PhD Admission 2026: Fees, Entrance Exam, Dates, Eligibility, Application, and Selection
Table of Contents
A PhD is the highest level of academic qualification that involves coursework, thesis writing, and extensive research in a particular field. The degree prepares students to become experts in their field, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and contribute new insights through scholarly research. It is ideal for those who aspire to build careers in academia, research, or highly specialised professional roles.
Pursuing a doctoral degree programme can provide you with a wide range of career opportunities. If you are also interested in studying the PhD programme, this guide will help you to get all the details like eligibility and the fee, the entrance examination, important dates, the process of application and the criteria of selection, etc.
PhD Admission Overview
| Stage | Details |
| Eligibility Criteria | Candidates must hold a relevant Master’s degree with the required minimum marks (usually 55% or as per university norms). |
| PhD Admission Process | Submit the online application form along with the required documents and fees. |
| Entrance Exam | Candidates appear for national-level (UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, GATE) or university-level exams (e.g., TRAT). |
| Interview / Viva | Shortlisted candidates attend a personal interview or a Research Proposal Presentation. |
| Final Selection | Based on entrance score, interview performance, academic profile, and research suitability. |
| Supervisor Allocation | Selected candidates are assigned research guides/supervisors. |
| Enrollment in the PhD Programme | Candidates complete registration and begin coursework, followed by research work. |
Teerthanker Mahaveer University
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PhD Admission 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the PhD admission 2026, you are required to meet the mentioned criteria:
- To get a PhD admission in 2026, you must have a master's degree in the relevant field.
- You are required to have at least 55% marks.
- You must qualify for the admission entrance test.
PhD Entrance Exams
| Entrance Exam | Conducting Body | Key Highlights |
| UGC-NET / JRF | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Most widely accepted exam for PhD admission; also grants Junior Research Fellowships. |
| CSIR-NET | National Testing Agency (NTA) | For PhD admission in Science & Research fields like Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, etc. |
| GATE | IITs | Required for PhD admission in Engineering & Technology; accepted by IITs, NITs & top universities. |
| ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (PhD) | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Entrance exam for PhD admission in Agriculture and allied sciences. |
| IIT PhD Entrance Exams | Individual IITs | For PhD admission in Engineering, Sciences, Humanities, and Management. |
| IISc PhD Entrance | IISc Bangalore | Highly competitive research entrance test for science & engineering. |
| JNU PhD Entrance (JNUEE) | National Testing Agency | For PhD admission in Science, Arts, Social Sciences & Languages. |
| AIIMS PhD Entrance | AIIMS | For PhD admission in medical and biomedical sciences. |
| TMU Research Aptitude Test (TRAT) | Teerthanker Mahaveer University | Entrance test for PhD admission across various disciplines at TMU. |
Application Process for PhD Programme
Apply Online
- Visit online and apply to the university.
- Sign up online and make an account using your name, mobile number and email.
- Enter the essential information in the online application form, such as personal information, educational qualifications and experience gained (where applicable).
Upload Required Documents
- Master's degree mark sheet
- Bachelor’s degree mark sheet
- Migration certificate
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Research proposal (if required)
- ID proof
- Passport-size photo
Pay the Fee and Download
- Now pay the fee
- Download the application form and payment receipt
PhD Selection Process
Entrance Test
- Qualify for the entrance test
- Apply for UGC NET, GATE, or a university-level entrance test.
Personal Interview
- After clearing the entrance test, you will get a call for an interview.
- After completing the counselling process, you need to submit all your original documents to verify
Research Proposal
Universities prefer:
- Innovative ideas
- Clear problem statement
- Feasible methodology
- Alignment with faculty expertise
Candidates with strong proposals stand out significantly.
Top Colleges for PhD Programme
| College Name | Location | Key Features |
| Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) | Aligarh | Offers BA LLB, LLB, and LLM programmes; known for strong academics and well-established legal education. |
| Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU) | Lucknow | Offers integrated LLB/LLM programmes; reputed faculty and quality academic environment. |
| Dr Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU) | Lucknow | Known for excellent placements and a national-level reputation. |
| Teerthanker Mahaveer University (TMU) | Moradabad | Offers BCI-approved law programmes, advanced infrastructure and strong practical training. |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Varanasi | Renowned faculty, rich academic history, vibrant campus life, and a strong alumni network. |
Fees for PhD
| Type of University | Annual Tuition Fees (Approx.) |
| Public Universities | ₹50,000 – ₹150,000 per year |
| Private Universities | ₹40,000 – ₹300,000 per year |
Why TMU Leads in Doctoral Education Excellence?
