Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 30, 2026

Chhatrapati Shahu Institute of Business Education and Research (CSIBER), Kolhapur, is a recognized Research Development Centre (RDC) under Shivaji University, Kolhapur, offering Ph.D. in Economics. The program is a full-time research degree with a minimum duration of 3 years, designed for candidates seeking to contribute original research in the field of economics. CSIBER, accredited A+ by NAAC and affiliated to Shivaji University, provides a strong research environment with experienced faculty, a well-stocked library, and active research labs. The Ph.D. in Economics is popular among M.Sc. (Economics), M.Com, and MA (Economics) graduates aiming for academic and research careers. Admission is through the Shivaji University Ph.D. Entrance Test (PET), followed by a Research Advisory Committee (RAC) interview.

Admissions for Ph.D. 2026-27 at Shivaji University (and affiliated RDCs including CSIBER) are yet to be notified. Based on the 2025-26 cycle, the entrance test was conducted on 9-10 September 2025. For 2026-27, a similar timeline is expected, with the notification likely in July-August 2026. Candidates are advised to monitor the official Shivaji University website (www.unishivaji.ac.in) for the Ph.D. Admission 2026-27 notification.

Key Points

CSIBER is a recognized Research Development Centre (RDC) under Shivaji University, Kolhapur, authorized to guide Ph.D. scholars in Economics.
The Ph.D. program follows UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations, ensuring nationally recognized research standards.
Candidates who have qualified NET/SET/SLET/GATE/JRF are exempted from the Shivaji University Ph.D. Entrance Test (PET).
The program includes mandatory coursework in Research Methodology and Research Publication Ethics (RPE) before the scholar proceeds to thesis work.
CSIBER has a dedicated School of Research with active research guides in Economics, Commerce, and Social Work.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

CSIBER Ph.D. (Economics) Fees

The Ph.D. (Economics) program at CSIBER involves fees payable to Shivaji University at the time of registration and annually thereafter. Based on available data for 2025-26, the total registration and course fees for Ph.D. in Economics at Shivaji University are approximately Rs. 47,419 for the entire program. Fees are paid in installments: at the time of registration and annually. Candidates should verify the exact fee structure from the official Shivaji University website or CSIBER at the time of admission.

Fee Structure

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Ph.D. Registration Fee (approx.)	16,473 (Year 1)
Annual Fee (subsequent years, approx.)	15,473 per year
Total Fees (approx., 3 years)	47,419

Fees are paid to Shivaji University; CSIBER may charge additional institute-level fees (laboratory, library, etc.) which should be confirmed directly.
SC/ST/OBC candidates may be eligible for fee waivers or concessions under government scholarship schemes.
Candidates receiving JRF/SRF fellowships from UGC/CSIR/DST may have their fees covered under the fellowship.
The above fees are indicative based on 2025-26 data; actual fees for 2026-27 may vary.

CSIBER Ph.D. (Economics) Admission 2026-27

Ph.D. admissions at CSIBER are governed by Shivaji University's Ph.D. admission process. Candidates must appear for the Shivaji University Ph.D. Entrance Test (PET) conducted by the university, unless exempted. Based on the 2025-26 cycle, the entrance test for Economics was held on 9-10 September 2025, with eligible candidates list published in October 2025 and guide allotment completed by January 2026. For 2026-27, a similar timeline is expected.

Admission Dates

Event	Tentative Date
Ph.D. Admission Notification	July - August 2026
Online Application Window	August 2026
Ph.D. Entrance Test (PET)	September 2026
Answer Key / Result	September - October 2026
Eligible Candidates List	October 2026
RAC Interview / Document Verification	November - December 2026
Guide Allotment	January 2027
Ph.D. Registration	February - March 2027

Entrance Exams Accepted

Exam	Conducting Body	Remarks
Shivaji University Ph.D. Entrance Test (PET)	Shivaji University, Kolhapur	Mandatory for all candidates not holding NET/SET/JRF
UGC-NET / JRF	NTA	Exempts candidates from PET; JRF holders also eligible for fellowship
SET / SLET	State-level body	Exempts candidates from PET

Note: The PET consists of 50% questions on Research Methodology and 50% subject-specific (Economics) questions.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a Master's degree (M.Sc./M.A./M.Com or equivalent) in Economics or a related discipline from a UGC-recognized university with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks.
Candidates from SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are eligible with 50% aggregate marks in the qualifying degree.
Candidates with an M.Phil. degree from Shivaji University or any recognized Indian/foreign university with at least 55% marks are also eligible.

