CMR University PhD Psychology Admissions 2026

The CMR University (CMRU), Bengaluru, has started inviting applications for its PhD in Psychology program for the January 2026 session. CMR University invites applications for the Full-Time (with Fellowship) and Part-Time PhD Programme in Psychology.

Eligible candidates can apply online before the last date. Read on to know the complete details about the program, eligibility, exam pattern, and application process.

Method of Selection

Selection in the PhD Psychology program at CMR University will be based on the Offline Entrance Examination, consisting of a Written Test & Interview.

• Weightage for selection: 70% for entrance test, and 30% for interview
• Eligibility for Interview: minimum 50% marks in the Entrance Test. (The interview will focus on the candidate’s area of research interest, proficiency in their subject and any research experience, presentations, and or publications)

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates are eligible to apply for the PhD in Psychology at CMR University if they meet any one of the following criteria:

Master’s Degree Route

• Completed a 1-year/2-semester Master’s degree after a 4-year/8-semester Bachelor’s, OR
• Completed a 2-year/4-semester Master’s degree after a 3-year Bachelor’s, OR
• Hold a Master’s degree equivalent qualification recognized by the appropriate statutory regulatory body.
• Must have at least 55% marks or equivalent grade.
• Candidates applying directly after a 4-year Bachelor’s degree must have:
  • Minimum 75% marks, and
  • Degree from an institution of National Importance / NIRF Top 200.

MPhil Route

• Candidates with an MPhil degree with at least 55% marks or equivalent grade are eligible.

Professional Qualifications Route

• The university considers applicants holding CA/CMA (ICWAI)/CS (ICSI) qualifications with at least 55% marks (or equivalent) eligible for admission in relevant fields.

Relaxation

The university allows a 5% relaxation (from 55% to 50% or equivalent grade) for:

• SC / ST / OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) / EWS / Differently-Abled candidates and other categories as per committee regulations.

Foreign Applicants

• Foreign nationals may only apply as full-time scholars.
• The university treats foreign nationals with Indian degrees as Indian applicants.
• Foreign degrees must meet the minimum educational requirements.
• The Master’s degree must be equivalent to an Indian Master’s, as per the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) recognition norms.

Application Process

CMR University follows a structured, multi-stage selection process for admission to its PhD programmes (Full-time and Part-time). The process includes an entrance examination, interview/viva voce, and final merit evaluation.

Entrance Test

• Admissions are primarily based on an Entrance Test conducted by CMR University.
• The test consists of 50% Research Methodology and 50% Subject-Specific questions.
• The university exempts candidates who qualify in national-level examinations such as UGC-NET (including JRF), UGC–CSIR NET (including JRF), SLET, GATE, CAT/GMAT (for Management applicants), Teacher Fellowship, and similar tests from the Entrance Test.

Minimum Entrance Score Requirement

• Candidates must secure at least 50% marks in the Entrance Test to qualify for the interview stage.
• A relaxation of 5% is provided for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/EWS/Differently-Abled and other categories as per university rules.

Interview

• The personal interview evaluates the candidate on:
  • a) Relevance of the proposed research area.
  • b) Competence of the candidate to undertake the proposed research.
  • c) Feasibility of conducting the research at the respective School of Studies.
• The number of candidates shortlisted for the interview/viva voce depends on the availability of PhD seats in each discipline and under each supervisor.

Final Selection Criteria & Admission

• Final merit is calculated using: 70% weightage → Entrance Test 30% weightage → Interview/Viva Voce
• Candidates qualifying through national-level tests proceed directly to the interview, where applicable.
• The university publishes the final list of selected candidates.
• Admission is offered based on merit, availability of supervisors, and vacancy positions within each specialization.

Important Dates & Details

• Online Application
  • Candidates must fill out the Online Application Form.
  • Application Fee: ₹1,500/- (to be paid online).
  • Note: The application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Vacancies
  • Details of vacancies in various disciplines for January 2026 PhD admissions are listed on the CMR University website.
• Submission of Application
  • The duly filled application form, along with:
    • Copies of educational transcripts,
    • Photo ID proof,
    • Copy of online payment receipt,
    must be submitted at the University office.
• Important Note
  • Incomplete applications or missing documents may lead to disqualification.

ALSO READ: Advanced Diploma in Child Guidance & Counselling (ADCGC): A Complete Guide

CMRU Fellowship Details

CMR University offers institutional fellowships to support full-time PhD scholars enrolled in the program. Eligible candidates may apply for CMRU’s JRF/SRF Fellowship Scheme, which provides a monthly stipend as follows:

• 1st Year: ₹30,000 per month
• 2nd Year: ₹30,000 per month
• 3rd Year: ₹35,000 per month

The fellowship amount may go up to ₹35,000 per month, depending on the scholar’s year of study and academic progress.

Full-time scholars are encouraged to apply for this fellowship after securing admission into the PhD program.

Need more help?

Feel free to contact us at UPS Education or reach out, using the contact details provided below-

Contact no: +91-9990717772

Website: upseducation.in

FAQs

1. What is the last date to apply for the PhD in Psychology at CMR University?

The last date to submit the online application form is 22 December 2025.

2. Who is exempted from the entrance test?

Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET (JRF), CSIR-NET, SLET, GATE, CAT/GMAT (Management applicants), Teacher Fellowship, or equivalent national-level exams are exempted and can go directly to the interview.

3. What is the minimum score required to qualify for the interview?

Applicants must score at least 50% in the Entrance Test (with 5% relaxation for reserved categories).

4. Are foreign nationals eligible?

Yes, but only as full-time scholars. Their Master’s degree must be equivalent to an Indian Master’s as per AIU norms.

5. Is fellowship available for PhD Psychology at CMRU?

Yes. Full-time scholars may apply for CMRU JRF/SRF Fellowships, offering ₹30,000 to ₹35,000 per month depending on the year.

6. Where can I check the available PhD seats/supervisor vacancies?

Vacancy details are available on the CMR University website under the Doctoral Program section.