Marwadi University Rajkot Ph.D English: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. Yes, the Part-Time PhD program at Marwadi University is specifically designed for working professionals. You can continue your employment while pursuing the PhD. However, you must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer at the time of application. Research can be conducted at your place of employment and/or at MU. Note that part-time scholars are not eligible for university research fellowships or the SHODH scholarship, which are reserved for full-time scholars.

Ans. No, UGC-NET is not mandatory, but it gives you a significant advantage. Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, or GATE are directly exempted from the MU PhD entrance test and can appear for the personal interview directly. Candidates without these qualifications must appear in the computer-based entrance test conducted by MU, which consists of 10% research methodology and 90% subject-specific questions based on the NET syllabus for English.

Ans. As per MU PhD regulations, you must publish a minimum of two research papers in SCOPUS or Web of Science Core Collection indexed journals before submitting your thesis synopsis. You must be the first author of these publications, and the papers must be from the research work done to fulfil the objectives of your approved thesis. Alternatively, one Indian or International utility patent (granted during the PhD tenure, with the scholar, supervisor, and MU as applicants) can substitute for one paper.

Ans. For part-time candidates, the maximum duration is 7 years from the date of registration. An extension of up to 2 years beyond this maximum can be granted by the Provost on the recommendation of the Doctoral Advisory Committee. Women candidates and persons with disability (more than 40%) are allowed an additional relaxation of 2 years. The total period for completion in any case should not exceed 10 years.

Ans. Yes, conversion between Part-Time and Full-Time registration is permitted. You need to apply to the Dean Research with a justified reason for conversion, supported by a recommendation from your supervisor, routed through the Departmental Research Committee (DRC). The Dean Research has the authority to approve such conversions. This is particularly useful if you leave your job mid-way and wish to pursue research full-time.

Ans. PhD scholars must appear before the Doctoral Advisory Committee (DAC) once every six months for a Research Progress Review (RPR) presentation. A total of five RPR presentations are required before you can submit your thesis synopsis. RPR presentations are typically held in May/June and November/December each year. For RPR4 and RPR5, you must have published or received acceptance for your first and second research papers respectively. Failure to present in a scheduled RPR phase results in a 6-month extension of your timeline.