The Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication (MCU), Bhopal, has invited online applications for admission to its Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programmes for the 2026–27 academic session. Admissions will be governed by University Ph.D. Regulation No. 27 and subsequent amendments.
Eligibility Criteria – Applicants must hold:
- A one-year/two-semester Master’s degree after a four-year Bachelor’s degree, or
- A two-year/four-semester Master’s degree after a three-year Bachelor’s degree, or
- An equivalent qualification recognised by a statutory regulatory body, with at least 55 percent marks or equivalent grade. Candidates are advised to apply only if they meet the eligibility requirements, as verification will take place during the interview stage.
Selection Process
Admission will be through:
- UGC-NET or similar national-level tests score or,
- A University-level entrance examination followed by an interview: the entrance test will consist of 50 percent research methodology and 50 percent subject-specific content. Candidates securing 50 percent marks in the written test will be eligible for interview. The final merit will be prepared using a 70:30 weightage, with 70 percent for the written test and 30 percent for the interview.
NET Exemption and Weightage
As per UGC regulations, candidates who have qualified UGC-NET (all three categories) are exempted from the university entrance examination. However, NET scores are valid for one year only, and therefore only candidates who cleared December 2024 or June 2025 NET are eligible for exemption for the 2026–27 session.
- JRF-qualified candidates will be admitted based on interview only.
- NET Category 2 and 3 candidates will be assessed using 70 percent NET score and 30 percent interview marks.
Reservation and Relaxation
A 5 percent relaxation in entrance examination marks will be given to candidates domiciled in Madhya Pradesh belonging to SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and Differently-Abled categories, as per state government and university admission policies. Reservation rules of the Madhya Pradesh Government will apply.
Application Fees
Application fees (non-refundable) are:
- ₹2050 for General category candidates
- ₹1050 for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and Differently-Abled candidates of Madhya Pradesh
Separate applications and fees are required for each discipline applied for.
Examination Details
The entrance examination will be conducted in offline mode at the MCU Bhopal campus, Bisankhedi. Candidates must appear in person for both the entrance test and interview. Non-appearance will result in automatic disqualification.
Important Dates: What Is Announced So Far
Applications must be submitted through the MP Online portal at MCRPV.mponline.gov.in.
- Last date to submit online application: 16 February 2026
Dates Yet to Be Announced
The university has not specified the following dates in the notification:
- Date of entrance examination
- Date of interview/viva voce
- Date of admit card release
- Final merit list declaration
- Commencement of the Ph.D. programme
We will keep updating the dates as soon as they are announced. Please save this page for future reference.
Other Key Points
- There is no upper age limit for Ph.D. admission.
- Applicants must upload a recent photograph, PG marksheet, NET scorecard (if applicable), and category certificate.
- All updates will be published only on the University website (mcu.ac.in). No individual communication will be sent.
For more information comment bellow or refer to MCU, Bhopal admission page. Click here to access MCU, Bhopal admission page.
