Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation PhD Psychology Admissions 2025

Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation, deemed to be a university, invites applications from eligible candidates for its PhD Psychology course for the session of October 2025.

Eligible candidates can apply for this PhD Program in two modes, Full-time & Part-time, before the last date. Read on to know the complete details about the program, eligibility, exam pattern, and application process.

About VMRF

Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation (VMRF) began in 1981 with the establishment of the Thirumuruga Kirupananda Variyar Trust, followed by the founding of the Vinayaka Mission’s College of Pharmacy in Salem in 1982. In 2001, it was recognized as a Deemed to be University by the Government of India under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956. This status highlighted its commitment to academic excellence, quality infrastructure, and educational standards, making it the 48th Deemed to be University in India.

Eligibility Criteria for the PhD Psychology

VMRF offers PhD Psychology in 2 formats, Full-Time & Part-Time, and the following criteria applies to both of them. A candidate can have either of the mentioned degrees and be able to apply for the programme.

Master’s Degree Holders

• Candidates with a master’s degree after a 4-year bachelor’s program (or equivalent), or a 2-year master’s after a 3-year or 4-year bachelor’s degree, with at least 55% Marks (or equivalent grade).
• Candidates from reserved categories like SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled/EWS and other categories, a 5% relaxation in marks may be allowed.
• Candidates applying after a 4-year bachelor’s degree should have a minimum of 75% marks, with same relaxations applied to the reserved categories.
• Degrees from foreign institutions are eligible if recognized by the appropriate accrediting body in their country.

MPhil Degree Holders

• Candidates who have completed MPhil with at least 55% marks (or equivalent grade).

Part-Time Only

• Internal
  • Available only for regular full-time faculty members of VMRF (DU).
• External
  • Candidates working outside VMRF, preferably in other postgraduate institutions.
  • Candidates from reputed institutions with strong research facilities.

Method of Selection

Entrance Test & Interview

• Admission is based on an Entrance Test & Interview conducted by VMRF.
• Candidates who have qualified for UGC-NET / UGC-CSIR NET / GATE / CEED or similar national tests are exempted from the entrance test but must attend the interview.
• M.Phil. candidates (Full-Time / Part-Time) must appear for the entrance test.

Entrance Examination

• Qualifying marks: 50% (45% for SC/ST/OBC Non-Creamy Layer, EWS, Differently-Abled, and other notified categories).
• Exam Structure:
  • Written Test (10:30 AM – 12:00 PM) – 70 marks
    • 70 MCQs (1 mark each)
    • Questions based on PG-level Psychology and Research Methodology (50:50)
  • Interview – Discuss research interests before the Research Committee

Selection Criteria for the Exam & Interview

• Candidates with 50% or more in the entrance test will be called for the interview.
• Weightage: 70% Entrance Test + 30% Interview
• Interview Evaluation: Candidates must present their proposed research and will be assessed on:
  • Competence for the proposed research
  • Feasibility of conducting research at the institution
  • Potential contribution to new knowledge

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Application Process

Download Application Form

• The application form can be downloaded from below.
• The filled application must be forwarded by the Head of the Department and Head of the Institution where the candidate plans to do research.

Choose Supervisor & Institution

• Candidates should check the list of available vacancies and approach their preferred institution/department.
• Discuss your research area and available resources with potential supervisors before applying.

Part-Time Candidates

• Applications of Candidates opting for the part-time PhD Psychology course must also be signed by their employer.

Application Procedure & Fee

• Send the completed application along with a Demand Draft of ₹1,000 drawn in favor of “VMRF(DU) PhD”, payable at Salem.
• Write “Application for admission into PhD programme in [Subject]” on the envelope. For example, if you’re applying for psychology, then you should write, “Application for admission into PhD programme in Clinical Psychology”.
• The DD should have the candidate’s name and “Application Fee” written on the back.
• Fees once paid are non-refundable.
• The University is not responsible for applications received late.
• Applications must reach the Registrar by 30.09.2025 at: “The Registrar, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation (DU), Sankari Main Road (NH-47), Ariyanoor, Salem – 636 308, Tamil Nadu. Phone: 0427 – 2529700”

Important Dates & Other Details

• Last date of application submission: September 31st, 2025 by 05:30 PM
• Date of entrance exam & interview: will be communicated after application scrutiny on the website

Fellowship

To encourage full-time research, VMRF (DU) offers two types of Fellowships to eligible scholars enrolled in the full-time PhD program.

• Rs 30000 Per Month – For candidates who have qualified in GATE, NET (Ayush), UGC NET (including JRF), UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF), SLET, GRE, CAT, ICMR, or any other recognised National Eligibility Test.
• Up to Rs 25000 Per Month – For other research scholars, based on merit.

Documents to be Produced for Final Admission

Candidates must submit the following documents at the time of final admission:

1. Provisional Eligibility Form (download from VMRF website) along with the prescribed eligibility fee.
2. Original and two sets of photocopies of:
   • Academic transcripts
   • Passing/qualifying certificates
3. Admission fee receipt and proof of one-year tuition fee payment.
4. Six passport-size colour photographs.
5. Work experience certificate (if applicable).
6. Parent’s acceptance letter with ID and residential address proof.
7. For NRI/Foreign Students:
   • Original + copy of passport, national ID, OCI/PIO card (as applicable).
   • Photocopy of Indian visa stamped in the name of VFSTR (not required for Bhutan/Nepal students).
   • Residential permit from local FRO office / No objection or recommendation letter from embassy (not required for Bhutan/Nepal students).
   • Sponsorship letter from student’s organization or Ministry of Education (if applicable).
8. Medical fitness certificate from a registered medical practitioner (HIV/AIDS certificate not required).

General Instructions

• Full-time PhD candidates must not take up any job or enroll in another course of study simultaneously.
• NRI and foreign students can also apply for the full-time PhD programme.
• Part-time PhD candidates must complete a minimum of 45 days of residential attendance per year at the respective VMRF constituent college.
• Admission is subject to the availability of vacancies (details available on the University website) and the University’s final decision.

For more details, you can visit the VMRF (DU)’s PhD Programme Page.

Application Form

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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. Who is eligible to apply for the PhD Psychology programme at VMRF?

Candidates with a Master’s/MPhil degree with minimum marks as per UGC norms, or a 4-year bachelor’s degree with 75% marks, are eligible. Reserved categories get 5% relaxation.

2. Is there an entrance exam for Ph.D. admission?

Yes. Admission is through a written test and interview. However, candidates who have qualified UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/CEED and similar national-level exams are exempt from the written test but must attend the interview.

3. How much is the application fee and where should it be sent?

Candidates must pay an application fee of ₹1,000 (DD drawn in favor of ‘VMRF(DU) PhD’, payable at Salem) and send their applications to The Registrar, VMRF (DU), Salem, Tamil Nadu before 30-09-2025.

4. What is the fellowship amount for PhD Psychology scholars?

• ₹30,000/month for candidates with national-level qualifications (NET, CSIR, GATE, etc.).
• Up to ₹25,000/month for other eligible full-time scholars, based on merit.

5. Can I apply as a working professional for a part-time Ph.D.?

Yes. Part-time Ph.D. is available for working professionals, but they must complete 45 days of compulsory residential attendance per year at VMRF. Employers must also sign the applications of candidates opting for the part-time PhD Psychology course, if they are working.

6. Are NRI and foreign students eligible?

Yes. NRI and foreign students can apply for the full-time PhD programme.

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