CU South Bihar Ph.D Geography: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Gaya, BiharCentral UniversityEstd 2009NAAC Grade A++
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 27, 2026

The Ph.D. in Geography at Central University of South Bihar (CUSB), Gaya, is a full-time, campus-based doctoral programme offered by the Department of Geography under the School of Social Sciences and Policy. The programme has a minimum duration of 3 years (extendable up to 6 years as per UGC norms), with a total seat intake of 4 seats for AY 2026-27 (UR: 2, OBC: 1, SC: 1, ST: 0, EWS: 0, PWD: 0 horizontal). Admission is based on UGC-NET scores and an interview, in line with UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations, 2022. CUSB, accredited with Grade 'A++' by NAAC, is a centrally funded university offering highly subsidised fees, and JRF-qualified scholars are eligible for UGC monthly fellowships.

Admissions for AY 2026-27 are yet to be notified. Based on the AY 2025-26 cycle, the application window typically opens in September and closes within 10-12 days. Candidates are advised to monitor the official CUSB website (cusb.ac.in) and the SAMARTH portal (cusbadm.samarth.edu.in) for the upcoming notification, expected around September 2026.

Key Points

  • The Ph.D. in Geography is offered by the Department of Geography, which focuses on research in physical geography, human geography, geospatial technology, remote sensing, GIS, environmental geography, and regional development.
  • CUSB PhD scholars with valid JRF are admitted purely on the basis of an interview (100% weightage); non-JRF NET-qualified candidates are assessed on 70% NET score + 30% interview.
  • The programme follows UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations, 2022 and CUSB's PhD Ordinance 2023.
  • The university follows a semester-based system with coursework in the first two semesters, followed by research work and thesis submission.
  • Being a central university, CUSB offers a highly subsidised fee structure compared to private universities.
  • The department also offers M.A./M.Sc. in Geography and a 5-year Integrated UG-PG programme, providing a strong academic ecosystem for doctoral research.

CUSB PhD Fees

Component-wise Fee Structure for Ph.D. (Geography) - AY 2026-27

Fee ComponentAmount (Rs.)
One-Time Fees (payable at admission)
Admission Fee₹500
Enrolment Number Fee₹1,000
Identity Card Fee₹100
Development Fee₹1,000
Security Deposit (Refundable)₹1,000
Student Aid / Welfare Fund₹100
NSS/NCC/Community Engagement Fee₹100
Sub-total (One-Time)₹3,800
Semester Fees (per semester)
Tuition Fee₹2,500
Computer Lab Fee₹500
Examination Fee₹500
Library / Magazine / Newsletter Fee₹500
Cultural Activities Fee₹500
Games / Athletics Fee₹500
Sub-total (Per Semester)₹5,000
Total for Semester I₹8,800
Total for Semesters II to VI (5 x Rs. 5,000)₹25,000
Total Fees (3 Years / 6 Semesters, excluding hostel)₹33,800
Hostel Charges (Optional, not mandatory)₹9,000 per semester
Mess Charges (Optional, not mandatory)₹18,000 per semester (approx.)
  • Security Deposit of Rs. 1,000 is refundable at the time of leaving the university; Rs. 500 of this is refunded and the remaining Rs. 500 is credited as Alumni Fee.
  • Hostel accommodation is optional and subject to availability.
  • Hostel charges are Rs. 9,000 per semester; mess charges are approximately Rs. 18,000 per semester (Rs. 36,000 per year).
  • Application fee (non-refundable): Rs. 800 for General/EWS candidates; Rs. 500 for OBC/SC/ST/PwD candidates.
  • Fees are payable semester-wise through the SAMARTH portal.
  • No EMI facility is mentioned in the official fee structure.
  • Admission fee once paid is not refundable under any circumstances.

CUSB PhD Admission 2026

CUSB PhD Geography - College-Specific Admission Dates (Based on AY 2025-26 Cycle)

EventDate (AY 2026-27 Actual)
Online Application Opens (SAMARTH Portal)12 September 2026
Last Date for Application Submission23 September 2026
Declaration of Shortlisted Candidates for Interview26 September 2026
Document Verification and Interview7-8 October 2026
Declaration of Selected Candidates10 October 2026
Admission Fee Payment by Selected Candidates11-14 October 2026
Declaration of Final Provisionally Admitted Students15 October 2026
Commencement of PhD Classes (AY 2026-27)19 December 2026
  • AY 2026-27 PhD admission notification is yet to be released.
  • Based on the 2025-26 cycle, the application window is expected to open around September 2026.
  • Candidates should monitor cusb.ac.in and cusbadm.samarth.edu.in regularly.

