VelTech University Ph.D Communication: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Tirumullaivoyal, ChennaiDeemed to be UniversityEstd 1997NAAC Grade A++ 3.5
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated 3+ months ago

Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology (Vel Tech), located in Avadi, Chennai, offers a Ph.D. in Communication (Media and Communication) under its School of Media Technology and Communication. This doctoral programme is designed for working professionals, media practitioners, and faculty members who wish to pursue advanced research in areas such as visual communication, multimedia, journalism, digital media, communication systems, and media studies. The programme is offered in Part Time (Extramural) mode, with a minimum duration of 5 years (60 months) and a maximum of 8 years (96 months). Vel Tech is ranked 87th in NIRF 2025 (Engineering category) and has 210+ international MoUs, providing scholars with a strong interdisciplinary research environment. The programme is popular among media professionals and college faculty seeking to advance their academic credentials while continuing their careers.

Admissions for the Summer Session 2026-27 are currently open. The last date to submit the online application is 4 May 2026. Candidates must apply at https://apps.veltech.edu.in/phdapplication/.

Key Points

  • Part Time Ph.D. in Communication is open to faculty members of PG/professional colleges (minimum 1 year experience) and professionals working in media, R&D organisations, or government/quasi-government bodies.
  • Candidates must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer confirming permission to pursue part-time studies.
  • Candidates holding UGC-NET / CSIR-JRF / GATE / SLET / M.Phil. qualifications are exempted from the written entrance examination.
  • Research areas include visual communication, multimedia, digital media, journalism, communication systems, media studies, and humanities.
  • The School of Media Technology and Communication offers B.Sc. Visual Communication and B.Sc. Multimedia at UG level, providing a strong departmental research base.
  • Scholars have access to APC support for Q1 journal publications, conference and international travel funding, and seed grants up to Rs. 3 lakhs.

Vel Tech Ph.D (Communication) Fees

Fee Structure

Fee ComponentAmount (Rs.)
Admission Fee (One-time)₹18,000
Tuition Fee (Per Semester)₹18,000
Course Work Examination Fee (4 courses x Rs. 1,250)₹5,000
Thesis Application and Evaluation Fee₹30,300
Extension / Re-registration Fee (if applicable)₹10,000
Total Fees (minimum 5-year duration, 10 semesters)₹2,33,300
  • Admission Fee of Rs. 18,000 is a one-time payment at the time of joining.
  • Tuition Fee of Rs. 18,000 is charged per semester for the duration of the programme.
  • For a minimum duration of 5 years (10 semesters), total tuition fee = Rs. 1,80,000.
  • Total fees for minimum duration: Rs. 18,000 (admission) + Rs. 1,80,000 (tuition, 10 semesters) + Rs. 5,000 (course work exam) + Rs. 30,300 (thesis) = Rs. 2,33,300.
  • Extension/Re-registration Fee of Rs. 10,000 is applicable only if the scholar extends beyond the minimum duration.
  • Application Fee: Rs. 1,000 (non-refundable), payable at the time of online application.
  • Caution Deposit: Rs. 5,000 (refundable at the end of the programme).

Vel Tech Ph.D (Communication) Admission 2026

Vel Tech Ph.D. Admission Dates - Summer Session 2026-27

EventDate
Online Application OpensApril 2026 (ongoing)
Last Date for Online Application Submission4 May 2026
Written Entrance ExaminationTo be notified after application closure
Interview / Viva-VoceTo be notified after written exam
Provisional Admission and Fee PaymentTo be notified post-interview
Session CommencementSummer Session 2026-27 (July 2026, tentative)

Relevant National Exam Dates

ExamEventDate
UGC-NET (Phase 2)Registration Opens1 April 2026
UGC-NET (Phase 2)Registration Closes1 May 2026
UGC-NET (Phase 2)Exam DateJune 2026 (tentative)
UGC-NET (Phase 2)ResultJuly 2026 (tentative)
  • UGC-NET qualified candidates (in relevant subjects such as Mass Communication and Journalism) are exempted from Vel Tech's written entrance examination.
  • GATE 2026 results were declared on 19 March 2026 and are valid for 3 years.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Master's degree in a relevant field such as Mass Communication, Visual Communication, Journalism, Media Studies, or a related discipline with a minimum of 55% marks or CGPA of 6.0 on a 10-point scale from a recognised university.
  • Relaxation of 5% marks (50% minimum) is applicable for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/Differently-Abled/EWS candidates.
  • Part Time candidates must have a minimum of 1 year of work experience after their PG degree and must submit a valid NOC from their employer.

