Part-Time PhD in Chennai - Top Universities, Eligibility & Fees

If you are an employee and wish to enhance your career and attain a top role such as CEO, then the Part-Time Phd course is for you. The course helps you manage your job and studies. Chennai is also one of the most popular destinations for studying, as there are numerous top-ranked universities that assist students in their dream achievement goal, and the city gives equal importance to academics and co-curricular activities. There are plenty of subjects on which a student can focus, such as engineering, management, natural sciences, etc. Every field is designed for thorough research and innovation.

The PhD pursuit process is a life-changing experience, yet for the majority of working professionals in Chennai, it is not feasible to enroll on a full-time basis. This program bridges the gap that prevents students from pursuing their careers and studying with disciplined research. Chennai, India's leading academic hub, offers breathtaking opportunities from famous institutions that are dedicated to flexibility, excellence, and professional integration.

In this blog, you will be addressed with the top 10 institutions in Chennai that offer part-time PhDs, highlighting their unique strengths, admissions, fees, and what sets them apart.

1. Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras)

• Overview: IIT Madras, India's oldest premier engineering institution, offers part-time PhDs in engineering, sciences, humanities, and management for working professionals through weekend and blended modes.
• Highlights: Flexible Structure: Coursework takes 6 to 12 months, with a variety of blended learning and mandatory campus visits suitable option for working professionals.

Wide Disciplines: Available across DoMS (Department of Management Studies), DoHSS (Humanities & Social Sciences), science, and engineering schools.

• Fee Range: Approximately ₹30,000–50,000 per year, and one of the most affordable premium PhD courses in Chennai.
• Stellar Reputation: Regular interaction with Deakin University offers scope for joint/cotutelle PhDs.
• Ideal For: Seasoned working professionals seeking industry-specific or scholarly research, desiring a valued degree without any compromise on work tempo.

2. Anna University

• Overview: Anna University is Tamil Nadu's largest technical university, offering part-time PhDs in areas like engineering, technology, management, humanities, and sciences.

Highlights:

• Clear Categories: Internal (for staff) and external (for industry professionals) part-time options.
• Flexible Schedules: This university offers twice-a-year admissions, weekend modules, and employer-sponsored research facilities.
• University Fees: ₹20,000–50,000 approximately, one of the lowest Part-Time PhD paths in Chennai.
• Strong Research Network: Anna University has Partnerships with NITTTR Chennai and the University of Madras enhance the research and skills.
• Ideal For: Research and Development professionals or faculty looking for affordable doctoral education with strong institutional support.

3. Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI)

• Overview: CMI, which has a strong background in mathematics, computer science, and physics, now offers part-time PhDs as part of its demanding academic culture

Highlights:

• Specialized Focus: This University offers doctoral programs only in Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physics
• Elite Reputation: Known for rigorous research and affiliation with premier institutes like TIFR and IMSc
• Structured Admission: Rigorous admission based on national-level entrance and research readinessideal for in-depth, theoretical research.
• Ideal For: This program is best for Scholarly professionals and researchers wanting to work at the cutting edge of pure and applied sciences.

4. University of Madras

A multi-campus institution offering part-time PhDs in courses across the spectrum of arts, science, management, law, and commerce.

Highlights:

• Widely Covered Subjects: From the humanities to law and management.
• Affordable Fees: This university charges ₹10,000–30,000 per year, approximately, which is extremely low for doctorate courses.
• Flexible Structure: This university has a flexible structure so that  Internal and external categories include faculty members, industry specialists, and part-time researchers to participate.
• Decentralized Studies: Faculties are spread across various campuses, allowing local research interactions.
• Ideal For: Budget-friendly students seeking research studies in broader subject areas without sacrificing work-life balance.

5. SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST)

• Overview: SRMIST offers part-time PhD courses in engineering, science, management, biotech, and others via evening and weekend sessions.

Highlights:

•  Comprehensive Research Areas: Biotechnology, computer science, environmental sciences, and management.
• Flexible Timings: Weekend/evening schedules for helping professionals.
• Medium Fees: SRM charges ₹1–2.5 L/year, approximately, which is a mid-range compared to other private institutes.
• Deemed University Status: Offers more flexibility in course planning and collaborations.
• Best Fits: Working professionals looking for advanced research prospects with open schedules and high-tech facilities.

6. Vels University (VISTAS)

• Overview: A NAAC-A graded deemed university offering part-time PhDs in engineering, management, science, law, pharmacy, and humanities.

Highlights:

• Organized Categories: Offers both internal (faculty) and external (industry) categories with clear eligibility4+ years post-master's for external students.
• Reasonable Fees: ₹50,000–95,000 per year.
• Round-the-Year Admissions: Twice a year admission periods; prospective candidates can approach supervisors well in advance.
• Best Suited: Mid-career professionals seeking affordable doctoral studies in applied and professional areas, with institutional flexibility.

7. Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS)

• Overview: HITS provides part-time PhD courses in engineering, management, sciences, and law.

