Delhi University PhD: Admission 2026, Eligibility, Fees, Application Process

Delhi University PhD is a 3-6 year program offered in various specialisations like Arts, Science, Commerce, Law, Education, and Humanities. Admission to the program is structured in two phases to strategically fill the available seats. The final selection criteria are based on a 70:30 weightage given to the NET score and a mandatory interview. This page details the latest eligibility, fee structure, and admission process for aspiring researchers seeking Delhi University PhD admission 2026.

Delhi University PhD Highlights

The following table summarizes the most important details about University of Delhi PhD admission 2026, including eligibility, fees, and duration. These key highlights help prospective candidates understand the structure and mode of the program before applying.

The duration of PhD in DU is clearly defined:

• Minimum Duration: 3 years (Full-Time) / 4 years (Part-Time).
• Maximum Duration: 6 years, extendable by two years under special circumstances.
• Course Work: A mandatory one-year of Ph.D. course work must be successfully completed before formal research commences.

Delhi University PhD Eligibility Criteria

The major Delhi University PhD eligibility requirement for all candidates seeking Delhi University PhD admission 2026 is a qualifying Master’s degree and a valid NET score, categorized into three blocks by UGC.

General Educational Qualification

• Master's Degree: Candidates must hold a Master’s Degree or an equivalent professional degree from a recognized university.
• Minimum Marks: A minimum of 55% marks in aggregate (or an equivalent grade 'B' in the UGC 7-point scale).
• Relaxation: A relaxation of 5% marks (i.e., 50% marks) is provided for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/EWS/Differently-abled candidates.

Eligible Admission Categories

As per the latest UGC notification, applicants for University of Delhi PhD admission fall into three categories, which determine their priority in the selection process:

• Block A (Category-1): Candidates who are qualified for JRF and are eligible for both Assistant Professor and Ph.D. Admission. These candidates are given the first preference for seat allocation in each phase.
• Block B (Category-2): Candidates who are eligible for Assistant Professor and Ph.D. Admission only.
• Block B (Category-3): Candidates eligible for Ph.D. Admission only.

Delhi University PhD Fee Structure 

The total PhD fees in Delhi University for the 2026 academic year is approximately ₹21,390. It includes tuition, registration, and exam fees, which vary slightly across faculties. Below is the DU PhD fee structure for 2026.

The Delhi University PhD fees payment is typically done annually at the beginning of the academic session. Candidates are advised to check the specific fee structure for their chosen department via the Delhi University Courses & Fees page.

Delhi University PhD Specializations 

The PhD from Delhi University is offered across numerous faculties, including Arts, Science, Commerce, Law, Social Sciences, etc., covering over 60 specializations. For instance, the demand is high for the Delhi University PhD Psychology Admission 2026 through the Department of Psychology.

• Arts & Humanities: English, Hindi, History, Philosophy, Sanskrit, Sociology, Psychology
• Sciences: Botany, Zoology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science
• Commerce & Business: Commerce, Economics, Management, Operational Research
• Education: Faculty of Education, Physical Education, and Social Work
• Law & Interdisciplinary Studies

Delhi University PhD Admission 2026

The entire Delhi University PhD admission for 2026 is conducted in two phases, with the process being driven by the candidate’s performance in UGC/CSIR NET.

Admission Phases and Seat Distribution

The availability of seats is declared in advance by the departments. If seats remain vacant in Phase 1, they are filled in Phase 2. Supernumerary seats are available for PwBD, teachers, and foreign nationals. The allocation of seats across the two phases is fixed:

• Phase I: 60% of the total declared seats are sanctioned.
• Eligibility for Phase I: Candidates who have qualified UGC/CSIR NET in December 2024 and June 2026 are eligible for Block B consideration.
• Phase II: 40% of the total declared seats are sanctioned. Any seats that remain vacant from Phase I will also be filled in Phase II.
• Eligibility for Phase II: Candidates who have qualified UGC/CSIR NET in June 2026 and December 2026 are eligible for Block B consideration.

Selection Criteria and Merit List

The merit list for the PhD from Delhi University is drawn up based on the combined score of the entrance test and the Interview, ensuring a high level of academic rigor. Students can learn more about the final selection benchmarks by checking the historical Delhi University Cutoff trends.

• Weightage Split: The total score is calculated with 70% weightage to the scores obtained in UGC/CSIR NET and 30% weightage to the scores obtained in the Interview.
• Seat Filling Order: In each phase, seats are first filled from candidates in Block A (Category-1). If seats remain vacant after Block A candidates are considered, candidates from Block B (Category-2 & 3) may then be considered strictly as per their merit.

For more details, visit the Delhi University Admission section.

How to Apply for Delhi University PhD Admission 2026

All candidates must register online through the centralized admission portal. For a detailed guide on the application process for all programs, refer to the Delhi University Admission page.

• Visit the Official Portal: Go to the official PhD admission portal of Delhi University: phd2026.uod.ac.in. 
• Register: Click on 'New Registration' and provide the basic details asked for, like applicant's name, email ID, mobile number, etc.
• Fill Application Form: Enter personal, academic, and NET details carefully.
• Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of all required documents, including mark sheets, category certificate, and the NET Scorecard.
• Research Proposal: Submission of a Research Proposal is mandatory at the time of online registration for most departments.
• Pay Application Fee: The DU PhD admission fees of ₹750 (or ₹300 for reserved categories) must be paid online.
• Submit and Print the application: Submit the final form and save a printout of the confirmation page and fee receipt.

After a successful admission, students can look forward to research at the sprawling Delhi University Campus, which provides an ideal academic environment. The final selection will be announced on the Delhi University Result portal.

Documents Required for Delhi University PhD Admission 2026

Applicants must present valid academic and identification documents during the Delhi University PhD admission 2026 process. Failure to produce original documents at verification can lead to disqualification.

• 10th & 12th Mark Sheets
• UG & PG Degree Certificates
• NET/JRF Scorecard
• Research Proposal (Mandatory for most departments)
• Category and EWS Certificate (if applicable)
• Master's Degree Certificate & Consolidated Marksheet (55%+)
• Photo ID (Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID)
• Recent Passport-Size Photo & Signature (digital)
• Research Proposal (500-1,000 words on topic, methodology; signed by candidate)
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) & Experience Certificate (for part-time/sponsored)
• Migration/Transfer Certificate (from previous university)
• Two Academic Recommendation Letters
• AIU Equivalence Certificate (foreign degrees)