Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Ph.D. (Women's Studies) programme at Pondicherry University (PU), Puducherry, is a full-time doctoral research programme offered by the Centre for Women's Studies under the School of Social Sciences and International Studies. The programme emphasizes the role of research in understanding women's and gender issues and equips scholars to address gender-related challenges across disciplines. It has a minimum duration of 3 years (full-time), with total fees of approximately Rs. 48,180 for the entire course. Admission is based on a University-conducted entrance examination (PHD 126 - Slot VI), and the programme offers a tentative intake of 5 seats for 2026-27 (Gen-2, OBC-1, SC-1, EWS-1). The course is offered in full-time, on-campus mode and is popular among social science graduates seeking research careers in gender studies, policy research, and academia.

Admissions for 2026-27 (Entrance Category) are currently ongoing. The last date to apply was extended to March 31, 2026. The entrance examination is scheduled for May 2, 2026. Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET/CSIR-NET with JRF are given preference and may be admitted through the Exempted Category route (last date for exempted category was February 20, 2026).

Key Points

The Centre for Women's Studies at Pondicherry University is one of the few dedicated centres in a Central University offering a full doctoral programme in Women's Studies.
Research thrust areas include Gender Mainstreaming, Women and Health, Women-centric Initiatives, Empowerment of Women, Marginalization of Women, Legal Rights of Women, Gendered Violence, Gendered Migration, and Women's Political Participation.
The programme is open to candidates with a Master's degree in any Social Science discipline, making it accessible to graduates from Sociology, Political Science, Economics, History, Social Work, Psychology, and related fields.
The entrance exam (PHD 126) consists of 100 MCQs in 2 hours, with 50% questions on Research Methodology and 50% on subject-specific Women's Studies content.
Selection is based on Entrance Exam (70%) and Personal Interview and Academic Record (30%).
Full-time Ph.D. scholars admitted to university departments are eligible for a Non-NET Fellowship of Rs. 8,000 per month from the university.
Pondicherry University is accredited with "A+" Grade by NAAC and is a Central University established by an Act of Parliament.

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

Pondicherry University Latest Updates and News

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

PU Ph.D. (Women Studies) Fees

The Ph.D. (Women's Studies) programme at Pondicherry University falls under the Humanities category for fee purposes. The initial payment at the time of admission is Rs. 19,430, which includes one-time charges such as Registration Fee, Matriculation Fee, Recognition Fee, Alumni Association Fund, Caution Deposit, University Development Fund, and Group Medical Insurance, along with the first-year Research Fee and other recurring charges. From the second semester onwards, a semester-wise fee of Rs. 5,750 is payable. The total fees for the minimum 3-year (6-semester) duration amount to approximately Rs. 48,180.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Initial Payment (at Admission)	Subsequent Semester-wise Payment
Research Fee per annum (Humanities)	Rs. 2,500	Rs. 2,500
Registration Fee	Rs. 1,000	-
Matriculation Fee	Rs. 500	-
Recognition Fee	Rs. 500	-
Sports Fund	Rs. 250	Rs. 250
Medical Examination / Facilities Fund	Rs. 250	Rs. 250
Library Fund	Rs. 1,000	Rs. 1,000
Amenities Development Fund	Rs. 600	-
Students' Welfare Fund	Rs. 250	Rs. 250
Alumni Association Fund	Rs. 500	-
Caution Deposit (Refundable)	Rs. 1,000	-
ICT Fund and Computer	Rs. 1,500	Rs. 1,500
Group Medical Insurance (Full-time only)	Rs. 1,180	-
University Development Fund	Rs. 2,000	-
Advanced Lab Facility Fund	Not applicable (Humanities)	Not applicable (Humanities)
Total Fees (Initial + 5 subsequent semesters)	Rs. 19,430	Rs. 5,750 per semester
Total Fees (3-year / 6-semester duration)	Rs. 48,180	-

Caution Deposit of Rs. 1,000 is refundable upon leaving the university after deducting 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, within 90 days of admission.
A late payment fine of Rs. 5 per day for the first 10 days and Rs. 10 per day thereafter is levied for delayed fee payment.
Hostel fees are separate and will be notified by the Hostel Office on the university website.
Hostel accommodation is optional.
All fee payments can be made online through the PU-RAMS portal.

PU Ph.D. (Women Studies) Admission 2026

Pondicherry University offers Ph.D. (Women's Studies) admissions for 2026-27 through two routes: (1) University Entrance Examination (PHD 126) and (2) Exempted Category for UGC-NET/CSIR-NET qualified candidates. The application process is entirely online through the university's admission portal. For 2026-27, the application deadline (entrance category) was extended to March 31, 2026, and the entrance exam is scheduled for May 2, 2026. Candidates shortlisted based on entrance exam performance will be called for a personal interview.

Pondicherry University Ph.D. (Women's Studies) Admission Dates

Event	Date
Application Start Date (Entrance Category)	November 19, 2025
Last Date to Apply (Entrance Category)	March 31, 2026 (Extended)
Last Date to Apply (Exempted Category - NET/JRF)	February 20, 2026
Admit Card Download	April 25, 2026 (Tentative)
Ph.D. Entrance Examination (PHD 126 - Slot VI)	May 2, 2026
Result / Merit List Announcement	Approximately 1 month after exam (Tentative: June 2026)
Personal Interview	To be notified on university website
Batch Commencement	July/August 2026 (Tentative)

Relevant Exam Dates

Exam	Relevance	Exam Date / Status
Pondicherry University Ph.D. Entrance Exam (PHD 126)	Mandatory for entrance category candidates	May 2, 2026
UGC-NET / CSIR-NET (with JRF)	Exempted category - direct interview eligibility (Preference 1)	As per NTA schedule
UGC-NET (without JRF, qualified for PhD admission)	Exempted category - direct interview eligibility (Preference 2)	As per NTA schedule

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a Master's degree in any Social Science discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/Differently Abled candidates).
Candidates who have studied under the 10+2+3+2 pattern (17 years of education) are eligible to apply.
Final year PG students are also eligible to apply, subject to producing mark sheets/degree certificates before the notified date.

