Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 8, 2026

Pondicherry University's Ph.D. (Electronic Media) is a full-time, on-campus doctoral research programme offered by the Department of Electronic Media under the School of Media and Communication. The programme spans a minimum of 3 years and focuses on research in areas such as television production, digital media, film studies, visual communication, media technology, and the evolving landscape of electronic and digital journalism. With a seat intake of 2 for the 2026-27 academic year, this is a highly selective programme. The total fees amount to approximately Rs. 46,378 over 3 years (humanities/other category). Admission is through a university entrance examination (CBT mode) for non-JRF candidates, while JRF holders get direct admission. The programme is well-suited for media professionals and academics seeking to contribute original research to the rapidly evolving field of electronic and digital media in India.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic year are currently open. The last date to apply online has been extended to 31st March 2026. JRF-qualified candidates get direct admission to the doctoral programme without appearing for the entrance examination. The entrance exam (PHD 154) is scheduled in SLOT-VI.

Key Points

Ph.D. Electronic Media at Pondicherry University has a very limited intake of only 2 seats for 2026-27, making it one of the most selective doctoral programmes at the university.
JRF-qualified candidates (UGC-NET JRF) get direct admission without appearing for the entrance examination.
The entrance exam for non-JRF candidates consists of 80 MCQs from Mass Communication and Electronic Media subjects, plus 20 questions from English, Maths, and Reasoning (total 100 questions).
The programme is offered under the School of Media and Communication, which also houses the Department of Mass Communication.
The selection process gives 70% weightage to the entrance exam and 30% to the personal interview and academic record.
The university uses PU-RAMS (Pondicherry University Research Scholars Academic Activity Management System) to manage the entire Ph.D. research lifecycle online.
Full-time Ph.D. scholars admitted to university departments are eligible for a UGC Non-NET Fellowship of Rs. 8,000 per month along with a contingency grant.

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Admission
Scholarships
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FAQs

Pondicherry University Latest Updates and News

03 Feb, 2026 Pondicherry University Ph.D Electronic Media Fee Structure 2026 is out. The total academic fee is ₹ 96,655 .

PU Ph.D. (Electronic Media) Fees

The Ph.D. (Electronic Media) programme at Pondicherry University falls under the Humanities/Other category for fee purposes (not Science). The initial payment at the time of admission is Rs. 17,628, which includes one-time charges such as registration, matriculation, recognition, amenities development fund, alumni association fund, caution deposit, university development fund, and group medical insurance, along with the first semester's recurring fees. From the second semester onwards, a recurring fee of Rs. 5,750 per semester is payable. Over a minimum duration of 3 years (6 semesters), the total fees amount to approximately Rs. 46,378. Hostel accommodation is optional and not mandatory; hostel fees for 2026-27 will be announced separately on the university website.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Initial Payment (Semester 1)	Subsequent Semesters (per semester)
Research Fee (Humanities)	Rs. 2,500	Rs. 2,500
Registration Fee	Rs. 1,000	-
Matriculation Fee	Rs. 500	-
Recognition Fee	Rs. 500	-
Sports Fund	Rs. 250	Rs. 250
Medical Examination / Facilities Fund	Rs. 250	Rs. 250
Library Fund	Rs. 1,000	Rs. 1,000
Amenities Development Fund	Rs. 6,000	-
Students' Welfare Fund	Rs. 250	Rs. 250
Alumni Association Fund	Rs. 500	-
Caution Deposit (Refundable)	Rs. 1,000	-
ICT Fund & Computer	Rs. 1,500	Rs. 1,500
Group Medical Insurance (Full-time only)	Rs. 378	-
University Development Fund	Rs. 2,000	-
Total Fees (per semester)	Rs. 17,628	Rs. 5,750
Total Fees (3 years / 6 semesters)	Rs. 46,378

Caution Deposit of Rs. 1,000 is refundable upon leaving the university after deducting all dues.
Differently abled students are fully exempted from all fees; they pay only the caution deposit and Group Medical Insurance premium.
SC/ST students eligible for Post-Matric Scholarships may pay fees within 90 days of admission upon receipt of scholarship amount, by submitting an undertaking.
Late payment fine: Rs. 5 per day for the first 10 days; Rs. 10 per day thereafter.
Hostel fees are not included above; hostel accommodation is optional. Hostel fee details for 2026-27 will be published separately on the university website.
Application fee: Rs. 1,500 (General/OBC/EWS); Rs. 750 (SC/ST); Nil (PwD/Transgender).

