The Ph.D. Economics programme at Jagran Lakecity University (JLU), Bhopal is a full-time doctoral research programme offered under the domain of Commerce and Economics at the Jagran School of Languages and Social Sciences. The minimum duration of the programme is 3 years, in accordance with UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D. Degrees) Regulations, 2016. The annual fee for the Full Time PhD is Rs. 1,20,000 per year, making the total fee for the minimum 3-year duration Rs. 3,60,000 (plus one-time charges of Rs. 40,000, totalling Rs. 4,00,000). The programme is designed for candidates who wish to pursue advanced research in economics, contribute to academic knowledge, and build careers in research, academia, and policy. Admission is based on academic merit, a Research Proposal, and a Personal Interview, with UGC NET/JRF qualification providing exemption from the university's entrance test.
Admissions for the 2026-27 academic session are currently open. The JLU 2026 application form has been released online at apply.jlu.edu.in. Candidates are encouraged to apply early as PhD seats are limited. Classes and research work are expected to commence in September 2026.
Key Points
- The PhD Economics programme at JLU is offered under the Commerce and Economics research domain, which also covers allied areas such as finance, business economics, and public policy.
- The programme follows UGC PhD Regulations 2016, ensuring the degree is valid for academic appointments across India.
- Candidates who have qualified UGC NET/JRF or CSIR NET/JRF are typically exempted from the university's own entrance test (JLURET) for PhD admission.
- JLU is NAAC A+ accredited and rated among the Top 25 Universities in India by QS I-GAUGE (Diamond Rating), lending credibility to the doctoral degree.
- A Working Professional PhD option is also available at Rs. 1,75,000 per year for those who wish to pursue research alongside employment.
- The university has a dedicated research culture with research guides having strong academic and industrial exposure.
JLU Ph.D. Economics Fees
The Ph.D. Economics (Full Time) programme at JLU Bhopal is priced at Rs. 1,20,000 per year. For the minimum 3-year duration, the total annual fee component comes to Rs. 3,60,000. In addition, students are required to pay a one-time Admission Charge of Rs. 20,000, a refundable Caution Money of Rs. 10,000, and a non-refundable Alumni Fund of Rs. 10,000 at the time of admission. The total payable amount including all one-time charges for the minimum 3-year duration is Rs. 4,00,000. If the PhD extends beyond 3 years, additional annual fees apply.
Full Time PhD Fee Structure
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|
| Annual Fees - Full Time (per year) | Rs. 1,20,000 |
| Admission Charges (One-time, Non-refundable) | Rs. 20,000 |
| Caution Money (One-time, Refundable) | Rs. 10,000 |
| Alumni Fund (One-time, Non-refundable) | Rs. 10,000 |
| Total Fees (3 Years + One-time Charges) | Rs. 4,00,000 |
Working Professional PhD Fee Structure
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|
| Annual Fees - Working Professional (per year) | Rs. 1,75,000 |
| Admission Charges (One-time, Non-refundable) | Rs. 20,000 |
| Caution Money (One-time, Refundable) | Rs. 10,000 |
| Alumni Fund (One-time, Non-refundable) | Rs. 10,000 |
| Total Fees (3 Years + One-time Charges) | Rs. 5,65,000 |
Hostel Fees (Optional)
| Room Type | Per Semester | Per Year |
|---|
| Single Ensuite - AC | Rs. 1,11,310 (hostel + mess) | Rs. 2,22,620 |
| Single Occupancy - AC | Rs. 93,810 | Rs. 1,87,620 |
| Double Occupancy - AC | Rs. 88,810 | Rs. 1,77,620 |
| Single Occupancy - Non AC | Rs. 83,810 | Rs. 1,67,620 |
| Double Occupancy - Non AC | Rs. 74,810 | Rs. 1,49,620 |
| Triple Occupancy - Non AC | Rs. 67,310 | Rs. 1,34,620 |
- Caution Money of Rs. 10,000 is refundable at the time of leaving the university.
- Alumni Fund of Rs. 10,000 is a one-time, non-refundable charge.