At TMU, research meets inspiration! The university stands out as an ideal destination for pursuing a PhD. The PhD programme at TMU has been designed to impart knowledge in the form of courses, seminars, projects and thesis work. It will assist the scholars in organising their ideas and intellectual abilities. The university motivates students to interact within and across the subject areas.
Program Structure and Research Focus
The university offers a PhD programme in a wide range of subjects, like engineering, management, education, computer science, dental science, medical science, pharmacy, nursing, legal studies, fine arts, physical education, the Physiotherapy department, Paramedical Sciences and Agriculture Sciences. TMU promotes interdisciplinary learning, thus providing students with the opportunity to study many fields of research.
Academic and Research Environment
TMU provides access to advanced research labs, libraries, and other research tools to support your work. TMU promotes an ethic of questioning where scholars can think critically, work across the disciplines, and conduct research. The environment promotes not only academic but also professional development and prepares scholars as the world leaders in research and innovation.
Accreditation and Recognition
Teerthanker Mahaveer University (TMU) has been awarded an 'A' grade by NAAC. The University also has some major accreditations and recognitions, like UGC (University Grant Commission).
PhD Programme at TMU - January 2026 Session
| Faculty | Specialisations / Departments |
| Faculty of Medicine |
|
| Faculty of Dentistry |
|
| Faculty of Agriculture Sciences |
|
| Faculty of Engineering |
|
| Faculty of Commerce & Management |
|
| Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences |
|
| Faculty of Medical Allied Sciences |
|
| Faculty of Education |
|
| Faculty of Fine Arts |
|
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates seeking admission to the PhD programme shall fulfil the eligibility criteria as per the Second Amendment in the PhD Ordinance-2021 of the University (refer to www.tmu.ac.in).
Application Process for PhD Admission at TMU
Admission Guidelines
- Eligible candidates will be required to appear in the written test – the TMU Research Aptitude Test (TRAT).
- An interview for admission will be conducted by the university for PhD admission.
- If the candidate passes the UGC-NET/CSIR-NET (including JRF)/SLET/GATE/GPAT/Teacher fellowship holder or has passed the M.Phil. programme, they are exempted from the first stage process of TRAT (written test).
How to Apply
- You can apply online for the PhD admission through TMU’s official admission page.
- Please complete the application form and provide the necessary information.
- Upload required documents
- After successfully applying, the TMU Admission Cell will coordinate with you for the entrance exam.
Important Notes
- The TRAT venue and schedule shall be intimated only to eligible candidates via e-mail.
- In case of a holiday (due to unavoidable reasons), TRAT shall be conducted on the next working day.
- The given intake may be subject to change. Please check the updates on the University website.
- The mode of Examination will depend upon the directives of the Government of India, which will be duly communicated to the applicants well in advance.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Last date for application forms | 26 December 2025 |
| Date of Entrance Test (TRAT) | 10 January 2026 |
Conclusion
Doctoral studies teach resilience, discipline, and passion to discover, which are essential to prepare graduates to overcome obstacles and make a difference in the different areas. Pursuing a PhD provides scholars with critical thinking and research skills as well as problem-solving skills that open up a broad range of career paths in academia, industry, government, entrepreneurship, consultancy and many more.
TMU is a perfect place to be with its modern facilities, highly qualified faculty, interdisciplinary research space, and good academic culture to pursue a doctoral degree. If you are committed to developing knowledge and actualising useful research and establishing a good academic or professional career, the PhD Programme 2026 at TMU is a kicker to expand your opportunities without limit.
FAQ
Q1. How do I get admission to a PhD programme?
Ans. To get admission to a PhD programme, you are required to complete a master's degree programme and qualify for the entrance examination.
Q2. Can I do a PhD without an entrance?
Ans. Yes, you can do a PhD without an entrance exam by meeting the admission or eligibility criteria, such as having a master’s degree or relevant professional experience.
Q3. What is the age limit for a PhD?
Ans. There is no upper age limit for pursuing a PhD programme.
Q4. Which entrance exam is for a PhD?
Ans. Some common names for PhD entrance exams include UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, and JEST.
