaborations with ICSSR, Malaysian Palm Oil Board, and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
NAAC A++ accredited university (CGPA 3.78/4), ranked 34th nationally by NIRF 2025 and #1 in Karnataka.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Ranking
FAQs

Kristu Jayanti University (Deemed to be University) Latest Updates and News

14 Apr, 2026 Kristu Jayanti University Admission 2026-27 is open. Apply online @kristujayanti.edu.in.

KJU Ph.D Economics Fees

The Ph.D. (Economics) Part-Time programme at Kristu Jayanti University has an annual fee of INR 60,000. The total fee for the minimum programme duration of 3 years amounts to INR 1,80,000. Unlike full-time scholars, part-time scholars are not eligible for the annual scholarship or monthly fellowship. There are no separate hostel charges included in the programme fee; hostel accommodation, if availed, is charged separately and is not mandatory.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Per Annum)	Total (3 Years - Minimum Duration)
Tuition / Programme Fee	INR 60,000	INR 1,80,000
Total Fees	INR 60,000	INR 1,80,000

Part-time scholars are NOT eligible for the annual scholarship of INR 10,000 or the monthly fellowship of INR 15,000 (these are available only for full-time scholars).
Scholars holding National/State-level Fellowships (e.g., UGC-JRF, CSIR-JRF) receive a 33% annual fee waiver even for part-time mode.
Hostel fees are separate and not included in the above; hostel is optional.

KJU Ph.D Economics Admission 2026

Kristu Jayanti University admits Ph.D. scholars in two cycles annually - a July intake (Autumn admissions) and a January intake (Spring admissions). The Spring 2026-27 admissions cycle (January 2027 batch) is now closed. The next cycle (Autumn 2027-28, July 2027 batch) is expected to open around April-May 2027 based on the previous year's pattern. Candidates must apply online through the university website and submit a research proposal, statement of purpose, and recommendation letter.

Admission Dates

Event	Date
Applications Open	October 1, 2026
Application Deadline	November 25, 2026
Entrance Test (KJUET) and Interview	December 6, 2026
Programme Commencement	January 5, 2027
Next Cycle (Autumn 2027-28) Applications Open (Tentative)	April - May 2027

Entrance Exam Dates

Exam	Event	Date
UGC-NET Phase 1	Registration	October 7 - November 7, 2026
UGC-NET Phase 1	Exam	December 31, 2026 - January 7, 2027
UGC-NET Phase 1	Result	February 4, 2027
UGC-NET Phase 2	Registration (Tentative)	April 1 - May 1, 2027
UGC-NET Phase 2	Exam (Tentative)	June 2027

Note: UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, GATE, and SLET qualified candidates are exempt from KJUET but must appear for the personal interview.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Master's degree in Economics or equivalent from a recognized university with a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent CGPA (50% for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/Differently-Abled candidates).
Candidates with a 4-year Bachelor's Degree (Honours with Research) with a minimum of 75% marks are also eligible.
Must qualify KJUET (Kristu Jayanti University Entrance Test) or hold a valid UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/SLET qualification for exemption from the written test.

Admission Process

Apply online at www.kristujayanti.edu.in during the application window.
Submit required documents: Research Proposal, Statement of Purpose, and one Recommendation Letter (not mandatory at application stage; must be submitted before joining coursework).
Appear for KJUET (Part A: Research Aptitude and Reasoning; Part B: Economics discipline-specific) - exempted for NET/GATE/SLET holders.
Attend the Personal Interview (mandatory for all candidates, including those exempt from KJUET).
Final selection based on KJUET score (70% weightage) and Interview performance (30% weightage).
Merit list prepared and admission offers issued in order of merit within available seats.

