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

Ans. Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET with JRF, UGC-NET (LS), SET, GATE, or hold an M.Phil. degree are exempted from appearing in the BU-CET entrance examination as per UGC regulations. However, they must still apply through the official CET portal (https://fms.b-u.ac.in/cet), submit their qualifying certificate, and appear for the departmental interview and research proposal evaluation. The interview and research proposal assessment are mandatory for all candidates regardless of exemption status, and no direct admission is granted without this stage.

Ans. The department is officially named the Department of Sociology and Population Studies, and the PhD programme covers both Sociology and Population Studies as research areas. Scholars can choose research topics from either discipline or at their intersection. The department was formed by merging the Department of Sociology (est. 1976) and the Department of Population Studies in 2006. Candidates with a background in Sociology, Population Studies, Demography, or related social sciences are eligible to apply, and the research supervisor's area of specialisation will determine the specific focus of the doctoral work.

Ans. All PhD scholars at Bharathiar University must complete a mandatory coursework component (Part I) in the first year of registration. This includes papers on Research Methodology, Computer Applications, and a subject-specific paper in Sociology. A Part I examination is conducted by the university at the end of the coursework period, and scholars must pass this examination to proceed with their research. The examination fee for Part I is Rs. 1,000. Scholars who do not clear the Part I exam are given a re-attempt opportunity as per university regulations.

Ans. Yes, Bharathiar University offers a Part-Time PhD option for working professionals. For Part-Time PhD in Sociology, the minimum duration is 4 years and the maximum is 7 years. Candidates must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer and proof of relevant work experience at the time of application. The tuition fee for Part-Time PhD is Rs. 2,310 per annum (compared to Rs. 4,620 for Full-Time). Candidates should note that coursework, DRC meetings, and viva-voce require physical presence at the university campus on scheduled dates.

Ans. The department's thrust areas include Social Stratification, Social Inclusion and Exclusion, Sociology of Health, Industrial Sociology, Sociology of Education, and Sociology of Disability. Faculty expertise also covers Social Network and Support Systems, Role Conflict and Involvement, Organizational Effectiveness, and Social Gerontology. Research topics pursued by past scholars include social conflicts and identity politics, health sociology, social exclusion of marginalised communities, and demographic studies. Prospective scholars are advised to visit the department's faculty page (https://b-u.ac.in/50/faculty) and contact the Head of Department to identify a suitable supervisor before applying.

Ans. The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) offers Doctoral Fellowships annually for scholars pursuing PhD in Social Sciences, which includes Sociology. Bharathiar University scholars have previously received ICSSR fellowships. The fellowship is awarded on a competitive basis through a national-level selection process involving written assessment and interview. Scholars must apply directly through the ICSSR portal (icssr.org) when the annual call for applications is released, typically between October and December each year. The fellowship provides a monthly stipend and contingency grant for the duration of the award, and is separate from the university admission process.