Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 8, 2026

The Ph.D. (English) programme at Vishwakarma University (VU), Pune is a full-time doctoral research programme offered under the Department of English, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. The department is dedicated to the exploration of literature, linguistics, and writing, with a focus on interdisciplinary study, research excellence, and global perspectives. The programme spans a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years as per UGC norms, with an annual tuition fee of Rs. 75,000. Admission is through the university's own entrance test, VUPET (Vishwakarma University Ph.D. Entrance Test), followed by a personal interview. The programme is suited for candidates aspiring to careers in academia, literary research, language studies, and communication. The seat intake for AY 2026-27 was 2 seats (both Reserved category), reflecting the niche and specialized nature of this doctoral programme.

Admissions for AY 2026-27 are currently ongoing. The VUPET application window opened on 1 February 2026, and the last date for form submission was 22 March 2026. The VUPET entrance test was scheduled for 12 April 2026, with results and interviews to follow in April-May 2026. The final admission deadline for selected candidates is 30 May 2026.

Key Points

The Ph.D. (English) programme is offered under the Department of English within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at VU, Pune.
Research supervisors available for Ph.D. (English) are Dr. Ketaki Shinde (Assistant Professor) and Dr. Vidya Nagre (Head, Department of English).
The department focuses on literature, linguistics, writing, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary English studies.
Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET, UGC-CSIR NET (Category 1, 2, or 3), GATE, or CEED with a valid score may be exempted from the VUPET written test; however, form submission and interview remain mandatory for all.
The VUPET examination consists of two papers: Paper I (Research Methodology and General Aptitude, 50 marks, objective type) and Paper II (English subject-specific, 50 marks, subjective type), each of 2 hours duration.
The programme is conducted in full-time, on-campus mode at the Kondhwa campus of Vishwakarma University, Pune.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

VU Ph.D. (English) Fees

The Ph.D. (English) programme at Vishwakarma University carries an annual fee of Rs. 75,000, payable every year for the duration of the programme (minimum 3 years, maximum 6 years). A one-time thesis submission fee of Rs. 25,000 is payable at the time of thesis submission. The VUPET application form fee is Rs. 1,200 for Open category and Rs. 1,000 for SC/ST/OBC/Differently-Abled/EWS candidates. Hostel facility is available on campus separately and is not mandatory for Ph.D. students.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Annual Tuition Fee	75,000 per year
VUPET Application Form Fee (Open)	1,200 (one-time)
VUPET Application Form Fee (SC/ST/OBC/EWS)	1,000 (one-time)
Thesis Submission Fee	25,000 (one-time, at thesis submission)
Total Fees (3 years, excluding thesis fee)	2,25,000
Total Fees (3 years, including thesis fee)	2,50,000

Hostel charges (optional, not mandatory): Rs. 1,25,000 to Rs. 1,45,000 per year depending on seat type; includes mess (breakfast and dinner) and a refundable deposit of Rs. 5,000.
Laundry charges are separate.
If admission is cancelled before 31 August 2026, a deduction will be made and the balance will be refunded.
No refund is applicable for cancellations after 31 August 2026.
Refunds (if applicable) are processed within 15 working days via RTGS/NEFT.
Fees are payable annually; no EMI option is explicitly mentioned for Ph.D. fees.

VU Ph.D. (English) Admission 2026-27

Admissions to the Ph.D. (English) programme at Vishwakarma University for AY 2026-27 are currently in progress. The VUPET entrance test was scheduled on 12 April 2026, and the final admission deadline for selected candidates is 30 May 2026. Given the very limited seat intake (2 seats in AY 2026-27), candidates are strongly advised to check supervisor availability and apply early. All dates are subject to change at the university's discretion.

VU Ph.D. (English) Admission Schedule

Event	Date
VUPET Application Form Opens	1 February 2026
Last Date for Form Submission	22 March 2026
VUPET Entrance Test	12 April 2026
Result of VUPET Paper II	21 April 2026
Interview Schedule Declared	27 April 2026
Result of Interview	15 May 2026
Final Deadline for Ph.D. Admission (Selected Candidates)	30 May 2026

UGC-NET Entrance Exam Dates

Event	Phase 1	Phase 2 (Tentative)
Registration Start	7 October 2025	1 April 2026
Registration End	7 November 2025	1 May 2026
Admit Card	28 December 2025	1 June 2026
Exam Date	31 December 2025 - 7 January 2026	1 June 2026
Answer Key Release	14 January 2026	1 July 2026
Result	4 February 2026	1 July 2026

Note: UGC-NET qualified candidates (Category 1, 2, or 3) with a valid score may be exempted from the VUPET written test. However, form submission and interview are mandatory for all candidates including those with UGC-NET qualification.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have completed a 2-year/4-semester Master's degree (after a 3-year bachelor's degree) or a 1-year/2-semester Master's degree (after a 4-year bachelor's degree) in English with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate (50% for SC/ST/OBC/Differently-Abled/EWS candidates).
Candidates who have completed M.Phil. with at least 55% marks in aggregate are also eligible.
Candidates qualifying their Master's degree in 2026 may also apply; they must submit their final result on or before 30 July 2026.

