Ph.D

Queen Mary’s College, Chennai offers the Doctor of Philosophy across 12 specialisations: Botany, Chemistry, Economics, English, Geography, History, Mathematics, Music, Physics, Sociology, Tamil, and Zoology. Programmes run in Full-Time and Part-Time modes, affiliated to the University of Madras. The government autonomous women’s college holds NAAC A accreditation and ranks 130 in an external review site’s 2026 Science list. Minimum duration is 3 years, with fees ranging from INR 4,005 to INR 5,805.

📋 Admission Status: Admissions expected to open June 2026 (Tentative).

Key Points

• NET, SLET, or GATE holders may be exempt from the Ph.D entrance test
• Research guide must be identified before or at the selection interview stage
• Disciplines span natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and performing arts

Queen Mary’s College Ph.D Fees 2026

Most Ph.D specialisations carry an annual fee of INR 1,935, totalling INR 5,805 over the minimum three-year research period. Tamil and Music programmes carry a lower annual fee of INR 1,335, totalling INR 4,005.

• Annual fee is charged each year for the entire duration of the research programme.
• Hostel charges, if applicable, are billed separately by the college.
• Fees are subject to change. Verify with official sources before admission.

Queen Mary’s College Ph.D Admission 2026

Important Dates

• Candidates holding NET, SLET, or GATE may be exempt from the entrance test.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Master’s degree in the relevant discipline from a recognised university with minimum 55% aggregate (50% for SC/ST/BC/MBC candidates).
• Only women candidates are eligible; Queen Mary’s College is a government women’s college.
• Candidates must identify a research guide from the relevant department before or during the interview process.
• Final selection is based on the written entrance test and interview by the college or University of Madras research committee.

Admission Process

• Check qmc.edu.in and the University of Madras research admission portal for the official Ph.D notification and application form.
• Submit the application with postgraduate mark sheets, degree certificate, NET/SLET/GATE certificate if available, community certificate, and a brief research proposal.
• Appear for the written entrance test and interview, unless exempt due to NET/SLET/GATE qualification.
• The research committee reviews proposals and allots a research guide. Selected candidates receive an admission order.
• Pay the prescribed fee and complete enrolment on the reporting date to begin coursework and research under the allotted guide.

✓ Opt for this if

• Working women or faculty seeking a Part-Time Ph.D alongside employment
• Chennai or Tamil Nadu-based candidates requiring regular guide access
• Researchers targeting UGC NET-eligible assistant professor roles
• Candidates seeking very low annual fees for a recognised doctoral degree
• Women researchers in humanities, sciences, or performing arts

✗ Skip if

• Need full-time immersive research with on-campus residential facilities
• Seeking IIT, NIT, or centrally funded institution affiliation
• Male candidates (women-only institution)
• Require internationally funded research grants or collaborative projects
• Targeting fast doctoral completion in under 3 years

Queen Mary’s College Ph.D Scholarships 2026

Research scholars at Queen Mary’s College may apply for state government, central government, and university-level financial support.

• Tamil Nadu government scholarships are applied through scholarships.tn.gov.in.
• Central sector and NSP scholarships are applied through scholarships.gov.in.

Queen Mary’s College Ph.D FAQs

Ques. What specialisations are available for Ph.D at Queen Mary’s College?

Ans. Queen Mary’s College offers the Ph.D in 12 specialisations: Botany, Chemistry, Economics, English, Geography, History, Mathematics, Music, Physics, Sociology, Tamil, and Zoology. Each specialisation is available in Full-Time and Part-Time modes, affiliated to the University of Madras.

Ques. What is the total fee for a Ph.D at Queen Mary’s College?

Ans. Most Ph.D specialisations carry a total fee of INR 5,805 over the minimum 3-year period, charged at INR 1,935 annually. Tamil and Music programmes are lower at INR 4,005 total, at INR 1,335 per year. The annual fee is payable for each year of active research.

Ques. Is the Ph.D at Queen Mary’s College full-time or part-time?

Ans. Both Full-Time and Part-Time modes are available across all 12 Ph.D specialisations. The Part-Time format is designed for working women and faculty who wish to pursue doctoral research alongside their professional responsibilities. The minimum research duration is 3 years for both modes.

Ques. What is the eligibility for admission to the Ph.D programme?

Ans. Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in the relevant discipline from a recognised university with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks (50% for SC/ST/BC/MBC candidates). Admission is open exclusively to women. NET, SLET, or GATE-qualified candidates may be exempt from the written entrance test.

Ques. How does the Ph.D admission process work at Queen Mary’s College?

Ans. Applicants submit an application with postgraduate certificates, a research proposal, and supporting documents. Candidates without NET/SLET/GATE must appear for the written entrance test and interview conducted by the college or University of Madras. A research guide is allotted after the selection interview, and enrolment follows on payment of the prescribed fee.

Ques. Are there scholarships for Ph.D scholars at Queen Mary’s College?

Ans. Yes. Research scholars may apply for the UGC JRF or SRF fellowship if NET-qualified, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Higher Education Scholarship, the Central Sector Scholarship for top Class 12 board performers, and the University of Madras Merit Scholarship. SC/ST/OBC/Minority students may apply for the Post-Matric Scholarship via scholarships.gov.in.