![Banaras Hindu University, [BHU] Varanasi](https://media.getmyuni.com/azure/college-image/small/banaras-hindu-university-bhu-varanasi.webp)
BHU PhD Admission 2026: Fees, Eligibility, Admission Process
- Varanasi , Uttar Pradesh
- (57 Reviews)
- 4.0 (57 Reviews)
BHU PhD Fees & Courses List
BHU PhD Course Highlights
| Course Name | PhD |
| Course Level | Doctorate Program |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Average Fees | ₹ 5,569 |
| Mode | Offline |
BHU PhD Eligibility
| Educational Qualification | Required Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Completed Masters | 55 % |
BHU offers a full-time PhD program lasting 3-6 years, focusing on original research with mandatory first-year coursework covering 16 credits in advanced topics, research ethics, and department-specific subjects like climate modeling in Environmental Science. Annual fees range from INR 7,000 in Arts to INR 40,000 in Engineering, with full waivers for SC/ST/PwD on tuition if family income is below INR 2.5 lakh. Admission occurs through two modes—RET using UGC/CSIR NET scores (70% weightage) plus interview (30%), or direct for JRF holders—across 16 faculties with over 1,000 seats total. Specializations span Agricultural Economics to Visual Arts, emphasizing interdisciplinary work up to 20% allied fields. Post-PhD, scholars secure roles in CSIR labs or TIFR with median stipends of INR 31,000 monthly via UGC fellowships, supported by BHU's NIRF Rank 6 in Universities for fostering 244 publications per faculty annually.
- BHU PhD Highlights 2026
- BHU PhD Admission Dates 2026
- BHU PhD Fees Structure 2026
- BHU PhD Eligibility Criteria 2026
- BHU PhD Admission Process 2026
- How to Apply for BHU PhD Admission 2026?
- Documents Required for BHU PhD Admission
- BHU PhD Affiliated College 2026
- BHU PhD Entrance Exam 2026
- BHU PhD Cutoff 2026
- BHU PhD Specializations 2026
- BHU PhD Syllabus 2026
- BHU PhD Scholarships 2026
- BHU PhD Ranking 2026
- BHU PhD Placements 2025
- BHU PhD Result 2025
BHU PhD Highlights 2026
Banaras Hindu University PhD equips scholars for advanced research in 16 faculties, blending coursework with thesis work evaluated via seminars and Scopus-indexed publications, ensuring alignment with national priorities like sustainable development.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3-6 years full-time |
| Program Mode | Full-time (part-time for BHU staff/senior professionals) |
| Specializations | 100+ across Arts, Science, Engineering, etc. |
| Accepted Entrance Exam | UGC/CSIR NET (RET mode) or JRF for exemption |
| Application Form | Online via bhuonline.in |
| Application Fees | INR 600 (General/OBC/EWS); INR 300 (SC/ST/PwD) |
| Official Website | bhu.ac.in |
BHU PhD Admission Dates 2026
BHU PhD admissions follow a structured timeline with online registration, NET-based merit, and interview rounds, enabling quick seat allotment for the November class commencement.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Form Release | August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | September 2026 |
| Entrance Exam Date (if any) | NET scores from June 2026 considered |
| Merit List Announcement (if any) | October 2026 |
| Counseling & Document Verification (If any) | September/October 2026 |
| Admission Closing Date | October 2026 |
BHU PhD Fees Structure 2026
BHU PhD fees cover tuition, library access, and lab facilities, paid semester-wise with concessions: full tuition waiver for SC/ST/PwD and 25% for OBC/EWS. Total first-year cost includes INR 1,000-5,000 one-time admission fee.
| Stream | Annual Fee (Regular) |
|---|---|
| Arts/Social Science/Commerce | INR 7,000 – INR 11,240 |
| Science/Agriculture | INR 10,000 – INR 15,000 |
| Engineering/Management | INR 25,000 – INR 40,000 |
BHU PhD Eligibility Criteria 2026
- Master's degree in relevant/allied discipline with 55% aggregate (50% for SC/ST/PwD) or equivalent CGPA from UGC-recognized university.
