Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Ph.D. in Comparative Indian Literature at Assam University, Silchar is a full-time doctoral programme offered by the Department of Indian Comparative Literature, which was established in 2014. The department focuses on the interplay of language and culture across Indian literary traditions, with a particular emphasis on the multilingual and multicultural landscape of Northeast India. The programme is conducted through coursework and dissertation, following the Assam University Ph.D. Ordinance 2023 and UGC guidelines. The annual fee is approximately Rs. 27,245. Seat availability varies each year based on faculty vacancies and research supervisor availability. The programme is suited for researchers interested in comparative literary studies, modern poetry, medieval Bengali literature, manuscriptology, and cultural studies in the Indian context.

Admissions for the 2026-27 session are expected to open around September-October 2026, following the pattern of the 2025-26 cycle where the PhD portal opened on September 26, 2025 and closed on October 29, 2025. Candidates qualifying UGC-NET/JRF are exempted from the Research Entrance Test (RET); others must appear in the RET conducted by the university.

Key Points

The Department of Indian Comparative Literature was established in 2014, making it one of the newer departments at Assam University, with a focus on multiculturalism and the interplay of language and culture.
The department offers M.A. in Comparative Indian Literature (20 seats) and Ph.D. by coursework and research.
Faculty specialisations include modern poetry, comparative literature, medieval Bengali literature, manuscriptology, and cultural studies.
The programme is particularly relevant for researchers interested in Northeast Indian literary traditions and cross-cultural literary studies.
Candidates with UGC-NET/JRF qualification are exempted from the university's Research Entrance Test (RET).
The university may provide Non-NET fellowship to selected candidates on merit basis, subject to availability of UGC funds.

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

AU Ph.D. Comparative Indian Literature Fees

The Ph.D. programme at Assam University is highly affordable for a central university. The annual course fee is approximately Rs. 27,245, covering tuition, registration, and other university charges. Over a typical 3-year minimum duration, the total fee comes to approximately Rs. 81,735. Hostel accommodation is available on campus at an additional cost of approximately Rs. 25,000 per year, subject to availability.

Fee Breakdown

Fee Component	Per Year (Rs.)	For 3 Years (Rs.)
Tuition / Course Fee	18,000	54,000
University Registration / Enrolment Fee	3,000	9,000
Library Fee	2,000	6,000
Examination / Thesis Fee	2,245	6,735
Other University Charges	2,000	6,000
Total Fees (excluding hostel)	27,245	81,735

Hostel Fees

Hostel Component	Per Year (Rs.)
Hostel Seat Rent	25,000
Mess Charges	Separate (as per actuals)

Fee figures are indicative based on available data; candidates should verify the exact fee structure from the official prospectus at aus.ac.in.
Hostel accommodation is not mandatory and is subject to availability across 9 on-campus hostels (4 boys, 5 girls).
A caution deposit (refundable) may be applicable at the time of admission.
Fees are paid annually through the university's online portal.
JRF/SRF fellowship holders receive their fellowship directly from the funding agency.

AU Ph.D. Comparative Indian Literature Admission 2026-27

Admission to the Ph.D. in Comparative Indian Literature at Assam University is based on a composite score comprising the Research Entrance Test (RET) and/or viva voce, with exemption from RET for UGC-NET/JRF qualified candidates. For 2025-26, the PhD admission portal opened on September 26, 2025 and closed on October 29, 2025, with coursework commencing on November 25, 2025. For 2026-27, a similar timeline is expected. Seat availability depends on faculty vacancies; candidates should check the official admission notice for the current year's vacancy matrix. The application fee is Rs. 1,000 for General/OBC (creamy layer), Rs. 900 for OBC (NCL)/EWS, and Rs. 800 for SC/ST/PWD candidates.

Assam University Ph.D. Admission Dates

Event	Tentative Date (2026-27)
Opening of Admission Portal	September 2026 (tentative)
Last Date for Online Application	October 2026 (tentative)
Departmental Verification	October 2026 (tentative)
Research Entrance Test (RET) and Viva Voce	November 2026 (tentative)
Publication of First Merit List	November 2026 (tentative)
Admission from First Merit List	November 2026 (tentative)
Commencement of Coursework	November-December 2026 (tentative)

Note: No separate national-level entrance exam is required for Ph.D. in Comparative Indian Literature. UGC-NET/JRF qualified candidates are exempted from RET.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a Master's degree in Comparative Literature, Indian Literature, or an allied subject from a recognised university with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PWD/EWS candidates).
Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in a relevant subject with at least 55% marks are also eligible.
UGC-NET/JRF qualified candidates are exempted from the university's Research Entrance Test (RET).

