Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Ph.D. (Economics) programme at Assam University, Silchar is a full-time, on-campus doctoral degree offered by the Department of Economics, one of the six founding departments of this central university established in 1994. The programme involves both coursework and original research, with a minimum duration of 3 years. The department has a strong emphasis on understanding the socio-economic problems and specificities of Northeast India, with ongoing research covering agricultural economics, environmental economics, human development, demography, gender studies, and applied econometrics. The total academic fee for the programme is Rs. 55,380 for the entire duration. Admission is based on a Research Entrance Test (RET) and/or UGC-NET/JRF qualification, with a seat intake of 8 seats for the 2026-27 session. The programme is popular among students interested in applied economics research, particularly those focused on Northeast India's development challenges.

Admissions for the 2026-27 session have been completed, with classes commencing from November 25, 2026. For the 2027-28 session, the admission portal is expected to open tentatively in September 2027, based on the previous year's schedule.

Key Points

The Department of Economics is one of the six founding departments of Assam University, with over 30 years of research experience in Northeast India's socio-economic issues.
The department has 10 faculty members including 5 Professors, 1 Associate Professor, and 4 Assistant Professors, providing strong supervision capacity across diverse research areas.
Research specialisations cover Agricultural Economics, Environmental Economics, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Econometrics, International Economics, Political Economy, Demography, Rural Development, Game Theory, and Natural Resources Economics.
The department regularly organises national conferences, including the Annual Conference of the North Eastern Economic Association.
The university may provide Non-NET fellowship to selected full-time PhD scholars on merit basis, subject to availability of UGC funds.
Seat reservation follows Government of India norms: UR-4, SC-1, ST-0, OBC-2, EWS-1, PWD-1 (total 8 seats for 2026-27).

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FAQs

AU Ph.D. (Economics) Fees

The Ph.D. (Economics) programme at Assam University, Silchar carries a total academic fee of Rs. 55,380 for the full 3-year duration, making it one of the most affordable doctoral programmes in Economics offered by a central university in India. The annual course fee and tuition fee together form the bulk of the academic charges. Hostel accommodation is available on campus at an additional cost of approximately Rs. 25,000 per year, though it is not mandatory and is subject to availability.

Fee Structure Table

Fee Component	Per Year (Rs.)	Total for 3 Years (Rs.)
Tuition Fee	3,600	10,800
Annual Course Fee	1,200	3,600
University Development Fund	1,500	4,500
Admission Fee (one-time)	500	500
Identity Card (one-time)	50	50
Title Registration Fee for Dissertation (one-time)	300	300
Other Charges (Library, Sports, Misc.)	~13,077	~35,630
Total Academic Fee	~18,460	55,380
Hostel Fee (optional, subject to availability)	25,000	75,000
Total Fee (with Hostel)	~43,460	~1,30,380

The total academic fee of Rs. 55,380 is as per official data for the General category.
Hostel fee of Rs. 25,000 per year is indicative and subject to change; hostel accommodation is not mandatory.
Application fee (non-refundable): Rs. 1,000 for General/OBC (Creamy Layer); Rs. 900 for OBC (NCL)/EWS; Rs. 800 for SC/ST/PWD.
Annual fees are to be deposited annually as per the rate prescribed in the fee structure.
Sponsored candidates pay Annual Course Fee at 3 times the regular rate.
No EMI option is officially mentioned; fees are payable annually.

AU Ph.D. (Economics) Admission 2026

Admissions to the Ph.D. (Economics) programme at Assam University, Silchar are conducted annually, typically with the portal opening in September-October. The selection process involves a Research Entrance Test (RET) and/or viva voce for shortlisted candidates. Candidates holding a valid UGC-NET/JRF qualification may be given preference or exemption from the entrance test as per university norms. The 2026-27 admission cycle has been completed; the next cycle (2027-28) is expected to follow a similar schedule tentatively from September 2027.

