Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

Pondicherry University's Ph.D. in Social Work is a full-time doctoral research programme offered by the Department of Social Work under the School of Social Sciences and International Studies. The programme is designed to develop advanced research competencies in social work theory, practice, research methodology, and policy analysis, preparing scholars for careers in academia, social welfare organizations, NGOs, and government policy departments. The minimum duration of the programme is 3 years (extendable up to 6 years). The total initial fee at the time of admission is Rs. 17,628 (Humanities category), with subsequent annual payments of Rs. 5,750. The programme has an intake of 6 seats. Admission is through the university's own entrance examination (Computer Based Test), and full-time scholars are eligible for a Non-NET Fellowship of Rs. 8,000 per month.

Admissions for 2026-27 are currently ongoing. The online application registration started on November 12, 2025, and the last date to apply has been extended to March 31, 2026. The entrance examination (SLOT-II) is scheduled for May 2, 2026. Candidates who qualify the entrance exam will be called for a personal interview and academic record evaluation.

Key Points

Offered by the Department of Social Work, Pondicherry University, a NAAC A+ accredited central university.
Intake of 6 seats, with reservations for SC/ST (15%/7.5%), OBC (27%), EWS (10%), and Differently Abled (5%) categories.
Full-time scholars are eligible for a Non-NET Fellowship of Rs. 8,000 per month from the university.
The programme is available in both Full-Time and Part-Time (Internal and External) modes.
Admission is based on 70% weightage to entrance exam and 30% to personal interview and academic record.
The entrance exam consists of 100 MCQs (50% Research Methodology + 50% Subject Specific) to be answered in 120 minutes, with negative marking (-1 for wrong answer).

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Pondicherry University Latest Updates and News

03 Feb, 2026 Pondicherry University Ph.D Social Work Fee Structure 2026 is out. The total academic fee is ₹ 59,655 .

PU Ph.D. (Social Work) Fees

The Ph.D. (Social Work) programme at Pondicherry University falls under the Humanities fee category. The initial fee at the time of admission is Rs. 17,628, followed by annual payments of Rs. 5,750. For a minimum 3-year programme, the total estimated fee is approximately Rs. 29,128. The fee structure is highly subsidized, typical of a central university.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Initial Payment (Rs.)	Subsequent Annual Payment (Rs.)
Research Fee per annum (Humanities)	2,500	2,500
Registration Fee	1,000	-
Matriculation Fee	500	-
Recognition Fee	500	-
Sports Fund	250	250
Medical Examination / Facilities Fund	250	250
Library Fund	1,000	1,000
Amenities Development Fund	6,000	-
Students' Welfare Fund	250	250
Alumni Association Fund	500	-
Caution Deposit (Refundable)	1,000	-
ICT Fund and Computer	1,500	1,500
Group Medical Insurance (Full-time only)	378	-
University Development Fund	2,000	-
Total Fees	Rs. 17,628	Rs. 5,750 per year

The Caution Deposit of Rs. 1,000 is refundable upon leaving the university after clearing all dues.
Differently abled students are exempted from payment of all fees except the refundable caution deposit and Group Medical Insurance premium.
SC/ST students eligible for Post-Matric scholarships may pay fees after receiving the scholarship amount by submitting an undertaking at the time of admission.
Hostel fees are charged separately and are not included in the above total.
Application fee: Rs. 1,500 (General/EWS/OBC), Rs. 750 (SC/ST), Nil (PH/Transgender).
For a minimum 3-year programme, total estimated fee (excluding hostel): Rs. 17,628 + (2 x Rs. 5,750) = Rs. 29,128.

PU Ph.D. (Social Work) Admission 2026-27

Admissions to the Ph.D. (Social Work) programme at Pondicherry University are conducted through the university's own Computer Based Test (CBT) entrance examination. The 2026-27 admission process is currently ongoing. The entrance exam for Social Work (PHD153) is scheduled in SLOT-II.

