Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

Assam University, Silchar, a Central University established by an Act of Parliament in 1994 and located in the Barak Valley of Assam, offers a full-time Ph.D. in Education through its Department of Education. The programme spans a minimum of 3 years and extends up to 5 years, combining rigorous coursework with independent research. The total programme fee is approximately Rs. 55,380 for the entire duration, making it one of the most affordable doctoral programmes in the country. Admission is primarily based on a university-level Research Entrance Test (RET) and/or Personal Interview (PI), with UGC NET/JRF qualified candidates often exempted from the entrance test. The Department of Education has an intake capacity of 10 seats per cycle, with research areas spanning Science Education, Educational Technology, Educational Psychology, Teacher Education, Special Education, and Educational Administration. The programme is popular among aspiring education researchers and teacher educators in Northeast India due to its affordable fees, experienced faculty, and the university's status as a Central University with UGC recognition.

Admission for the 2026-27 cycle is expected to open tentatively in March-April 2026, based on the pattern of the 2025-26 cycle (portal opened September 26, 2025). As of March 2026, a new PhD admission notification for 2025-26 (rescheduled) has been issued with an application deadline of April 12, 2026 and entrance test scheduled for April 26, 2026. Candidates are advised to monitor the official website www.aus.ac.in for the latest updates.

Key Points

The Department of Education at Assam University offers research in diverse specialisations including Science Education, Educational Technology, Teacher Education, Special Education, Guidance and Counselling, Educational Psychology, ICT in Education, and Environmental Education.
UGC NET/JRF qualified candidates may be exempted from the Research Entrance Test (RET) as per university norms.
The university provides Non-NET Fellowship to selected full-time PhD scholars on merit basis, subject to availability of UGC funds.
Seat matrix for Education (Intake: 10): UR-4, SC-1, ST-1, OBC-3, EWS-1, PWD-1 (as per 2025-26 notification).
Candidates may apply to a maximum of two allied departments, but must submit separate applications with separate fees for each.

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Ranking
FAQs

AU Ph.D. (Education) Fees

The Ph.D. (Education) programme at Assam University, Silchar carries a very nominal fee structure, consistent with its status as a Central University committed to accessible higher education. The total academic fee for the entire programme duration is approximately Rs. 55,380 for General category students. Hostel accommodation is available separately at approximately Rs. 25,000 per year (not mandatory). The fee structure includes tuition, registration, examination, and other academic charges.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (INR)
Tuition Fee (per year)	3,000 - 5,000
Admission/Registration Fee (one-time)	2,000
Examination Fee	Included in academic fee
Library Fee	Included in academic fee
Title Registration Fee for Dissertation	300
Other Academic Charges	As applicable
Total Academic Fee (entire programme)	55,380
Hostel Fee (per year, optional)	25,000

SC/ST candidates are eligible for fee concessions as per Government of India norms; typically a 50% reduction or full exemption on tuition fees.
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) and EWS candidates are also eligible for applicable concessions.
Hostel accommodation is not mandatory; students may opt for private accommodation near the campus.
Fees are subject to revision each academic year as per university and UGC guidelines.
Application fee: Rs. 1,000 (General/OBC Creamy Layer), Rs. 900 (OBC-NCL/EWS), Rs. 800 (SC/ST/PWD).

AU Ph.D. (Education) Admission 2026

Admission to the Ph.D. (Education) programme at Assam University, Silchar is conducted annually through a university-level Research Entrance Test (RET) and/or Personal Interview (PI). The 2025-26 admission cycle was conducted with the portal opening on September 26, 2025, and classes commencing on November 25, 2025. For the 2026-27 cycle, a rescheduled notification has been issued with applications open via the Samarth portal. Candidates are strongly advised to check the official website regularly for updated schedules.

Assam University PhD (Education) Admission Schedule

Event	Date (2025-26 Cycle)
Opening of Admission Portal	September 26, 2025
Last Date of Online Application	October 29, 2025 (extended)
Verification by Department	Up to October 31, 2025
Research Entrance Test (RET) and/or Personal Interview (PI)	November 7, 2025
Entry of Composite Score by Department	On or before November 10, 2025
Publication of First Merit List	November 12, 2025
Date of Admission (1st Merit List)	November 12-14, 2025
Publication of 2nd Merit List (if any)	November 19, 2025
Admission from 2nd Merit List (if any)	November 19-24, 2025
Commencement of Coursework Classes	November 25, 2025

Rescheduled 2025-26 / Upcoming 2026 Cycle

Event	Tentative Date
Application Deadline (Rescheduled)	April 12, 2026
Other Quota Forms Submission Deadline	April 20, 2026
Date of Entrance Test (RET/PI)	April 26, 2026

UGC NET 2026 Dates

Event	Date
UGC NET Registration Start	April 1, 2026
UGC NET Registration End	April 30, 2026
UGC NET Admit Card	May 15, 2026
UGC NET Exam Date	May 26, 2026
UGC NET Answer Key Release	May 28, 2026
UGC NET Result	June 30, 2026

Note: UGC NET qualification (with or without JRF) is accepted for PhD admission at Assam University. NET/JRF qualified candidates may be exempted from the university's Research Entrance Test (RET).

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a Master's degree (2-year/4-semester after a 3-year bachelor's, or 1-year/2-semester after a 4-year bachelor's) in Education or an allied subject with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate (or equivalent grade).
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 Education or an allied subject with at least 55% marks are also eligible.