College Admission Dates

Event	2026-27 Dates (Completed)	2027-28 Tentative Dates
Opening of Admission Portal	September 26, 2026	September 2027 (Tentative)
Last Date of Online Application	October 29, 2026	October 2027 (Tentative)
Verification by Departments	Up to October 31, 2026	October 2027 (Tentative)
Research Entrance Test (RET) and Viva Voce	November 7, 2026	November 2027 (Tentative)
Entry of Composite Score by Department	November 10, 2026	November 2027 (Tentative)
Publication of First Merit List	November 12, 2026	November 2027 (Tentative)
Admission from First Merit List	November 12-14, 2026	November 2027 (Tentative)
Admission from Second Merit List (if any)	November 19-24, 2026	November 2027 (Tentative)
Commencement of Coursework Classes	November 25, 2026	November 2027 (Tentative)

UGC-NET Exam Dates

Event	Phase 1 Dates	Phase 2 Dates
Registration Start	October 7, 2026	April 1, 2027
Registration End	November 7, 2026	May 1, 2027
Admit Card Release	December 28, 2026	June 1, 2027
Exam Date	December 31, 2026 - January 7, 2027	June 2027 (Tentative)
Answer Key Release	January 14, 2027	July 1, 2027
Result Declaration	February 4, 2027	July 2027 (Tentative)

Note: UGC-NET (Economics) qualification is the primary national-level exam accepted for PhD admission at Assam University. Candidates with valid NET/JRF may be exempted from the university's RET as per applicable norms.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a Master's degree in Economics or an allied subject with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate (or equivalent grade) from a recognised university.
A relaxation of 5% marks (i.e., 50% minimum) is applicable for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/Differently-Abled/EWS candidates.
Candidates who have completed an M.Phil. in Economics or an allied subject with at least 55% marks are also eligible.

Admission Process

Register and apply online at https://www.ausexamination.ac.in/admission by paying the applicable application fee.
Shortlisted candidates appear for the Research Entrance Test (RET) and/or Viva Voce conducted by the Department of Economics.
A composite score is computed based on RET performance, academic record, and viva voce.
Merit list is published on the university portal; selected candidates complete admission formalities and pay fees within the stipulated dates.
Candidates with valid UGC-NET/JRF (Economics) may be given preference in the selection process.
Seat reservation follows GoI norms: UR-4, SC-1, ST-0, OBC-2, EWS-1, PWD-1 (total intake: 8 seats for 2026-27).

AU Ph.D. (Economics) Scholarships 2026

PhD scholars in Economics at Assam University, Silchar have access to multiple fellowship and scholarship options. The UGC-JRF in Economics is the most prestigious and financially rewarding option, providing Rs. 37,000/month for the first two years. The university also provides Non-NET fellowship to eligible full-time PhD scholars. Additionally, scholars may benefit from project-based fellowships through DST-SERB and other funding agencies, given the department's active research culture.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / Fellowship	Eligibility	Amount	Duration
UGC-JRF (Junior Research Fellowship)	UGC-NET qualified with JRF rank in Economics	Rs. 37,000/month (JRF, first 2 years); Rs. 42,000/month (SRF, from 3rd year)	Up to 5 years
UGC Non-NET Fellowship (AUS)	Full-time PhD scholars enrolled at Assam University who do not hold NET/JRF	Rs. 5,000/month (Humanities/Social Sciences) + contingency of Rs. 8,000/year	Up to 3 years (subject to satisfactory progress and fund availability)
DST-SERB Project JRF/SRF	Selected candidates for externally funded research projects in the department	Rs. 31,000-37,000/month (as per project norms)	Duration of project
National Fellowship for SC Students (NFSC)	SC category PhD scholars	Rs. 37,000/month (JRF) / Rs. 42,000/month (SRF)	Up to 5 years
National Fellowship for ST Students (NFST)	ST category PhD scholars	Rs. 37,000/month (JRF) / Rs. 42,000/month (SRF)	Up to 5 years
Ishan Uday Scholarship (NER)	Students from Northeast India	Rs. 5,400/month (general courses)	Duration of course
Assam Govt. Research Scholar Assistance	Regular PhD scholars enrolled in Assam universities	Rs. 25,000 (one-time) for regular scholars; Rs. 40,000 for Divyang scholars	One-time