Admission Process

Check eligibility and available research supervisors (Dr. Ketaki Shinde and Dr. Vidya Nagre) on the official VU website before applying.
Fill the VUPET application form online at vupet.edupluscampus.com and pay the application fee (Rs. 1,200 for Open; Rs. 1,000 for SC/ST/OBC/EWS).
Appear for VUPET Paper I (Research Methodology and Aptitude) - minimum 50% required to qualify for Paper II.
Appear for VUPET Paper II (English subject-specific, subjective) - minimum 50% required to qualify for interview.
Candidates qualifying both papers appear for a personal interview at the university.
Selected candidates must complete admission formalities and pay fees by the final deadline (30 May 2026 for AY 2026-27).
UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE qualified candidates with valid scores are exempted from the written test but must submit the form and appear for the interview.

VU Ph.D. (English) Scholarships 2026-27

Vishwakarma University does not offer a broad institutional merit scholarship programme for Ph.D. students. Ph.D. scholars in English may avail of government-funded fellowships and scholarships based on eligibility. The university facilitates student loan assistance through banking partners such as SBI, HDFC, and Oriental Bank of Commerce. Students from EWS, SC, ST, and OBC categories may be eligible for government scholarships and fee concessions under state and central government schemes.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / Fellowship	Offered By	Amount	Eligibility
UGC-JRF (Junior Research Fellowship)	University Grants Commission (UGC)	Rs. 37,000/month (1st 2 years); Rs. 42,000/month (subsequent years)	Qualify UGC-NET with JRF; valid for Ph.D. enrolment
UGC Non-NET Fellowship	UGC / University	As per UGC norms	Ph.D. scholars not holding JRF but enrolled full-time
Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST)	Government of Maharashtra / Central Govt.	Varies	SC/ST students; income-based
EWS Fee Concession	Vishwakarma University	Up to 50% fee reduction	EWS certificate holders
Central Sector Scholarship	Ministry of Education, Govt. of India	Rs. 10,000/year	Merit-based; income criteria apply
Education Loan	SBI, HDFC, Oriental Bank of Commerce	As per bank norms	All eligible students

UGC-JRF holders are exempted from the VUPET written test and receive a monthly fellowship directly from UGC.
Students must apply separately for government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in).
EWS concession is subject to submission of a valid EWS certificate at the time of admission.
Scholarship deadlines vary; students are advised to check the National Scholarship Portal and UGC website for current deadlines.

VU Ph.D. (English) FAQs

Ques. How many seats are available for Ph.D. (English) at Vishwakarma University, and is it very competitive?

Ans. The seat intake for Ph.D. (English) at VU was 2 seats for AY 2025-26 (both Reserved category, 0 Open). This makes it an extremely limited and competitive programme. Candidates are strongly advised to check the updated seat matrix for AY 2026-27 on the official VUPET notification and confirm supervisor availability before applying.

Ques. Who are the research supervisors for Ph.D. (English) at VU, Pune?

Ans. The research supervisors for Ph.D. (English) at Vishwakarma University are Dr. Ketaki Shinde (Assistant Professor, Department of English) and Dr. Vidya Nagre (Head, Department of English). Candidates must check the research interests and domains of these supervisors on the official VU website before applying, as admission is subject to supervisor availability.

Ques. What are the research areas covered under Ph.D. (English) at VU?

Ans. The Department of English at VU focuses on literature, linguistics, writing, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary English studies. Research areas may include British and American literature, postcolonial literature, linguistics, language and communication, creative writing, and cultural studies. Candidates should contact the department or check the official website for specific research domains of available supervisors.

Ques. Is UGC-NET mandatory for Ph.D. (English) admission at Vishwakarma University?

Ans. UGC-NET is not mandatory, but candidates who have qualified UGC-NET (Category 1, 2, or 3) with a valid score are exempted from the VUPET written test. All candidates, including those with UGC-NET, must fill the VUPET application form and appear for the personal interview. Candidates without UGC-NET must appear for both VUPET Paper I and Paper II.

Ques. What is the minimum percentage required for Ph.D. (English) admission at VU?

Ans. Candidates must have a Master's degree in English with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate. A relaxation of 5% (i.e., 50% minimum) is provided to candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled/EWS categories. Candidates with a 4-year bachelor's degree must have a minimum of 75% marks (70% for reserved categories).

Ques. Can I pursue Ph.D. (English) at VU while working, or is it strictly full-time?

Ans. The Ph.D. (English) programme at Vishwakarma University is offered in full-time mode, which requires regular on-campus presence and active engagement with the research supervisor. Part-time Ph.D. in English is not listed as an available option at VU. Candidates with employment commitments should clarify the attendance and residency requirements directly with the university before applying.