Bharathiar University Coimbatore Ph.D Population Studies: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. The Ph.D. in Population Studies at Bharathiar University is offered under the Department of Sociology and Population Studies, which was formed in 2006 by merging the Department of Sociology with the Department of Population Studies. The department offers Ph.D. research in both Sociology and Population Studies as distinct specialisations. Scholars can choose to focus their research on demographic topics such as fertility, mortality, migration, urbanisation, and reproductive health, or on sociological topics such as social stratification, gender, and development.

Ans. The BU-CET (Bharathiar University Common Eligibility Test) is the primary entrance exam for Ph.D. admissions at Bharathiar University. It is an online exam comprising 50% questions on research aptitude and 50% on the subject-specific area (Sociology/Population Studies). However, candidates who hold a valid UGC-NET/JRF, SET, or M.Phil. degree in the relevant subject may be exempted from the CET as per UGC regulations. Even if exempted from CET, all candidates must appear for the Interview/Viva-Voce and submit a Research Proposal for final selection.

Ans. The Department of Sociology and Population Studies at Bharathiar University has active research in demography, fertility and mortality analysis, migration and urbanisation, reproductive health and family planning, gender and development, social stratification, tribal studies, and population policy. Scholars work under registered supervisors and are expected to publish research papers in peer-reviewed journals. The department has collaborations with national organisations such as RGNIYD (Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development) and other social science research bodies.

Ans. Yes, Ph.D. scholars who have qualified UGC-NET/JRF in Sociology or Population Studies are eligible for a monthly fellowship of ₹37,000 (JRF for the first 2 years) and ₹42,000 (SRF for subsequent years), along with HRA, directly from UGC. Additionally, the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) offers doctoral fellowships for social science Ph.D. scholars, which candidates can apply for through the ICSSR portal. The university itself does not provide a separate stipend, but scholars can also apply for project-based fellowships through their supervisors' funded research projects.

Ans. The minimum duration for a Full-Time Ph.D. at Bharathiar University is 3 years and the maximum is 6 years. For Part-Time Ph.D., the minimum duration is 4 years and the maximum is 7 years. If a scholar requires an extension beyond the maximum period, an extension fee of ₹1,500 per year is charged. Scholars are required to complete coursework and pass the Part-I examination in the first year before proceeding to full-time research.

Ans. The required documents include: 10th and 12th certificates and mark sheets, UG degree and mark sheets, PG degree and mark sheets, NET/JRF/SET certificate (if applicable), Transfer/Migration Certificate, Community Certificate (for SC/ST/OBC candidates), Aadhaar Card or ID proof, passport-size photographs, a Research Proposal outlining the proposed area of study, and for Part-Time candidates, an Experience Certificate and No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer.