Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Ph.D. in Social Work and Social Sciences at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, is a full-time doctoral programme offered 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. This interdisciplinary doctoral programme bridges social work practice with the broader social sciences, enabling scholars to conduct rigorous research at the intersection of social welfare, sociology, psychology, economics, and public policy. The programme is centrally administered by the Centre for Research at CHRIST (Deemed to be University) and follows a structured coursework phase followed by dissertation preparation. It is particularly suited for those seeking careers in academia, research institutions, NGOs, government policy bodies, and international development organisations.

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 Full-Time mode at the Bangalore Central Campus, with an interdisciplinary focus combining social work and social sciences.
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.
Full-time scholars are eligible for a Research Fellowship of Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 per month (post-coursework), in addition to an annual scholarship of Rs 20,000 and a contingency allowance of Rs 10,000 per year.
The programme encourages interdisciplinary research connecting social work with sociology, psychology, economics, anthropology, and public policy.
Admissions follow a cycle-based model with four cohorts per year, offering flexibility in joining.
JRF and externally funded scholars benefit from a fast-track admission process (within one week).

Official Link:

Go To Website

Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Ranking
FAQs

Christ University Latest Updates and News

06 Apr, 2026 Christ University Admission 2026 (2^nd Round) is open for UG and PG courses (except MBA). 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 and Social Sciences 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 PhD (Social Work and Social Sciences) Fees

The annual fee for the Ph.D. (Social Work and Social Sciences) Full-Time programme at Christ University is Rs 80,000 per year, applicable uniformly for all PhD scholars regardless of specialisation. The total programme fee over the minimum 3-year duration amounts to Rs 2,40,000. Full-time scholars also receive an annual scholarship of Rs 20,000 and a contingency allowance of Rs 10,000 per year (for up to 3 years post-coursework), effectively reducing the net cost. A one-time thesis adjudication fee of Rs 25,000 is payable at the time of thesis submission.

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.
Full-time scholars (other than those receiving UGC/ICSSR/CSIR fellowships) receive a Research Fellowship: Year 1 - Rs 15,000/month, Year 2 - Rs 18,000/month, Year 3 - Rs 20,000/month (with Q1/Q2 publication).
An annual scholarship of Rs 20,000 and a contingency allowance of Rs 10,000 per year (for up to 3 years post-coursework) are also provided to 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 PhD (Social Work and Social Sciences) Admission 2026

Admissions to the Ph.D. (Social Work and Social Sciences) Full-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/Social Sciences.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have passed a Master's degree (MSW, MA Sociology, MA Social Work, or a related social science 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 interdisciplinary research in social work and social sciences.

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 PhD (Social Work and Social Sciences) Scholarships 2026

Christ University offers a well-structured financial support system for full-time PhD scholars, combining an annual scholarship, contingency allowance, and a monthly research fellowship. These provisions significantly reduce the financial burden on scholars and incentivise high-quality research output. Additionally, government-funded fellowships such as UGC-JRF and ICSSR are also applicable for social work and social sciences research.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / Fellowship	Amount	Eligibility	Duration
Annual Scholarship (Christ University)	Rs 20,000 per year	All full-time PhD scholars	Each year of the programme
Contingency Allowance (Christ University)	Rs 10,000 per year	All full-time PhD scholars	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
Research Fellowship - Year 3 (without publication) (Christ University)	Rs 18,000 per month	Full-time scholars without 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

Christ University's Research Fellowship is not applicable to scholars already receiving UGC, ICSSR, CSIR, or similar external fellowships.
The contingency allowance can be carried forward to subsequent years.
PhD scholars engaged for academic work beyond 192 hours per year receive additional payment annually (in May).
ICSSR fellowships are particularly relevant for social work and social sciences research scholars.

Christ University Ph.D Social work and Social Sciences 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 PhD (Social Work and Social Sciences) FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between the PhD in Social Work and the PhD in Social Work and Social Sciences at Christ University?

Ans. The PhD in Social Work and Social Sciences is an interdisciplinary programme that combines social work practice with broader social science disciplines such as sociology, psychology, economics, and public policy. It is designed for scholars who wish to conduct research at the intersection of these fields, rather than focusing exclusively on social work practice. Both programmes are offered at the Bangalore Central Campus and follow the same fee structure and admission process.

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

Ans. The programme encourages interdisciplinary research spanning community development, social welfare policy, gender studies, child and family welfare, mental health, disability studies, tribal and rural development, social stratification, urban sociology, public policy, and social entrepreneurship. Proposals connecting social work with psychology, sociology, economics, anthropology, and public health are particularly welcomed.

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

Ans. UGC-NET is not mandatory but is highly beneficial. 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 Research Fellowship amount for full-time PhD scholars at Christ University, and when does it start?

Ans. The Research Fellowship begins from the 7th month of the programme, after the successful completion of coursework. The amounts are: Year 1 - Rs 15,000/month, Year 2 - Rs 18,000/month, Year 3 - Rs 20,000/month (for scholars with at least one Q1/Q2 journal publication) or Rs 18,000/month (without such publication). This fellowship is not available to scholars already receiving UGC-JRF, ICSSR, CSIR, or similar external fellowships.

Ques. How many admission cycles are there for the PhD 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.

Ques. Can I apply for ICSSR fellowship while pursuing the PhD Social Work and Social Sciences at Christ University?

Ans. Yes, ICSSR (Indian Council of Social Science Research) fellowships are applicable for scholars in social work and social sciences. Scholars who receive ICSSR funding will be guided by separate university guidelines incorporating the requirements of such fellowships for academic work. Christ University's own Research Fellowship will not be provided to scholars already receiving ICSSR or similar external fellowships.