Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 30, 2026

Chhatrapati Shahu Institute of Business Education and Research (CSIBER), Kolhapur, through its D.K. Shinde School of Social Work, is a recognized Research Development Centre (RDC) under Shivaji University, Kolhapur, offering Ph.D. in Social Work. The program is a full-time research degree with a minimum duration of 3 years, aimed at producing scholars who can contribute to social welfare policy, community development, and applied social research. CSIBER, accredited A+ by NAAC, has a dedicated Social Work department with highly qualified faculty, all holding Ph.D. degrees. The Ph.D. in Social Work is popular among MSW graduates and social work practitioners seeking to advance into academia, research, and policy roles. 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 in 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's D.K. Shinde School of Social Work is a recognized RDC under Shivaji University, with all faculty members holding Ph.D. degrees, ensuring high-quality research mentorship.
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/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 international collaborations with universities in Asia, Africa, and the Americas, providing research scholars with global academic exposure.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

CSIBER Ph.D. (Social Work) Fees

The Ph.D. (Social Work) 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 fees for Ph.D. programs at Shivaji University range from approximately Rs. 35,437 to Rs. 49,194 for the entire program duration. Candidates should verify the exact fee structure from the official Shivaji University website or CSIBER at the time of admission.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Ph.D. Registration Fee (approx.)	16,473 - 16,692 (Year 1)
Annual Fee (subsequent years, approx.)	9,482 - 15,473 per year
Total Fees (approx., 3 years)	35,437 - 49,194

Fees are paid to Shivaji University; CSIBER may charge additional institute-level fees (library, laboratory, 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 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. (Social Work) 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 was held in 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.

Ph.D. (Social Work) 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 (Social Work) questions.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a Master's degree (MSW or equivalent) in Social Work 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's D.K. Shinde School of Social Work.
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. (Social Work) 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 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. (Social Work) FAQs

Ques. Is the Ph.D. (Social Work) at CSIBER recognized by UGC?

Ans. Yes. CSIBER is a recognized Research Development Centre (RDC) under Shivaji University, which is a UGC-recognized university. Ph.D. degrees awarded through CSIBER are conferred by Shivaji University and are fully recognized by UGC and other statutory bodies.

Ques. What is the difference between Ph.D. (Social Work) and M.Phil. (Social Work) at CSIBER?

Ans. M.Phil. is a shorter research program (1-2 years) that involves coursework and a dissertation, while Ph.D. is a more extensive research program (minimum 3 years) requiring original contribution to knowledge. As per the National Education Policy 2020 and UGC regulations, M.Phil. programs are being phased out, making Ph.D. the primary research qualification.

Ques. Can a BSW graduate directly apply for Ph.D. (Social Work) at CSIBER?

Ans. No. A BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) graduate is not directly eligible for Ph.D. admission. Candidates must first complete a Master's degree (MSW or equivalent) with at least 55% marks before applying for Ph.D. admission.

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

Ans. CSIBER's Social Work faculty has expertise in areas such as Community Development, Child Welfare, Women Empowerment, Rural Development, Disability Studies, and Social Policy. Specific research topics available can be checked on the Shivaji University research topics portal or by contacting CSIBER's D.K. Shinde School of Social Work directly.

Ques. Does CSIBER have hostel facilities for Ph.D. (Social Work) scholars?

Ans. CSIBER has a boys' hostel on campus with 71 rooms. Hostel availability for Ph.D. scholars should be confirmed directly with the institute, as hostel allocation may be prioritized for regular PG students. There is no girls' hostel mentioned on the official website.

Ques. How many Ph.D. guides are available for Social Work at CSIBER?

Ans. CSIBER's MSW department comprises 7 faculty members, all holding Ph.D. degrees, who are eligible to serve as research guides. The number of available seats per guide is regulated by Shivaji University norms. Candidates should check the current availability of seats with each guide through the Shivaji University portal or by contacting CSIBER directly.