- JRF qualifiers in UGC/CSIR/ICMR/DBT exempt from RET; valid certificate required.
- Relaxations: 5% marks concession for reserved categories; foreign nationals need AIU-equivalent degree and English/Hindi proficiency.
- Specific streams require qualifying exams like LL.M. for Law or M.V.Sc. for Veterinary.
BHU PhD Admission Process 2026
The admission process for BHU PhD programs follows a centralised, research-oriented selection system conducted through the Research Entrance Test (RET) administered by Banaras Hindu University. It ensures transparent and merit-based selection across multiple disciplines under the Institutes of Science, Humanities, Social Sciences, Management, and Ayurveda. Below is a detailed breakdown:
- Register online at bhuonline.in, select RET or exempted mode, and upload scanned photo/signature.
- Pay application fee via SBI challan or net banking; exempted candidates (JRF holders) proceed directly to interview shortlist.
- Merit calculation: 70% NET percentile + 30% interview for RET mode; 100% interview for exempted, calling all JRF applicants.
- Attend counseling for document verification and interview, where DRC evaluates research synopsis and domain knowledge.
- Post-merit, pay admission fee online to confirm seat; supervisor allotted by faculty board based on availability and fit.
- Report to department for residency confirmation, starting coursework in research methodology and ethics.
- Vacancies filled via waitlist; interdisciplinary seats capped at 20% per discipline.
How to Apply for BHU PhD Admission 2026?
Applying for BHU PhD is completely online via the BHU RET portal, designed for smooth submission and minimal paperwork. Candidates should start early to avoid last-minute issues—aim to complete registration 2–3 weeks before the deadline. There is no offline mode, so ensure a stable internet connection and a valid email/mobile for OTPs. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Visit bhuonline.in and click "New Registration" to create an account using email and mobile for OTP verification.
- Fill personal details, academic history (Master's marks, NET/JRF certificate if applicable), and select up to four allied specializations with codes like 740 for Agricultural Economics.
- Upload required scans: passport-size photo (3.5x4.5 cm, <50KB), signature (<30KB), and category certificate if reserved.
- Choose admission mode—RET for NET holders or exempted for JRF—and preview form for errors before final submission.
- Pay online Application Fee via debit/credit card or net banking; download confirmation receipt for reference.
- Monitor portal for shortlist based on percentile; prepare synopsis on proposed research aligning with BHU's SDG-focused projects.
- If selected, join virtual counseling link for interview, discussing methodology and publications potential.
Link to BHU PhD application guide for form tips.
Documents Required for BHU PhD Admission
- Class X and XII marksheets for date of birth proof.
- Master's degree certificate and marksheet (provisional if pending).
- UGC/CSIR NET/JRF scorecard (for relevant mode).
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD) issued by competent authority.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer for in-service candidates.
- Research proposal synopsis (500-1,000 words) for interview.
- Migration/character certificate from last institution.
- Passport-size photos (4 copies) and ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN).
BHU PhD Affiliated College 2026
BHU PhD seats extend to four affiliated colleges in Varanasi, offering local access to main campus resources like libraries while maintaining core research supervision from BHU faculty. Fees here are 20-50% higher due to independent funding.
| College Name | Popular PhD Streams | Annual Fee (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| DAV PG College, Varanasi | Arts, Commerce | INR 10,000 – INR 25,000 |
| Arya Mahila PG College | Arts, Social Sciences | INR 12,000 – INR 28,000 |
| Vasanta College for Women (VCW) | Education, Arts | INR 15,000 – INR 35,000 |
| Vasant Kanya Mahavidyalaya | Sanskrit, Social Sciences | INR 10,000 – INR 22,000 |
Explore BHU affiliated colleges for PhD options.
