Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

Pondicherry University's Ph.D. in Sociology is a full-time doctoral research programme offered by the Department of Sociology under the School of Social Sciences and International Studies. The programme is designed to develop advanced research competencies in sociological theory, research methodology, and specialized areas of sociology, preparing scholars for careers in academia, research institutions, and policy organizations. The minimum duration of the programme is 3 years (extendable up to 6 years). The total initial fee at the time of admission is Rs. 17,628 (Humanities category), with subsequent annual payments of Rs. 5,750. The programme has a very limited intake of 3 seats, making it highly competitive. Admission is through the university's own entrance examination (Computer Based Test), and full-time scholars are eligible for a Non-NET Fellowship of Rs. 8,000 per month.

Admissions for 2026-27 are currently ongoing. The online application registration started on November 12, 2025, and the last date to apply has been extended to March 31, 2026. The entrance examination (SLOT-VI) is scheduled for May 2, 2026 (Saturday, 14:00-17:00 hrs). Candidates who qualify the entrance exam will be called for a personal interview and academic record evaluation.

Key Points

Offered by the Department of Sociology, Pondicherry University, a NAAC A+ accredited central university.
Very limited intake of 3 seats, making it one of the most competitive Ph.D. programmes in the department.
Full-time scholars are eligible for a Non-NET Fellowship of Rs. 8,000 per month from the university.
The programme is available in both Full-Time and Part-Time (Internal and External) modes.
Admission is based on 70% weightage to entrance exam and 30% to personal interview and academic record.
The entrance exam consists of 100 MCQs (50% Research Methodology + 50% Subject Specific) to be answered in 120 minutes, with negative marking (-1 for wrong answer).
Reservations for SC/ST (15%/7.5%), OBC (27%), EWS (10%), and Differently Abled (5%) categories are applicable.
Candidates with JRF/NET qualification may be eligible for exemption from the entrance exam (check with the university for current norms).

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

Pondicherry University Latest Updates and News

03 Feb, 2026 Pondicherry University Ph.D Sociology Fee Structure 2026 is out. The total academic fee is ₹ 59,655 .

PU Ph.D (Sociology) Fees

The Ph.D. (Sociology) programme at Pondicherry University falls under the Humanities fee category. The initial fee at the time of admission is Rs. 17,628, followed by annual payments of Rs. 5,750. For a minimum 3-year programme, the total estimated fee is approximately Rs. 17,628 + (2 x Rs. 5,750) = Rs. 29,128. The fee structure is highly subsidized, typical of a central university.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Initial Payment (Rs.)	Subsequent Annual Payment (Rs.)
Research Fee per annum (Humanities)	2,500	2,500
Registration Fee	1,000	-
Matriculation Fee	500	-
Recognition Fee	500	-
Sports Fund	250	250
Medical Examination / Facilities Fund	250	250
Library Fund	1,000	1,000
Amenities Development Fund	6,000	-
Students' Welfare Fund	250	250
Alumni Association Fund	500	-
Caution Deposit (Refundable)	1,000	-
ICT Fund and Computer	1,500	1,500
Group Medical Insurance (Full-time only)	378	-
University Development Fund	2,000	-
Total Fees	Rs. 17,628	Rs. 5,750 per year

The Caution Deposit of Rs. 1,000 is refundable upon leaving the university after clearing all dues.
Differently abled students are exempted from payment of all fees except the refundable caution deposit and Group Medical Insurance premium.
SC/ST students eligible for Post-Matric scholarships may pay fees after receiving the scholarship amount by submitting an undertaking at the time of admission.
Fees must be paid within 90 days of admission.
Hostel fees are charged separately and are not included in the above total.
Application fee: Rs. 1,500 (General/EWS/OBC), Rs. 750 (SC/ST), Nil (PH/Transgender).
For a minimum 3-year programme, total estimated fee (excluding hostel): Rs. 17,628 + (2 x Rs. 5,750) = Rs. 29,128.

PU Ph.D (Sociology) Admission 2026

Admissions to the Ph.D. (Sociology) programme at Pondicherry University are conducted through the university's own Computer Based Test (CBT) entrance examination. The 2026-27 admission process is currently ongoing. Applications are submitted online through the university's admission portal. The entrance exam for Sociology (PHD124) is scheduled in SLOT-VI.

College-Specific Admission Dates (2026-27)

Event	Date
Online Registration Start	November 12, 2025
Last Date to Apply (Extended)	March 31, 2026
Entrance Examination (SLOT-VI)	May 2, 2026 (Saturday, 14:00-17:00 hrs)
Personal Interview and Academic Record Evaluation	To be notified after entrance exam results
Admission and Commencement of Programme	July-August 2026 (Tentative)

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a Master's degree in Sociology from a recognized university with a minimum of 55% marks.
A relaxation of 5% (from 55% to 50%) is allowed for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/differently-abled/EWS candidates.
Final year PG students are also eligible to apply, subject to producing mark sheets before the notified date.
Part-time (Internal) candidates must have at least 2 years of continuous teaching experience at degree/PG level.

