Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

Assam University, Silchar offers a full-time Ph.D. in Sociology, a research-intensive doctoral programme covering major areas of the discipline including Sociology of Health, Gender Studies, Tribal Studies, Environmental Sociology, Sociology of Development, Migration and Diaspora Studies, Social Anthropology, and the Sociology of North East India. The programme spans a minimum of 3 years and can extend up to 5 years, combining mandatory course work with original research under faculty supervision. The total fees for the programme 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 Sociology at Assam University has a seat intake of 4 seats for the Ph.D. programme (2026-27), with particular research strengths in health sociology, gender, tribal studies, and the socio-cultural dynamics of North East India.

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 Sociology at Assam University has a strong focus on the socio-cultural, health, and developmental issues of North East India, including tea garden communities, tribal societies, and migration patterns.
Research areas include Sociology of Health, Gender Studies, Tribal Studies, Economic Anthropology, Globalisation and Market Study, Political Sociology, Environmental Sociology, Sociology of Development, Sociology of North-East India, Migration and Diaspora Studies, Social Anthropology, Cultural Studies, Gender and Society, Village Study, Tea Garden Study, Community Studies, Sociology of Crime and Deviance, and Rural Sociology.
The university may provide Non-NET fellowship to selected Ph.D. scholars on merit basis, subject to availability of UGC funds.
UGC-NET/JRF qualified candidates may be exempted from the university entrance test as per UGC norms.
The Ph.D. programme includes a mandatory course work component (minimum one semester) before the research phase begins.
Seat intake for Sociology Ph.D. (2026-27): Total 4 seats (UR: 2, SC: 1, ST: 0, OBC: 1, EWS: 0, PWD: 1).

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Fees
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Scholarships
FAQs

AU Ph.D. Sociology Fees

The Ph.D. (Sociology) 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. Sociology Admission 2026

Admissions to the Ph.D. (Sociology) 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 Sociology 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 Sociology 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 Sociology.
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: 2, SC: 1, ST: 0, OBC: 1, EWS: 0, PWD: 1 (Total: 4 seats).

AU Ph.D. Sociology 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. Sociology FAQs

Ques. Is UGC-NET mandatory for Ph.D. admission in Sociology at Assam University, Silchar?

Ans. No, UGC-NET is not mandatory. Assam University conducts its own entrance test and viva voce for Ph.D. admission in Sociology. However, candidates who have qualified UGC-NET/JRF may be exempted from the university entrance test as per UGC norms. Qualifying NET-JRF also makes you eligible for the JRF fellowship of Rs. 37,000 per month, which is significantly higher than the university's Non-NET fellowship of Rs. 8,000 per month.

Ques. What are the research specializations available in the Sociology department at Assam University?

Ans. The Department of Sociology at Assam University has faculty specializing in Sociology of Health, Gender Studies, Tribal Studies, Economic Anthropology, Globalisation and Market Study, Political Sociology, Environmental Sociology, Sociology of Development, Sociology of North-East India, Migration and Diaspora Studies, Social Anthropology, Cultural Studies, Gender and Society, Village Study, Tea Garden Study, Community Studies, Sociology of Health and Illness, Sociology of Crime and Deviance, and Rural Sociology. The department has a distinctive focus on the socio-cultural realities of North East India.

Ques. How many seats are available for Ph.D. Sociology at Assam University, and what is the selection process?

Ans. For the 2026-27 session, the total seat intake is 4 seats (UR: 2, SC: 1, OBC: 1, PWD: 1). Selection is based on a composite score of the entrance test and viva voce conducted by the department. Candidates are shortlisted based on their academic record and then called for the entrance test and interview. With only 4 seats, competition is high.

Ques. Can I do Ph.D. in Sociology at Assam University part-time or through distance mode?

Ans. No. The Ph.D. in Sociology at Assam University, Silchar is offered only in Full-Time mode. Candidates must be physically present on campus for course work and regular research activities. The university does not offer part-time or distance Ph.D. in Sociology.

Ques. What is the scope of Ph.D. in Sociology from Assam University, Silchar?

Ans. A Ph.D. in Sociology from Assam University, a Central University, opens doors to academic careers as faculty in colleges and universities, research positions in social science institutes and think tanks, roles in NGOs and development organizations, civil services, and positions in international organizations working on social development. The department's focus on North East India's unique social fabric, including tea garden communities, tribal societies, and migration, makes graduates particularly valuable for regional research and policy work.

Ques. What is the course work structure for Ph.D. Sociology 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, which includes Research Methodology, a core paper in Sociology, and elective/specialization papers. 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 the research progress.