Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Ph.D. (Philosophy) programme at Assam University, Silchar is a full-time doctoral research programme offered by the Department of Philosophy, established in 1995. The department focuses on interdisciplinary research with major thrust areas including Philosophical Anthropology, Applied Ethics, Existential Ethics, Environmental Ethics, Gender Ethics, Aesthetics, Classical and Contemporary Indian and Western Philosophies, Critical Theory, Hermeneutics, Philosophy of Social Sciences, and Consciousness Studies from Vedanta and Phenomenology. The programme is conducted through coursework and research work, with a minimum duration of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years as per UGC norms. The total fees for the programme are approximately Rs. 55,380 for the entire course duration. Admission is based on a university-level entrance test and viva voce, and the seat intake for 2026-27 is 2 seats (UR: 1, EWS: 1, PWD: 1 horizontal reservation). The programme is offered in full-time, on-campus mode and is popular among students seeking to pursue advanced research in philosophy, ethics, and consciousness studies.

Admissions for the 2026-27 batch have been completed. The admission portal opened on 26 September 2026, with classes commencing on 25 November 2026. For the upcoming 2027-28 session, the admission process is expected to begin tentatively in September-October 2027, based on the previous year's schedule.

Key Points

The department's current major thrust area is Philosophical Anthropology, with active research in Applied Ethics, Environmental Ethics, Gender Ethics, and Consciousness Studies.
Consciousness studies from Vedanta and Phenomenology is a growing research dimension, with multiple faculty and scholars engaged in this area.
The department offers MA, M.Phil., Ph.D., and D.Litt. programmes, making it a comprehensive centre for philosophical studies in Northeast India.
The university may provide Non-NET fellowship to selected full-time Ph.D. scholars on merit basis, subject to availability of UGC funds.
The department has a strong focus on preparing students for NET/SLET/JRF examinations alongside research.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Placements
FAQs

Assam University Ph.D. (Philosophy) Fees

The Ph.D. (Philosophy) programme at Assam University, Silchar carries a modest fee structure, as is typical of a central university. The total course fees for the entire duration are approximately Rs. 55,380, which includes tuition fees, registration charges, examination fees, and other institutional charges. Fees are paid annually. Refundable caution money deposits are also collected at the time of admission.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Admission Fee (one-time)	2,000
Tuition Fee (Rs. 150/month x 36 months for 3 years coursework)	5,400
University Registration Fee (one-time)	300
University Development Fund (annual x 3 years)	4,500
Library Fee (annual x 3 years)	1,500
Sports Fee (annual x 3 years)	450
Basic Primary Health Services (annual x 3 years)	750
Medical Insurance (annual x 3 years)	960
Students Co-Curricular Fund (annual x 3 years)	1,050
Students Aid Fund (annual x 3 years)	900
Magazine Fee (annual x 3 years)	450
Title Registration Fee (one-time)	200
Examination Fee - Thesis Evaluation (one-time)	3,000
Identity Card (one-time)	100
Library Caution Money (refundable)	500
Computer Lab Fee (refundable)	500
Other Charges	~33,720
Total Fees (approx.)	55,380

Library Caution Money (Rs. 500) and Computer Lab Fee (Rs. 500) are refundable deposits.
Hostel fees are separate and not included in the above total. Hostel accommodation is available on campus at approximately Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 per semester (subject to availability). Hostel is not mandatory.
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).
SC/ST students may be eligible for fee concessions as per government norms.

Assam University Ph.D. (Philosophy) Admission 2026

Admissions to the Ph.D. (Philosophy) programme at Assam University are conducted annually through an online application process followed by a departmental entrance test and viva voce. For 2026-27, the admission process was completed with classes commencing on 25 November 2026. The next admission cycle for 2027-28 is expected to follow a similar schedule, tentatively opening in September 2026. Given the very limited seat intake (2 seats for 2026-27), competition is high and candidates are advised to apply early and prepare thoroughly.

Assam University Admission Dates

Event	Date
Opening of Admission Portal	26 September 2026
Last Date of Online Application Submission	29 October 2026
Verification by the Department	Up to 31 October 2026
Entrance Test and Viva Voce (shortlisted candidates)	7 November 2026
Entry of Composite Score by Department	On or before 10 November 2026
Publication of First Merit List	12 November 2026
Date of Admission from First Merit List	12 to 14 November 2026
Publication of Second Merit List (if any)	19 November 2026
Admission from Second Merit List (if any)	19 to 24 November 2026
Commencement of Coursework Classes	25 November 2026

UGC NET Exam Dates

Event	Date
UGC NET Dec 2026 - Jan 2027: Registration Start	7 October 2026
UGC NET Dec 2026 - Jan 2027: Registration End	7 November 2026
UGC NET Dec 2026 - Jan 2027: Admit Card	28 December 2026
UGC NET Dec 2026 - Jan 2027: Exam Dates	31 December 2026 to 7 January 2027
UGC NET Dec 2026 - Jan 2027: Answer Key	14 January 2027
UGC NET Dec 2026 - Jan 2027: Result	4 February 2027
UGC NET June 2027: Registration Start (Tentative)	April 2027
UGC NET June 2027: Exam Date (Tentative)	June 2027

Note: UGC NET is not a mandatory requirement for admission to the Ph.D. programme at Assam University. However, qualifying UGC NET JRF makes candidates eligible for the Junior Research Fellowship, which provides a monthly stipend. Candidates without NET/JRF may be considered for the university's Non-NET Fellowship, subject to availability of UGC funds.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a Master's degree (M.A. Philosophy or equivalent) with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PWD/EWS categories).
Candidates who have completed an M.Phil. in Philosophy or an allied subject with at least 55% marks are also eligible.
Candidates with a 4-year undergraduate degree followed by a 1-year master's degree, or a 3-year undergraduate degree followed by a 2-year master's degree, are eligible as per UGC norms.