Admission Process

Apply online through the Pondicherry University Ph.D. admission portal (pondiunivadmission.samarth.edu.in).
Pay the application fee online: Rs. 1,500 (General/EWS/OBC), Rs. 750 (SC/ST), Nil (PH/Transgender).
Download the hall ticket from the university website after registration closes.
Appear for the Computer Based Test (CBT) entrance examination at the allotted centre.
The entrance exam consists of 100 MCQs: 50% Research Methodology + 50% Sociology-specific questions. Duration: 120 minutes. Marking: +4 for correct, -1 for wrong.
Candidates who qualify the entrance exam are called for a personal interview and academic record evaluation.
Final selection is based on 70% entrance exam score + 30% personal interview and academic record.
Selected candidates must submit a research proposal and obtain consent of a recognized research supervisor before admission.

PU Ph.D (Sociology) Scholarships 2026

Pondicherry University provides financial support to Ph.D. scholars through its Non-NET Fellowship and various government-funded fellowships. Full-time scholars admitted to the university's departments are eligible for the Non-NET Fellowship, which provides a monthly stipend to support their research.

Fellowships and Scholarships

Fellowship / Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount
PU Non-NET Fellowship (UGC)	Full-time Ph.D. scholars admitted to university departments	Rs. 8,000 per month + contingency grant per year
UGC-NET JRF Fellowship	Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET with JRF	Rs. 37,000 per month (1st-2nd year); Rs. 42,000 per month (3rd year onwards)
CSIR-UGC NET JRF Fellowship	Candidates who have qualified CSIR-UGC NET with JRF (for Science)	Rs. 37,000 per month (1st-2nd year); Rs. 42,000 per month (3rd year onwards)
Government of India SC/ST/OBC Post-Matric Scholarship	SC/ST/OBC students	As per state government norms
PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme (Education Loan)	All admitted students	Collateral-free education loan; interest subsidy available

The Non-NET Fellowship is available only to full-time scholars admitted to university departments (not affiliated institutions).
Scholars receiving JRF/SRF from external agencies (UGC, CSIR, DST, etc.) are not eligible for the university's Non-NET Fellowship simultaneously.
An undertaking must be given by the scholar that in case he/she leaves the Ph.D. programme before thesis submission, the entire fellowship amount will be reimbursed to the university.
For PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme, visit: pmvidyalaxmi.co.in. Toll-free helpline: 1800-1031.

PU Ph.D (Sociology) FAQs

Ques. How many seats are available for Ph.D. (Sociology) at Pondicherry University?

Ans. The Ph.D. (Sociology) programme at Pondicherry University has a very limited intake of 3 seats for the 2026-27 academic year. The number of seats may vary each year based on the availability of vacancies with recognized research supervisors in the department.

Ques. Is the entrance exam for Ph.D. (Sociology) at Pondicherry University very difficult?

Ans. The entrance exam consists of 100 MCQs covering Research Methodology (50%) and Sociology-specific topics (50%). The exam is of 2 hours duration with negative marking. Candidates with a strong foundation in sociological theories, research methods, and current sociological debates are well-prepared. The minimum cut-off is half of the average marks scored by all candidates in the respective subject.

Ques. Can I pursue Ph.D. (Sociology) at Pondicherry University on a part-time basis?

Ans. Yes, Pondicherry University offers Ph.D. in Sociology in both Full-Time and Part-Time (Internal and External) modes. Part-time (Internal) candidates must have at least 2 years of continuous teaching experience at degree/PG level. Part-time (External) candidates must be permanent academic staff with at least 3 years of teaching/research experience.

Ques. What is the Non-NET Fellowship amount for Ph.D. scholars at Pondicherry University?

Ans. Full-time Ph.D. scholars admitted to university departments are eligible for a Non-NET Fellowship of Rs. 8,000 per month plus a contingency grant per year. This fellowship is provided by the university to support scholars who have not qualified UGC-NET/JRF.

Ques. What are the career opportunities after Ph.D. (Sociology) from Pondicherry University?

Ans. Ph.D. graduates in Sociology can pursue careers as Assistant Professors in universities and colleges (after clearing UGC-NET), researchers in social science research institutes, policy analysts in government and NGOs, sociologists in international organizations, and consultants in development sector organizations.

Ques. Is it mandatory to have a research supervisor before applying for Ph.D. (Sociology) at Pondicherry University?

Ans. While it is not mandatory to have a confirmed supervisor at the time of application, candidates called for the personal interview are required to submit a clear written research proposal and obtain the consent of a recognized research supervisor from the Department of Sociology, Pondicherry University. The Admission Committee must be convinced of the candidate's potential to carry out research.