Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) PhD Admission 2026-27: Essential Guide for Aspiring Researchers
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Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) PhD Admission 2026-27: An Overview
Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) has officially announced the PhD Admission process for the January 2026 session. This comprehensive guide details every crucial aspect for candidates aspiring to pursue doctoral studies at GNDU, Amritsar. The university offers PhD programmes across a wide spectrum of disciplines at its main campuses and affiliated colleges like Khalsa College, Amritsar. The admission process is twofold: candidates with certain national-level qualifications are exempted from the PhD Eligibility Test, while others must appear for the university-conducted test as a qualifying step for counseling.
The primary objective of the Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) PhD Admission 2026-27 process is to select meritorious and dedicated scholars for advanced research. The university emphasizes a streamlined procedure, providing clear pathways for NET/JRF qualified candidates while maintaining a robust evaluation system for others through its own eligibility test. This ensures a fair and competitive selection environment, aligning with UGC regulations and the university’s academic standards.
See Ongoing PhD AdmissionEligibility Criteria for Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) PhD Admission
The basic academic qualification required for applying to the Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) PhD Admission 2026-27 is as follows:
- Master’s degree with at least 55% marks or equivalent CGPA from Guru Nanak Dev University or a recognized Indian/Foreign University in the concerned or allied subject.
- A relaxation of 5% marks (i.e., 50% marks or equivalent CGPA) is allowed for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-abled categories.
IMPORTANT: Candidates who have obtained their Master’s degree through Distance Education, ODL Mode, Lateral Entry, or from Deemed/Private Universities (even in regular mode) must verify the equivalence of their qualification from the GNDU Equivalence Section (General Branch) or check the online Equivalence Book (www.gndu.ac.in) before applying. Admission granted without equivalence verification, if found ineligible later, will be the sole responsibility of the candidate and the department.
Exemption from GNDU PhD Eligibility Test
Candidates who qualify under the following categories are exempted from appearing in the GNDU PhD Eligibility Test for the Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) PhD Admission 2026-27. However, they must still apply online for admission.
- UGC-NET (including those qualified under the now-defunct Category-3) / UGC-CSIR NET JRF
- SLET (State Level Eligibility Test)
- GATE / GPAT / ICAR
- INSPIRE Fellowship / Rajiv Gandhi Fellowship Awardees
- Teacher Fellowship Holders / Any other Direct Fellowship Awardee
- Candidates who have passed M.Phil. from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
- Candidates holding a Validity Certificate of having qualified the GNDU PhD Eligibility Test in a previous session (valid for 2 years).
Note: M.Phil degree holders from universities other than GNDU are NOT exempted and must appear for the PhD Eligibility Test.
Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) PhD Eligibility Test Pattern
For candidates required to take the test, the Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) PhD Eligibility Test is a qualifying examination. Passing it (55% general / 50% reserved categories) allows participation in the counseling process but does not guarantee final admission.
Syllabus: The syllabus is the same as that prescribed for the UGC-NET for the respective subject. For subjects where NET is not conducted, the syllabus will be based on the relevant Post Graduate curriculum.
Question Paper Structure:
| Part | Description | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-I | General Aptitude (Compulsory for all) | 15 MCQs | 15 |
| Part-II | Subject Specific – Objective Type | 40 MCQs | 40 (1 mark each) |
| Subject Specific – Short Answer Type (Attempt 9 out of 20) | 9 Questions | 45 (5 marks each) | |
| Total Marks | – | 100 | |
Qualifying marks are 55% (50% for SC/ST/OBC(non-creamy layer)/Differently-abled). The validity of the Eligibility Test clearance is 2 years, provided all other admission eligibility conditions are met. No exemption from coursework is granted based on this test.
Important Dates for GNDU PhD Admission January 2026
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Last Date for Online Application | 10th January 2026 | Application must be submitted online only. |
| PhD Eligibility Test | 19th January 2026 (10:30 AM – 1:00 PM) |
Venue: Lecture Theatre Complex, Near Chemistry Block, GNDU Campus. |
| Counseling for Admission | 27th January 2026 | To be held in respective departments. |
Departments Offering PhD at GNDU Campuses (Eligibility Test Required/Exempted List)
The following is a consolidated list of departments at GNDU Campuses where PhD programmes are offered. Candidates exempted from the test (as per list above) can also apply to these departments.
| S.No. | Department Name | S.No. | Department Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Agriculture | 18. | Mathematics |
| 2. | Apparel and Textile Technology | 19. | Mechanical Engineering |
| 3. | Architecture | 20. | Microbiology |
| 4. | Biotechnology | 21. | Mol. Bio & Biochemistry |
| 5. | Botany/Environmental | 22. | Pharmaceutical Sciences |
| 6. | Chemistry | 23. | Physical Education |
| 7. | Civil Engineering | 24. | Physics |
| 8. | Computer Engg. & Tech | 25. | Physiotherapy |
| 9. | Computer Science | 26. | Planning |
| 10. | Education | 27. | Psychology |
| 11. | Electronics Technology | 28. | Punjab School of Economics |
| 12. | Food Science & Technology | 29. | School of Punjabi Studies |
| 13. | Guru Nanak Studies (Religious Studies) | 30. | Sociology/Social Work |
| 14. | History | 31. | Sports Sciences & Medicine |
| 15. | Hotel Management & Tourism | 32. | University Business School |
| 16. | Human Genetics | 33. | University School of Financial Studies |
| 17. | Journalism & Mass Communication | 34. | Zoology |
PhD at Khalsa College, Amritsar
GNDU also offers PhD programmes in the following departments at Khalsa College, Amritsar. Exempted candidates should visit the college website (https://khalsacollege.edu.in) for details.
| S.No. | Department Name |
|---|---|
| 1. | Agriculture |
| 2. | Chemistry |
| 3. | Physics |
| 4. | Punjabi |
| 5. | Zoology |
Important Notes for GNDU PhD Applicants
- The PhD Eligibility Test is only a qualifying step for counseling. Final admission is subject to fulfilling all other conditions as per GNDU PhD Ordinances.
- Fellowship awardees (UGC/CSIR/INSPIRE/Rajiv Gandhi, etc.) can be enrolled any time during the session.
- All candidates, including those exempted from the test, must apply online within the stipulated deadline.
- Candidates are strongly advised to go through the latest PhD Ordinances available on the GNDU official website (www.gndu.ac.in) under University Links/Information Desk.
