The PhD admission season for 2025-26 is currently active across major central universities in India. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about PhD admissions at five prominent central universities: Central University of Haryana, Banaras Hindu University, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Pondicherry University, and Central University of South Bihar. To get all the notifications, click on the download button.
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1. Central University of Haryana (CUH) PhD Admission
Central University of Haryana posted its PhD admission notification. Candidates can download the notification from its admission page.
Application Starting Date
August 30, 2025 (for the 2025-26 session)
Application End Date
September 17, 2025 (for August-September cycle) January Cycle: Applications are also open for the January 2026 cycle
Application Fee
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹1,000 (one-time, non-refundable)
- SC/ST/PwD/Women/Transgender: Exempted
Eligibility
- Master’s degree with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for reserved categories)
- OR 4-year Bachelor’s degree (Honours/Research) with minimum 75% marks
- UGC-NET/JRF, CSIR-NET/JRF, GATE, GPAT, CEED qualified candidates are exempted from the entrance test
Selection Process
- For NET/JRF qualified: 100% interview
- For others: 70% entrance test + 30% interview
Total Seats Available
238 seats across various departments
Subjects Offered
PhD programs available in:
- Hotel Management
- Electrical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Psychology
- English
- Hindi
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Management Studies
- Education
- Physical Education & Sports
- Environmental Science
- Tourism & Hotel Management
2. Banaras Hindu University (BHU) PhD Admission
Banaras Hindu University posted its PhD admission notification. Candidates can download the notification from the admission page.
Application Starting Date
December 3, 2025
Application End Date
December 16, 2025
Correction Window
December 17, 2025
Application Fee
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹600
- SC/ST/PwBD: ₹300
- Non-refundable
Eligibility
- Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum 55% marks
- 50% for SC/ST/PwD candidates
- 5% relaxation for reserved categories
Selection Process
Three Modes of Admission:
- JRF Mode: Direct admission for UGC/CSIR/ICMR/DBT JRF holders
- NET Mode: 70% NET percentile + 30% interview
- RET (Research Entrance Test): Written test + interview for those without NET/JRF
Brochure/Information Bulletin
Available at admission portal
Subjects Offered
PhD programs in 50+ disciplines including:
- Agriculture (Agronomy, Plant Pathology, Dairy Technology, Food Technology)
- Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biotechnology, Microbiology)
- Humanities (Sanskrit, Hindi, English, Philosophy)
- Social Sciences (Economics, Sociology, Political Science)
- Engineering (Computer Science, Electronics, Mechanical)
- Management Studies
- Commerce
- Law
- Education
- Physical Education
- Fine Arts and Languages
Read More: Ultimate Guide to UGC NET Exam!
3. Mahatma Gandhi Central University (MGCU), Bihar PhD Admission
Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Bihar, posted its PhD admission notification. Candidates can download the notification from the admission page.
Application Starting Date
November 24, 2025
Application End Date
December 26, 2025
Application Fee
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹500
- SC/ST/PwBD: ₹250
Eligibility (In Short)
- Master’s degree with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for reserved categories)
- OR a 4-year Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 75% marks
- 5% relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/EWS candidates
Selection Process
Based on UGC-NET scores and interview:
- Category 1 (JRF holders): Direct admission
- Category 2 & 3: 70% UGC-NET score + 30% interview
Total Seats Available
178 seats across 19 departments under 7 schools
Subjects Offered
PhD programs available in:
- Life Sciences
- Physical Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)
- Computer Science & IT
- Commerce
- Management
- Education
- Social Sciences (Economics, Political Science, Sociology)
- English
- Hindi
- Environmental Science
- And other interdisciplinary subjects across 19 departments
4. Pondicherry University PhD Admission
Pondicherry University posted its PhD admission notification. Candidates can download the notification from the admission page.
Application Starting Date
November 2025 (for December 2025 entrance exam)
Application End Date
December 30, 2025 (extended deadline)
Application Fee
- General/OBC: ₹1,000
- SC/ST: ₹500
- PH/Transgender: Exempted
Eligibility (In Short)
- Master’s degree with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for reserved categories)
- Candidates can apply through:
- UGC/CSIR NET with JRF
- University Entrance Examination
Selection Process
- For JRF holders: Interview only
- For the entrance exam route: Written test + interview
Entrance Examination
PhD Entrance Examination scheduled for December 2025
Subjects Offered
PhD programs in 52+ specializations including:
- Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Biochemistry)
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Electronics & Communication Engineering
- Humanities (Hindi, English, Philosophy, Drama & Theatre Arts)
- Social Sciences (Economics, Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science)
- Commerce
- Education
- Management Studies
- Electronic Media & Mass Communication
- Banking Technology
- Earth Sciences
- Ecology & Environmental Sciences
- Ocean Studies & Marine Biology (at Port Blair campus)
5. Central University of South Bihar (CUSB) PhD Admission
Central University of South Bihar posted its PhD admission notification. Candidates can download the notification from the admission page.
Application Starting Date
September 12, 2025
Application End Date
September 23, 2025
Application Fee
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹500
- SC/ST/PwBD: ₹250
Eligibility (In Short)
- Master’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for reserved categories)
- UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/GPAT/CEED qualified candidates are eligible
Selection Process
- For fellowship holders (JRF): Interview only (100% weightage)
- For Category 2 & 3: 70% NET/test score + 30% interview
Important Dates
- Shortlist Declaration: September 26, 2025
- Interview Dates: October 7-8, 2025
- Final Selection: October 10, 2025
- Fee Submission: October 11-14, 2025
Total Seats Available
Varies by department (detailed in admission notification)
Subjects Offered
PhD programs in 23+ disciplines:
- Sciences (Life Science, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Environmental Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, Geology)
- Computer Science
- Pharmacy
- Engineering
- Law
- Social Sciences (History, Sociology, Political Studies, Economics, Psychology, Geography)
- Commerce
- Education
- Journalism & Mass Communication
- English
- Physical Education
Common Features Across Universities
General Requirements
- Valid UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/GPAT scores preferred
- A research proposal may be required during the interview
- Online application through the university website
- Original documents verification at the time of admission
Benefits for Fellowship Holders
- Exemption from the entrance examination
- Direct interview process
- Monthly stipend as per UGC norms
Application Process
- Visit the university’s admission portal
- Register with your email ID and mobile number
- Fill the online application form
- Upload required documents (photograph, signature, certificates)
- Pay the application fee online
- Download and save the confirmation page
Important Documents Required
- Master’s degree mark sheet and certificate
- Bachelor’s degree certificates
- NET/GATE scorecard (if applicable)
- Category certificate (for reserved categories)
- ID proof (Aadhaar card)
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Research proposal (may vary by university)
Important Notes
- Multiple Applications: Candidates applying to multiple departments must submit separate applications and pay fees for each program.
- Reservation Policy: All universities adhere to the Government of India’s reservation norms (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD).
- Duration: PhD programs typically range from 3 to 6 years.
- Mode of Study: Both full-time and part-time options may be available (university-specific).
- Research Areas: Candidates should check specific research areas and faculty expertise before applying.
Contact Information
Central University of Haryana
- Official Website
- Location: Mahendergarh, Haryana
Banaras Hindu University
- Official Website
- Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Mahatma Gandhi Central University
- Official Website
- Location: Motihari, Bihar
Pondicherry University
- Official Website
- Location: Puducherry
Central University of South Bihar
- Official Website
- Location: Gaya, Bihar