Admission Process

Apply online at https://www.ausexamination.ac.in/admission by paying the requisite application fee.
Shortlisted candidates are called for a departmental Entrance Test and Viva Voce.
A composite score (based on academic merit and entrance test/viva performance) is prepared by the department.
Merit list is published and admissions are offered in order of merit, subject to reservation norms.
Candidates may apply to a maximum of two allied departments with separate applications and fees.
Reservation of seats for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PWD/EWS is as per Government of India rules.

Assam University Ph.D. (Philosophy) Scholarships 2026

Ph.D. scholars at Assam University, Silchar can avail of multiple fellowship and scholarship options. The university actively disburses Non-NET fellowships to eligible full-time scholars, and students qualifying UGC NET JRF can receive the national fellowship. Additionally, government scholarship schemes through the National Scholarship Portal are available for reserved category students.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / Fellowship	Eligibility	Amount	Remarks
UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)	Qualify UGC NET with JRF	Rs. 37,000/month (1st 2 years); Rs. 42,000/month (3rd year onwards)	Awarded by UGC; tenure of 5 years
Non-NET Fellowship (Assam University)	Full-time Ph.D. scholars without JRF, selected on merit	As per UGC Non-NET norms (approx. Rs. 5,000/month)	Subject to availability of UGC funds; disbursed by the university
National Fellowship for SC Students (NFSC)	SC category Ph.D. scholars	Rs. 37,000/month (JRF level)	Apply through National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
National Fellowship for ST Students (NFST)	ST category Ph.D. scholars	Rs. 37,000/month (JRF level)	Apply through NSP
OBC Post-Matric Scholarship	OBC students	Variable	Apply through NSP
CM's Jibon Anuprerana Scheme (Assam)	Ph.D. scholars enrolled in Assam universities	Rs. 25,000 (one-time, General); Rs. 40,000 (Divyang)	State government scheme
Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF)	SC/ST Ph.D. scholars	Rs. 37,000/month	Apply through UGC

Non-NET fellowship is disbursed bi-monthly and requires submission of claim forms (RF-1, RF-2, RF-6) as notified by the university.
Contingency grants are also available for Non-NET fellows for research-related expenses.
Scholars holding JRF/SRF from UGC, CSIR, or other national agencies must inform the university and are not eligible for Non-NET fellowship simultaneously.
Applications for NSP-based scholarships must be submitted at the start of the academic session and verified by the university.

Assam University Ph.D. (Philosophy) Placement 2026

Career Options

Career Path	Description
Assistant Professor positions in colleges and universities	requiring UGC NET/Ph.D. as per NEP 2020 norms
Research fellowships
Positions in think tanks and policy organisations
Roles in ethics consulting
Corporate social responsibility
Public administration

Graduates of the Ph.D. (Philosophy) programme from Assam University have found placements as faculty members and researchers in universities, colleges, and academic and research organisations across India.

Assam University Ph.D. (Philosophy) FAQs

Ques. What are the research areas available for Ph.D. (Philosophy) at Assam University, Silchar?

Ans. The Department of Philosophy at Assam University offers research in a wide range of areas including Applied Ethics, Existential Ethics, Environmental Ethics, Gender Ethics, Aesthetics, Classical and Contemporary Indian and Western Philosophies, Critical Theory, Hermeneutics, Philosophy of Social Sciences, and Consciousness Studies from Vedanta and Phenomenology. Candidates should identify a faculty member whose research interests align with their proposed topic before applying.

Ques. The seat intake for Ph.D. Philosophy is very limited (2 seats). Does this mean only 2 students get admitted every year?

Ans. Yes, the official intake for Ph.D. (Philosophy) at Assam University for 2026-27 is 2 seats, based on the available faculty vacancies. The number of seats can vary each year depending on faculty availability and research capacity. Candidates are strongly advised to check the updated vacancy list on the official admission portal before applying, as seats may increase or decrease in subsequent years.

Ques. Is there any entrance test for Ph.D. Philosophy admission, or is it purely merit-based?

Ans. Assam University conducts a departmental Entrance Test and Viva Voce for Ph.D. admissions. The final merit list is based on a composite score that includes academic performance and the entrance test/viva score. UGC NET/JRF holders may be given preference or exempted from the entrance test in certain cases, as per university norms.

Ques. Can I pursue Ph.D. (Philosophy) at Assam University if my master's degree is in a subject other than Philosophy?

Ans. Admission is primarily for candidates with a master's degree in Philosophy or an allied subject. The department may consider candidates from closely related disciplines (such as Religious Studies, Sociology, or Psychology) if their research proposal aligns with the department's areas of specialisation. It is advisable to contact the department directly to confirm eligibility before applying.

Ques. What fellowship support is available for Ph.D. Philosophy students at Assam University?

Ans. Students who qualify UGC NET with JRF are eligible for the UGC Junior Research Fellowship (Rs. 37,000/month for the first two years, Rs. 42,000/month from the third year). Students without JRF may be considered for the university's Non-NET Fellowship (approx. Rs. 5,000/month), subject to availability of UGC funds. SC/ST students can also apply for the National Fellowship for SC/ST Students through the National Scholarship Portal.

Ques. What career options are available after completing Ph.D. (Philosophy) from Assam University?

Ans. Graduates of the Ph.D. (Philosophy) programme from Assam University have found placements as faculty members and researchers in universities, colleges, and academic and research organisations across India. Career paths include Assistant Professor positions in colleges and universities (requiring UGC NET/Ph.D. as per NEP 2020 norms), research fellowships, positions in think tanks and policy organisations, and roles in ethics consulting, corporate social responsibility, and public administration.