Apex University Jaipur Ph.D Journalism & Mass Communication: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Jaipur, RajasthanPrivate UniversityEstd 2018
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 27, 2026

Apex University, Jaipur offers a Ph.D. (Journalism & Mass Communication) in Part-Time mode, a 4-year (8-semester) doctoral research programme tailored for media professionals, journalists, academicians, and communication practitioners who wish to pursue advanced research while continuing their careers. The programme explores critical areas such as media ethics, digital journalism, public relations, broadcast communication, media policy, and communication theory. The total fee for the programme is Rs. 4,20,000 (inclusive of registration and thesis submission fees), with a semester fee of Rs. 50,000. Admission is through the university's own entrance test AUCET, with exemptions for UGC-NET/CSIR-NET qualified candidates. The programme is particularly sought after by working journalists, PR professionals, and media faculty seeking a doctoral qualification.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic session are currently ongoing. Applications can be submitted online through the official admissions portal at admissions.apexuniversity.co.in. Based on the previous year's schedule, the AUCET for PhD is expected to be conducted in phases between May and July 2026, with the batch likely commencing in July-August 2026. Candidates are advised to apply early as seats are limited.

Key Points

  • The Part-Time Ph.D. in Journalism & Mass Communication is designed for working media professionals, allowing them to conduct research without leaving their jobs, with only occasional campus visits required.
  • Part-time candidates are not required to submit GATE/CSIR-UGC JRF scores, which are otherwise applicable to full-time scholars.
  • A mandatory No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer is required at the time of admission for all part-time candidates.
  • Research areas include Digital Journalism, Media Ethics, Public Relations, Broadcast Communication, Media Policy, Communication Theory, Social Media Studies, and Advertising.
  • The maximum time limit for thesis submission is 6 years from the date of registration; beyond the 4-year minimum, scholars must pay semester fees until thesis submission.
  • The programme is offered under the Faculty of Journalism & Mass Communication, which has strong industry connections with media houses and news channels in Rajasthan.

AU Ph.D. (JMC) Fees

Fee Structure

Fee ComponentAmount (INR)
Registration Fee (one-time)Rs. 10,000
Academic Fee (Semester 1)Rs. 50,000
Academic Fee (Semester 2)Rs. 50,000
Academic Fee (Semester 3)Rs. 50,000
Academic Fee (Semester 4)Rs. 50,000
Academic Fee (Semester 5)Rs. 50,000
Academic Fee (Semester 6)Rs. 50,000
Academic Fee (Semester 7)Rs. 50,000
Academic Fee (Semester 8)Rs. 50,000
Thesis Submission Fee (one-time)Rs. 10,000
Total FeesRs. 4,20,000
  • Fee is payable semester-wise (two semesters per year).
  • Part-time scholars must pay fees for a minimum of 4 years (8 semesters).
  • Beyond the 4-year minimum period, scholars must continue paying the applicable semester fee until thesis submission.
  • The upper time limit for thesis submission is 6 years.
  • If a candidate fails to deposit the Registration Fee, the registration will be cancelled and the seat will be allotted to the next candidate on the waiting list.
  • No refund of fees shall be entertained for PhD programmes under any circumstances.
  • Fee is subject to revision from time to time as per the decision of the Competent Authority of Apex University.
  • Apex Easy Pay: The university offers the option to deposit course fee in 2 equal installments per semester.
  • The Application Fee for the PhD Entrance Test is Rs. 2,000 (non-refundable), payable separately at the time of applying.
  • Hostel facility is available on campus (optional, not mandatory).
  • Non-AC hostel rooms are available at approximately Rs. 15,000 per semester (excluding food charges).

