Madras School of Economics (MSE) has invited applications for full-time and part-time PhD programmes for the December 2026 to January 2027 session. The intake covers Economics, Management and Data Science. The last date to submit the filled application is November 9, 2026.
MSE has also listed an interdisciplinary PhD route for applicants whose master's degree is outside Economics, Management or Data Science but falls within the accepted humanities, social sciences, STEM or professional-course backgrounds. Read the course fit and entrance-test rule before applying.
MSE PhD admission 2026-27: Important dates
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Last date to submit application | November 9, 2026 | Submit the filled form online |
| Written test, if applicable | December 1, 2026 | Morning session at MSE |
| Interview | December 1, 2026 | Personal interview by an MSE faculty panel, conducted online |
| Joining date | January 4, 2027 | Start of the PhD programme |
Which PhD programmes are offered?
MSE offers PhD degrees in Economics, Management and Data Science. The subject background should normally match the programme: a master's in Economics for Economics, a master's in Finance or Management for Management, and a master's in Data Science for Data Science.
An interdisciplinary PhD degree is also possible for students from humanities, social sciences, STEM disciplines or accepted professional bachelor's programmes listed in MSE Ordinance 3. This route is meant for applicants whose master's degree is not in Economics, Management or Data Science.
Who can apply for the MSE PhD?
Applicants need at least 55% marks in aggregate, or the equivalent converted grade, in the qualifying master's degree. For professional bachelor's routes, the degree must come from a UGC- or AICTE-approved institution, or an equivalent foreign institution under UGC rules.
SC, ST, MBC, OBC non-creamy-layer and differently-abled candidates may receive a 5% relaxation, taking the minimum from 55% to 50%, or the equivalent grade relaxation. The rule is based on qualifying marks and does not include grace marks.
Which entrance scores are accepted?
MSE gives preference to applicants with a valid UGC-JRF, CSIR-JRF, NET/PhD, SET, GATE, CAT or another NTA-conducted PhD entrance-test score. The score remains subject to the validity shown on the score card or result certificate.
Applicants who do not have one of these scores must appear for the MSE written test as a qualifying exam. The test is held at MSE, lasts 45 minutes and has two questions worth 15 marks each. One question is from the compulsory quantitative-methods section, and the other is from Economics, Management or Data Science depending on the applicant's choice.
The quantitative section covers Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics and Operations Research. The Economics section follows UGC-NET or GATE-level topics. Management applicants can expect Marketing and Corporate Finance, while Data Science applicants may be tested on Computer Science, Statistics and Mathematics.
How will the interview and part-time admission work?
The personal interview will be conducted online by a panel of MSE faculty. It will cover courses listed in the grade sheet, the master's dissertation if any, and the research interests written in the Statement of Purpose.
Part-time applicants must submit a No Objection Certificate from the employer when the selection results are announced. MSE will share the NOC format at that stage. A part-time applicant should therefore check the employer's approval process before submitting the form.
Fellowship and semester fee
Students with UGC-JRF or CSIR-JRF may use their fellowship for eligible PhD research under the applicable rules. Meritorious full-time candidates who are not JRF scholars, NRIs or foreign nationals may be considered for an MSE fellowship of Rs 30,000 per month for three years, extendable by one year based on performance. An annual contingency grant of Rs 10,000 is also listed.
The total fee is INR 8,000 per semester, including infrastructural support. SC and ST scholars receive a 50% exemption in the semester fee. Hostel charges are separate and are shared with selected students.
What to do next
- Choose Economics, Management, Data Science or the interdisciplinary route after checking your master's subject.
- Confirm the 55% marks rule and any category relaxation using your qualifying marks, without counting grace marks.
- Keep your test score, grade sheet, master's dissertation details and Statement of Purpose ready for the form and interview.
- If you have no listed entrance score, prepare for the 45-minute MSE written test in quantitative methods and your chosen subject area.
- Part-time applicants should begin arranging the employer No Objection Certificate.
- Submit the online form and email the auto-generated copy with attachments to phdoffice@mse.ac.in by November 9, 2026.
MSE PhD admission FAQs
What is the last date to apply?
The last date to submit the filled application is November 9, 2026.
Which subjects are available?
MSE offers Economics, Management and Data Science, along with an interdisciplinary route for eligible applicants from other accepted backgrounds.
Do I need a national entrance score?
A valid UGC-JRF, CSIR-JRF, NET/PhD, SET, GATE, CAT or another NTA PhD entrance score is preferred. Without one of these scores, you must take the MSE written test.
Is the interview online?
Yes. MSE says the personal interview will be conducted online by a faculty panel on December 1, 2026.
What should part-time applicants arrange?
Selected part-time applicants must submit a No Objection Certificate from their employer when the results are announced.
How much is the semester fee?
The listed semester fee is INR 8,000, with a 50% exemption for SC and ST scholars. Hostel charges are separate.