Admission Process

Apply online through the Assam University examination portal: https://www.ausexamination.ac.in/admission
Pay the application fee online (Rs. 1,000 for General/OBC-CL; Rs. 900 for OBC-NCL/EWS; Rs. 800 for SC/ST/PWD).
Applications are verified by the Department of Education.
Shortlisted candidates appear for the Research Entrance Test (RET) and/or Personal Interview (PI).
A composite score is computed and a merit list is published.
Selected candidates complete admission formalities and fee payment within the stipulated dates.
Coursework commences as per the published schedule.

AU Ph.D. (Education) Scholarships 2026

Assam University, Silchar offers and facilitates multiple fellowship and scholarship options for PhD scholars in Education, making the programme financially accessible. The university's own Non-NET Fellowship is a significant support for scholars who do not hold a UGC NET/JRF qualification. Additionally, scholars with JRF qualification receive the prestigious UGC Junior Research Fellowship, which provides substantial monthly financial support.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship/Fellowship	Amount	Eligibility
UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)	Rs. 37,000/month (Years 1-2); Rs. 42,000/month (Year 3 onwards as SRF)	UGC NET qualified with JRF rank; enrolled in PhD at Assam University
Assam University Non-NET Fellowship	As per UGC norms (subject to fund availability)	Full-time PhD scholars not holding NET/JRF; selected on merit basis
National Fellowship for SC Students (NFSC)	As per UGC norms	SC category PhD scholars
National Fellowship for ST Students (NFST)	As per UGC norms	ST category PhD scholars
OBC Post-Matric Scholarship	As per Government norms	OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) students
Central Sector Scholarship	As per scheme norms	Meritorious students based on academic performance
Dr. Ambedkar Chair Doctoral Fellowship	As per scheme	Selected candidates under the Dr. Ambedkar Chair scheme at AUS

The Non-NET Fellowship is awarded on merit basis and is subject to availability of funds received from UGC; scholars must submit claim forms as per the prescribed format (RF-1, RF-2, RF-4, RF-6).
JRF/SRF fellowship tenure is up to 5 years from the date of commencement.
Contingency grants are also available for JRF/SRF, SJSGCF, NFST, NFSC, and NFOBC scholars as per UGC norms.
Scholarship applications are processed through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP); hard copies must be submitted to the university for verification.
SC/ST students may also be eligible for fee waivers/concessions as per Government of India rules.

Assam University Silchar Ph.D Education Ranking

Collegedunia Ranking

#88 out of 201 in India 2025

#3rd in Assam

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AU Ph.D. (Education) FAQs

Ques. Is UGC NET mandatory for admission to the Ph.D. (Education) programme at Assam University, Silchar?

Ans. UGC NET qualification is not strictly mandatory, but it is highly beneficial. Candidates who qualify UGC NET (with or without JRF) may be exempted from the university's Research Entrance Test (RET). Candidates without NET must appear for the RET and Personal Interview conducted by the university. However, having NET/JRF significantly strengthens your application and also makes you eligible for the UGC Junior Research Fellowship.

Ques. What are the research areas available in the Department of Education at Assam University?

Ans. The Department of Education at Assam University offers research in a wide range of areas including Science Education, Educational Technology, Teacher Education, Special Education, Guidance and Counselling, Educational Psychology, ICT in Education, Environmental Education, Educational Administration and Management, Curriculum Development, Educational Research and Measurement, Value Education, and Comparative Education. You should check the specific faculty profiles and their current research interests before applying.

Ques. How long does the Ph.D. (Education) programme take to complete at Assam University?

Ans. The minimum duration is 3 years (including coursework), and the maximum duration is generally 5-6 years as per UGC regulations. The first semester typically involves mandatory coursework, after which scholars proceed to their research work under a supervisor. Extensions beyond the maximum period require special approval from the university.

Ques. Is hostel accommodation available for PhD scholars at Assam University, Silchar?

Ans. Yes, Assam University has hostel facilities for both boys and girls on campus. However, hostel accommodation for PhD scholars is subject to availability. The hostel fee is approximately Rs. 25,000 per year. Many scholars also opt for private accommodation (PGs and rented rooms) near the campus, which costs between Rs. 5,000-8,000 per month. It is advisable to apply for hostel accommodation early after admission.

Ques. Can I pursue the Ph.D. (Education) programme at Assam University while working full-time?

Ans. The programme listed here is a Full-Time PhD, which requires regular presence on campus, especially during the coursework phase and for lab/library work. Assam University does not offer a part-time PhD in Education as per the current course listing. Full-time scholars are expected to be present on campus and are not permitted to take up full-time employment during the programme. However, scholars with fellowships (JRF/Non-NET) are expected to devote full time to research.

Ques. What is the Non-NET Fellowship amount at Assam University, and how do I apply for it?

Ans. The Non-NET Fellowship is provided by Assam University to full-time PhD scholars who do not hold a UGC NET/JRF qualification, subject to availability of funds from UGC. The fellowship amount is as per UGC norms. To apply, scholars must submit the prescribed application forms (RF-1, RF-2, RF-4) to the university after enrollment. Monthly claims are submitted using Form RF-6. The university issues notifications regarding fellowship payments periodically; scholars should monitor the official scholarship page at www.aus.ac.in/scholarshipfellowship/ for updates.