AU Ph.D. (JMC) Admission 2026

Apex University PhD Admission Dates 2026-27

EventDate
Admission Application StartMarch 1, 2026 (Ongoing)
AUCET Phase I (Application Deadline)May 31 - June 5, 2026
AUCET Phase II (Application Deadline)June 15 - June 20, 2026
AUCET Phase III (Application Deadline)June 30 - July 5, 2026
PhD Entrance Test (AUCET)Within respective phase window (candidate chooses slot)
Personal InterviewFollowing the entrance test result
Declaration of Result / Merit ListWithin 3-4 days of interview
Fee Deposition (Registration)Within 3-4 days of result declaration
Last Date for Academic Fee (First Instalment)July 15, 2026 (Tentative, based on 2023 schedule)
Admission Last DateLast week of September 2026

Relevant Exam Dates for PhD (Journalism & Mass Communication) Admission

ExamEventDate
UGC-NETPhase 2 Registration StartApril 1, 2026 (Tentative)
UGC-NETPhase 2 Registration EndMay 1, 2026 (Tentative)
UGC-NETPhase 2 Exam DateJune 1, 2026 (Tentative)
CSIR-NETRegistration StartMay 1, 2026 (Tentative)
CSIR-NETRegistration EndMay 21, 2026 (Tentative)
CSIR-NETAdmit CardJuly 1, 2026 (Tentative)
CSIR-NETResult DateSeptember 4, 2026 (Tentative)
  • UGC-NET (Mass Communication & Journalism - Code 47) qualified candidates are exempted from the AUCET entrance test for PhD admission at Apex University.
  • AUCET is the primary entrance exam conducted by Apex University itself for PhD admissions.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidates must hold a Master's degree in Journalism & Mass Communication, M.A. (Mass Communication), M.Sc. (Mass Communication), or equivalent from a UGC-recognized institution with a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent CGPA on a 10-point scale.
  • A relaxation of 5% (from 55% to 50%) is available for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled/EWS categories as per UGC norms.
  • Applicants with a 4-year/8-semester Bachelor's degree are eligible with a minimum of 75% aggregate marks (70% for reserved categories).

Admission Process

  • Apply online at admissions.apexuniversity.co.in by filling the application form and paying the non-refundable application fee of Rs. 2,000.
  • Appear for the AUCET (written test, online/offline) conducted by Apex University.
  • Candidates with UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/SLET/M.Phil qualifications are exempted from the entrance test.
  • Shortlisted candidates appear for a Personal Interview (online/offline) conducted by the Departmental Research Committee.
  • Submit a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current employer (mandatory for all part-time candidates).
  • Selection is based on performance in the written test and interview, subject to seat availability.
  • Upon selection, deposit the Registration Fee and Academic Fee (first instalment) within the stipulated dates to confirm admission.
  • Upload required documents: 10th and 12th marksheets, Master's degree marksheet, transfer certificate, migration certificate, Aadhaar card, passport-size photograph, NOC from employer, and caste certificate (if applicable).

AU Ph.D. (JMC) Scholarships 2026

Scholarships are NOT applicable for Ph.D. programmes at Apex University. As per the official scholarship policy, Ph.D. programmes fall under Group A, for which all scholarship schemes (including merit-based, AUCET-based, CUET-based, Early Bird, and other concession schemes) are explicitly excluded.

Scholarship Schemes

Scholarship SchemeApplicable to PhD?Remarks
Merit-Based ScholarshipNoApplicable to UG/PG (Group B) only
AUCET ScholarshipNoApplicable to Group B programs only
Early Bird Registration (EBR)NoApplicable to Group B programs only
CUET-Based ScholarshipNoApplicable to UG/PG only
Apex Shiksha Suraksha YojanaNoApplicable to Group B programs only
Sports ScholarshipNoApplicable to Group B programs only
Sibling/Alumni/Defence ConcessionNoApplicable to Group B programs only
  • For scholarship-related queries, candidates may contact scholarships@apexuniversity.co.in.
  • Government scholarships for doctoral students offered by the Rajasthan government or central government bodies for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/Minority categories may be applicable separately; candidates are advised to check with the respective government portals.

