NTA Ph.D Entrance Exam 2025: Application Form, Exam Dates, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation Tips

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Dipanwita Pramanik

Content Writer | Updated on - Sep 4, 2025

NTA PhD Entrance Exam is conducted for admission to institutes like DU, JNU, BHU, and BBAU. NTA PhD Entrance Exam official website 2025 is nta.ac.in and phd-entrance.samarth.ac.in for the latest updates.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has not released any official announcement on NTA PhD Entrance Exam for 2025. 

However, NTA has conducted ICAR AICE JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) for agricultural research. There are other PhD entrance exams in India, such as UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, GPAT, BET, JEST, and many more University-level and Institute-level exams for research admissions. 

  • NTA Ph.D Entrance Exam is expected to be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
  • The applicants who want to pursue Ph.D courses must have completed 10+2, UG, and PG degrees with 45% to 60% marks. The Ph.D course fee range starts from INR 80,000 and up to INR 1,20,000 (Approximate). 
  • Candidates must be familiar with the admission process to seek PhD Admission in their preferred college. They must qualify for an entrance exam for several top universities.

In 2023, the NTA PhD Entrance Exam was conducted on October 26, 27, 30, and 31, 2023. In 2022, the test was planned for 50971 candidates and 35896 had appeared for the exam. 

What is NTA PhD Entrance Exam?

PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). NTA Ph.D Entrance Exam is conducted for Ph.D admission in Universities including DU, JNU, BHU, and BBAU. For more related details, candidates can check the official website of NTA.

NTA Ph.D Entrance Exam Dates

NTA Ph.D Entrance Exam Dates 2025

Candidates can check the important dates for NTA Ph.D Entrance Exam 2025 from the below table:

Detail Date
Start Date of Application Form September 2025
Last Date of Application Form September 2025 
Application Fee Submission Last Date September 2025
Correction Window Open Date September 2025
Last Date for Correction September 2025
Admit Card Release Date October 2025
NTA PhD Entrance Exam Date October 2025
Result Release Date November, 2025
Official Website phd-entrance.samarth.ac.in.

NTA PhD Entrance Exam Registration 2025

NTA will start NTA Ph.D Entrance Exam 2025 Registration on their official website.

Below are the steps to apply NTA Phd Entrance Exam Registration 2025.

  • Visit the official website of the Ph.D. entrance examination for the year 2025.
  • A new page will open where you need to locate and click on the "Register" link.
  • This action will lead you to another new page.
  • On this page, carefully read and follow the instructions provided for filling out the online examination form.
  • After understanding the instructions, click on the "Continue" link to proceed.
  • Complete the online registration form with your personal information, including your full name, father's name, mother's name, date of birth, gender, nationality, and other requested details.
  • Provide your government approved identity card number and address information on the website.
  • Create a unique user ID and password to log in to the NTA Official website.
  • Following this, you will receive an OTP (OneTime Password) on your registered mobile phone for PHD registration verification.
  • Use the provided credentials to sign in and access your dashboard.
  • Inside your dashboard, provide both personal and educational details as required.
  • Choose the specific examination courses you intend to pursue and select the preferred examination cities where you wish to take the entrance exam for your Ph.D.
  • Upload a passport sized photograph and your signature as per the specified guidelines.
  • Proceed to make the online registration fee payment for the Ph.D. entrance examination, as applicable to your category.
  • Lastly, take an online printout of the application.

NTA PhD Entrance Exam Application Fee

Application Fee Fee (for one Test Paper) Fee for Additional Test Paper (Per Test Paper)
General Rs. 1200 Rs. 800
OBC-NCL/Gen-EWS Rs. 1100 Rs. 700
SC/ST/Third Gender Rs. 1000 Rs. 700
PwBD Rs. 1000 Rs. 700
NTA PhD Entrance Exam Eligibility

NTA PhD Entrance Exam Eligibility 2025

Candidates who wish to appear for the exam must go through the eligibility criteria for NTA Ph.D Entrance Exam 2025.

