JLU Bhopal Ph.D Journalism & Mass Communication: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ratibad, BhopalPrivate UniversityEstd 2013
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated 3+ months ago

The Ph.D in Journalism & Mass Communication at Jagran Lakecity University (JLU), Bhopal is a 3-year doctoral programme offered in the Part Time / Working Professional mode, designed for media professionals, journalists, PR practitioners, academicians, and working professionals who wish to pursue advanced research in media and communication studies while continuing their careers. Offered through the Jagran School of Journalism, which is one of the most reputed journalism schools in Central India, the programme covers research areas including media studies, digital journalism, broadcast media, public relations, advertising, media ethics, and communication theory. The annual fee for the Working Professional mode is INR 1,75,000, and the programme is particularly popular among working journalists, media faculty, and communication professionals.

Admissions for the 2026-27 batch are currently ongoing. JLU follows a rolling admission model, with applications typically open from December through June each year. Based on the 2024-25 cycle, the application window ran from December 31, 2024 to June 29, 2025, and a similar timeline is expected for 2026-27. Candidates are advised to apply early as seats are limited.

Key Points

  • The programme is offered in Working Professional (Part Time) mode, enabling media professionals and journalists to pursue doctoral research without leaving their careers.
  • Research areas include digital journalism, broadcast media, media ethics, political communication, advertising and PR, media economics, and communication theory.
  • The programme follows UGC PhD Regulations 2016, ensuring national academic recognition of the degree.
  • Candidates with a valid UGC NET/JRF score in Journalism & Mass Communication may be exempted from the JLUET entrance test.
  • The Jagran School of Journalism has strong industry connections with leading media houses, providing access to real-world research opportunities and media archives.
  • The programme is particularly sought after by working journalists, media faculty, PR professionals, and government communication officers.

JLU Ph.D (Journalism & Mass Communication) Fees

Fee Structure

Fee ComponentAmount (INR)
Admission Charges (One-Time, Non-Refundable)₹20,000
Alumni Fund (One-Time, Non-Refundable)₹10,000
Caution Money (One-Time, Refundable)₹10,000
Annual Tuition Fees (Working Professional)₹1,75,000
Total Fees for 3 Years (Tuition)₹5,25,000
Total Fees (Including One-Time Charges)₹5,65,000
  • Caution Money of INR 10,000 is refundable upon successful completion or withdrawal from the programme as per UGC refund norms.
  • Admission Charges (INR 20,000) and Alumni Fund (INR 10,000) are one-time, non-refundable charges.
  • Annual fees can be paid in two instalments (semester-wise). The seat booking fee of INR 35,000 must be paid in full at the time of joining.
  • Hostel facility is available on campus but is optional for Working Professional students. Hostel charges range from INR 1,34,620 to INR 2,22,620 per year depending on room type (Non-AC Triple Occupancy to Single Ensuite AC), inclusive of mess charges.
  • JLU follows the UGC Refund Policy 2024-25 for fee refunds. Refund requests must be submitted before July 15 of the admission year.
  • Education loan assistance is available through JLU's tie-ups with leading banks.

JLU Ph.D (Journalism & Mass Communication) Admission 2026

Important Dates

Table 1: JLU PhD (Journalism & Mass Communication) – Part Time / Working Professional Admission Dates 2026-27

EventDate
Application Portal OpensDecember 31, 2025 (Rolling)
Last Date to ApplyJune 29, 2026 (Expected similar for 2026-27)
JLUET (Written Entrance Test)Scheduled after application review (notified individually)
Personal Interview (PI)Within 7 working days of JLUET result
Provisional Admission Letter (PAL)Issued within 7 working days of PI
Seat Booking Fee DeadlineWithin 7 working days of receiving PAL
Batch CommencementJuly – August 2026 (Expected July – August 2027 for next batch)
EventDate
UGC NET Phase 1 RegistrationOctober 7 – November 7, 2026
UGC NET Phase 1 Admit CardDecember 28, 2026
UGC NET Phase 1 ExamDecember 31, 2026 – January 7, 2027
UGC NET Phase 1 Answer KeyJanuary 14, 2027
UGC NET Phase 1 ResultFebruary 4, 2027
UGC NET Phase 2 RegistrationApril 1, 2027 (Tentative)
UGC NET Phase 2 ExamJune 2027 (Tentative)

Note: UGC NET qualification in Journalism & Mass Communication is accepted at JLU for PhD admission. Candidates with a valid NET/JRF score may be exempted from JLUET. JRF holders may also be eligible for fellowship support.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Candidates must hold a Master's degree (MA/M.Sc in Journalism, Mass Communication, or equivalent) from a recognised university with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD candidates).
  • Candidates must qualify in JLUET (JLU Entrance Test) followed by a Personal Interview, OR hold a valid UGC NET/JRF score in Journalism & Mass Communication (exempted from JLUET).
  • Working Professional candidates must be currently employed and submit proof of employment at the time of admission.

