Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

Assam University, Silchar offers a full-time Ph.D. in Social Work, a research-intensive doctoral programme that promotes interdisciplinary research on thrust areas of social work practice and issues of social importance. The department, established in July 1997, focuses on areas such as Healthcare, Reproductive and Child Health, HIV/AIDS, Panchayati Raj, NGO Management, Women in Unorganized Sector, Self Help Groups, Disaster Management, and Psychosocial issues. The programme spans a minimum of 3 years and can extend up to 5 years, combining mandatory course work with original research. The total fees are approximately Rs. 27,245 per year, making it highly affordable for a Central University. Admission is based on the university's own entrance test and viva voce; UGC-NET/JRF qualified candidates may be exempted from the entrance test as per UGC norms. The Department of Social Work at Assam University has a seat intake of 12 seats for the Ph.D. programme (2026-27), making it one of the larger Ph.D. intakes in the social sciences at the university.

Admissions for the 2026-27 session have been completed. The admission portal opened on 26th September 2026, with the last date for application being 29th October 2026, and course work classes commencing from 25th November 2026. For the 2027-28 session, admissions are expected to open tentatively in September-October 2027, based on the previous year's schedule.

Key Points

The Department of Social Work at Assam University was established in July 1997 and promotes interdisciplinary research on social work practice and issues of social importance, with a special focus on North East India.
Research thrust areas include Healthcare, Reproductive and Child Health (RCH), HIV/AIDS, ICDS Services, Panchayati Raj, NGO Management, Women in Unorganized Sector, Self Help Groups, Corporate Voluntarism, Water and Sanitation, Disaster Management, Psychosocial problems of the Elderly, Cancer, and Tuberculosis.
Faculty specializations span Governance and Rural Development, Industrial Relations, Gender and Health, NGOs, Social Development, Family and Child Welfare, Community Development, Healthcare, Youth Development, Disability Studies, Social Policy, Social Legislation, and Social Work Education.
The department publishes a peer-reviewed bi-annual Social Work Journal (ISSN: 0976-5484), reflecting its active research culture.
The university may provide Non-NET fellowship to selected Ph.D. scholars on merit basis, subject to availability of UGC funds.
Seat intake for Social Work Ph.D. (2026-27): Total 12 seats (UR: 5, SC: 2, ST: 1, OBC: 3, EWS: 1, PWD: 1).

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Placements
FAQs

AU Ph.D. Social Work Fees

The Ph.D. (Social Work) programme at Assam University, Silchar is highly affordable, being a Central University funded by the Government of India. The annual fees for Ph.D. scholars are approximately Rs. 27,245 per year, covering tuition, admission, and other university charges. The total fees for the entire programme (minimum 3 years) amount to approximately Rs. 55,380. Hostel accommodation is optional and available at approximately Rs. 25,000 per year, subject to availability.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Admission Fee (One-time)	1,000
Annual Course Fee	7,000
Tuition Fee (Monthly @ Rs. 300 x 12)	3,600
Identity Card Fee	75
Other University Charges (Library, Sports, etc.)	~15,570
Total Annual Fees (Approx.)	27,245
Total Fees for 3 Years (Approx.)	55,380

Hostel Fees

Hostel Fees (Optional)	Amount (Rs.)
Hostel Fee (Per Year)	~25,000

Admission fee of Rs. 1,000 is a one-time charge paid at the time of admission.
Annual course fees are to be deposited annually by research scholars as per the rate prescribed in the fee structure.
Hostel accommodation is subject to availability and is not mandatory. Hostel fee is approximately Rs. 25,000 per year (separate from course fees).
Application fee for the Ph.D. entrance: Rs. 1,000 (General/OBC Creamy Layer), Rs. 900 (OBC-NCL/EWS), Rs. 800 (SC/ST/PWD) - this is a non-refundable application processing fee.
Fees are paid annually; no EMI option is officially mentioned.
Caution deposit (refundable) may be applicable as per university norms.

AU Ph.D. Social Work Admission 2026

Admissions to the Ph.D. (Social Work) programme at Assam University, Silchar are conducted annually, typically in the October-November period. The selection process involves an entrance test and viva voce for shortlisted candidates, with a composite score determining the merit list. For the 2026-27 session, admissions have been completed. The next cycle (2027-28) is expected to follow a similar timeline, with the portal likely opening in September 2026.

Admission Schedule

Event	2026-27 (Actual)	2027-28 (Tentative)
Opening of Admission Portal	26 September 2026	September 2027
Last Date of Online Application	29 October 2026	October 2027
Verification by Department	Up to 31 October 2026	October 2027
Entrance Test and Viva Voce	7 November 2026	November 2027
Entry of Composite Score by Department	10 November 2026	November 2027
Publication of First Merit List	12 November 2026	November 2027
Date of Admission (1st List)	12-14 November 2026	November 2027
Publication of 2nd Merit List (if any)	19 November 2026	November 2027
Admission from 2nd List (if any)	19-24 November 2026	November 2027
Commencement of Course Work Classes	25 November 2026	November 2027

UGC-NET Exam Dates

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

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) or an allied subject with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PWD/EWS candidates).
Candidates with a 1-year/2-semester Master's degree after a 4-year Bachelor's degree, or a 2-year/4-semester Master's degree after a 3-year Bachelor's degree, are eligible.
M.Phil. degree holders in Social Work or allied subjects with at least 55% marks (as per UGC 2016 regulations) are also eligible.