Admission Process

Monitor the official Shivaji University website (www.unishivaji.ac.in) for the Ph.D. Admission notification.
Register online through the Shivaji University Ph.D. portal (sukapps.unishivaji.ac.in/phd-entrance).
Appear for the Ph.D. Entrance Test (PET) on the scheduled date (unless exempted via NET/SET/JRF).
Check the eligible candidates list published after the entrance test.
Appear for the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) interview / document verification round.
Upon selection, identify a research guide at CSIBER in the Economics department.
Complete the Ph.D. registration formalities and pay the prescribed fees to Shivaji University.
Attend mandatory coursework in Research Methodology and Research Publication Ethics (RPE) before commencing thesis work.

CSIBER Ph.D. (Economics) Scholarships 2026-27

Ph.D. scholars at CSIBER can avail several fellowships and scholarships to support their research. National-level fellowships such as UGC-JRF and CSIR-JRF provide monthly stipends to eligible scholars. State-level and university-level support is also available. CSIBER also has a Fellowship Programme for research scholars.

Scholarships and Fellowships

Scholarship / Fellowship	Amount	Eligibility
UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)	Rs. 37,000/month (JRF) + HRA	Candidates qualifying UGC-NET with JRF
UGC Senior Research Fellowship (SRF)	Rs. 42,000/month + HRA	After 2 years as JRF, subject to assessment
Shivaji University Research Fellowship (DRF)	As per university norms	Candidates registered for Ph.D. at Shivaji University
Government of Maharashtra Scholarship	As per government norms	SC/ST/OBC/NT/SBC/EWS category scholars
CSIBER Fellowship Programme	As per institute norms	Eligible Ph.D. scholars at CSIBER

JRF/SRF amounts are as per UGC revised rates (effective from 2023); candidates should verify current rates from the UGC website.
Shivaji University's Doctoral Research Fellowship (DRF) details are available at www.unishivaji.ac.in/student/Research-Fellowship.
Government scholarships require timely application through the MahaDBT portal (mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in).
CSIBER's Fellowship Programme details should be confirmed directly with the institute's School of Research.

CSIBER Ph.D. (Economics) FAQs

Ques. Is the Ph.D. Entrance Test (PET) of Shivaji University mandatory for admission to Ph.D. (Economics) at CSIBER?

Ans. Not necessarily. Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET, UGC-JRF, CSIR-JRF, SET, or SLET are exempted from the Shivaji University PET. However, they still need to go through the RAC interview and guide allotment process. All other candidates must appear for the PET.

Ques. Can I pursue Ph.D. (Economics) at CSIBER while working full-time?

Ans. Shivaji University allows part-time Ph.D. registration for working professionals under certain conditions. However, candidates must fulfill the minimum residency requirements and attend coursework sessions. It is advisable to confirm the part-time Ph.D. policy directly with CSIBER's School of Research before applying.

Ques. How do I find a research guide for Ph.D. (Economics) at CSIBER?

Ans. CSIBER has faculty members with Ph.D. qualifications in Economics who are recognized as research guides under Shivaji University. You can check the list of research guides and available seats on the Shivaji University portal (sukapps.unishivaji.ac.in/pgbutr/#/research-topics) or contact CSIBER's School of Research directly. Guide allotment is done by the university after the RAC interview.

Ques. What is the minimum duration of the Ph.D. program at CSIBER?

Ans. As per UGC regulations, the minimum duration for a Ph.D. program is 3 years from the date of registration (including coursework). The maximum duration is generally 6 years, with possible extensions in special cases. Candidates with M.Phil. degrees may be eligible for a reduced coursework requirement.

Ques. What research areas are available for Ph.D. (Economics) at CSIBER?

Ans. CSIBER's Economics faculty has expertise in areas such as Quantitative Economics, Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, Environmental Economics, and Financial Economics. Specific research topics available can be checked on the Shivaji University research topics portal or by contacting the institute directly.

Ques. Is there any financial support available for Ph.D. scholars at CSIBER?

Ans. Yes. Scholars who qualify UGC-NET with JRF receive a monthly fellowship of Rs. 37,000 (JRF) or Rs. 42,000 (SRF) from UGC. Additionally, Shivaji University offers a Doctoral Research Fellowship (DRF) for registered scholars. SC/ST/OBC scholars can also apply for government scholarships through the MahaDBT portal. CSIBER also has its own Fellowship Programme for eligible research scholars.