Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

Assam University, Silchar offers a full-time Ph.D. in Visual Arts, a research-intensive doctoral programme offered by the Department of Visual Arts (also known as the Department of Fine Arts), which was established in 1996. The department is a pioneer in North East India, being the first among North Eastern universities to offer undergraduate (BVA), postgraduate (MVA), and doctoral (Ph.D.) programmes in Visual Arts. The programme covers specializations in Painting, Sculpture, Applied Art, Graphic Arts, and related areas, spanning a minimum of 3 years and extending up to 5 years. The total fees are approximately Rs. 27,245 per year, making it highly affordable. 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 has a seat intake of 13 seats for the Ph.D. programme (2026-27) and holds a UGC Special Assistance Programme (DRS), reflecting its recognized research standing.

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 Visual Arts at Assam University is the pioneer department in North East India offering BVA, MVA, and Ph.D. programmes in Visual Arts, established in 1996.
The department holds a UGC Special Assistance Programme (DRS), recognizing its research excellence.
Research and specialization areas include Painting, Mural Art, Sculpture, Metal Casting, Applied Art, Computer Graphics, Photography, Graphic Arts, Printmaking, New Media Art, Installation Art, Digital Art, and Video Art.
The department is actively involved in documentation of folk art of North East India and training students in contemporary art forms.
The university may provide Non-NET fellowship to selected Ph.D. scholars on merit basis, subject to availability of UGC funds.
Seat intake for Visual Arts Ph.D. (2026-27): Total 13 seats (UR: 5, SC: 2, ST: 1, OBC: 4, EWS: 1, PWD: 1).

Official Link:

Go To Website

Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

AU Ph.D. Visual Arts Fees

The Ph.D. (Visual Arts) 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.

Annual 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. Visual Arts Admission 2026

Admissions to the Ph.D. (Visual Arts) 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.

Important Dates

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 Visual Arts (MVA) or Fine Arts (MFA) 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 Visual Arts 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 Visual Arts.
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: 4, EWS: 1, PWD: 1 (Total: 13 seats).

AU Ph.D. Visual Arts 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 Schemes

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. Visual Arts FAQs

Ques. Is Assam University's Department of Visual Arts recognized for research? What is the UGC DRS programme?

Ans. Yes. The Department of Visual Arts at Assam University holds a UGC Special Assistance Programme (DRS - Departmental Research Support), which is awarded by the UGC to departments with demonstrated research excellence. This recognition provides additional funding for research infrastructure, seminars, and scholarly activities, making it a strong environment for Ph.D. research in Visual Arts.

Ques. What are the research specializations available for Ph.D. in Visual Arts at Assam University?

Ans. The Department of Visual Arts has faculty specializing in Sculpture and Metal Casting, Painting and Mural Art, Applied Art, Computer Graphics, Photography, Graphic Arts and Printmaking, and New Media Art. The department is also involved in documentation of folk art of North East India and training in contemporary art forms such as Installation Art, Digital Art, and Video Art. Ph.D. scholars can pursue research in any of these areas under the guidance of faculty with matching expertise.

Ques. What is the eligibility for Ph.D. in Visual Arts at Assam University? Can a BFA graduate apply directly?

Ans. No, a BFA graduate cannot apply directly. Candidates must hold a Master's degree in Visual Arts (MVA) or Fine Arts (MFA) or an equivalent qualification with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for reserved categories). A 4-year BVA followed by a 1-year MVA, or a 3-year BFA followed by a 2-year MFA, both qualify. The admission is based on an entrance test and viva voce conducted by the department.

Ques. What are the career prospects after Ph.D. in Visual Arts from Assam University?

Ans. Ph.D. graduates in Visual Arts from Assam University can pursue careers as faculty in art colleges and universities, researchers in cultural institutions and museums, professional artists, art critics and curators, designers in advertising and media industries, animation artists, and roles in the film and IT industry. The department's alumni have been absorbed by reputed institutions, advertising organizations, the film industry, and as professional artists and animation artists across India.

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

Ans. For the 2026-27 session, the total seat intake is 13 seats (UR: 5, SC: 2, ST: 1, OBC: 4, EWS: 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. The viva voce typically assesses the candidate's research proposal and knowledge of their chosen specialization.

Ques. What is the course work structure for Ph.D. Visual Arts 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, art history and theory, and specialization-specific 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 research progress.