Admission Process

Apply online at https://www.ausexamination.ac.in/admission by paying the application fee.
Candidates may apply for a maximum of two allied departments; a separate application and fee is required for each.
Shortlisted candidates appear for the Entrance Test and Viva Voce conducted by the Department of Social Work.
A composite score (entrance test + viva voce) is prepared by the department and used to draw the merit list.
Admissions are offered based on merit rank and reservation norms as per GOI rules (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PWD/EWS).
UGC-NET/JRF qualified candidates may be considered for exemption from the entrance test as per UGC norms.
Seat reservation for 2026-27: UR: 5, SC: 2, ST: 1, OBC: 3, EWS: 1, PWD: 1 (Total: 12 seats).

AU Ph.D. Social Work Scholarships 2026

Ph.D. scholars at Assam University, Silchar have access to several fellowship and scholarship schemes. The university's Non-NET Fellowship is the primary financial support for full-time Ph.D. scholars who are not receiving any other fellowship, awarded on merit basis subject to UGC fund availability. Scholars qualifying UGC-NET/JRF are eligible for the significantly higher JRF/SRF fellowship directly from UGC. Category-specific national fellowships are also available through the National Scholarship Portal.

Fellowship Details

Scholarship / Fellowship	Eligibility	Amount	Remarks
UGC Non-NET Fellowship (Assam University)	Full-time Ph.D. scholars not availing any other fellowship, selected on merit	Rs. 8,000 per month	Subject to availability of UGC funds; awarded by the university on merit basis
UGC-NET JRF Fellowship	Candidates who qualify UGC-NET with JRF	Rs. 37,000/month (JRF), Rs. 42,000/month (SRF)	Directly from UGC; applicable after qualifying NET-JRF
Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF)	SC/ST Ph.D. scholars	Rs. 37,000/month (JRF), Rs. 42,000/month (SRF)	Through UGC; apply via NSP
National Fellowship for OBC Students (NFOBC)	OBC Ph.D. scholars	Rs. 37,000/month (JRF), Rs. 42,000/month (SRF)	Through UGC; apply via NSP
Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF)	Minority community Ph.D. scholars	Rs. 37,000/month (JRF), Rs. 42,000/month (SRF)	Through UGC; apply via NSP
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Schemes	Various categories (SC/ST/OBC/Minority/EWS)	Varies by scheme	Apply online at scholarships.gov.in

The Non-NET Fellowship of Rs. 8,000 per month is provided from UGC funds and is subject to availability; not all scholars may receive it.
Scholars receiving JRF/SRF or any other fellowship are not eligible for the Non-NET Fellowship simultaneously.
Contingency grants are also available for Non-NET fellows for research-related expenses.
Applications for NSP scholarships must be submitted online and verified by the university; hard copies must be submitted to the university as per guidelines.
The university also has a Dr. Ambedkar Chair Doctoral Fellowship for eligible candidates.

AU Ph.D. Social Work Placement 2026

Placement Record

Programme	Placement Percentage	Typical Roles
MSW Graduates	more than 90%	governmental and non-governmental organizations at the state and national levels
Ph.D. Graduates	N/A	academic positions in colleges and universities, senior research roles in NGOs and development organizations, policy positions in government, and leadership roles in healthcare and social welfare organizations

AU Ph.D. Social Work FAQs

Ques. What is the minimum qualification required for Ph.D. in Social Work at Assam University?

Ans. Candidates must hold an MSW (Master of Social Work) or an equivalent Master's degree in an allied subject with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate. For SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PWD/EWS candidates, the minimum is 50%. Candidates with an M.Phil. in Social Work or allied subjects with at least 55% marks are also eligible. The admission is based on an entrance test and viva voce conducted by the department.

Ques. What are the research areas available for Ph.D. in Social Work at Assam University?

Ans. The Department of Social Work at Assam University has faculty specializing in Governance and Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, Industrial Relations, Gender and Health, NGO Management, HIV/AIDS, Social Development, Family and Child Welfare, Community Development, Healthcare, Youth Development, Disability Studies, URCD (Urban and Rural Community Development), Partnership Development, Social Policy, Social Legislation, Social Work Education, and Governance and Community Development. The department has a strong focus on issues relevant to North East India.

Ques. How many seats are available for Ph.D. Social Work at Assam University, and is it competitive?

Ans. For the 2026-27 session, the total seat intake is 12 seats (UR: 5, SC: 2, ST: 1, OBC: 3, EWS: 1, PWD: 1). With 12 seats, this is one of the larger Ph.D. intakes in the social sciences at Assam University, making it relatively more accessible compared to departments with only 3-5 seats. However, competition is still significant given the popularity of the programme.

Ques. What is the placement scenario for Social Work graduates from Assam University?

Ans. The Department of Social Work at Assam University has an excellent placement record, with more than 90% of MSW graduates employed by governmental and non-governmental organizations at the state and national levels. Ph.D. graduates typically go on to academic positions in colleges and universities, senior research roles in NGOs and development organizations, policy positions in government, and leadership roles in healthcare and social welfare organizations.

Ques. Does the Department of Social Work at Assam University have any publications or research journals?

Ans. Yes. The Department of Social Work publishes the Social Work Journal, a peer-reviewed bi-annual journal (ISSN: 0976-5484), first published in 2010. The journal promotes scholarship in Social Work Education and Practice and other social science fields, publishing empirical, conceptual, and review papers. This reflects the department's active research culture and is a good indicator of the quality of research environment for Ph.D. scholars.

Ques. What is the course work structure for Ph.D. Social Work at Assam University, and how long does it take to complete the degree?

Ans. The Ph.D. programme begins with a mandatory course work phase of at least one semester. The course work for Social Work Ph.D. at Assam University includes Research Methodology, core Social Work theory papers, and specialization papers relevant to the scholar's research area. Scholars must maintain a minimum attendance of 75% during course work. After successfully completing the course work examination, scholars proceed to the research phase under their assigned supervisor. The minimum duration of the programme is 3 years, which can extend up to 5 years depending on research progress.