Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Ph.D. in Social Work at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, is a part-time doctoral programme offered by the Department of Social Work under the School of Psychological Sciences, Education and Social Work. The programme spans a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years, with an annual fee of Rs 80,000. The part-time mode is designed for working social work professionals, NGO practitioners, academicians, and researchers who wish to pursue doctoral research while continuing their professional commitments. The programme follows a rigorous coursework plan followed by the preparation of a research dissertation, and is centrally administered by the Centre for Research at CHRIST (Deemed to be University). It is a sought-after programme for those aiming to contribute original research to the field of social welfare, community development, and social policy.

Admissions for the June 2026 cohort (Cycle 1) are currently open. Applications can be submitted online from March 3, 2026, with the last date being June 14, 2026. The selection process is scheduled for June 19, 2026, and the batch commences on July 10, 2026.

Key Points

The programme is offered in Part-Time mode at the Bangalore Central Campus, suitable for working professionals in social work and allied fields.
The PhD is centrally administered by the Centre for Research, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), ensuring standardised research quality.
Empanelled guides include faculty from CHRIST (Deemed to be University) and Rajagiri College for Social Sciences, providing access to experienced research supervisors.
The programme follows a rigorous coursework phase followed by dissertation preparation.
Part-time scholars pay the same annual fee of Rs 80,000 as full-time scholars; however, the Research Fellowship is available only to full-time scholars.
Admissions follow a cycle-based model with four cohorts per year, offering flexibility in joining.

Official Link:

Go To Website

Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Ranking
FAQs

Christ University Latest Updates and News

14 Apr, 2026 Christ University Admission 2026 (2^nd Round) is open for UG & PG courses. Apply now! The last date to apply ranges between Mar 31 and May 5, 2026 (extended).

05 Mar, 2026 Christ University Ph.D Social Work Application (Jun 2026 Cohort) is open till Jun 14. Entrance Test, SA, Research Proposal, and PI will be held on Jun 19, 2026. Read more.

Christ University Ph.D (Social Work) Fees

The annual fee for the Ph.D. (Social Work) Part-Time programme at Christ University is Rs 80,000 per year, applicable uniformly for all PhD scholars regardless of specialisation or mode. The total programme fee over the minimum 3-year duration amounts to Rs 2,40,000. A one-time thesis adjudication fee of Rs 25,000 is payable at the time of thesis submission. Hostel accommodation is available on campus but is optional and not included in the programme fee.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount
Tuition Fee	Rs 80,000 per year
Application Fee (one-time, non-refundable)	Rs 1,000
Thesis Adjudication Fee (one-time, at submission)	Rs 25,000
Total Programme Fee (3 years minimum)	Rs 2,40,000 + Rs 25,000 (thesis)
Hostel Fee (optional)	Rs 75,000 - Rs 1,00,000 per year (approx.)

The annual fee of Rs 80,000 applies to both full-time and part-time PhD scholars.
Part-time scholars are not eligible for the Christ University Research Fellowship (Rs 15,000-Rs 20,000/month), which is exclusively for full-time scholars.
Hostel fee is not mandatory; it is optional and varies by room type.
No EMI option is officially mentioned; fees are typically paid annually.

Christ University Ph.D (Social Work) Admission 2026

Admissions to the Ph.D. (Social Work) Part-Time programme at Christ University are conducted through a structured selection process involving an entrance test, skill assessment, research proposal presentation, and personal interview. The June 2026 cohort (Cycle 1) is currently open for applications. The university follows a cycle-based admission model with four cohorts per year, allowing scholars to join at multiple points during the academic year.

Christ University PhD Admission Dates

Date	Time	Event
March 3, 2026 (Tuesday)	4:00 PM	Application forms available online
June 14, 2026 (Sunday)	11:00 PM	Last date for submitting application online
June 15, 2026 (Monday)	10:00 PM	Release of selection process admit card for eligible candidates
June 16, 2026 (Tuesday)	6:00 PM	Orientation
June 19, 2026 (Friday)	As per E-Admit Card	Entrance Test (ET), Skill Assessment (SA), Research Proposal Presentation, and Personal Interview
June 24, 2026 (Wednesday)	5:00 PM	Publishing of Final Selection List
July 6, 2026 (Monday)	12:00 PM	Last date for payment of fees
July 7, 2026 (Tuesday)	12:00 PM	Last date to complete admissions
July 10, 2026 (Friday)	9:30 AM	Inauguration and commencement of coursework (June 2026 Batch)

Relevant Exam Dates

Exam	Event	Date
UGC-NET (Phase 2)	Registration Start	April 1, 2026 (Tentative)
UGC-NET (Phase 2)	Registration End	May 1, 2026 (Tentative)
UGC-NET (Phase 2)	Admit Card	June 1, 2026 (Tentative)
UGC-NET (Phase 2)	Exam Date	June 2026 (Tentative)
UGC-NET (Phase 2)	Result	July 2026 (Tentative)

Note: UGC-NET qualified candidates (including JRF) are exempted from the Christ University PhD Entrance Test but must appear for the Skill Assessment. CSIR-NET is not applicable for Social Work.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have passed a Master's degree (MSW or MA in Social Work or a related discipline) with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD candidates) from a recognised university.
Candidates with an M.Phil. degree are eligible to apply directly; those with UGC-NET/JRF/SLET/SET/KSET/GATE qualifications are exempted from the PhD Entrance Test.
Candidates must submit a Research Proposal as part of the application, outlining their intended area of research in social work or allied fields.