College-Specific Admission Dates (2026-27)

Event	Date
Online Registration Start	November 12, 2025
Last Date to Apply (Extended)	March 31, 2026
Entrance Examination (SLOT-II)	May 2, 2026 (Tentative)
Personal Interview and Academic Record Evaluation	To be notified after entrance exam results
Admission and Commencement of Programme	July-August 2026 (Tentative)

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a Master's degree in Social Work from a recognized university with a minimum of 55% marks.
A relaxation of 5% (from 55% to 50%) is allowed for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/differently-abled/EWS candidates.
Final year PG students are also eligible to apply, subject to producing mark sheets before the notified date.

Admission Process

Apply online through the Pondicherry University Ph.D. admission portal (pondiunivadmission.samarth.edu.in).
Pay the application fee online: Rs. 1,500 (General/EWS/OBC), Rs. 750 (SC/ST), Nil (PH/Transgender).
Download the hall ticket from the university website after registration closes.
Appear for the Computer Based Test (CBT) entrance examination at the allotted centre.
The entrance exam consists of 100 MCQs: 50% Research Methodology + 50% Social Work-specific questions. Duration: 120 minutes. Marking: +4 for correct, -1 for wrong.
Candidates who qualify the entrance exam are called for a personal interview and academic record evaluation.
Final selection is based on 70% entrance exam score + 30% personal interview and academic record.
Selected candidates must submit a research proposal and obtain consent of a recognized research supervisor before admission.

PU Ph.D. (Social Work) Scholarships 2026-27

Pondicherry University provides financial support to Ph.D. scholars through its Non-NET Fellowship and various government-funded fellowships. Full-time scholars admitted to the university's departments are eligible for the Non-NET Fellowship.

Fellowships and Scholarships

Fellowship / Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount
PU Non-NET Fellowship (UGC)	Full-time Ph.D. scholars admitted to university departments	Rs. 8,000 per month + contingency grant per year
UGC-NET JRF Fellowship	Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET with JRF	Rs. 37,000 per month (1st-2nd year); Rs. 42,000 per month (3rd year onwards)
Government of India SC/ST/OBC Post-Matric Scholarship	SC/ST/OBC students	As per state government norms
PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme (Education Loan)	All admitted students	Collateral-free education loan; interest subsidy available

The Non-NET Fellowship is available only to full-time scholars admitted to university departments.
Scholars receiving JRF/SRF from external agencies are not eligible for the university's Non-NET Fellowship simultaneously.
An undertaking must be given by the scholar that in case he/she leaves the Ph.D. programme before thesis submission, the entire fellowship amount will be reimbursed to the university.

PU Ph.D. (Social Work) FAQs

Ques. What is the eligibility for Ph.D. (Social Work) at Pondicherry University?

Ans. Candidates must hold a Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from a recognized university with a minimum of 55% marks. SC/ST/OBC/differently-abled/EWS candidates get a 5% relaxation (50% minimum). Final year PG students may also apply.

Ques. How many seats are available for Ph.D. (Social Work) at Pondicherry University?

Ans. The Ph.D. (Social Work) programme has an intake of 6 seats for 2026-27. The number may vary each year based on the availability of vacancies with recognized research supervisors.

Ques. What is the entrance exam pattern for Ph.D. (Social Work) at Pondicherry University?

Ans. The entrance exam consists of 100 MCQs: 50% Research Methodology and 50% Social Work-specific questions. Duration is 120 minutes. Marking scheme: +4 for correct answer, -1 for wrong answer. The exam is conducted using Computer Based Test (CBT) method.

Ques. Can I pursue Ph.D. (Social Work) at Pondicherry University while working?

Ans. Yes, Pondicherry University offers Ph.D. in Social Work in Part-Time (Internal and External) modes for working professionals. Part-time (Internal) candidates must have at least 2 years of continuous teaching experience. Part-time (External) candidates must be permanent academic staff with at least 3 years of teaching/research experience.

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

Ans. The Department of Social Work at Pondicherry University offers research in areas such as community development, social welfare policy, child welfare, women and gender studies, tribal welfare, disability studies, mental health social work, and social entrepreneurship. The specific research area depends on the availability of a recognized supervisor.

Ques. Is hostel accommodation available for Ph.D. (Social Work) scholars at Pondicherry University?

Ans. Yes, Pondicherry University has dedicated hostel facilities for research scholars. Out of 21 hostels on campus, 4 boys' hostels and 1 girls' hostel are specifically for research scholars. Hostel accommodation is subject to availability and payment of prescribed hostel fees.