Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 8, 2026

The Ph.D. in Maritime Studies at Pondicherry University (PU) is a full-time doctoral research programme offered by the UGC Centre for Maritime Studies (CMS), established under the School of Social Sciences and International Studies. The Centre was set up with UGC support and focuses on research in maritime security, maritime law, maritime history, Indian Ocean geopolitics, and India's maritime strategy. The programme has a minimum duration of 3 years and is conducted on campus in Puducherry. The total fees for the minimum 3-year duration amount to Rs. 48,180 (Humanities category), making it one of the most affordable doctoral programmes in maritime and strategic studies in India. The programme is particularly popular among candidates with backgrounds in Political Science, International Relations, South Asian Studies, Security Studies, Economics, and History who wish to specialize in maritime affairs.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic year are available primarily through the JRF/NET-qualified route (Preference 1 and 2). For the 2026-27 entrance examination cycle, Ph.D. Maritime Studies does not appear as a separate entrance exam code in the current brochure; candidates are advised to check the university website for the latest updates on entrance exam availability for this programme. JRF-qualified candidates (UGC-NET) may apply directly to the Centre for Maritime Studies throughout the year.

Key Points

The UGC Centre for Maritime Studies (CMS) is one of the few dedicated maritime studies research centres at a central university in India.
Research focus areas include Maritime Security, Indian Ocean Geopolitics, Maritime Law, India's Maritime Strategy, Blue Economy, and Maritime History.
The Centre has an MoU with St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University, Russia, for academic collaboration.
The entrance exam for Ph.D. Maritime Studies consists of 100 MCQs covering International Relations, Foreign Policy and Maritime Affairs, and Research Methodology.
JRF-qualified candidates (UGC-NET in Political Science, International Relations, or related subjects) are given Preference 1 in admissions.
Full-time scholars who do not hold a national fellowship are eligible for a Non-NET Fellowship of Rs. 8,000 per month from the university.
The programme is managed through PU-RAMS (Pondicherry University Research Scholars Academic Activity Management System).
The Centre is part of the School of Social Sciences and International Studies, which also houses departments of Politics and International Studies, South Asian Studies, and European Studies.

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Ranking
FAQs

Pondicherry University Latest Updates and News

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

PU Ph.D. (Maritime Studies) Fees

The Ph.D. programme at Pondicherry University is extremely affordable, being a Central University funded by the Government of India. For Humanities/Social Sciences departments (including Maritime Studies), the initial payment at the time of admission is Rs. 19,430, which includes a one-time registration fee, caution deposit, amenities fund, and group medical insurance. Subsequent semester-wise payments are Rs. 5,750 per semester. Over the minimum 3-year (6-semester) duration, the total programme fee works out to Rs. 48,180. Hostel accommodation is optional and available at a nominal additional cost.

Academic Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Research Fee (Non-Science/Humanities) - per annum	2,500
Registration Fee (one-time)	1,000
Matriculation Fee (one-time)	500
Recognition Fee (one-time)	500
Sports Fund - per semester	250
Medical Examination / Facilities Fund - per semester	250
Library Fund - per semester	1,000
Amenities Development Fund (one-time)	6,000
Students' Welfare Fund - per semester	250
Alumni Association Fund (one-time)	500
Caution Deposit - Other Courses (Refundable, one-time)	1,000
ICT Fund and Computer - per semester	1,500
Group Medical Insurance - Full Time (one-time)	1,180
University Development Fund (one-time)	2,000
Initial Payment at Admission (Semester 1)	19,430
Subsequent Semester Payment (per semester)	5,750
Total Fees (3 Years / 6 Semesters - Minimum Duration)	48,180

Hostel Fees (Optional)

Hostel Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Room Rent for Ph.D. Scholars (per annum)	1,800
General Amenities Fund (per annum)	700
Establishment Charges (per annum)	300
Total Hostel Fee per Year	2,800
Caution Deposit - Hostel (Refundable, one-time)	3,000