- Admission Charges of Rs. 20,000 are one-time and non-refundable.
- If the PhD programme extends beyond the minimum 3 years, additional annual fees of Rs. 1,20,000 per year (Full Time) will be applicable.
- Hostel accommodation is optional and not mandatory.
- JLU follows the UGC Refund Policy. Refund requests must be submitted to admission@jlu.edu.in.
JLU Ph.D. Economics Admission 2026
Admissions to the Ph.D. Economics (Full Time) programme at JLU for the 2026-27 session are currently open. The university follows UGC PhD Regulations 2016 for the selection process. Candidates with UGC NET/JRF or CSIR NET/JRF qualifications may be exempted from the university's entrance test. All candidates must appear for a Personal Interview and submit a Research Proposal. The admission process is online, and shortlisted candidates receive a Provisional Admission Letter (PAL) within 7 working days.
JLU Ph.D. Economics Admission Dates 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Application Form Available | Open (Started) |
| Last Date for Registration | 4th week of June 2026 (Tentative) |
| Entrance Test / Interview | July - August 2026 (Tentative) |
| Result / Admission Offer | August 2026 (Tentative) |
| Seat Booking / Fee Payment | Within 7 working days of PAL |
| Research Work Begins | September 2026 (Tentative) |
Relevant Exam Dates
| Exam | Registration Dates | Exam Dates | Result Date |
|---|
| UGC NET Phase 1 (2025-26) | Oct 7 - Nov 7, 2025 | Dec 31, 2025 - Jan 7, 2026 | Feb 4, 2026 |
| UGC NET Phase 2 (2026) | Apr 1 - May 1, 2026 (Tentative) | June 2026 (Tentative) | July 2026 (Tentative) |
| JLURET 2026 (if applicable) | Open - 4th week of June 2026 | July 2026 | August 2026 |
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must have a Master's degree (in Economics or a related discipline) from a recognised university with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates as per UGC norms).
- Candidates who have qualified UGC NET/JRF, CSIR NET/JRF, or equivalent national-level examinations are typically exempted from the university entrance test.
- Candidates must submit a Research Proposal outlining their intended area of research.
Admission Process
- Register online at apply.jlu.edu.in and pay the application fee of Rs. 1,600.
- Submit academic documents including PG marksheets, UGC NET/JRF scorecard (if applicable), and a Research Proposal.
- Appear in JLURET (if not exempted via UGC NET/JRF) and/or Personal Interview with the research committee.
- If shortlisted, receive the Provisional Admission Letter (PAL) within 7 working days.
- Sign the refund undertaking form and deposit the seat booking amount (Rs. 35,000) within 7 working days of receiving PAL.
- Deposit the full first-year fee and complete registration at the Student Section office.
- A Research Supervisor (Guide) will be allotted based on the research area and faculty availability.
JLU Ph.D. Economics Scholarships 2026
JLU Bhopal offers limited scholarship support for PhD students. Candidates who have qualified UGC JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) receive a monthly fellowship directly from UGC (currently Rs. 37,000/month for the first 2 years and Rs. 42,000/month thereafter), which is independent of JLU's scholarship scheme. JLU's own scholarship for PhD is primarily applicable on the first year's tuition fees for academically outstanding candidates.
Scholarship Details
| Scholarship / Fellowship Type | Eligibility | Amount |
|---|
| UGC JRF Fellowship | Qualified UGC NET with JRF | Rs. 37,000/month (Year 1-2), Rs. 42,000/month (Year 3+) |
| JLU Academic Scholarship | 8.5 CGPA or equivalent in PG | 100% of Year 1 Tuition Fees (Rs. 1,20,000) |
| MP State Government Scholarship | OBC/SC/ST students (as per state norms) | As per government scheme |
- UGC JRF fellowship is awarded by UGC directly and is not part of JLU's scholarship scheme.
- JLU's academic scholarship is applicable on Year 1 tuition fees only.
- Scholarship applicants must clear a Personal Interview round.
- Students availing UGC JRF must register their fellowship with UGC within the stipulated time after admission.
Comments