PhD General Guidelines

Admission Guidelines for PhD programmes

Admission to PhD programmes is made through two modes viz. through direct mode and through entrance test mode. Additionally, SAU also offers Executive PhD programme to provide senior professionals and officers the opportunity to pursue research and obtain a PhD degree mid-career.

The PhD programmes are available in the following Disciplines:

1. Mathematics
2. Biotechnology
3. Computer Science
4. Physics
5. Economics
6. International Relations
7. Sociology
8. Legal Studies
9. Media, Arts and Design
10. Climate Change
11. Management
12. Chemistry
13. English

1. Through Direct Mode

(Applications for admission will be processed twice a year)

In this mode, certain categories of candidates will be exempted from the Entrance Test. They will be shortlisted on the basis of their CVs/SOPs/Research proposals/Letters of Recommendation and will be called directly for the interview process. The eligible categories are the following:

• Those who have been already awarded National fellowships in different SAARC countries on the basis of their respective National Entrance Tests.
• Those who are funded by any Government agency to pursue PhD.
• Those who are salaried and can get a leave from their organization for at least the period until the course work is completed.
• Those who are not covered in any of the above categories however, possess the minimum eligibility criteria to pursue PhD. The applications of such candidates will be discussed and forwarded by the FAC of the respective Faculty to CAC. The CAC will recommend the potential candidates to be called for interview.

Candidates admitted to the PhD programmes through the Direct Mode are granted a 75% concession in the semester fee.

For candidates applying through the above channel, separate merit lists will be drawn keeping in view the reservation of seats for candidates from different SAARC countries defined under SAU’s Rules.

2. Through Entrance Test

(The admissions through this mode are made once a year only for which the applications are invited usually from January/February each year)

In this mode, the admission procedure for the PhD programme consists of an Entrance Test followed by an interview. Students are required to score at least 50% marks in both, the Entrance Test and the interview separately, to be eligible for admission.

Candidates admitted through SAU entrance test will receive monthly scholarship of INR 39,000/- for Science Streams and INR 36,000/- for Other Streams. After paying the applicable fee, the students will be left with an amount of around INR 25,000/- p.m. depending upon the dollar exchange rate.

The admission to the PhD programmes through entrance mode is made once a year only for which the applications are invited usually from January/February each year.

3. Executive PhD programme

The Executive PhD Programme is designed to provide senior professionals and officers the opportunity to pursue research and obtain a PhD degree mid-career. This programme aims:

1. To provide opportunity to senior professional/officers to take up research studies and acquire PhD degree mid-career.
2. To facilitate senior professionals to rise the ladder in their organization, thereby contribute significantly in their domain.
3. To help South Asian University in establishing a strong connection between academic and the industry by attracting senior professionals.
4. To explore new areas of research through the amalgamation of curriculum-based knowledge and practice-based knowledge.
5. To boost inter-disciplinary research in an unconventional manner by inviting eminent people to guide the research scholars.

Course Work and Residency Requirement:
Executive PhD scholars will have flexibility in their Course work. The course work, if required, can be in the form of physical / online classes, assignments, self-studies etc. as decided by the supervisor(s).

Fee Structure:
The fee for the Executive PhD program is USD 1,200 (or equivalent) per semester, along with a Student Aid Fund contribution of USD 10 (or equivalent) per semester. A one-time Admission Fee and Security Deposit will also be applicable.

Other modalities:
The modalities such as Progress Monitoring, Duration, Thesis Submission and Evaluation etc. will be governed as per Regulation 13 of SAU Regulations.

The candidates are required to apply through the portal using the following link: SAU Admission 2026-27

Eligibility

Executive PhD: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree from a recognized university along with at least 10 years of significant professional experience. The experience should reflect progressive responsibility, domain expertise, and meaningful contributions relevant to the proposed area of research.
Entrance and Direct Mode PhD: Refer to specific doctoral program for detailed information on eligibility.