KJU Ph.D Economics Scholarships 2026

Part-time Ph.D. scholars at Kristu Jayanti University are not eligible for the institutional monthly fellowship or annual scholarship, which are reserved for full-time scholars. However, part-time scholars may benefit from national/state fellowship fee waivers and government scholarship schemes. Candidates are encouraged to explore external funding options before enrolling.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / Support	Amount	Eligibility	Conditions
National/State Fellowship Fee Waiver	33% annual fee waiver	Part-time scholars with UGC-JRF, CSIR-JRF, or equivalent national/state fellowships	Applicable on annual programme fee
Jayantian Upliftment Scholarship (JUS)	Variable	Students with annual family income up to INR 2 lakh	Minimum 60% marks and 85% attendance required
Government Scholarships (NSP, Karnataka SSP)	Variable	SC/ST/OBC/Minority/EWS students	Apply via scholarships.gov.in or ssp.postmatric.karnataka.gov.in

Monthly fellowship of INR 15,000 and annual scholarship of INR 10,000 are NOT available for part-time scholars.
Contingency grant is also not available for part-time scholars.
Candidates are encouraged to apply for external fellowships such as UGC-JRF, CSIR-JRF, or DST-INSPIRE before joining to maximize financial benefits.

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

Collegedunia Ranking

#36 out of 255 in India 2025

#4th in Bangalore

#4 in Karnataka

Indiatoday Ranking

#19 out of 194 in India 2025

#4th in Bangalore

#4 in Karnataka

The Week Ranking

#21 out of 93 in India 2025

#4th in Bangalore

#4 in Karnataka

TOI Ranking

#11 out of 70 in India 2025

#4th in Bangalore

#4 in Karnataka

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KJU Ph.D Economics FAQs

Ques. What is the key difference between the full-time and part-time Ph.D. in Economics at KJU?

Ans. The part-time Ph.D. in Economics costs INR 60,000 per annum (vs INR 65,000 for full-time) and is designed for working professionals who cannot commit to full-time study. However, part-time scholars are NOT eligible for the monthly fellowship of INR 15,000 or the annual scholarship of INR 10,000, which are available only for full-time scholars. The minimum duration (3 years) and maximum duration (6 years) are the same for both modes.

Ques. Can I switch from part-time to full-time mode after joining?

Ans. The university's PhD regulations allow for mode changes subject to approval by the doctoral committee and availability of full-time slots. Candidates wishing to switch modes should contact the doctoral research office at doctoral.research@kristujayanti.com for guidance on the process and implications for fees and fellowship eligibility.

Ques. What are the key research specialisations available under the Ph.D. in Economics at KJU?

Ans. The Ph.D. in Economics at KJU covers research specialisations including Agricultural Economics, International Economics, Development Economics, Public Economics, Health Economics, Environmental Economics, and Econometrics. The department has faculty expertise in health systems analysis, financial markets, international trade, econometric modelling, and applied interdisciplinary research.

Ques. I am a working economist at a bank. Is the part-time Ph.D. in Economics suitable for me?

Ans. Yes. The part-time mode is specifically designed for working professionals such as economists, financial analysts, policy analysts, and researchers in banks, NBFCs, government agencies, and research institutions. You can continue your employment while pursuing doctoral research. The programme requires periodic attendance for coursework and research supervision meetings, which can typically be scheduled around work commitments.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing a Ph.D. in Economics from KJU?

Ans. Ph.D. graduates in Economics from KJU are well-positioned for careers in academia as faculty and researchers, government organisations such as the Indian Economic Service, RBI, NITI Aayog, and Planning Commission, as well as roles as Economic Advisors, Financial Analysts, Business Analysts, and Consultants in NBFCs, multinational corporations, and international organisations. The department's prominent recruiters include Ernst and Young, Accenture, Deloitte, and leading banks.

Ques. Does the part-time Ph.D. require physical attendance on campus?

Ans. Yes. Part-time scholars are required to attend coursework sessions and periodic research supervision meetings on campus. The university's doctoral research regulations require a minimum period of residence/engagement with the department. Candidates are advised to contact the doctoral research office at doctoral.research@kristujayanti.com for details on the attendance and residency requirements for part-time scholars before applying.