Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 8, 2026

Shri Khushal Das University (SKDU), Hanumangarh, offers a full-time Ph.D. in Economics, a research-intensive doctoral programme designed to develop advanced analytical and theoretical expertise in economic thought, policy, and applied research. The programme spans a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 5 years, with a total fee of INR 2.95 Lakhs for the entire duration. Admission is primarily merit-based, with UGC-NET/JRF or the university's own Research Eligibility Test (RET) serving as the primary qualifying exam. The programme is offered on-campus in full-time mode and is popular among candidates seeking academic careers in teaching, research institutions, and policy bodies.

Admissions for the 2026-27 batch are currently open. SKDU invites applications for Ph.D. programmes from April onwards each year. Based on the previous year's pattern, the 2026 Ph.D. admission cycle is expected to run from approximately April 2026 to July 2026, with the batch commencing in August/September 2026. Candidates are advised to visit the official SKDU website (skduniversity.com) or fill the Ph.D. 2026 interest form available at the university's official portal for the latest notification.

Key Points

The Ph.D. in Economics at SKDU is a full-time, on-campus research programme under the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.
The university is UGC-recognised and the programme follows UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations.
Candidates with a valid UGC-NET/JRF score may be exempted from the university's Research Eligibility Test (RET).
The programme involves coursework in the first year followed by independent research under a designated supervisor.
SKDU has a dedicated research department with over 600 publications and active research culture across disciplines.
The university's 63-acre campus in Hanumangarh provides a peaceful, research-conducive environment.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

SKDU Ph.D. Economics Fees

The Ph.D. (Economics) programme at SKDU is one of the more affordable doctoral programmes in Rajasthan, with a total academic fee of INR 2.95 Lakhs for the entire programme duration (minimum 3 years). The fee is payable on a yearly basis, working out to approximately INR 98,333 per year. Hostel accommodation is optional and available separately for those who wish to stay on campus.

Fee Structure

Fee Component	Amount (INR)
Tuition Fee (per year)	98,333
Other Academic Charges (per year)	Included in tuition
Total Academic Fee (Full Programme - 3 years)	2,95,000
Hostel Fee (Optional - Double Seater, per year)	72,000
Hostel Fee (Optional - Single Seater, per year)	84,000
Total Fees (Academic only, 3 years)	2,95,000

Hostel fees are optional and not included in the total academic fee.
Hostel options: Double Seater (INR 72,000/year), Single Seater (INR 84,000/year), Double Seater with Attached Washroom (INR 96,000/year), Single Seater with Attached Washroom (INR 1,08,000/year).
Fees are subject to revision by the university each academic year.
A registration fee of INR 1,000 is applicable at the time of application.
No EMI options are officially listed; candidates may contact the admissions office for payment schedule details.

SKDU Ph.D. Economics Admission 2026

Admissions to the Ph.D. (Economics) programme at SKDU are conducted annually, typically from April onwards. The selection process involves evaluation of academic records, a research proposal, performance in the university's Research Eligibility Test (RET) or a valid national-level exam score, and a personal interview. Candidates with UGC-NET/JRF qualification may be given preference or exempted from the RET.

SKDU Ph.D. Admission Dates

Event	Tentative Date
Ph.D. Admission Notification / Application Opens	April 2026
Last Date to Apply	May/June 2026
Research Eligibility Test (RET) / Interview	June/July 2026
Merit List / Selection Announcement	July 2026
Batch Commencement	August/September 2026

Note: Exact dates are yet to be announced. Candidates can fill the Ph.D. 2026 interest form at the official SKDU website (skduniversity.com) or admission portal (admission.skduniversity.org).

UGC-NET Exam Dates

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

Note: UGC-NET Phase 2 dates are tentative. A valid UGC-NET/JRF score is accepted for Ph.D. admission at SKDU and may exempt candidates from the university's RET.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a Master's degree in Economics or a relevant discipline from a UGC-recognised university with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates as per UGC norms).
A valid score in UGC-NET/JRF, SLET, or the university's own Research Eligibility Test (RET) is required.
Candidates with M.Phil. degree may be considered for direct admission subject to university norms.

