Sidho Kanho Birsha University (SKBU) has officially released the notification for PhD Admission 2026 (1st Part – Course Work). The online application process is open from 27th February 2026. Candidates seeking admission to doctoral programmes in various departments can apply through the official website. The last date to submit the application is 15th March 2026.
This admission drive covers a wide range of departments including Anthropology, Bengali, Botany, Chemistry, Commerce, Economics, Education, English, Geography, History, Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Santali, Sociology, and Zoology. Applicants who have cleared UGC-NET/JRF/SET/GATE or similar national exams are exempted from the Research Eligibility Test (RET) and will be called directly for interview/viva-voce.
See Ongoing PhD Admission| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 27th February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 15th March 2026 |
Candidates qualified in national‑level tests (NET/JRF/GATE etc.) will be called directly for viva‑voce – no RET exam.
| Category | Fee (Online Payment) |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) & OBC | ₹ 1000/- |
| SC/ST / Differently Able | ₹ 500/- |
Fee is to be paid online during submission of the application form.
- Educational Qualification:
- 1‑year/2‑semester Master’s after 4‑year/8‑semester Bachelor’s, OR
- 2‑year/4‑semester Master’s after 3‑year Bachelor’s, OR equivalent as declared by statutory body.
- Minimum 55% marks in Master’s (or equivalent grade).
- For candidates with 4‑year Bachelor’s (Honours with Research): minimum 75% marks in aggregate.
- Relaxation: 5% marks relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/Differently able candidates and for those who obtained Master’s degree prior to 19th September 1991.
- Exemption from RET: Candidates with UGC‑NET/JRF/NET‑LS/SET/GATE/CEED/INSPIRE/WISE or similar national tests appear directly for viva‑voce.
- Foreign Students: Must produce clearance from Govt. of India and possess a valid research visa.
- Other University Candidates: Equivalence of degree will be determined; submission of migration certificate is mandatory before coursework registration.
- In‑service Applicants: Need No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer permitting part‑time study and time for research.
Below is the department‑wise seat distribution as per the official notification. Total seats are mentioned first, followed by category breakdown (UR = Unreserved, SC/ST/OBC‑A/OBC‑B/EWS/PWD).
| Department | Total Seats | Category‑wise Breakup |
|---|---|---|
| Anthropology & Tribal Studies | 9 | UR‑4, SC‑2, OBC‑A‑1, OBC‑B‑1, EWS‑1 |
| Bengali | 4 | UR‑2, ST‑1, PWD(SC)‑1 |
| Botany | 7 | UR‑4, SC‑1, OBC‑A‑1, EWS‑1 |
| Chemistry | 12 | UR‑4, SC‑3, ST‑1, OBC‑A‑1, OBC‑B‑1, EWS‑1, PWD(UR)‑1 |
| Commerce | 8 | UR‑3, SC‑2, OBC‑A‑1, OBC‑B‑1, EWS‑1 |
| Economics | 9 | UR‑3, SC‑2, ST‑1, OBC‑A‑1, OBC‑B‑1, EWS‑1 |
| Education | 5 | UR‑2, SC‑1, OBC‑A‑1, PWD(UR)‑1 |
| English | 4 | UR‑1, SC‑2, EWS‑1 |
| Geography | 2 | UR‑1, OBC‑B‑1 |
| History | 12 | UR‑5, SC‑3, ST‑1, OBC‑A‑1, OBC‑B‑1, EWS‑1 |
| Mathematics | 13 | UR‑5, SC‑2, ST‑1, OBC‑A‑2, EWS‑2, PWD(UR)‑1 |
| Philosophy | 4 | UR‑2, SC‑1, OBC‑B‑1 |
| Physics | 16 | UR‑6, SC‑4, ST‑1, OBC‑A‑2, OBC‑B‑1, EWS‑2 |
| Political Science | 7 | UR‑3, SC‑2, OBC‑B‑1, PWD(UR)‑1 |
| Santali | 2 | UR‑1, ST‑1 |
| Sociology | 2 | OBC‑A‑1, EWS‑1 |
| Zoology | 4 | UR‑3, SC‑1 |
Reservation: As per West Bengal Government existing policy. Seats are provisional and subject to availability.
- Admission of successful candidates depends on availability of seats in the respective department.
- Successful performance in viva‑voce does not guarantee admission to PhD coursework.
- Mere passing in PhD Course Work does not guarantee registration to the PhD programme.
- Candidates from other universities must submit a migration certificate well before coursework registration, otherwise candidature will be cancelled.
- All admitted students must follow the code and conduct regulations of the University.
- The University is not responsible for obtaining scholarships from external funding bodies.
- For foreign nationals: enrolment allowed only on research visa and clearance from appropriate authorities.
The eligibility criteria mention “55% marks or its equivalent grade in a point scale”. If your university provides CGPA, use our free tool to convert it into percentage accurately.