UGC-NET Exam Dates (Mandatory Qualifying Exam for PhD Geography Admission at CUSB)

EventDate
UGC-NET December 2025 - Registration Start7 October 2025
UGC-NET December 2025 - Registration End7 November 2025
UGC-NET December 2025 - Admit Card Release28 December 2025
UGC-NET December 2025 - Exam Date31 December 2025 - 7 January 2026
UGC-NET December 2025 - Answer Key Release14 January 2026
UGC-NET December 2025 - Result Declaration4 February 2026
UGC-NET June 2026 - Registration Start1 April 2026 (Tentative)
UGC-NET June 2026 - Registration End1 May 2026 (Tentative)
UGC-NET June 2026 - Admit Card1 June 2026 (Tentative)
UGC-NET June 2026 - Exam DateJune 2026 (Tentative)
UGC-NET June 2026 - ResultJuly 2026 (Tentative)

Source: NTA / UGC official portal.

UGC-NET (Geography) is the primary qualifying exam for PhD Geography admission at CUSB.

Candidates must have a valid UGC-NET score from the June 2024 cycle onwards.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidates must hold an M.A. / M.Sc. in Geography with a minimum of 55% marks for General/OBC/EWS candidates and 50% marks for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/Differently Disabled candidates from a recognised university.
  • Candidates must have a valid UGC-NET score (JRF / Assistant Professor eligibility / PhD-only category) in Geography from the June 2024 cycle onwards. NET scores prior to June 2024 are not valid for CUSB PhD admission as per UGC's revised guidelines.
  • Candidates qualifying under other national-level tests in relevant subjects may also be considered as per UGC norms.

Admission Process

  • Apply online through the SAMARTH portal (cusbadm.samarth.edu.in) within the notified application window.
  • Pay the application fee online (Rs. 800 for General/EWS; Rs. 500 for OBC/SC/ST/PwD).
  • Upload required documents: passport photo, signature, mark sheets, degree certificates, UGC-NET certificate, category certificate (if applicable), and Aadhaar card.
  • Shortlisted candidates are called for document verification and interview at the CUSB campus in Gaya.
  • Prepare a 1,000-word research proposal on a topic of your choice (with introduction, objectives, methodology, and relevance) - 5 copies required at the time of interview.
  • JRF-qualified candidates are selected purely on the basis of the interview (100% weightage).
  • Non-JRF NET-qualified candidates (Category 2 and 3) are selected on 70% NET score + 30% interview marks.
  • Selected candidates must pay the admission fee within the stipulated window (typically 3-4 days) to confirm admission.

CUSB PhD Scholarships 2026

Scholarships and Fellowships

Scholarship / FellowshipEligibilityAmount / BenefitRemarks
UGC-JRF (Junior Research Fellowship)PhD scholars who qualified UGC-NET with JRFRs. 37,000/month (1st-2nd year); Rs. 42,000/month (3rd year onwards)Awarded by UGC; scholar must be enrolled in a recognised university. Tenure: 5 years.
UGC-SRF (Senior Research Fellowship)Upgrade from JRF after 2 yearsRs. 42,000/monthUpgraded based on research progress assessment.
ICSSR Doctoral FellowshipPhD scholars in Social SciencesRs. 25,000/month + contingency Rs. 10,000/yearCompetitive national fellowship; Geography is eligible under social sciences. Apply separately to ICSSR.
CUSB Merit-cum-Means ScholarshipMeritorious and financially needy studentsTuition fee waiver (up to 20% of students per programme)Awarded by CUSB; apply through the university's scholarship cell.
CUSB Earn While You Learn (EWYL) SchemeAll enrolled studentsStipend for up to 10 hours/week of assigned workTasks include library assistance, lab support, faculty assistance, etc.
CUSB Attendance-Based Merit ScholarshipStudents with 100% attendance in a semesterBooks worth Rs. 1,000 or reimbursement of Rs. 1,000Applicable per semester.
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) SchemesSC/ST/OBC/Minority/EWS studentsVaries by schemeCentral and state government scholarships available via scholarships.gov.in.
PM-Vidyalaxmi SchemeStudents in higher education institutionsEducation loan facilitationCUSB is a registered institution on the PM-Vidyalaxmi portal.
  • JRF fellowship is the most significant financial support for PhD scholars and is directly linked to UGC-NET JRF qualification.
  • ICSSR fellowship applications are made separately and are highly competitive; Geography scholars under social sciences are eligible to apply.
  • CUSB scholarship applications are typically invited at the beginning of each academic year; students should check the university's scholarship cell notices.