Table of Contents

Apex University Jaipur Latest Updates and News

19 Apr, 2026 Apex University Jaipur has also released the Fee structure 2026-27 for Ph.D Journalism & Mass Communication programs. The total Academic Fee is ₹ 4 Lakhs.

AU Ph.D. (JMC) FAQs

Ques. Is a Part-Time PhD in Journalism & Mass Communication from Apex University valid and recognized?

Ans. Yes, the Ph.D. (Journalism & Mass Communication) offered by Apex University, Jaipur is a UGC-recognized doctoral degree. Apex University is a private university established under the Rajasthan Private Universities Act and is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The degree is equivalent to any other PhD from a recognized Indian university and is valid for academic appointments, promotions, and research purposes. The programme follows UGC's PhD Regulations 2022, ensuring academic rigor and compliance with national standards.

Ques. Can a working journalist or media professional apply for this Part-Time PhD?

Ans. Yes, this programme is specifically designed for working media professionals. Journalists, PR executives, content strategists, media managers, and communication faculty are the primary target audience. You can continue your job while pursuing the PhD, as the programme requires only occasional campus visits for coursework and guide meetings. The mandatory NOC from your employer ensures that your organization is aware and supportive of your research pursuit. Many media professionals use this route to qualify for academic positions in journalism schools, which typically require a PhD.

Ques. What are the key research areas available in this programme?

Ans. The Ph.D. in Journalism & Mass Communication at Apex University covers a wide range of research areas including Digital Journalism and Online Media, Media Ethics and Press Freedom, Public Relations and Corporate Communication, Broadcast Journalism (TV and Radio), Social Media and New Media Studies, Advertising and Media Economics, Media Policy and Regulation, Development Communication, and Communication Theory. The specific research topic is finalized in consultation with your assigned research guide from the Faculty of Journalism & Mass Communication.

Ques. What is the minimum duration and what happens if I cannot complete the thesis in 4 years?

Ans. The minimum duration for the Part-Time PhD is 4 years (8 semesters). If you are unable to submit your thesis within 4 years, you must register for additional semesters and pay Rs. 50,000 per semester until thesis submission. The maximum permissible time limit is 6 years from the date of registration. It is important to plan your research timeline carefully, as delays beyond 6 years can result in cancellation of registration as per UGC regulations. Scholars are advised to maintain regular contact with their research guide and submit progress reports as required.

Ques. Is UGC-NET in Mass Communication & Journalism sufficient for exemption from the AUCET entrance test?

Ans. Yes, candidates who have qualified UGC-NET in Mass Communication & Journalism (Subject Code 47) with JRF or Lectureship are exempted from the AUCET written entrance test at Apex University. However, the Personal Interview conducted by the Departmental Research Committee remains mandatory for all candidates, including those with NET/GATE qualifications. The interview assesses your research aptitude, proposed research area, and academic background. Candidates with NET qualification may also have an advantage during the interview process.

Ques. How does the Part-Time PhD in Journalism & Mass Communication compare to the Full-Time option in terms of fees and flexibility?

Ans. The Full-Time PhD in Journalism & Mass Communication at Apex University has a duration of 3 years (6 semesters) with an academic fee of Rs. 60,000 per semester, totalling Rs. 3,60,000 in academic fees (plus Rs. 10,000 registration and Rs. 10,000 thesis fee = Rs. 3,80,000 total). The Part-Time PhD spans 4 years (8 semesters) at Rs. 50,000 per semester, totalling Rs. 4,00,000 in academic fees (plus Rs. 10,000 registration and Rs. 10,000 thesis fee = Rs. 4,20,000 total). While the Part-Time option costs slightly more overall, it offers the significant advantage of allowing you to continue your career, does not require GATE/JRF scores, and provides flexibility in research scheduling. Full-time scholars may access external fellowships and stipends, which are generally not available to part-time scholars.

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