Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Ph.D. (Theatre) programme at Assam University, Silchar is a full-time research degree offered by the Department of Performing Arts, established in 2017 under the Abanindranath Tagore School of Creative Arts and Communication Studies. The programme specialises in Drama/Theatre Arts, covering areas such as Drama Design and Direction, Urban Theatre, Interactive Performances, and Folk and Tribal Theatre, with a minimum duration of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years. The total course fee is approximately Rs. 55,380 for the entire duration. Admission is based on the university's own PhD Research Entrance Test (RET) and/or viva voce, and the programme is conducted in full-time on-campus mode at the Silchar headquarters. The department is one of the few in Northeast India offering structured PhD research in theatre arts, with a special focus on folk, tribal, and contemporary theatre traditions of the region.

As of March 2026, the 2026-27 admission cycle has been completed, with classes commencing from 25th November 2026. The next admission cycle (2027-28) is expected to open around September-October 2027, based on the previous year's schedule. Candidates are advised to monitor the official university website (www.aus.ac.in) and the examination portal (www.ausexamination.ac.in) for the upcoming notification.

Key Points

The Ph.D. (Theatre) programme is offered under the Department of Performing Arts, with Drama/Theatre Arts as the research specialisation, covering Drama Design and Direction, Urban Theatre, Interactive Performances, and Folk and Tribal Theatre.
The department has a dedicated faculty member, Mr. Murali Basa (UGC-JRF), specialising in Drama, Design and Direction, Urban Theatre, Interactive Performances, and Folk and Tribal Theatre.
For 2026-27, the Performing Arts department had a total intake of 3 PhD seats across all specialisations (UR: 1, SC: 1, OBC: 0, PWD: 1 supernumerary).
The university may provide Non-NET fellowship to selected full-time PhD scholars on merit basis, subject to availability of UGC funds.
The department offers BPA, MPA, and PhD programmes, providing a complete academic pathway in performing arts including theatre.
Candidates may apply to a maximum of two allied departments, but must submit separate applications with separate fees for each.

Official Link:

Go To Website

Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

AU Ph.D. (Theatre) Fees

The Ph.D. (Theatre) programme at Assam University, Silchar is highly affordable, being a Central University. The total fee for the entire PhD duration is approximately Rs. 55,380, which includes tuition, registration, library, sports, and other annual charges. The annual fee component for arts/performing arts PhD programmes is around Rs. 7,200 per year, with additional one-time charges at the time of admission. There is no separate course fee for PhD in performing arts beyond the standard university charges.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Tuition Fee (annual)	3,600
University Registration Fee (one-time)	300
University Development Fund (annual)	1,500
Library Fee (annual)	500
Sports Fee (annual)	150
Basic Primary Health Services (annual)	250
Medical Insurance (annual)	320
Students Co-Curricular Fund (annual)	350
Students Aid Fund (annual)	300
Magazine Fee (annual)	150
Identity Card (one-time)	100
Library Caution Money (refundable)	500
Examination/Evaluation Fee (as applicable)	As notified
Total Fees (approx., entire duration)	55,380

Library Caution Money of Rs. 500 is refundable at the time of leaving the university.
Annual fees are to be deposited each year as per the rate prescribed in the fee structure notified by the university.
The university may revise fees marginally each year; for PhD, only the evaluation fee was revised in 2026-27.
Hostel fee is approximately Rs. 25,000 per year (not mandatory; subject to availability). Mess charges are separate.
Application fee: Rs. 1,000 (General/OBC Creamy Layer), Rs. 900 (OBC NCL/EWS), Rs. 800 (SC/ST/PWD).

AU Ph.D. (Theatre) Admission 2026

Admissions to the Ph.D. (Theatre) programme at Assam University, Silchar are conducted annually, typically in the October-November period. The 2026-27 admission cycle has been completed. For the upcoming 2027-28 cycle, the portal is expected to open around September 2026, based on the previous year's pattern. The selection process involves a university-level Research Entrance Test (RET) and/or viva voce, and the final merit list is prepared based on composite scores.

Admission Schedule

Activity	2026-27 (Actual)	2027-28 (Tentative)
Opening of Admission Portal	26 September 2026	September 2027
Last Date of Online Application	29 October 2026	October 2027
Verification by Departments	Up to 31 October 2026	October 2027
Entrance Test and Viva Voce	7 November 2026	November 2027
Entry of Composite Score by Department	10 November 2026	November 2027
Publication of First Merit List	12 November 2026	November 2027
Date of Admission (1st List)	12-14 November 2026	November 2027
Publication of 2nd Merit List (if any)	19 November 2026	November 2027
Admission from 2nd List (if any)	19-24 November 2026	November 2027
Commencement of Course Work Classes	25 November 2026	November 2027

Entrance Exam Dates

Exam	Registration Period	Exam Date	Result Date
UGC-NET Phase 2 (2027)	April 1 - May 1, 2027 (Tentative)	June 1, 2027 (Tentative)	July 1, 2027 (Tentative)
CUET-PG 2027	December 2027 (Tentative)	March 2028 (Tentative)	May 2028 (Tentative)

Note: UGC-NET qualification exempts candidates from the university's entrance test as per UGC norms. Assam University conducts its own RET for candidates who do not hold UGC-NET/JRF qualification.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a Master's degree in Theatre/Drama or an allied subject with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate (50% for SC/ST/OBC NCL/PWD/EWS categories).
A 2-year/4-semester Master's degree after a 3-year Bachelor's degree, OR a 1-year/2-semester Master's degree after a 4-year Bachelor's degree is acceptable.
Candidates who have completed M.Phil. in the same or allied subject with at least 55% marks are also eligible.