Table of Contents

CUSB PhD FAQs

Ques. Is M.Sc. Geography accepted for PhD Geography at CUSB, or is only M.A. Geography eligible?

Ans. Both M.A. and M.Sc. in Geography are accepted for PhD Geography admission at CUSB. The eligibility criterion specifies M.A./M.Sc. in Geography with a minimum of 55% marks (General/OBC/EWS) or 50% marks (SC/ST/PwD). Candidates from either stream - arts or science - are treated equally for the purpose of admission, provided they meet the minimum marks requirement and hold a valid UGC-NET score in Geography from the June 2024 cycle onwards.

Ques. What research areas are available in the PhD Geography programme at CUSB?

Ans. The Department of Geography at CUSB offers research opportunities in a wide range of areas including physical geography, human geography, urban and regional planning, geospatial technology and GIS, remote sensing and satellite imagery, environmental geography, climate change and natural hazards, agricultural geography, and population geography. Candidates are advised to review the faculty profiles on the CUSB website and align their research proposal with the available supervisors' areas of expertise before applying.

Ques. Does CUSB Geography department have GIS and remote sensing lab facilities for PhD research?

Ans. Yes. CUSB has invested in modern infrastructure including computer labs with high-performance systems and high-speed internet connectivity. The Geography department supports research involving geospatial technologies, GIS, and remote sensing. PhD scholars working in these areas can access the university's computing infrastructure and library resources. Candidates interested in technology-intensive research in Geography should confirm the availability of specific software and equipment with the department before applying.

Ques. How are PhD Geography candidates selected at CUSB - is it purely based on NET score?

Ans. No, selection is not purely based on NET score. For JRF-qualified candidates (Category 1), selection is entirely based on the interview (100% weightage). For non-JRF NET-qualified candidates (Categories 2 and 3), selection is based on a combined merit of 70% NET score and 30% interview marks. The interview also involves a presentation on the candidate's research proposal, so both academic preparation and communication skills matter significantly in the selection process.

Ques. What is the seat intake for PhD Geography at CUSB and how does it vary by category?

Ans. For AY 2025-26, 4 seats were available for PhD Geography at CUSB: UR: 2, OBC: 1, SC: 1, ST: 0, EWS: 0. There were no ST or EWS seats in this cycle. The seat distribution varies each year based on faculty availability and supervisor capacity. Candidates from ST and EWS categories should check the current year's notification carefully, as their category may or may not have seats in a given year.

Ques. Can I pursue PhD Geography at CUSB if I am currently working as a school or college teacher?

Ans. Yes, but with an important condition. The PhD programme at CUSB is full-time and campus-based. If you are currently employed, you must submit a Leave Sanction / Relieving Order from your employer at the time of admission, permitting you to pursue full-time studies at CUSB for the entire duration of the programme. Without this document, the offer of admission will be withdrawn. Teachers who can obtain study leave from their institution are eligible to apply and pursue the programme.

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CU South Bihar: 2 Answered Questions

I got 44 marks and 392 rank in BA LLB as there are only 150 seats for this course in CUSB. Can I get admission there?

Abhinab RajB.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) Law & Business, Chanakya National Law University (2019)

You should complete all the formalities and take part in the counseling process. With your rank, you should get a seat. Even if you don’t get a seat in the counseling, regularly visit the CUSB website. It often happens that students with good ranks leave the college after taking admission and the university starts allocating those seats based on the merit list. So, keep visiting the website to know, if there are vacant seats.

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Which university is good for PG courses, CUSB or CUH?

Anamika GhoshLL.B from Central University of South Bihar (2019)

Among the above mentioned institutes, it is recommended that you go for CUSB (Central University of South Bihar) rather than CUH (Central University of Haryana).

Here are some reasons to choose CUSB:

  • CUSB has a huge and very well maintained campus. It is appropriate for an educational institution. 
  • The placement here is really good. Top recruiting companies like Amazon, L&T, TCS and Cognizant take part in their placement program.
  • Tech Mahindra and TCS offer mass recruitments. 
  • The infrastructure is world class. They have a central library with lots of study materials including e-books.
  • The mess facilities are moderate. The food is affordable but does not offer many variations. 
  • The seniors are very helpful. They organize many cultural and technical events, where you also get the opportunity to take part in.
  • The faculty here is highly experienced and cooperative.

CUSB also provides hostel facilities, with separate hostels for boys and girls. They have a computer lab, a bioinformatics lab and a media lab. They provide a sports complex, auditorium, gym, medical facilities and also shuttle service. Thus choosing CUSB for your PG courses will definitely prove to be good.

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