Highlights:

• Broad Disciplinary Offerings: Excellence in engineering and sciences.
• Fees: ₹55,000–110,000 per year.
• Flexible Research and Development Options: Best for technical professionals seeking doctoral qualifications.
• Best For: STEM stream students seeking disciplined, flexible part-time doctoral programs with affordable fees.

8. Madras Institute of Technology (MIT)

Overview: MIT Chennai offers part-time PhDs (MS by Research and PhD streams) specifically in engineering streams.

Highlights:

• Engineering Specialisation: Very specialized in instrumentation and information technologies
• Mid-Range Fees: Around ₹1–1.5 L/year. 
• Flexible Modes: Part-time or full-time, suitable for local professionals with access to the on-campus facility.
• Ideal For: Engineering professionals seeking quality technical research according to the latest facilities.

9. Loyola College & LIBA (Loyola Institute of Business Administration)

Overview: Loyola and LIBA offer part-time PhDs in management, commerce, economics, and some science disciplines.

Highlights:

• Management and Commerce Focus: Strong research in economics, finance, HR, and marketing.
• Reasonable Fees: About ₹50,000–85,000.
• Active Supervision: Experienced faculty supervising weekend/evening interaction part-time candidates.
• Ideal For: Educators, business professionals, and economists seeking doctoral qualifications in management areas.

10. Stella Maris College

• Overview: One of the best women's colleges offering part-time PhDs in mathematics, biotech, physics, English, and chemistry (phdguidance.co.in).

Highlights:

• Fee: Around ₹100,000/year.
• Women-Centric Environment: Ideal for female researchers seeking supportive and flexible doctoral opportunities.
• Balanced Programming: Offers flexibility with strong academic and research support.
• Ideal For: Women academics and professionals seeking research experience in the sciences and humanities.

Fees for Part-Time PhD 

Admission Process & Eligibility

• Academic Requirements: Typically demand a Master's degree with ≥55% marks; GATE, UGC-NET/JRF, CSIR-NET, or equivalent eligibility.
• Eligibility Testing: Waiver of tests for UGC-NET holders by some institutes; most others have a written entrance test followed by an interview
• Part-Time Tracks: Generally divided into internal (institutional employees/faculty) and external (industry/Research and Development professionals).
• Employer Support: NOCs and sponsorships are usually required for external candidates.
• Procedure: Involves online application, written exam, interview/group discussion, document verification, fee payment, and provisional admission. 

Recommendation for Future Part-Time PhD Candidates

• Clarify eligibility early: Find out if you are internal or external and what that means.
• Involve supervisors early: Particularly in universities such as Anna University, Vels, and SRMIST, begin with research proposals and faculty discussions.
• Employer flexibility can be considered: For outside candidates, a flexible employer with NOCs and leave timings is necessary.
• Schedule time on campus: Even part-time PhDs involve campus time during coursework, seminars, and progress checks.
• Look for interdisciplinary connections: Institutes such as IIT Madras, CMI, and MIT have significant collaborationscritical when pursuing cross-disciplinary research avenues.
• Assess potential for collaborative or international research: IIT Madras-Deakin and CMI's international collaborations provide greater exposure.

Things to consider

The part-time PhD program in Chennai has evolved significantly, offering a blend of high-quality research, flexible learning, and professional growth. Whether you are a senior engineer, faculty member, or business leader, there are a variety of career options waiting for you. Start by shortlisting programmes, connecting with supervisors, and preparing your application, and you will be on your way toward achieving your doctoral aspirations.

How Online DBA(Doctor of Business Administration) is a Game Changer for Career Growth?

In this continuously evolving world, everybody wants growth in their career, and for that, they look for the best way that helps them in achieving their dream goal and grabbing a higher position like CEO or CXO in a well-known company. So if you are looking for a course that will boost your career and help you in getting your dream job, then an online DBA(Doctor of Business Administration). With the guidance of this program, you will get the advanced business knowledge, leadership skills, and research capabilities that will lead you to a higher position. One of the best parts about online DBA is that you will get the flexibility to learn the program from anywhere, just by using the internet. 

What is an Online DBA(Doctor of Business Administration)?

An online DBA(Doctor of Business Administration) is a doctoral program that is specially designed for candidates who want to advance their careers without sacrificing their jobs. After the completion of this program, you can add the Dr title in your name. Online DBA is not available in India, but you can do this program from a foreign university without leaving your country. If you pursue a DBA from an accredited university, then it will be valid in India and other countries as well.  

Roles After Online DBA

Key Highlights of Online DBA

• This degree is equivalent to the PhD, and you can add Dr title after completing an online DBA.
• The candidates will achieve their dream and grab the greatest opportunity and a higher salary package.
• You will get a chance to interact with the industry professionals and highly-qualified faculty who are experts in their field.
• Become a business consultant, professor, CEO, or CXO by pursuing the online DBA.
• Enhance your career growth at a global level.