Ph.D

The Part-Time Ph.D. program at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Chennai, is designed for working professionals, faculty members, and researchers who wish to pursue doctoral research while continuing their employment. Offered across disciplines including Medicine, Dental Sciences, Pharmacy, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Biomedical Sciences, Management, Allied Health Sciences, Public Health, Engineering and Technology, and more, the minimum duration is 4 years. The total fee for a part-time Ph.D. is Rs. 3,12,000 for the minimum 4-year duration (Rs. 6,02,000 for NRI candidates). SRIHER is a Category-I Deemed University with NAAC A++ accreditation, ranked 60th overall and 21st in Medical category by NIRF 2025, with over 650 active Ph.D. scholars and 447 degrees awarded to date.

Admissions for the April 2026 session have already been processed (application deadline was January 31, 2026; entrance exam was held February 16-18, 2026; commencement April 1, 2026). The next session is expected to be October 2026. Candidates are advised to watch the official website sriramachandra.edu/admissions/ph-d-admission/ for the October 2026 session notification.

Key Points

• Part-Time Ph.D. is available in two categories: Internal (for SRIHER employees) and External (for employees of other recognized institutions).
• Part-Time Internal candidates must have at least 1 year of continuous academic/clinical/administrative experience at SRIHER on the date of provisional registration.
• Part-Time External candidates must be full-time regular employees at national/state-level institutions, laboratories, R&D centres, industries, or universities with at least 1 year of continuous experience.
• Both internal and external part-time candidates are required to spend at least 30 days per year at SRIHER under their Research Supervisor.
• A third category, Part-Time Independent Research, is available for senior faculty (Professors/Associate Professors with 15+ years of teaching experience and 3+ indexed publications) who can register without a supervisor.
• UGC-NET (JRF) holders are exempted from the entrance examination and are directly called for interview.

SRIHER Ph.D PT Fees

The Part-Time Ph.D. fee structure at SRIHER covers the entire minimum 4-year duration. Internal and External part-time candidates pay Rs. 3,12,000, while NRI part-time candidates pay Rs. 6,02,000. In addition, there are one-time application and registration charges.

Fee Components

Hostel Fees (Optional)

• The total fee of Rs. 3,12,000 for part-time candidates covers the minimum 4-year duration including thesis submission charges.
• Hostel accommodation is available on campus but is not mandatory; mess facility is compulsory if hostel is availed.
• Part-Time candidates with MD/MS/DNB/MDS/DM/M.Ch. qualifications or M.E./M.Tech. degrees have a minimum duration of 3 years (not 4 years); fee structure may differ accordingly.
• Fees for extended duration beyond the minimum period may attract additional charges as per university regulations.

SRIHER Ph.D PT Admission 2026

SRIHER conducts Ph.D. admissions twice a year - April session and October session. The April 2026 session has already commenced (from April 1, 2026). The next intake is expected in October 2026. For Part-Time candidates, admission is based on a written entrance examination (120 MCQs, 2 hours) followed by an interview, with 70% weightage to the written test and 30% to the interview. UGC-NET (JRF) holders are exempted from the written test and directly called for interview. Part-Time Independent Research candidates are exempted from the entrance examination entirely.

April 2026 Session Dates

October 2026 Session Dates

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in the relevant discipline with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate (50% for SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled candidates).
• For Part-Time Internal: Must be a teaching faculty, researcher, clinical staff, or administrative/technical staff working full-time at SRIHER with at least 1 year of continuous experience.
• For Part-Time External: Must be a full-time regular employee at a national/state-level institution, laboratory, R&D centre, industry, or university with at least 1 year of continuous experience; must submit NOC from employer.
• For Part-Time Independent Research: Must be a Professor/Additional Professor/Associate Professor at SRIHER with 15+ years of teaching experience (5+ years at PG level) and 3+ indexed publications as first or corresponding author.
• UGC-NET (JRF) holders are exempted from the entrance examination.