  • Age Limit: The National Testing Agency (NTA) does not impose any age limit on candidates appearing in the Ph.D. Entrance Test 2025.
  • Eligibility Based on Educational Status: Candidates who have either cleared their postgraduate or equivalent examination or are in the process of appearing in the 2025 examination are eligible to take the Ph.D. Entrance Test for DU, JNU, BHU, and BBAU-2025.
  • Age Criteria of Respective University: While there is no age restriction by the NTA, candidates must still meet the age criteria set by the specific university they intend to join.
  • University Policies and Criteria: Admission policies for the universities (DU, JNU, BHU, BBAU) through the Ph.D. Entrance Test will encompass factors such as quota, category, relaxation, reservations, qualifications, subject combinations, and preferences.
  • Fulfilling University Eligibility: It's crucial to note that merely participating in the Entrance Test or achieving passing marks doesn't guarantee admission. Candidates must fulfill the program-specific eligibility conditions of the university they are applying to.
NTA PhD Entrance Exam Pattern

NTA PhD Entrance Exam Pattern 2025

  • Mode of Exam - Ph.D. Entrance Test for DU, JNU, BHU, and BBAU-2025 will exclusively be conducted in the Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.

  • Medium of Question Papers - Except for Ph.D. Entrance Test for various languages, the exams for DU, JNU, BHU, and BBAU-2025 will be held solely in English language.

  • Structure of Question Papers - The examination pattern for Ph.D. Entrance Test for DU, JNU, BHU, and BBAU-2025 is outlined as follows. The question paper will comprise two sections:

    • Section 1: Research Methodology

    • Section 2: Subject-specific

  • Number of Questions: Each question paper will contain 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), all in English, except for language papers. All questions are mandatory and must be answered.

  • Exam Duration: The duration of the examination is set at 3 hours (180 minutes).

  • Total Courses: Candidates are permitted to select a maximum of three courses, with one course per time slot as per the provided timetable

  • Subjects and Sections - The subjects are categorized into coherent subject combinations, each featuring a common Research Methodology Section I. Section 2 will be specialized to the domain.

  • Marking Scheme - Candidates will be awarded 4 marks for each correct answer, and 1 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer.

NTA PhD Entrance Exam Syllabus

NTA PhD Entrance Exam Syllabus 2025

NTA PhD Entrance Exam Syllabus 2025 encompasses a wide range of subjects and significant topics from which questions will be drawn for the examination. The syllabus is vast and covers an array of fields, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of candidates' knowledge and aptitude. Some of the subjects covered in the syllabus include Adult Continuing Education & Extension, African Studies, Ancient Indian History, Culture, Archaeology, Anthropology, Arabic, Bio-Physics and many more.

Candidates can check out the NTA PhD Entrance Exam Syllabus from the direct link given below:

Subject Download PDF
Adult Continuing Education & Ext. Check Here
African Studies Check Here
Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archeology Check Here
Anthropology Check Here
Arabic Check Here
Bio-Physics Check Here
Biochemistry Check Here
Biomedical Research Check Here
Biotechnology Check Here
Botany Check Here
Buddhist Studies Check Here
Chemistry/Chemical Science Check Here
Chinese Check Here
Chinese Studies Check Here
Cinema Studies Check Here
Commerce/Management/Financial Studies Check Here
Comparative Politics & Political Theory Check Here
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Track - 1 (TROH) Check Here
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Track - 2 (TRTH) Check Here
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Track - 3 (TRDH) Check Here
Computer Science and Engineering Check Here
Computer Science/ Informatics Check Here
East Asian Studies Check Here
Economics Studies & Planning Check Here
Economics/ Regional development Economics/Business Economics Check Here
Education Check Here
Electronics and Communication Engineering / Electronic Science Check Here
Energy Studies Check Here
English Check Here
Environmental Studies/Environmental Sciences Research Area III & IV Check Here
European Studies Check Here
Fine Arts Check Here
French Check Here
Genetics Check Here
Geology Check Here
Geography/Political Geography/Regional Development Geography Check Here
Germany Check Here
Hindi Check Here
Hindi Translation Check Here
Hindustani Music Check Here
Hispanic/ Spanish Check Here
History of Arts Check Here
History/Historical Studies [Ancient/Medieval/ Modern] Check Here
Home Science Check Here
Horticulture Check Here
Human Rights Check Here
Informal Sector & Labour Studies Check Here
Inner Asia Studies Check Here
International Trade & Development Check Here
Italian Check Here
Japanese Check Here
Japanese Studies Check Here
Karnataka/Carnatic Music Check Here
Korean Check Here
Korean Studies Check Here
Law Check Here
Library & Information Science Check Here
Life Science/ Life Sciences Group – I-V Check Here
Linguistics Check Here
Mass Communication and Journalism/ Media Studies Check Here
Mathematics Check Here
Mechanical Egineering Check Here
Micro Systems Check Here
Microbiology Check Here
Modern Indian Language & Literary Studies Check Here
Molecular Medicine Check Here
Nano Sciences Check Here
National Security Studies Check Here
Operational Research Check Here
Percussion Music Check Here
Persian Check Here
Pharmaceutical Sciences/ Pharmacy Check Here
Philosophy Check Here
Physical Education & Sport Science Check Here
Physics/Physical Sciences Check Here
Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Check Here
Political Science/Political Studies/Public Administration Check Here
Portuguese Check Here
Psychology Check Here
Public Health Check Here
Punjabi Check Here
Russian Check Here
Russian & Central Asian Studies Check Here
Sanskrit Check Here
Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy Check Here
Social Sciences in Health Check Here
Social System Check Here
Social Work Check Here
Sociology Check Here
South Asian Studies Check Here
Statistics Check Here
Studies in Science Policy Check Here
Theatre and Performance Studies Check Here
Urdu Check Here
Visual Studies Check Here
West Asian Studies Check Here
Women Studies Check Here
Zoology Check Here
NTA Ph.D Entrance Exam Admit Card

