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

Ans. The Department of Sociological Studies at CUSB has a diverse and experienced faculty offering research supervision in areas including Gender Studies and Sanitation Sociology (Prof. Anil Kumar Singh Jha), Social Exclusion and Dalit Studies (Dr. Jitendra Ram, Dr. Parijat Pradhan), Globalization and Identity (Dr. Haresh Narayan Pandey), Sociology of Religion and Education (Dr. Priya Ranjan), Urban Sociology and Post-Colonial Studies (Dr. Aditya Mohanty, PhD from University of Aberdeen, UK), Gender and LGBTQIA+ Studies (Dr. Samapika Mohapatra), and Sociology of Development and Social Movements (Mr. Ahammedul Kabeer Ap). Prospective students should identify a potential supervisor whose research interests align with their proposed topic before applying.

Ans. As per CUSB's Ph.D. admission notification, the qualifying exam must be in the relevant subject for the department. For Ph.D. in Sociology at the Department of Sociological Studies, UGC-NET in Sociology (Paper Code: 18) is the primary qualifying exam. Candidates with NET in closely related subjects may be considered at the department's discretion, but this is not guaranteed. Candidates are advised to check the specific Annexure-I of the CUSB Ph.D. notification for the exact subject-wise eligibility criteria before applying.

Ans. At CUSB, Ph.D. in Sociology is offered by the Department of Sociological Studies, while Ph.D. in Social Work (MSW-related research) is offered by a separate department. The two programmes have different faculty, research focus areas, and qualifying exam requirements. Sociology focuses on theoretical and empirical study of society, social structures, and social processes, while Social Work is more practice-oriented. Students should apply to the specific department that matches their academic background and research interest.

Ans. The Ph.D. in Sociology at CUSB had 21 seats in AY 2026-27 (UR-8, OBC-6, SC-4, ST-2, EWS-1, with 1 horizontal PwD reservation). Given that CUSB is a Central University with a strong research reputation and very low fees, competition is typically high, especially for the General/UR category. The selection process involves shortlisting based on UGC-NET scores followed by a personal interview. JRF holders have a significant advantage as they are selected purely on interview performance. Candidates are advised to prepare a well-articulated research proposal and be ready to discuss their proposed research area in depth during the interview.

Ans. The minimum eligibility for Ph.D. in Sociology at CUSB requires a Master's degree in Sociology or a related discipline with 55% marks (50% for reserved categories). Candidates with M.A. in Political Science, History, or other social sciences may be considered if they hold a valid UGC-NET in Sociology and their academic background is deemed relevant by the department. However, the final decision rests with the Department of Sociological Studies. Candidates from adjacent disciplines are strongly advised to contact the department head directly before applying to confirm their eligibility.

Ans. CUSB has a well-equipped central library with access to national and international journals through UGC-INFLIBNET (N-LIST), Shodhganga (for thesis access), and e-resources. The Department of Sociological Studies faculty have active research projects funded by UGC, ICSSR, and international bodies, which means Ph.D. scholars may have opportunities to participate in funded research projects. The university is also connected to the National Knowledge Network (NKN) for high-speed internet access. Additionally, CUSB's location in Gaya, Bihar, provides unique fieldwork opportunities for research on social issues relevant to Eastern India, including caste, poverty, migration, and rural development.