BHU PhD Entrance Exam 2026
BHU PhD uses RET in two modes: exempted for JRF holders (interview-only) or NET-based for others, emphasizing analytical skills over rote knowledge to identify candidates suited for thesis-driven work in fields like quantum physics or public health policy. The process runs in offline mode for interviews, with NET as the qualifying hurdle.
- Mode: Online NET scores + offline interview; computer-based for NET sections.
- Marking: 70% NET percentile + 30% interview (out of 100); no negative marking in interview, but NET has -1 for wrong MCQs.
- Timing: Interviews last 15-20 minutes per candidate, scheduled post-shortlist; NET valid from June cycle.
- Sections: NET covers domain subject (70 questions), aptitude (logical/analytical, 30 questions); interview probes research proposal, ethics, and publications.
- Question Type: MCQ for NET (100 questions, 2 hours); viva-style for interview with practical demo in Visual Arts (e.g., sketch evaluation).
JRF exemption skips NET, focusing solely on interview assessing prior fellowships in labs like ICMR projects. See BHU RET details for preparation.
BHU PhD Cutoff 2026
BHU PhD cutoffs derive from NET percentiles, varying by faculty demand—higher for Science streams due to limited supervisors. 2025 closing scores reflect competitive merit; 2026 expected to align with similar trends amid stable applicant pools.
| Specialization | Closing Score 2025 (NET Percentile) | Expected 2026 (NET Percentile) |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Economics | 85 | 86 |
| English (Arts) | 78 | 79 |
| Physics (Science) | 92 | 93 |
| Management Studies | 88 | 89 |
| Law | 82 | 83 |
BHU PhD Specializations 2026
BHU PhD covers 100+ specializations across 16 faculties, allowing up to 20% interdisciplinary shifts (e.g., Economics to Environmental Policy). Seats total over 1,000, with supernumerary for foreign nationals (15%).
- Agricultural Sciences: Agricultural Economics, Agronomy, Genetics & Plant Breeding (50+ seats).
- Arts: Bengali, English, History, Linguistics (100+ seats).
- Ayurveda: Dravya Guna, Kayachikitsa (30 seats).
- Commerce: Accounting, Finance (40 seats).
- Dental Sciences: Orthodontics, Prosthodontics (20 seats).
- Education: Educational Studies, Guidance & Counseling (25 seats).
- Environment & Sustainable Development: Climate Change, Biodiversity (15 seats).
- Law: Constitutional Law, International Law (30 seats).
- Management Studies: Finance, Marketing (25 seats).
- Medicine: Biochemistry, Community Medicine (40 seats).
- Performing Arts: Vocal, Dance (20 seats).
- Science: Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics (150+ seats).
- Social Sciences: Economics, Psychology, Sociology (80 seats).
- Sanskrit Vidya Dharm Vigyan: Vedanta, Shukla Yajurveda (30 seats).
- Veterinary & Animal Sciences: Veterinary Surgery, Animal Nutrition (20 seats).
- Visual Arts: Painting, Plastic Arts (15 seats).
BHU PhD Syllabus 2026
BHU PhD syllabus starts with 16-credit coursework in Year 1, focusing on research tools before thesis phase. Evaluation includes assignments, seminars, and viva on topics like data ethics in AI for Computer Science or field trials in Agronomy.
- Paper I: Research Methodology (4 credits): Topic selection, synopsis preparation, literature review via PubMed/Scopus, hypothesis formulation.
- Paper II: Subject-Specific Advanced Topics (8 credits): E.g., climate modeling and GIS in Environmental Science; quantum mechanics derivations in Physics.
- Paper III: Ethics & IPR (4 credits): Plagiarism avoidance, publication norms, patent filing for inventions like herbal formulations in Ayurveda.
- Thesis Phase: Original work with annual progress reviews, culminating in Scopus publication and defense before external examiners.