NTA Ph.D Entrance Exam 2025 Admit Card

NTA will issue the PhD Entrance Exam admit card through the official website of NTA - phd-entrance.samarth.ac.in. Candidates can download the admit card by following the steps below:

  • Visit the official website - phd-entrance.samarth.ac.in.
  • Find and click on the link showing ‘NTA Ph.D Entrance Exam Admit Card.’
  • Enter the login details and download the admit card.
  • Make a printout of the admit card for further reference.
NTA Ph.D Entrance Exam Admit Card Download Link (tbu)

In case a candidate is unable to download his/her Admit Card from the website, he/she should immediately approach the NTA Help Line Number: 011-40759000 between 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.

NTA Ph.D Entrance Exam 2025 City Slip

The NTA will conduct the PhD entrance test 2025 for DU, JNU, BHU, and BBAU in October 2025 at various exam centres in different cities across India in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. As per the official notice, candidates need to fill out the login credentials such as application number and password to check and download the DU, JNU, BHU, BBAU PhD entrance 2025 city intimation slip.

How To Check NTA PhD Entrance 2025 City Intimation Slip?

Follow the steps below to check and download the city intimation slip for the NTA PhD entrance exam 2025 for DU, JNU, BHU, and BBAU online:

  • Go to the official website at phd-entrance.samarth.ac.in
  • Enter the login link available on the home page.
  • Fill out the required details and click on submit.
  • The NTA PhD entrance 2025 exam city slip will be displayed on the screen.
  • Check the exam city slip details and download the page.
  • Save the printout of the same for future use.

Candidates can check the direct link mentioned below to download the city intimation slip for the NTA PhD entrance exam 2025 for DU, JNU, BHU, and BBAU. Direct Link to check City Intimation Slip

NTA Ph.D Entrance Exam 2025 Reservation

Candidates belonging to different categories are admitted under the seats reserved for them. The categories and the extreme of reservation are as follows:

Category Reservation of Seats
GEN-EWS 10%
OBC-NCL 27%
SC 15%
ST 7.5%
PwD 5%
NTA PhD Entrance Exam Preparation

NTA PhD Entrance Exam Preparation Tips 2025

Below are the details for NTA Phd Entrance Exam Preparation Tips 2025.

  • Immediate Initiation: To secure a commendable score and ranking in the NTA PhD Entrance Exam 2025, it's crucial to start your preparation promptly.
  • Download Syllabus PDF: Initiate by downloading the NTA PhD Entrance Exam syllabus 2025 PDF. This will serve as your roadmap for the preparation journey.
  • Identify Key Books: Identify the most suitable reference books that align with the NTA PhD Entrance Exam syllabus. These resources will form the cornerstone of your preparation.
  • Structured Study: Organize your study routine to cover the topics outlined in the PhD Entrance Test syllabus. Allocate time wisely to ensure comprehensive coverage.
  • Previous Year Papers Practice: Solving previous year's question papers of the PhD Entrance Test. This helps you grasp the question patterns and understand the level of difficulty.
  • Mock Tests and Sample Papers: Strengthen your preparation by working through NTA PhD Entrance Exam sample papers and taking advantage of free mock tests. These simulate the real exam experience.
  • Holistic Preparation: By meticulously following the above steps, you'll be well-prepared to face the Doctor of Philosophy Entrance Test confidently.