The Non-NET fellowship at Assam University is subject to availability of UGC funds and is awarded on merit basis; it is not guaranteed to all enrolled scholars.
Scholars must submit claim forms (RF-1, RF-2, RF-6) as per the university's scholarship portal for Non-NET fellowship.
JRF/SRF fellows are also entitled to a contingency grant of Rs. 8,000/year (Humanities/Social Sciences).
Applications for national scholarships (NFSC, NFST, etc.) are to be submitted through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
DST-SERB project fellowships are available only when the department has active externally funded projects; candidates should check with individual faculty members.

AU Ph.D. (Economics) FAQs

Ques. What are the main research areas available in the PhD (Economics) programme at Assam University?

Ans. The Department of Economics at Assam University has 10 faculty members with diverse specialisations. Research areas include Agricultural Economics, Environmental and Natural Resources Economics, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Econometrics, International Economics, Political Economy, Demography, Rural Development and Livelihoods, Game Theory, Contract Theory, Industrial Economics, and Social Sector Issues. The department has a particular strength in Northeast India-focused research, covering topics like agricultural productivity, human development, gender economics, and environmental issues specific to the region.

Ques. How competitive is PhD (Economics) admission at Assam University, and what score is needed in the RET?

Ans. The PhD (Economics) programme at Assam University had 8 seats in the 2026-27 cycle. The selection is based on a composite score comprising the Research Entrance Test (RET), academic record, and viva voce. Candidates with UGC-NET/JRF in Economics are given preference and may be exempted from the RET. The competition is moderate, and candidates with a strong MA Economics background and clear research proposal tend to perform well in the viva voce.

Ques. Can I apply for PhD (Economics) at Assam University without a UGC-NET qualification?

Ans. Yes, UGC-NET is not mandatory to apply. Candidates without NET/JRF can appear in the university's own Research Entrance Test (RET). However, having a valid UGC-NET/JRF in Economics gives significant advantages: preference in admission, possible exemption from RET, and eligibility for the JRF fellowship of Rs. 37,000/month. Candidates without NET/JRF may still be eligible for the university's Non-NET fellowship of Rs. 5,000/month, subject to availability of UGC funds.

Ques. What is the scope of PhD (Economics) from Assam University for academic and non-academic careers?

Ans. A PhD in Economics from Assam University, a central university, is well-recognised for academic careers. Many alumni are employed as faculty members in colleges and universities across India, particularly in Northeast India. Non-academic career options include positions in banks, insurance companies, public sector organisations, think tanks, government policy research bodies, and international development organisations. The department's focus on applied econometrics and Northeast India's development issues makes graduates particularly valuable for regional policy research roles.

Ques. Does the Department of Economics at Assam University have any active research projects or collaborations?

Ans. Yes, the Department of Economics at Assam University has been active in research. The department has hosted the Annual Conference of the North Eastern Economic Association (the 25th edition was held in February 2026). Faculty members have been involved in DST-SERB sponsored research projects, and the department has collaborations with various national and international research bodies. Candidates interested in project-based fellowships should contact individual faculty members to inquire about ongoing funded projects.

Ques. What is the minimum duration to complete a PhD in Economics at Assam University, and can it be extended?

Ans. The minimum duration for the PhD programme at Assam University is 3 years (including coursework). The maximum duration is typically 6 years, with possible extensions subject to university regulations and supervisor approval. Scholars are required to complete coursework in the first year, followed by research work, submission of thesis, and viva voce. The university follows UGC regulations for PhD programmes, which mandate a minimum of 3 years for full-time scholars.