BHU PhD Scholarships 2026
BHU PhD scholars access merit-cum-need fellowships prioritizing JRF holders and low-income families (under INR 8 lakh annual), covering stipends and contingencies for projects in areas like renewable energy.
- UGC/CSIR JRF: INR 31,000 monthly + INR 20,000 yearly contingency for 5 years.
- Non-NET Fellowship: INR 8,000 monthly for RET qualifiers from economically weaker sections.
- Earn While You Learn: Part-time library/department roles paying INR 2,000-5,000 monthly.
- Annadana Yojana: Free meals + INR 5,000 for 20 visually impaired scholars via temple trust.
- Central Schemes: NSP/UP Scholarship fully applicable, up to INR 50,000 yearly.
| Scholarship Name | Amount (Annual) | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| UGC JRF | INR 3.72 lakh | Valid JRF score, full-time enrollment |
| Non-NET RET Fellowship | INR 96,000 | RET merit, income < INR 2.5 lakh |
| Pyare Lal Memorial | INR 10,000 | Management stream scholars |
Details at BHU scholarships.
BHU PhD Ranking 2026
BHU holds strong NIRF positions for research output, with 16th in Research category, supporting PhD through 874 global CWUR rank and collaborations yielding 244 faculty publications yearly.
| Ranking Body | Category | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| NIRF 2025 | Overall | 10 |
| NIRF 2025 | University | 6 |
| NIRF 2025 | Research | 16 |
| THE 2026 | World Overall | 501 |
| CWUR 2025 | World Overall | 874 |
| IIRF 2025 | Overall | 3 |
BHU PhD Placements 2025
BHU PhD alumni transition to research roles, with 40 scholars placed in 2025 via campus drives, securing positions in labs over corporate jobs—median stipend INR 16 LPA equivalent in fellowships from Adani Wilmar to IBM.
| Program Level | Students Placed | Median Package (INR LPA) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-year PhD | 244 | 13.50 |
| Integrated PhD | 67 | 16.00 |
Top recruiters: Deloitte (analytics roles), KPMG (consulting), Infosys (R&D), ZS Associates (data science). For more, visit BHU placements.
BHU PhD Result 2025
BHU PhD results for 2025 semester exams and RET merit lists appear on bhuonline.in, detailing NET percentile integration and interview scores for transparent progression tracking. (132 words)
- Access via "Results" tab on BHU Samarth portal, entering roll number and DOB.
- Semester outcomes (November odd/even) release in January/July, including coursework grades from research methodology papers.
- RET merit combines 70% NET + 30% interview, published post-counseling with waitlist for vacancies.
- Thesis evaluation results follow viva defense, requiring two Scopus publications for award.
- Revaluation requests within 30 days; digital scorecards downloadable for fellowship claims.
- Foreign scholars view via International Centre login, aligned with AIU norms.
Check BHU PhD results portal.
BHU PhD Courses List
Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D] (Ancient Indian History And Archaeology)
Full Time • Offline₹ 4,200 ( 3 Years)
FAQs on BHU PhD
Q: What is the eligibility criteria for Ph.D. at Banaras Hindu University?
Q: What are the eligibility criteria for BHU PhD admission?
Q: What is the fee structure for BHU PhD programs?
Q: What is the duration of the BHU PhD program?
Q: What entrance exams are required for BHU PhD admission?
Q: How many specializations does BHU PhD offer?
Q: Are scholarships available for BHU PhD students?
Q: What is the admission process for BHU PhD?
Q: What career opportunities are available after BHU PhD?
Other Courses Offered by BHU
| Course | Duration | Average Fees |
| MD | 3 Years | ₹21,518 |
| DM | 3 Years | ₹26,805 |
| LLD | 3 Years | -- |
| D.Sc | 3 Years | ₹6,000 |
| D.Litt | 3 Years | -- |
| Post Doctoral | 2 Years | -- |