Admission Process:

  • Fill the online application form at apply.jlu.edu.in and pay the application fee of INR 1,600.
  • Upload required documents: PG marksheets, proof of employment, Aadhaar card, passport-size photograph, and digital signature.
  • Appear in JLUET (written test) or submit valid UGC NET/JRF scorecard for exemption.
  • Attend Personal Interview (PI) with the Jagran School of Journalism committee.
  • Receive Provisional Admission Letter (PAL) within 7 working days of PI.
  • Pay seat booking amount and complete registration at the Student Section office.
  • Check scholarship eligibility and submit scholarship application form if applicable.

JLU Ph.D (Journalism & Mass Communication) Scholarships 2026

Scholarship Details

ScholarshipEligibilityBenefit
JLU Academic Excellence Scholarship (PG/Research)CGPA 8.5 or above in qualifying PG degree100% waiver on Year 1 Tuition Fees
JLU Merit ScholarshipCGPA 8.0 – 8.49 in qualifying PG degree50% waiver on Year 1 Tuition Fees
UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)Qualified UGC NET with JRF in Journalism & Mass CommunicationMonthly fellowship of INR 37,000 (1st–2nd year) and INR 42,000 (3rd–5th year) from UGC
MP State Government Scholarship (OBC)OBC category students from Madhya PradeshApprox. INR 28,000 refunded per year
MP State Government Scholarship (SC/ST)SC/ST category students from Madhya PradeshApprox. INR 42,000 refunded per year
Sports ScholarshipRepresenting India / State / National level in approved sports25% to 100% waiver on tuition fees
  • JLU scholarships are applicable on Year 1 tuition fees only and are subject to renewal based on academic performance.
  • UGC JRF fellowship is a central government fellowship and is separate from JLU institutional scholarships; JRF holders must register their fellowship with the university.
  • State government scholarships are processed through the MP Scholarship Portal and are credited directly to the student's bank account.
  • Scholarship application forms are available at the Admissions Office; candidates must apply at the time of admission.

Table of Contents

JLU Ph.D (Journalism & Mass Communication) FAQs

Ques. Is the Ph.D in Journalism & Mass Communication at JLU Bhopal available in Part Time / Working Professional mode, and how does it differ from the Full Time programme?

Ans. Yes, JLU offers the Ph.D in Journalism & Mass Communication in the Working Professional (Part Time) mode for candidates who are currently employed. The key difference is in the fee structure: Working Professional students pay INR 1,75,000 per year compared to INR 1,20,000 per year for Full Time students. The coursework and research requirements are the same, but Working Professional students get flexibility in scheduling coursework and supervisor interactions, typically on weekends or through blended learning. The minimum duration is 3 years for both modes.

Ques. What research areas are available under the Ph.D in Journalism & Mass Communication at JLU?

Ans. The Ph.D in Journalism & Mass Communication at JLU's Jagran School of Journalism covers research areas including digital journalism and social media, broadcast media and television studies, print journalism and media history, political communication and election coverage, advertising and public relations, media ethics and law, media economics and management, health communication, development communication, and communication theory. The specific research topic is finalised in consultation with the assigned research supervisor.

Ques. Can a working journalist or media professional apply for this PhD programme at JLU?

Ans. Absolutely. The Working Professional mode is specifically designed for journalists, media professionals, PR practitioners, and communication officers who are currently employed. Candidates need to submit proof of employment at the time of application. The flexible scheduling of coursework and research interactions is designed to accommodate the demanding schedules of media professionals. The Jagran School of Journalism's strong industry connections also mean that working journalists can leverage their professional experience as part of their research.

Ques. Is the Ph.D (Journalism & Mass Communication) degree from JLU valid for teaching positions at media schools and universities?

Ans. Yes, a Ph.D from JLU is a valid doctoral qualification as JLU is UGC-recognised under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act 1956. For appointment as an Assistant Professor in Journalism & Mass Communication at government or aided colleges, candidates must also hold a valid UGC NET/SET qualification in addition to the PhD, as per UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers) Regulations. The PhD alone qualifies you for research positions, senior editorial roles, and faculty positions at many private media schools and communication institutes.

Ques. What is the significance of the Jagran brand for a PhD in Journalism from JLU?

Ans. JLU is promoted by the Jagran Social Welfare Society, which is associated with the Jagran Group, one of India's largest media conglomerates (publishers of Dainik Jagran, the highest-circulated Hindi newspaper). This association gives the Jagran School of Journalism unique access to media industry networks, real-world case studies, and industry mentors. For PhD researchers in journalism, this means access to media archives, industry experts as research guides, and potential collaboration opportunities with working media professionals.

Ques. What documents are required at the time of applying for the Ph.D (Journalism & Mass Communication) Part Time programme at JLU?

Ans. Documents required include: all academic marksheets from Class 10 onwards, MA/PG degree certificate in Journalism or Mass Communication, proof of current employment, a recent passport-size photograph, Aadhaar card copy, digital signature, and a research proposal or statement of purpose (recommended). The application fee is INR 1,600, payable online at apply.jlu.edu.in. After submission, the university takes up to 7 working days to process the application and communicate the JLUET/PI schedule.

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