The Caution Deposit of Rs. 1,000 (academic) and Rs. 3,000 (hostel) are fully refundable upon leaving the university, after deducting any dues.
SC/ST students are exempted from room rent in hostels.
Differently-abled students are exempted from all fees except caution deposits and group medical insurance.
SC/ST students eligible for Post-Matric Scholarships may pay fees within 90 days of admission upon submission of an undertaking.
Mess fees are paid separately at the beginning of each semester and are compulsory for hostel residents.
Late payment fine: Rs. 5 per day for the first 10 days; Rs. 10 per day thereafter.
Application fee: Rs. 1,500 (General/OBC/EWS), Rs. 750 (SC/ST), Nil (PH/Transgender).

PU Ph.D. (Maritime Studies) Admission 2026-27

Pondicherry University offers Ph.D. admissions in Maritime Studies primarily through the JRF/NET-qualified route. JRF-qualified candidates (UGC-NET in Political Science, International Relations, or related subjects) are given Preference 1 and may apply directly to the Centre for Maritime Studies throughout the year. For the 2026-27 entrance examination cycle, candidates are advised to check the university website for the latest updates on entrance exam availability for this programme. The general admission schedule for Pondicherry University Ph.D. programmes is as follows.

Admission Schedule

Event	Date
Application Portal Opens	November 12, 2025
Original Last Date to Apply	December 30, 2025
Extended Last Date to Apply	March 31, 2026 (11:50 PM)
Entrance Examination (if applicable)	May 2, 2026
Result / Merit List Declaration	June 2026 (Tentative)
Personal Interview	June - July 2026 (Tentative)
Batch Commencement	July - August 2026 (Tentative)

National Exam Dates

Exam	Event	Date
UGC-NET Phase 1	Exam Date	December 31, 2025 - January 7, 2026
UGC-NET Phase 1	Result	February 4, 2026
UGC-NET Phase 2	Exam Date	June 2026 (Tentative)

Note: UGC-NET (Political Science / International Relations / related subjects) is the primary national-level exam accepted for Ph.D. Maritime Studies admission priority at Pondicherry University. JRF-qualified candidates are given Preference 1 in admissions.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold an M.A. in Political Science, International Relations, South Asian Studies, Security Studies, Economics, History, or any Maritime-related studies from a recognized university.
A minimum of 55% marks in the PG degree is required (50% for SC/ST/OBC Non-Creamy Layer/Differently-Abled/EWS candidates).
Final year PG students are also eligible to apply, subject to producing mark sheets before the date notified by the university.

Admission Process

Submit the online application form at www.pondiuni.edu.in and pay the application fee.
JRF-qualified candidates (UGC-NET) may apply directly to the Centre for Maritime Studies throughout the year via the JRF/exemption route.
For entrance exam route: Appear for the Computer Based Test (CBT) entrance examination. The exam consists of 100 MCQs covering International Relations, Foreign Policy and Maritime Affairs, and Research Methodology.
Candidates scoring 50% or above in the entrance test are eligible to be called for the personal interview.
Shortlisted candidates must submit a written research proposal at the time of interview and obtain consent from a recognized research supervisor.
Final selection is based on 70% entrance exam score and 30% personal interview and academic record.
Admission is provisional and subject to verification of original documents.

PU Ph.D. (Maritime Studies) Scholarships 2026-27

Pondicherry University offers multiple fellowship and scholarship options for Ph.D. scholars, making the programme financially accessible. The university's own Non-NET Fellowship provides Rs. 8,000 per month to all full-time scholars who do not hold a national fellowship. Scholars who qualify UGC-NET with JRF are eligible for significantly higher national fellowships. Additionally, government schemes such as NFOBC, NFSC, and MANF are also recognized by the university.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / Fellowship	Eligibility	Amount	Duration
UGC JRF Fellowship	NET-JRF qualified PhD scholars	Rs. 37,000/month (JRF, Years 1-2); Rs. 42,000/month (SRF, after 2 years)	Up to 5 years
PU Non-NET Fellowship (UGC)	Full-time PhD scholars without national fellowship	Rs. 8,000/month + contingency grant	Duration of PhD
National Fellowship for OBC (NFOBC)	OBC candidates admitted to PhD	As per UGC norms	Duration of PhD
National Fellowship for SC (NFSC)	SC candidates admitted to PhD	As per UGC norms	Duration of PhD
Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF)	Minority community PhD scholars	As per UGC norms	Up to 5 years
Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST)	SC/ST students	Covers tuition and other fees	Annual

