Central University of Kerala opens 260 PhD seats, apply by October 26

By TUF News Desk · Published 13 October 2026 · 3 min read

Fact-checked against 2+ independent sources · Editorial policy

The Central University of Kerala has invited applications for its PhD programmes for the 2026-27 academic year, in full-time and part-time modes. The university has announced 260 seats across 26 subjects, and the online application window stays open until October 26, 2026. Candidates apply through the university’s official website.

The notification was issued by the university at its Kasaragod campus this week, giving applicants under two weeks to complete the form, pay the fee and upload their documents.

260 seats in 26 subjects

Chemistry has the largest intake with 28 seats. Physics and Environmental Science follow with 19 seats each. Public Health Sciences and Public Administration and Policy Studies have 15 seats each, and Education has 14. Computer Science, Linguistics and Plant Science have 13 seats each, while Law and Yoga Studies have the fewest at two seats each. The full breakup covers sciences, humanities, management and social work, so candidates in most research fields will find a department to apply to.

Who can apply

The eligibility rule follows the standard UGC pattern. Applicants need one of the following: a two-year or four-semester Master’s degree after a three-year bachelor’s with at least 55 per cent marks or an equivalent grade; a one-year or two-semester Master’s after a four-year bachelor’s with the same 55 per cent; a four-year bachelor’s degree with at least 75 per cent marks; an MPhil with at least 55 per cent marks; or an equivalent qualification from an accredited foreign institution. SC, ST, OBC (non-creamy layer), EWS and PwD candidates get a five percentage point relaxation under UGC norms.

A national exam score is also required

Academic degrees alone are not enough. Candidates must also have qualified for a Junior Research Fellowship through UGC-NET, UGC-CSIR NET, GATE, CEED or a similar national-level examination. Candidates without JRF can still apply if they cleared UGC-NET in one of two categories: admission to PhD programmes with eligibility for appointment as assistant professor, or admission to PhD programmes only.

Fee and how to apply

The application fee is Rs 1,000 for candidates in the UR, OBC and EWS categories, and Rs 500 for SC, ST and PwD candidates. The form is filled and submitted online on cukerala.ac.in before October 26. Keep the degree certificates, category certificate and NET or GATE scorecard ready before you start. Our admission documents checklist lists the scans most research programme applications ask for.

If you are weighing funding options alongside admission, the guide to scholarships for Indian university students covers what is available beyond the JRF. And if you want the full picture of the university before applying, read the Central University of Kerala profile.

Apply well before the evening of October 26. Portals slow down under deadline pressure, and a failed payment in the final hours leaves no time to recover.

Frequently asked questions

What is the last date to apply for Central University of Kerala PhD admission 2026?

October 26, 2026. Applications are submitted online through the university’s official website, cukerala.ac.in.

How many PhD seats has the Central University of Kerala announced?

260 seats across 26 subjects for the 2026-27 academic year, in full-time and part-time modes. Chemistry has the most seats at 28; Law and Yoga Studies have two each.

What is the application fee for CUK PhD admission?

Rs 1,000 for UR, OBC and EWS candidates, and Rs 500 for SC, ST and PwD candidates.

Who is eligible for the Central University of Kerala PhD programmes?

A Master’s degree with at least 55 per cent marks (75 per cent for a four-year bachelor’s degree), plus a valid JRF through UGC-NET, UGC-CSIR NET, GATE, CEED or a similar exam, or UGC-NET qualified for PhD admission.

Frequently asked questions

Sources: Mathrubhumi English, InPhD