A part-time PhD in Kerala is best suited for professionals and self-employed individuals who want to pursue a doctorate while continuing to keep their jobs. Distance and online PhD programs are not approved in India, so working professionals often search for part-time PhD in Kerala, as these allow them to complete their studies without quitting their jobs and in a relaxed manner, without attending regular classes at any university or college.
Part Time PhD in Kerala- Highlights
Course Duration | 4 -7 Years |
Eligibility | Minimum 55% marks in post-graduation. |
Admission Process | Through Entrance/UGC NET |
Entrance Exam | University Entrance/UGC NET, CSIR UGC JRF ,TANCET , NPAT etc. |
PhD Topics | Computer Science, Engineering , Management, Nursing, Law, English Economics, Psychology, Maths, Malayalam etc |
Top Institutions | Kerala University, IIM Calicut etc |
Average Fees | INR 12,000 to 20,000/Year |
Type of Colleges | Government University Affiliated Colleges |
Who Can Join a Part Time PhD in Kerala?
Universities in Kerala have specific requirements for applying to part-time PhD programs. The common eligibility criteria are listed below:
- Candidates applying for part-time PhD programs in Kerala must be employed on a regular basis at a university or its affiliated colleges.
- They must have a minimum of 4 years of teaching experience in any college, university, or institution affiliated with the university.
- They must clear the entrance exam and interview conducted by the university.
- They must hold a postgraduate degree with at least 4 years of professional experience.
Part Time PhD in Kerala Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Research Flexibility– Balance your job and research without resigning.
- Reputed Universities– Kerala has top government institutions like Kerala University, CUSAT, and MGU.
- Affordable Fees– Cost-effective (approx. Rs 15,000–Rs 20,000 per year).
- Industry Collaboration– Partnership with industries for practical research applications.
- Work While Studying– No career break needed as scholars can continue working while pursuing the doctorate.
Disadvantages
- Limited Seats– Very few vacancies compared to other southern states.
- Shortage of Research Guides– Few guides are available in most universities for PhD supervision.
- Fewer University Options– Unlike Tamil Nadu, Kerala does not have many deemed/private universities offering PhD programs.
- Restrictive Eligibility– Most universities prefer their own faculty or affiliated college teachers, limiting access for other professionals.
- High Competition– Large number of applicants for limited seats.
Also Check: Part time PhD Colleges in Chennai
What Are the Options?
The number of students applying for part-time PhDs in Kerala is increasing yearly. However, strict admission requirements, limited universities, and a shortage of research guides compel many aspirants to consider nearby states like Tamil Nadu, which has:
- A large number of state, private, and deemed universities.
- More subject optionsand flexible PhD programs.
List of Top Colleges & Universities for Part-Time PhD in Kerala
1. Kerala University Trivandrum
- Address: Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram District
- Part Time PhD Programs: Management, Malayalam, Sciences, Humanities, Engineering, Medicine, Chemistry, Healthcare management, Nursing, Computer Science etc
- Type: State University
- Average Fees 19,000 per year
- Part-Time PhD Duration:4-6 years
- Website: keralauniversity.ac.in
2. CUSAT Kochi
- Address:Kalamassery, Ernakulam District
- Part Time PhD Programs:: Engineering, Environmental Studies, etc.
- Admission Criteria:PG with 55% marks, UGC NET/GATE qualification
- Type:State Government
- Average Fees: Rs: 30,000 per year
- Part-Time PhD Duration:4-6 years
- Website: cusat.ac.in
3. NUALS Kochi
- Address:Ernakulam District Kerala
- PhD Subjects Offered:Law
- Type: Central Government
- Average Fees : Approx 11,550/Year
- Part-Time PhD Duration:4-6 years
- Website:nuals.ac.in
4. CET College Trivandrum
- Address:Thiruvananthapuram District
- Part Time PhD Programs:Engineering
- Type: State Institution
- Average Fees : Please Contact the College
- Part-Time PhD Duration:4-6 years
- Website:cet.ac.in
5. ISBM Kochi
- Address:Ernakulam District
- PhD Subjects Offered:Management
- Type:Private
- Average Fees:Rs 78,000/Year
- Part-Time PhD Duration:4-6 years
- Website:isbm.ac.in
6. Sacred Heart College, Kochi
- Address:Thevara, Ernakulam
- Part time PhD Subjects:Multiple disciplines
- Type: Affiliated College under MG University
- Average Fees : Aprox 25,000/Year
- Part-Time PhD Duration:4-6 years
- Website:shcollege.ac.in
7. Mahatma Gandhi University
- Address:Kottayam District Kerala
- PhD Subjects Offered: Physics, Medicine, Pharmacy, Chemistry, Management, Commerce, Sports management, Education, Psychology , Leadership and management, HR etc
- Type: State University
- Average Fees : RS 31,500 per year
- Part-Time PhD Duration:4-6 years
- Website:mgu.ac.in
8. NIT Calicut
- Address:Kozhikode
- PhD Subjects Offered:Engineering, Management etc
- Type: Central Government
- Average Fees :Rs 52,500 per year
- Part-Time PhD Duration:4-6 years
- Website:nitc.ac.in
9. Amrita University
- Address:Kerala
- PhD Subjects Offered:Engineering, Sciences, Management, Medicine etc
- Type:Deemed
- Average Fees : Rs 73,500 per year
- Part-Time PhD Duration:4-6 years
- Website:amrita.edu
10. Kerala Agricultural University Thrissur
- Address:Thrissur, Kerala
- PhD Subjects Offered:Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry etc..
- Type:State University
- Average Fees: Rs 42,000 per year
- Part-Time PhD Duration:4-6 years
- Website:kau.in
NB: The fees provided above is average only. Please contact the colleges for exact fee and other details.
Frequently Asked Questions
UGC approves Part time PhD programs provided by recognized universities and institutions. Hence part-time PhD valid in Kerala.
4 to 7. The minimum time is generally 4 years.
No; Regular attendance is not required for part time Doctorate programs
Yes. Regular and Part time PhD offered by the Tamilnadu universities are approved by the Kerala Universities.
Yes. As of 2025, UGC NET is not mandatory for PhD admission in Kerala. Applicants without UGC NET or other PhD entrance qualifications can appear for Kerala University’s entrance exam and then attend the interview test.
CONCLUSION
A Part time PhD in Kerala is highly beneficial for working people. But limited seats and availability of supervisors and strict admission requirements are major issues in pursuing a part time PhD in Kerala. If you are interested in part time PhD programs from NAAC A grade universities in Tamilnadu, You can contact us for details, guidance for admission and research.