PU Ph.D. (Electronic Media) Admission 2026-27

Pondicherry University conducts Ph.D. admissions for the 2026-27 academic year through a Computer Based Test (CBT) entrance examination. Applications for the current cycle are open with the last date extended to 31st March 2026. JRF-qualified candidates get direct admission to the Ph.D. Electronic Media programme without appearing for the entrance exam. For non-JRF candidates, the entrance exam (PHD 154) is scheduled in SLOT-VI. With only 2 seats available, competition is extremely high and candidates are advised to prepare thoroughly. The selection is based on 70% weightage for the entrance exam and 30% for the personal interview and academic record.

Admission Schedule

Event	Date / Details
Application Portal Opens	19th November 2025
Last Date to Apply (Original)	30th December 2025
Last Date to Apply (Extended)	31st March 2026
Entrance Exam (CBT Mode)	To be announced (expected May 2026, SLOT-VI)
Hall Ticket Download	To be announced (before exam date)
Personal Interview	To be announced (after entrance exam results)
Batch Commencement	To be announced (typically July-August 2026)

Entrance Exam Dates

Exam	Relevance	Status / Dates
UGC-NET (Mass Communication and Journalism)	JRF qualification exempts from PU entrance exam; JRF holders get direct admission	Check official UGC-NET website for 2026 schedule
PU Ph.D. Entrance Exam (PHD 154 - Electronic Media)	Mandatory for non-JRF candidates	Expected May 2026 (SLOT-VI); exact date to be announced

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Master's Degree with a minimum of 55% marks in Electronic Media, Journalism, Mass Communication, Fine Arts, Visual Arts, or Performing Arts (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/EWS candidates).
Candidates who have studied under the 10+2+3+2 pattern and qualified for a Master's degree from a recognized university are eligible.
Final year PG students are also eligible to apply; however, they must submit their mark sheet/degree certificate before the date notified by the university.

Admission Process

Apply online at pondiunivadmission.samarth.edu.in; apply separately for each programme.
Pay the application fee online (Rs. 1,500 for General/OBC/EWS; Rs. 750 for SC/ST; Nil for PwD/Transgender).
Select 3 preferred exam centres in order of preference.
JRF-qualified candidates can apply directly for admission without appearing for the entrance exam.
Non-JRF candidates must appear for the CBT entrance exam (100 MCQs: 80 from Electronic Media/Mass Communication subjects + 20 from English, Maths & Reasoning; 2 hours).
Candidates scoring the minimum cut-off marks are called for personal interview and must submit a written research proposal at the time of interview.
Final merit list is prepared based on 70% entrance exam + 30% personal interview and academic record.

PU Ph.D. (Electronic Media) Scholarships 2026-27

Pondicherry University offers multiple fellowship and scholarship options for Ph.D. scholars in Electronic Media. Full-time scholars admitted to university departments are automatically eligible for the UGC Non-NET Fellowship of Rs. 8,000 per month. JRF-qualified candidates who get direct admission can avail the higher UGC/CSIR JRF fellowship. Government scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/minority students are also available, ensuring broad financial support across categories.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / Fellowship	Eligibility	Amount	Remarks
UGC Non-NET Fellowship	Full-time Ph.D. scholars at PU campus (non-JRF)	Rs. 8,000 per month + contingency grant	Undertaking required; amount reimbursable if scholar leaves before thesis submission
UGC JRF Fellowship (Year 1-2)	NET-qualified JRF holders (Mass Communication/Journalism)	Rs. 25,000 per month + contingency grant	Subject to UGC approval
UGC JRF Fellowship (After 2 years)	NET-qualified JRF holders (on fulfilling conditions)	Rs. 28,000 per month + contingency grant	Enhanced after 2 years subject to conditions
Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship	SC/ST Ph.D. scholars	As per UGC norms	Notified annually by UGC
Maulana Azad National Fellowship	Minority community Ph.D. scholars	As per UGC norms	Notified annually by UGC
Govt. of India SC/ST/OBC Scholarship	SC/ST/OBC candidates	As per state/central govt. norms	Provided by respective state governments