Admission Process

Apply online through the Assam University admission portal (ausexamination.ac.in) within the stipulated dates.
Pay the application fee online (Rs. 800 to Rs. 1,000 depending on category).
Shortlisted candidates appear for the Research Entrance Test (RET) and/or viva voce (NET/JRF holders are exempted from RET).
A composite score is prepared by the department based on RET/viva performance and academic record.
Merit list is published and selected candidates complete document verification and fee payment.
Coursework commences as per the university schedule.

AU Ph.D. Comparative Indian Literature Scholarships 2026-27

Ph.D. students in Comparative Indian Literature at Assam University can avail of several fellowship and scholarship opportunities. UGC-JRF qualified students receive a monthly fellowship, while the university may also provide Non-NET fellowships subject to UGC fund availability. Students from the Northeast region can additionally benefit from the NEC Merit Scholarship.

Fellowship and Scholarship Details

Fellowship / Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount	Frequency
UGC-JRF (Junior Research Fellowship)	UGC-NET qualified with JRF	Rs. 37,000 per month (initial 2 years)	Monthly
UGC-SRF (Senior Research Fellowship)	After 2 years of JRF, on upgrade	Rs. 42,000 per month	Monthly
Non-NET Fellowship (Assam University)	Selected Ph.D. students without JRF, subject to UGC fund availability	As per UGC norms (typically Rs. 5,000-8,000 per month)	Monthly
NEC Merit Scholarship	Students from Northeast states with family income below Rs. 8,00,000 p.a.	Rs. 30,000 per year (Ph.D. level)	Annual
Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST)	SC/ST students	As per government norms	Annual

UGC-JRF fellowship is the most prestigious and financially rewarding option. Candidates must qualify UGC-NET with JRF to be eligible.
Non-NET fellowship availability depends on UGC fund allocation to the university and is not guaranteed.
NEC Merit Scholarship is available to permanent residents of the 8 Northeast states. Apply through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in).
SC/ST students should apply for Post-Matric Scholarship through the National Scholarship Portal within the stipulated deadline.

AU Ph.D. Comparative Indian Literature FAQs

Ques. What is Comparative Indian Literature and why should I pursue a Ph.D. in it at Assam University?

Ans. Comparative Indian Literature is an interdisciplinary field that studies literary works across different Indian languages and cultures, examining themes, forms, and traditions comparatively. Assam University's department, established in 2014, is uniquely positioned in the multilingual Northeast Indian context, where multiple literary traditions coexist. The department's focus on the interplay of language and culture makes it an ideal place for researchers interested in cross-cultural literary studies, particularly those involving Northeast Indian languages and literatures.

Ques. What are the research areas available in the Department of Indian Comparative Literature at Assam University?

Ans. The department's faculty specialise in modern poetry, comparative literature, medieval Bengali literature, manuscriptology, and cultural studies. Given the interdisciplinary nature of comparative literature, researchers can explore themes across Indian literary traditions, including folk literature, classical texts, modern writings, and the literature of Northeast India. The department's connection with the Centre for Studies in Endangered Languages, Manuscriptology and Folkloristics (CELMF) in the Bengali department also provides additional research avenues.

Ques. Is UGC-NET mandatory for Ph.D. admission in Comparative Indian Literature at Assam University?

Ans. UGC-NET/JRF is not mandatory for admission, but it is highly advantageous. Candidates without NET/JRF must appear in the university's Research Entrance Test (RET) and viva voce. NET/JRF qualified candidates are exempted from RET. Additionally, JRF holders receive a monthly fellowship of Rs. 37,000, making the programme financially self-sustaining.

Ques. How many seats are available for Ph.D. in Comparative Indian Literature at Assam University?

Ans. Seat availability varies each year based on faculty vacancies and research supervisor availability. Candidates are strongly advised to check the official PhD admission notice published on the Assam University website (aus.ac.in) for the current year's vacancy matrix before applying. The department is relatively small with 2 faculty members, so the number of available seats may be limited.

Ques. What career options are available after a Ph.D. in Comparative Indian Literature from Assam University?

Ans. A Ph.D. in Comparative Indian Literature opens doors to academic positions (Assistant Professor, Associate Professor) in universities and colleges across India, particularly in departments of Comparative Literature, Indian Languages, and Humanities. Other career options include roles in media houses, cultural organisations, translation and interpretation, publishing, and research positions at institutes like Sahitya Akademi and CIIL. The department's placement record indicates decent scope in universities, media houses, and educational institutions in India and abroad.

Ques. Can students with a Master's degree in a single Indian language (e.g., Bengali, Hindi, or English) apply for Ph.D. in Comparative Indian Literature?

Ans. Yes, students with a Master's degree in any Indian language or literature, English, or allied humanities subjects may be eligible, subject to the department's discretion and the availability of a suitable research supervisor. The interdisciplinary nature of comparative literature means that students from diverse literary backgrounds are welcome. It is advisable to contact the department head directly to discuss research interests and supervisor availability before applying.