JRF-qualified candidates are given first priority in admissions and are eligible for the higher national fellowship rates.
The Non-NET Fellowship of Rs. 8,000/month is available only to full-time scholars enrolled in university department/centre programmes.
SC/ST students eligible for Post-Matric Scholarships may defer fee payment up to 90 days from admission.
Differently-abled students are fully exempted from all fees (except caution deposits and group medical insurance).
Scholars must submit an undertaking that they will reimburse the Non-NET Fellowship amount if they leave the programme before thesis submission.

Pondicherry University Ph.D Maritime Studies Ranking

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#801 out of 801 in International 2020

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PU Ph.D. (Maritime Studies) FAQs

Ques. What is the UGC Centre for Maritime Studies at Pondicherry University and what makes it unique?

Ans. The UGC Centre for Maritime Studies (CMS) at Pondicherry University was established with UGC support and is one of the few dedicated maritime studies research centres at a central university in India. It focuses on research in maritime security, Indian Ocean geopolitics, maritime law, India's maritime strategy, and the blue economy. The Centre has an MoU with St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University, Russia, and is strategically located in Puducherry, close to the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.

Ques. What is the difference between Ph.D. Maritime Studies and Ph.D. Marine Biology at Pondicherry University?

Ans. These are two entirely different programmes. Ph.D. Maritime Studies (Centre for Maritime Studies) is a Social Sciences/Humanities programme focusing on maritime security, geopolitics, maritime law, and India's maritime strategy. It requires an M.A. background in Political Science, International Relations, or related subjects. Ph.D. Marine Biology (Department of Ocean Studies and Marine Biology, Port Blair Campus) is a Science programme focusing on biological research in marine ecosystems. It requires an M.Sc. background in Marine Biology, Zoology, or related life sciences.

Ques. Can candidates with a background in Economics or History apply for Ph.D. Maritime Studies at Pondicherry University?

Ans. Yes. The eligibility criteria for Ph.D. Maritime Studies explicitly includes M.A. in Political Science, International Relations, South Asian Studies, Security Studies, Economics, History, and any Maritime-related studies. Candidates with these qualifications and a minimum of 55% marks in their PG degree are eligible to apply.

Ques. What UGC-NET subject should I qualify to get JRF priority for Ph.D. Maritime Studies at Pondicherry University?

Ans. Candidates should ideally qualify UGC-NET in Political Science (Code 02) or International Relations (Code 09) to get JRF priority for Ph.D. Maritime Studies. Candidates with JRF in Economics, History, or other related Social Sciences subjects may also be considered. JRF-qualified candidates are given Preference 1 in admissions and may apply directly to the Centre throughout the year.

Ques. What are the research areas available for Ph.D. scholars at the Centre for Maritime Studies, Pondicherry University?

Ans. The Centre's research areas include: Maritime Security and Strategy, Indian Ocean Geopolitics, India's Maritime Policy and Blue Economy, Maritime Law and International Law of the Sea, Maritime History, Indo-Pacific Security Architecture, and Coastal and Island Security. The Centre's location in Puducherry, close to the Bay of Bengal, provides a strategic advantage for maritime research.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing a Ph.D. in Maritime Studies from Pondicherry University?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers in academic research and teaching at universities and research institutes, positions at national bodies such as the National Maritime Foundation (NMF), Indian Navy's think tanks, Ministry of External Affairs, and Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, policy research at strategic affairs institutes, international organizations working on maritime security and law of the sea, and diplomatic and foreign service careers. The growing importance of the Indo-Pacific region and India's blue economy policy has significantly increased demand for maritime studies researchers and policy analysts.