Students are eligible for only one scholarship at a time.
SC/ST students eligible for Post-Matric Scholarships may defer fee payment until receipt of scholarship (within 90 days of admission).
Fellowship amounts and conditions are subject to revision by the respective funding agencies (UGC).
Application for government fellowships (Rajiv Gandhi, Maulana Azad) must be made separately as per UGC annual notifications.

Pondicherry University Ph.D Electronic Media Ranking

Collegedunia Ranking

#439 out of 500 in India 2025

#15th in Puducherry

IIRF Ranking

#13 out of 78 in Top Public Colleges in India 2025

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PU Ph.D. (Electronic Media) FAQs

Ques. How many seats are available for Ph.D. Electronic Media at Pondicherry University in 2026-27?

Ans. Only 2 seats are available for Ph.D. Electronic Media (PHD 154) at Pondicherry University for the 2026-27 academic year. This makes it one of the most competitive doctoral programmes at the university. Given the very limited intake, candidates are strongly advised to have a well-prepared research proposal and a clear research agenda before appearing for the interview.

Ques. What is the difference between Ph.D. Electronic Media and Ph.D. Mass Communication at Pondicherry University?

Ans. Both programmes are offered under the School of Media and Communication. Ph.D. Electronic Media (PHD 154) focuses specifically on television, film, digital media, visual communication, and electronic journalism, while Ph.D. Mass Communication (PHD 155) has a broader scope covering print, broadcast, digital, and strategic communication. The eligibility for both overlaps significantly (Master's in Electronic Media, Journalism, or Mass Communication qualifies for both). Candidates can apply for both programmes separately, but must ensure there is no overlap in entrance exam slots.

Ques. Is UGC-NET (Mass Communication and Journalism) sufficient for direct admission to Ph.D. Electronic Media?

Ans. Yes. Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET with JRF in Mass Communication and Journalism (or a related subject) are eligible for direct admission to the Ph.D. Electronic Media programme at Pondicherry University without appearing for the entrance examination. This is a significant advantage as it bypasses the competitive entrance exam process. However, candidates still need to appear for the personal interview and submit a research proposal.

Ques. What research topics can I pursue in Ph.D. Electronic Media at Pondicherry University?

Ans. Research areas in Ph.D. Electronic Media at Pondicherry University include digital media studies, television production and content analysis, film studies and criticism, visual communication, media technology and innovation, social media and new media, documentary filmmaking, media policy and regulation, audience studies, and the intersection of technology and journalism. The department encourages interdisciplinary research that bridges media studies with sociology, cultural studies, and communication technology.

Ques. What are the career prospects after completing a Ph.D. in Electronic Media from Pondicherry University?

Ans. A Ph.D. in Electronic Media opens doors to academic positions as Assistant Professor/Associate Professor in media and communication departments at universities and colleges. Research positions in media research organizations, think tanks, and policy bodies are also available. Industry roles include senior content strategist, media consultant, documentary filmmaker, and research analyst in broadcasting organizations. With the rapid growth of OTT platforms, digital media companies, and content creation industry in India, Ph.D. holders with expertise in electronic media are increasingly sought after for research and leadership roles.

Ques. What is the entrance exam pattern for Ph.D. Electronic Media at Pondicherry University?

Ans. The entrance exam (PHD 154) for Ph.D. Electronic Media consists of 100 Multiple Choice Questions to be answered in 2 hours. Of these, 80 questions are from subjects taught as part of Mass Communication and Electronic Media (covering topics like media theory, television production, film studies, digital media, journalism, and communication research methods), and 20 questions are from English, Maths, and Reasoning. The exam is conducted in CBT (Computer Based Test) mode. A correct answer carries +4 marks and a wrong answer carries -1 mark (negative marking applies).