Admission Process

  • Submit the online application at https://apps.veltech.edu.in/phdapplication/ along with the application fee of Rs. 1,000.
  • Applications are scrutinised by the Admission Scrutinising Committee; shortlisted candidates are called for the written entrance examination.
  • Written exam consists of 50% Research Methodology and 50% subject-specific questions; minimum qualifying score is 50%.
  • Candidates with UGC-NET / CSIR-JRF / GATE / SLET / M.Phil. qualifications are exempted from the written entrance examination.
  • Shortlisted candidates appear for an interview/viva-voce before the Departmental Research Committee (DRC).
  • Final selection is based on 70% weightage to written exam and 30% to interview performance.
  • Selected candidates submit original certificates, NOC from employer, and pay the prescribed fees for provisional admission.
  • Research Supervisor is allocated by the DRC based on available vacancies and research areas.

Vel Tech Ph.D (Communication) Scholarships 2026

Scholarships and Fellowships

Scholarship / FellowshipEligibilityAmount
Vel Tech Institutional Stipend (Full Time only)Full Time scholars clearing entrance exam and interviewRs. 15,000/month (Years 1-2); Rs. 20,000/month (Years 3-4)
NET Qualified Stipend (Full Time only)Full Time scholars with valid NET scoreRs. 30,000/month
APC SupportAll scholars publishing in Q1 journalsPublication charges covered
Conference and Travel FundingAll scholarsAvailable for national/international conferences
Seed GrantAll scholarsUp to Rs. 3 lakhs
  • The above stipends and fellowships are applicable to Full Time Ph.D. scholars only.
  • Part Time scholars are not eligible for monthly stipends.
  • Part Time scholars may avail APC support, conference funding, and seed grants subject to approval by the competent authority.
  • All fellowships and stipends are performance-based and subject to approval by the Competent Authority.
  • Government scholarships such as UGC-JRF and DST-INSPIRE are also applicable for eligible candidates who qualify the respective national-level examinations.

Table of Contents

Vel Tech Ph.D (Communication) FAQs

Ques. Is Ph.D. in Communication offered in Part Time mode at Vel Tech, and who is eligible to apply?

Ans. Yes, Vel Tech offers the Ph.D. in Communication (Media and Communication) in Part Time (Extramural) mode. It is open to working professionals and faculty members holding a Master's degree in Mass Communication, Visual Communication, Journalism, Media Studies, or a related field with at least 55% marks and a minimum of 1 year of post-PG work experience. Candidates must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer before applying.

Ques. What research areas are available under Ph.D. (Communication) at Vel Tech?

Ans. The School of Media Technology and Communication at Vel Tech supports research in areas including visual communication, multimedia, digital media, journalism, communication systems, media studies, language and digital culture, and humanities. The specific research area is finalised in consultation with the assigned Research Supervisor and the Departmental Research Committee (DRC) based on available expertise and ongoing projects.

Ques. Is the written entrance examination mandatory for all Part Time Ph.D. applicants in Communication?

Ans. No, candidates who hold valid qualifications such as UGC-NET (in Mass Communication and Journalism or related subjects), SLET, Teacher Fellowship, or M.Phil. are exempted from the written entrance examination. All other candidates must appear for the entrance test, which consists of 50% Research Methodology and 50% subject-specific questions, with a minimum qualifying score of 50%.

Ques. How often does Vel Tech conduct Ph.D. admissions, and when is the next intake?

Ans. Vel Tech conducts Ph.D. admissions twice a year - in January (Winter Session) and July (Summer Session). The current open intake is for the Summer Session 2026-27, with the last date for online application being 4 May 2026. Candidates are advised to apply early as seats are limited based on available research supervisors and specialised areas.

Ques. Are Part Time Ph.D. scholars in Communication required to attend classes on campus?

Ans. Yes, Part Time (Extramural) scholars are required to attend full-time course work at the Vel Tech campus for at least 6 months during their registration period, particularly if their place of work is outside a 50 km radius of the institution. Course work and all curricular/co-curricular activities are determined by the Research Advisory Committee (RAC). Scholars must attend classes as prescribed by their Research Supervisor, which may include weekends and holidays.

Ques. What is the total cost of pursuing a Part Time Ph.D. in Communication at Vel Tech?

Ans. The total fees for a Part Time Ph.D. at Vel Tech (minimum 5-year duration) amount to approximately Rs. 2,33,300, which includes a one-time admission fee of Rs. 18,000, tuition fee of Rs. 18,000 per semester (Rs. 1,80,000 for 10 semesters), course work examination fee of Rs. 5,000, and thesis application and evaluation fee of Rs. 30,300. Additionally, a non-refundable application fee of Rs. 1,000 is payable at the time of applying, and a refundable caution deposit of Rs. 5,000 is collected at admission. If the scholar requires an extension beyond the minimum duration, an extension/re-registration fee of Rs. 10,000 per instance is applicable.

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