Admission Process

Submit the online application form at espro.christuniversity.in between March 3, 2026 and June 14, 2026.
Upload required documents including academic marksheets, research proposal, and qualifying exam scorecards (NET/JRF/GATE etc., if applicable).
Eligible candidates receive an e-admit card one to two days before the selection process date.
Appear for the selection process: Entrance Test and Skill Assessment (ET+SA), Research Proposal Presentation (RPP), and Personal Interview (PI) on June 19, 2026 at the Bangalore campus.
UGC-NET/JRF/SLET/SET/KSET/GATE qualified candidates and M.Phil. holders are exempted from the Entrance Test but must appear for the Skill Assessment, RPP, and PI.
Final selection list is published on June 24, 2026.
Pay fees by July 6, 2026 and complete admission formalities by July 7, 2026.
Coursework commences on July 10, 2026.

Christ University Ph.D (Social Work) Scholarships 2026

Christ University provides financial support primarily to full-time PhD scholars through its Research Fellowship and scholarship scheme. Part-time scholars are not eligible for the university's Research Fellowship; however, they may avail government-funded fellowships such as UGC-JRF or ICSSR if applicable. The university also offers the St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara Research Fellowship for select scholars.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / Fellowship	Amount	Eligibility	Duration
Annual Scholarship (Christ University)	Rs 20,000 per year	Full-time PhD scholars only	Each year of the programme
Contingency Allowance (Christ University)	Rs 10,000 per year	Full-time PhD scholars only	Up to 3 years post-coursework
Research Fellowship - Year 1 (Christ University)	Rs 15,000 per month	Full-time scholars (non-UGC/ICSSR/CSIR)	From 7th month (post-coursework)
Research Fellowship - Year 2 (Christ University)	Rs 18,000 per month	Full-time scholars (non-UGC/ICSSR/CSIR)	Year 2 post-coursework
Research Fellowship - Year 3 (Christ University)	Rs 20,000 per month	Full-time scholars with Q1/Q2 publication	Year 3 post-coursework
UGC-JRF	Rs 37,000/month (Yr 1-2), Rs 42,000/month (Yr 3-5)	UGC-NET JRF qualified candidates	As per UGC norms
ICSSR Fellowship	As per ICSSR norms	ICSSR-funded scholars	As per ICSSR norms
St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara Research Fellowship	As announced by university	Selected PhD scholars	As per university notification

Part-time scholars are not eligible for the Christ University Research Fellowship, Annual Scholarship, or Contingency Allowance.
Government fellowships (UGC-JRF, ICSSR) may be availed by part-time scholars subject to the respective funding agency's norms.
The St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara Research Fellowship is a special fellowship for select PhD scholars; candidates should check the university website for current eligibility and amounts.

Christ University Ph.D Social Work Ranking

Collegedunia Ranking

#25 out of 255 in India 2025

#1st in Bangalore

#1 in Karnataka

Indiatoday Ranking

#13 out of 194 in India 2025

#1st in Bangalore

#1 in Karnataka

The Week Ranking

#11 out of 93 in India 2025

#1st in Bangalore

#1 in Karnataka

Do you think the Rankings are wrong ? Report Here

Christ University Ph.D (Social Work) FAQs

Ques. Is the Ph.D. in Social Work at Christ University available in Part-Time mode, and who is it suitable for?

Ans. Yes, the Ph.D. in Social Work is available in both Full-Time and Part-Time modes at the Bangalore Central Campus. The Part-Time mode is particularly suitable for working social work professionals, NGO practitioners, government welfare officers, and academicians who wish to pursue doctoral research without leaving their jobs. Part-time scholars must attend coursework sessions and fulfil research requirements, which may involve periodic campus visits.

Ques. Who are the research guides available for the PhD Social Work programme at Christ University?

Ans. The PhD in Social Work at Christ University has empanelled guides from CHRIST (Deemed to be University) itself as well as from Rajagiri College for Social Sciences, a reputed institution in social work education. This provides scholars access to experienced supervisors with diverse research backgrounds in social welfare, community development, and social policy.

Ques. What research areas can I pursue under the PhD Social Work programme at Christ University?

Ans. The PhD in Social Work at Christ University encourages research across a wide range of areas including community development, social welfare policy, child and family welfare, mental health and social work, disability studies, gender and social work, tribal and rural development, NGO management, and social entrepreneurship. The programme is interdisciplinary and welcomes proposals connecting social work with psychology, sociology, public health, and policy studies.

Ques. Is UGC-NET required for admission to the Part-Time PhD Social Work programme at Christ University?

Ans. UGC-NET is not mandatory but is advantageous. Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET (including JRF), SLET, SET, KSET, GATE, or hold a teacher fellowship, or have completed an M.Phil., are exempted from the Christ University PhD Entrance Test. All candidates, including NET-qualified ones, must appear for the Skill Assessment, Research Proposal Presentation, and Personal Interview.

Ques. What is the difference between the Full-Time and Part-Time PhD Social Work at Christ University in terms of financial support?

Ans. The annual fee of Rs 80,000 is the same for both modes. However, full-time scholars receive significant financial support: an annual scholarship of Rs 20,000, a contingency allowance of Rs 10,000/year (post-coursework), and a Research Fellowship of Rs 15,000-Rs 20,000/month (post-coursework). Part-time scholars do not receive these benefits from the university, though they may avail external fellowships like UGC-JRF or ICSSR if eligible.

Ques. How many admission cycles are there for the PhD Social Work programme at Christ University, and what is the current status?

Ans. Christ University follows a cycle-based admission model with four cohorts per year: Cycle 1 (March-June, batch starts July), Cycle 2 (July-September, batch starts October), Cycle 3 (September-December, batch starts January), and Cycle 4 (December-March, batch starts April). The June 2026 cohort (Cycle 1) is currently open with applications accepted until June 14, 2026.