Pondicherry University Ph.D. Admissions 2026-27

Pondicherry University, a Central University accredited with an “A+” Grade by NAAC, is inviting applications for its Ph.D. programs for the academic year 2026-27 under the entrance examination category. Established in 1985, the university prides itself on fostering innovation, research-enriched education, and industry-focused programs. With a commitment to the National Education Policy (NEP) and a vibrant campus life, it’s a top choice for aspiring researchers across India. The university boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure, including ICT-enabled campuses, well-equipped labs, and off-campuses in Karaikal and Port Blair.

Important Dates

• Online Registration Starts: 19th November 2025
• Last Date for Online Registration: 30th December 2025

Applications must be submitted online via the university website: pondiunivadmission.samarth.edu.in/index.php . Late submissions will not be entertained.

Application Fees

The application fee per program is as follows:

• Payment is made online only.
• Use a separate application for each program.
• Fees are subject to submission of relevant certificates (e.g., SC/ST certificate or medical certificate for PH/Transgender).
• Any claims based on incorrect information (e.g., category, course code) will not be considered later.

For candidates without a valid community certificate (EWS/OBC Non-Creamy Layer), a self-declaration/undertaking form must be submitted during application, promising to provide the certificate at counseling.

Eligibility Criteria

• General: Master’s degree in the relevant or allied subject with at least 55% marks (or equivalent grade) under the 10+2+3+2 pattern (or 10+2+5 for certain fields).
• Relaxation: 5% for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/Differently-abled/EWS candidates (50% marks).
• Final-year PG students can apply but must produce proof of eligibility before admission.
• For part-time (internal/external): Additional experience requirements apply (e.g., 2+ years teaching for internal, 10+ years professional for external with publications).

Detailed subject-specific eligibility is available in the information brochure.

Mode of Selection

• Entrance Exam: 70% weightage (100 MCQs, 120 minutes; +4 for correct, -1 for wrong).
• Personal Interview & Academic Record: 30% weightage.
• Syllabus: 50% Research Methodology, 50% Subject-Specific.
• Exam Type: Computer-Based Test (CBT).
• Tie-Breaking: Positive marks > Negative marks > PG percentage > UG percentage > Age.

Defense personnel can take the test at notified centers.

Exam Centers

The entrance exam will be held at the following 24 centers (subject to sufficient candidates; indicate 3 preferences in your application):

1. Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
2. Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
3. Guwahati, Assam
4. Patna, Bihar
5. Chandigarh
6. Ahmedabad, Gujarat
7. Bengaluru, Karnataka
8. Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
9. Kozhikode, Kerala
10. Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
11. Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
12. Mumbai, Maharashtra
13. New Delhi
14. Bhubaneswar, Odisha
15. Puducherry
16. Mahe, Puducherry
17. Jaipur, Rajasthan
18. Chennai, Tamil Nadu
19. Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu
20. Hyderabad, Telangana
21. Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
22. Kolkata, West Bengal
23. Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
24. Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

The university may allot centers based on availability.

Campuses for Ph.D. Programs

• Main Campus (Pondicherry): Hosts most departments, with excellent facilities like labs, libraries, and hostels. ICT-enabled with e-learning and virtual classrooms.
• Karaikal Campus: Offers select programs (e.g., Commerce, Computer Science).
• Port Blair Campus (Andamans): Focuses on programs like Disaster Management, Marine Biology. Candidates must provide an undertaking for joining at own risk and take insurance (Rs. 5 lakhs).

Interdisciplinary research is encouraged across campuses.

Number of Seats (Tentative Vacancies) Department-Wise

The total tentative intake includes university departments and affiliated institutions/MoU categories. Seats are subject to change based on supervisor availability. Reservations: Gen (UR), OBC (27%), SC (15%), ST (7.5%), EWS (10%), PH (5%).

University Departments

Affiliated Institutions/MoU Categories

Additional seats are available in affiliated colleges/institutes like ICMR-VCRC, RMRC Port Blair, ZSI Port Blair, etc. For example:

• Zoology (ICMR-VCRC): 1
• Microbiology (ICMR-VCRC): 2
• Chemistry (ICMR-VCRC): 1
• And more—refer to the brochure for full lists.

These include specific reservations and are often on an all-India basis.

Tuition and Other Fees

Ph.D. Full-Time/Part-Time Internal (Per Annum, in INR)

• Research Fee: Non-Science 2500, Science 3500
• Registration: 1000 (one-time)
• Other fees: Matriculation 500, Recognition 500, Sports 250/sem, Medical 250/sem, Library 1000/sem, etc.
• Total Initial (Humanities): ~19430; Science: ~26430
• Subsequent Semesters: Humanities ~5750; Science ~11750

Part-Time External

Similar structure, initial Humanities ~18250; Science ~25250.

Foreign nationals pay in USD (e.g., SAARC Humanities $250/annum). Differently-abled students are exempt from most fees.

Hostel Facilities

The university offers 21 hostels (13 boys, 8 girls) with mandatory mess dining. Fees for 2026-27 will be announced separately. Ragging is strictly prohibited.

Financial Assistance

• University Fellowship: Rs. 8000/month + contingency for full-time scholars.
• Other: UGC Non-Net, JRF, etc.

For queries, contact: admissionpu@pondiuni.ac.in or affiliated institutions directly.

Apply before December 30, 2025!

Click to Apply