Admission Process

Apply online at https://www.ausexamination.ac.in/admission by paying the applicable application fee.
Candidates may apply to a maximum of two allied departments; a separate application and fee is required for each.
Shortlisted candidates appear for the Research Entrance Test (RET) and/or viva voce conducted by the department.
Final selection is based on composite scores of academic record, RET performance, and viva voce.
Candidates holding UGC-NET/JRF may be exempted from the written entrance test as per university norms.
Reservation of seats is as per Government of India rules for SC/ST/OBC (NCL)/PWD/EWS.
Merit list is published on the university portal; admitted candidates must complete formalities within the stipulated dates.

AU Ph.D. (Theatre) Scholarships 2026

PhD scholars at Assam University, Silchar have access to multiple fellowship and scholarship options, making the programme financially accessible. The university actively disburses Non-NET fellowship to eligible full-time scholars, and scholars with UGC-NET/JRF qualification receive higher national fellowships. Additionally, government schemes for SC/ST/OBC and minority students are available through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).

Scholarship Options

Scholarship/Fellowship	Eligibility	Amount	Remarks
UGC-JRF (Junior Research Fellowship)	UGC-NET qualified with JRF	Rs. 37,000/month (JRF), Rs. 42,000/month (SRF)	National fellowship; apply via UGC-NET
Non-NET Fellowship (AUS)	Full-time PhD scholars not holding JRF/SRF, enrolled at AUS	As per UGC-AUS guidelines (approx. Rs. 5,000-8,000/month)	Subject to availability of UGC funds; merit-based
National Fellowship for SC Students (NFSC)	SC category PhD scholars	Rs. 37,000/month (JRF)	Through UGC; apply via NSP
National Fellowship for ST Students (NFST)	ST category PhD scholars	Rs. 37,000/month (JRF)	Through Ministry of Tribal Affairs; apply via NSP
National Fellowship for OBC Students (NFOBC)	OBC (NCL) PhD scholars	Rs. 37,000/month (JRF)	Through UGC; apply via NSP
Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST/OBC)	SC/ST/OBC students of Assam	As per state norms	Apply via Assam government/NSP
Assam Govt. Research Scholar Stipend	Regular PhD scholars enrolled after April 1, 2021	Rs. 25,000/month	Announced by Assam CM; Divyang scholars: Rs. 40,000
Dr. Ambedkar Chair Doctoral Fellowship	As per scheme eligibility	As notified	Apply via AUS; limited seats

Non-NET fellowship claims must be submitted monthly using the prescribed RF-6 format to the department.
Scholars receiving JRF/SRF or any other fellowship are not eligible for Non-NET fellowship simultaneously.
Application deadlines for NSP-based scholarships are typically notified in August-September each year.
Contingency claims for research expenses are also available for JRF/SRF/NFST/NFSC/NFOBC awardees as per university notification.

AU Ph.D. (Theatre) FAQs

Ques. What theatre specialisations are available for PhD research at Assam University's Department of Performing Arts?

Ans. The Department of Performing Arts offers PhD research in Drama/Theatre Arts, guided by Mr. Murali Basa (UGC-JRF). His areas of specialisation include Drama Design and Direction, Urban Theatre, Interactive Performances, and Folk and Tribal Theatre. The focus on folk and tribal theatre traditions of Northeast India makes this programme particularly unique and relevant for researchers interested in regional theatre forms.

Ques. Is there a separate PhD programme in Theatre, or is it part of Performing Arts at Assam University?

Ans. At Assam University, Silchar, there is no separate Department of Theatre. The PhD in Theatre is offered under the Department of Performing Arts, which covers Drama/Theatre Arts, Manipuri Dance, Hindustani Classical Music (Vocal), and Instrumental Music (Tabla). Candidates interested in theatre research must apply to the Performing Arts department and specify Drama/Theatre as their area of specialisation.

Ques. Is UGC-NET mandatory for PhD admission in Theatre at Assam University?

Ans. No, UGC-NET is not mandatory. Assam University conducts its own Research Entrance Test (RET) for candidates who do not hold UGC-NET/JRF. However, candidates with a valid UGC-NET score may be exempted from the written entrance test as per UGC norms. Holding UGC-NET/JRF also makes you eligible for the national JRF fellowship, which is significantly higher than the university's Non-NET fellowship.

Ques. Can candidates with a background in film studies or mass communication apply for the PhD in Theatre at Assam University?

Ans. The primary specialisation is Drama/Theatre Arts. Candidates with backgrounds in allied fields such as Film Studies, Mass Communication, or Cultural Studies may be considered if their research proposal aligns with the department's focus areas. It is strongly advisable to contact the department (murali.basa@aus.ac.in) before applying to confirm whether your background qualifies as allied.

Ques. How many PhD seats are available in the Performing Arts department for Theatre, and what is the reservation breakdown?

Ans. For the 2026-27 session, the Performing Arts department had a total intake of 3 PhD seats across all specialisations (Theatre, Dance, and Music combined), with the following reservation: UR: 1, SC: 1, OBC: 0, and 1 supernumerary seat for PWD candidates. The seat matrix may vary slightly each year. Candidates should check the official admission notice for the exact seat matrix for the upcoming session.

Ques. What career prospects does a PhD in Theatre from Assam University offer?

Ans. A PhD in Theatre (Performing Arts) from Assam University opens career opportunities as a university/college faculty member in theatre/drama departments, researcher in performing arts institutions, cultural officer in government bodies, theatre director, playwright, or arts administrator. The degree is particularly valuable for those seeking teaching positions in universities and colleges across Northeast India and beyond, and for those interested in documenting and preserving the rich folk and tribal theatre traditions of the region.