Admission Process

Apply online at pondiunivadmission.samarth.edu.in (Entrance Category) or submit request to the Centre for Women's Studies (Exempted Category).
Pay the application fee: Rs. 1,500 for General/OBC-NCL/EWS; Rs. 750 for SC/ST; Nil for PH/Transgender candidates.
Download hall ticket from the candidate's dashboard (not shared via email).
Appear for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) - 100 MCQs, 2 hours, with negative marking (4 marks for correct, -1 for wrong answer).
Candidates scoring 50% or above in the entrance test are eligible to be called for the personal interview.
Submit a written research proposal at the time of interview and obtain consent of a recognized research supervisor.
Final selection based on Entrance Exam (70%) + Personal Interview and Academic Record (30%).
A candidate can apply for a maximum of two Ph.D. programmes; each application must be submitted and paid separately.

PU Ph.D. (Women Studies) Scholarships 2026

Ph.D. scholars at Pondicherry University can avail multiple fellowship and scholarship options depending on their qualification and category. The university's own Non-NET Fellowship provides financial support to full-time scholars who do not hold a national fellowship, while UGC/CSIR JRF holders receive significantly higher fellowships. Additionally, government scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/Minority students are available through national schemes.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / Fellowship	Eligibility	Amount	Duration
PU Non-NET Fellowship	Full-time PhD scholars in university departments (without national fellowship)	Rs. 8,000 per month + contingency grant	Duration of PhD programme
UGC / CSIR JRF Fellowship (Initial)	NET-JRF qualified candidates	Rs. 37,000 per month	First 2 years
UGC / CSIR SRF Fellowship (Enhanced)	After 2 years of JRF, on assessment	Rs. 42,000 per month	Remaining tenure
National Fellowship for SC Students (NFSC)	SC category PhD scholars	As per UGC norms	Duration of PhD
National Fellowship for OBC Students (NFOBC)	OBC category PhD scholars	As per UGC norms	Duration of PhD
Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF)	Minority community PhD scholars	As per UGC norms	Duration of PhD
Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST)	SC/ST students	As per state/central government norms	Annual

JRF/NET qualified candidates are given admission preference (Preference 1 and 2) over entrance exam candidates.
The Non-NET Fellowship requires an undertaking that the scholar will reimburse the amount if they leave the programme before thesis submission.
SC/ST students eligible for Post-Matric Scholarships may defer fee payment until receipt of scholarship, within 90 days of admission.
Differently abled students are fully exempted from all fees (except caution deposit and Group Medical Insurance).
Scholars must be enrolled in university departments (not affiliated colleges) to be eligible for the PU Non-NET Fellowship.

PU Ph.D. (Women Studies) FAQs

Ques. Can male candidates apply for Ph.D. (Women's Studies) at Pondicherry University?

Ans. Yes, the eligibility criterion specifies a Master's degree in any Social Science discipline and does not restrict the programme to female candidates. Both male and female candidates with the required qualifications can apply. The programme focuses on gender studies and women's issues as an academic discipline, not as a gender-restricted course.

Ques. What Social Science disciplines qualify for Ph.D. (Women's Studies) at Pondicherry University?

Ans. Candidates with a Master's degree in any Social Science discipline are eligible. This includes Sociology, Political Science, Economics, History, Social Work, Psychology, Anthropology, Geography, Public Administration, and Women's Studies itself. The broad eligibility makes the programme accessible to a wide range of social science graduates.

Ques. What are the key research areas in Ph.D. (Women's Studies) at Pondicherry University?

Ans. The Centre for Women's Studies focuses on research areas including Gender Mainstreaming, Women and Health, Women-centric Initiatives, Empowerment of Women, Marginalization of Women, Legal Rights of Women, Gendered Violence in Family, Gendered Migration Patterns, Women's Political Participation, and Gender and Development. Scholars can pursue interdisciplinary research in consultation with their supervisor.

Ques. How many seats are available for Ph.D. (Women's Studies) at Pondicherry University in 2026-27?

Ans. The tentative intake for Ph.D. (Women's Studies) for 2026-27 is 5 seats, distributed as: General-2, OBC-1, SC-1, and EWS-1. The actual number may vary based on supervisor availability and administrative decisions.

Ques. What career options are available after Ph.D. (Women's Studies) from Pondicherry University?

Ans. Ph.D. (Women's Studies) graduates can pursue careers as Assistant Professors/Lecturers in Women's Studies, Sociology, or Social Science departments of colleges and universities, gender researchers and consultants in NGOs and international organizations, policy analysts in government bodies, and programme officers in development organizations working on gender and women's empowerment.

Ques. Is the Ph.D. (Women's Studies) entrance exam different from other PhD entrance exams at Pondicherry University?

Ans. The structure is the same as other PhD entrance exams at Pondicherry University - a CBT with 100 MCQs in 2 hours. However, the subject-specific portion (50%) covers Women's Studies content including gender theories, feminist perspectives, women's movements, and gender and development. The Research Methodology portion (50%) is common across all PhD programmes.