Admission Process

• Submit online application at phd.sriher.com with an application fee of Rs. 2,000.
• Appear for the SRIHER Ph.D. Entrance Examination (120 MCQs: 60 Research Methodology + 60 Discipline-specific); UGC-NET JRF holders and Part-Time Independent Research candidates are exempted.
• Attend the interview (30% weightage).
• Qualifying mark: 50% aggregate (written + interview) for most disciplines; 60% for Engineering & Technology.
• Part-Time External candidates must submit NOC from their employer.
• Shortlisted candidates attend in-person counselling at the SRIHER campus in Chennai.
• Submit Provisional Application Form and pay Provisional Registration Fee of Rs. 25,000.
• Identify a Research Supervisor from the list at sriramachandra.edu/research-guide/.
• Part-Time candidates must spend at least 30 days per year at SRIHER under their Research Supervisor and submit six-monthly progress reports.

SRIHER Ph.D PT Scholarships 2026

Part-Time Ph.D. candidates at SRIHER are typically working professionals and are generally not eligible for institutional stipendiary fellowships (which are reserved for full-time scholars). However, candidates with UGC-NET (JRF) or other national fellowships may pursue their Part-Time Ph.D. with their fellowship support. Government scholarships for SC/ST/OBC students are available through the National Scholarship Portal.

Scholarship Details

• Founder-Chancellor Research Fellowship (stipendiary) is available only for full-time Ph.D. scholars, not part-time candidates.
• Government scholarships (SC/ST/OBC) are available through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in).
• SRIHER provides intra-mural funding support schemes for faculty to seed research explorations.

SRIHER Ph.D PT FAQs

Ques. What is the minimum duration for a Part-Time Ph.D. at SRIHER?

Ans. The minimum duration for Part-Time Ph.D. candidates (Internal and External) is 4 years. However, candidates with MD/MS/DNB/MDS/DM/M.Ch. qualifications or M.E./M.Tech. degrees have a reduced minimum duration of 3 years. The maximum duration is typically 6-8 years as per university regulations.

Ques. How much time do Part-Time Ph.D. candidates need to spend at SRIHER?

Ans. Part-Time candidates (both Internal and External) are required to spend at least 30 days per year at SRIHER directly under their Research Supervisor for instruction, discussion, and research work. The Research Supervisor must submit a certificate of attendance along with six-monthly progress reports. External candidates conduct the majority of their research at their place of employment.

Ques. Can I do a Part-Time Ph.D. at SRIHER if I work in a private company?

Ans. Yes, subject to conditions. Part-Time External candidates who are full-time regular employees at R&D centres or industries recognized by UGC/AIU are eligible. Self-employed individuals and consultants may also be considered on the recommendation of the proposed Supervisor and prior approval of the Dean (Research) and Vice-Chancellor, with supporting documents of their research activity.

Ques. Is the Part-Time Ph.D. from SRIHER equivalent to a Full-Time Ph.D.?

Ans. Yes. The Part-Time Ph.D. from SRIHER carries the same academic value and recognition as the Full-Time Ph.D. Both are awarded by SRIHER (Deemed University) and are recognized by UGC and the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). The only difference is the mode of study and the minimum duration (4 years for part-time vs. 3 years for full-time).

Ques. What is the Part-Time Independent Research category at SRIHER?

Ans. The Part-Time Independent Research category is available for senior faculty (Head of Department/Professor/Additional Professor/Associate Professor) at SRIHER with at least 15 years of teaching experience (5+ years at PG level) and a minimum of 3 research publications in indexed journals as first or corresponding author. These candidates can register for Ph.D. without a supervisor and are exempted from the entrance examination. Their applications are assessed by the Ph.D. Admission Committee.

Ques. Can a Part-Time Ph.D. candidate at SRIHER convert to Full-Time status?

Ans. Conversion from Part-Time to Full-Time status may be possible subject to the approval of the Dean (Research) and Vice-Chancellor, provided the candidate meets the eligibility criteria for full-time registration and can demonstrate full-time availability for research. Candidates are advised to contact the Office of Dean (Research) at SRIHER for specific guidance on conversion procedures.