By adhering to this strategic approach, you pave the way for effective preparation, enabling you to tackle the NTA PhD Entrance Exam 2025 with confidence and competence.

NTA Ph.D Entrance Exam Paper Analysis

NTA PhD Entrance Exam Paper Analysis 2025

NTA PhD Entrance Exam 2025 paper analysis will be updated after the conclusion of exam. The examination is being conducted online in computer-based test mode, comprising two parts: Part A encompasses a general aptitude test covering English comprehension, logical reasoning, and quantitative ability. Part B, on the other hand, includes questions related to the subject the candidate has selected.

NTA Ph.D Entrance Exam Answer Key

NTA Ph.D Entrance Exam 2025 Answer Key

NTA will release the final answer key for Ph.D exams on its official website nta.ac.in. Candidates can check the final answer key below:

The result is compiled based on the final answer key declared. No grievance with regard to answer key(s) after the declaration of result/NTA Score of Ph.D. Entrance Test for DU, JNU, BHU and BBAU - 2025 will be entertained. 

NTA PhD Entrance Exam 2025 FAQs

Ques. What is NTA PhD Entrance Exam 2025?

Ans. NTA PhD Entrance Exam 2025 is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to Ph.D. programs in prestigious universities such as DU, JNU, BHU, and BBAU.

Ques. Who is eligible to apply for NTA PhD Entrance Exam?

Ans. Candidates who have completed their postgraduate or equivalent examination, or are appearing in 2025, can apply. There is no age limit set by NTA, but candidates must meet the age criteria of the respective university.

Ques. What is the application process for NTA PhD Entrance Exam?

Ans. Eligible candidates need to apply online through the official website. The application process involves providing personal details, educational background, selecting exam courses, and uploading documents.

Ques. What is the exam mode and language of NTA PhD Entrance Exam?

Ans. The exam is conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode, and for DU, JNU, BHU, and BBAU-2025, the exam is conducted in English.

Ques. What is the syllabus for NTA PhD Entrance Exam?

Ans. The syllabus covers a wide range of subjects and topics specific to the universities and their respective programs. It is recommended to refer to the official syllabus document for detailed information.

Ques. What is the exam structure and duration?

Ans. The exam consists of two sections - Research Methodology and Subject-specific. The question paper has 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and the exam duration is 3 hours (180 minutes).

Ques. How can I prepare for NTA PhD Entrance Exam?

Ans. Candidates should download the syllabus, identify key reference books, study systematically, practice previous year papers, utilize mock tests and sample papers, and ensure holistic preparation.

Ques. What are the application fees for the NTA PhD Entrance Exam?

Ans. The application fee varies based on the category and the number of test papers applied for. General, OBC-NCL/Gen-EWS, SC/ST/Third Gender, and PwBD categories have different fee structures.

Ques. When will the NTA PhD Entrance Exam 2025 be conducted?

Ans. The exact exam date is yet to be announced (TBA). Candidates are advised to keep an eye on the official website for updates.

Ques. How do I stay updated about the NTA PhD Entrance Exam 2025?

Ans. You can regularly visit the official website for updates, notifications, and important announcements regarding the exam phd-entrance.samarth.ac.in.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

Latest NTA PhD Entrance Exam News

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Fees Structure

Structure based on different categories

CategoriesState
General1200
sc1000
pwd1000

In case of any inaccuracy, Notify Us! 

Comments


Found 3 Comments

B
bathula aparna
Nov 22, 2025 14:38
I want free mock test papers for vit ap phd
S
sweta kumari
Nov 24, 2025 22:04

You can download official past question papers for the National Testing Agency (NTA) Ph.D. entrance exams from the NTA website under “Download, Exam Paper”.

A
akshit
Sep 15, 2023 10:14
i am non gpat can i applied for this pharmacy phd
S
sinbad chongtham
Sep 18, 2023 20:47

GPAT qualification is not required to register and take NTA Ph.D Entrance for the Pharmaceutical Science paper. If you have completed a master’s degree in Pharmacy or in the final year of the master’s program, you are eligible to register and take this entrance exam.

K
kajalvarma
Sep 10, 2023 12:58
Am I eligible for NTA PHD ENTRANCE EXAM and get admission into BHU I'm in my current final.year of graduation.
S
sinbad chongtham
Sep 11, 2023 22:41

Students who are in their final year of graduation are also eligible to register and take NTA Ph.D Entrance exam. The application deadline for NTA Ph.D Entrance exam 2023 has been extended till September 15, 2023.


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