Admission Process

Visit the official SKDU website (skduniversity.com) and fill the Ph.D. 2026 interest/application form.
Submit the completed application form along with required documents (mark sheets, degree certificates, research proposal, ID proof, category certificate if applicable).
Appear for the Research Eligibility Test (RET) conducted by SKDU, if not holding a valid UGC-NET/JRF score.
Shortlisted candidates are called for a personal interview and research proposal presentation before the Doctoral Committee.
Final selection is based on academic merit, RET/NET score, research proposal quality, and interview performance.
Pay the admission fee and complete document verification to confirm enrolment.

SKDU Ph.D. Economics Scholarships 2026

SKDU offers a well-structured scholarship scheme applicable across all programmes, including Ph.D. The scholarships are applicable on tuition fees only, and students can avail only one category at a time. More than 30% of scholarships require a personal interview with the admission committee. For Ph.D. students, merit-based and social responsibility scholarships are the most relevant categories.

SKDU offers multiple scholarship categories that can meaningfully reduce the tuition fee burden for Ph.D. (Economics) students. Merit-based scholarships reward strong academic performance in the qualifying degree, while social responsibility scholarships support defence personnel, differently-abled students, and SKDU alumni. The SKDUCET (university entrance test) can also unlock up to 100% tuition fee waiver.

Scholarship Categories

Scholarship Category	Criteria	Scholarship Amount
SKDUCET (University Entrance Test)	95% or above in SKDUCET	100% of tuition fee
SKDUCET	90-94.99% in SKDUCET	50% of tuition fee
SKDUCET	80-89.99% in SKDUCET	30% of tuition fee
SKDUCET	70-79.99% in SKDUCET	20% of tuition fee
SKDUCET	65-69.99% in SKDUCET	10% of tuition fee
Merit (Qualifying Exam)	91% or above in PG degree	30% of tuition fee
Merit (Qualifying Exam)	75-90% in PG degree	20% of tuition fee
Merit (Qualifying Exam)	65-74% in PG degree	10% of tuition fee
Social Responsibility - Defence	Son/Daughter of Armed/Para-Military/State Police	30% of tuition fee
Social Responsibility - Disability	More than 50% physical impairment (certified)	30% of tuition fee
Social Responsibility - SKDU Alumni/Existing Student	Students with 60%+ pursuing higher studies	30% of tuition fee
Social Responsibility - Orphan Child	Both parents deceased / abandoned child	50% of tuition fee
Sports Scholarship	International players	100% of tuition fee
Sports Scholarship	National Medal Winners	50% of tuition fee
Sports Scholarship	National Participation	30% of tuition fee
Hanumangarh Private Universities Act	Merit cum Means for Domicile Students of Hanumangarh	As per Act

Only one scholarship category can be availed at a time; applicable on tuition fee only.
Scholarship is unconditional for the 1st year but requires clearing all semester exams without backlog in the 1st attempt for continuation in subsequent years.
Minimum 80% attendance is mandatory to continue the scholarship each semester.
Scholarship is discontinued if a student is found involved in any act of grave indiscipline.
Government scholarships (SC/ST/OBC) from the Rajasthan state government are also applicable separately.

SKDU Ph.D. Economics FAQs

Ques. Is UGC-NET mandatory for Ph.D. admission in Economics at SKDU?

Ans. UGC-NET/JRF is not strictly mandatory, but it is highly preferred. Candidates who do not hold a valid UGC-NET/JRF score are required to appear for SKDU's own Research Eligibility Test (RET). Candidates with a valid NET/JRF score may be exempted from the RET and given preference during the selection process.

Ques. What is the minimum percentage required in the Master's degree for Ph.D. admission at SKDU?

Ans. Candidates must have a minimum of 55% aggregate marks in their Master's degree in Economics or a relevant discipline. For SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates, the minimum is 50% as per UGC regulations.

Ques. Can a working professional pursue Ph.D. (Economics) at SKDU?

Ans. The Ph.D. programme at SKDU is offered in full-time mode, which requires regular on-campus presence. Working professionals may find it challenging unless they can take a leave of absence. SKDU does not currently list a part-time Ph.D. in Economics; candidates should confirm with the admissions office regarding any flexibility.

Ques. How long does it take to complete the Ph.D. in Economics at SKDU?

Ans. The minimum duration is 3 years and the maximum is 5 years. The first year typically involves mandatory coursework, after which the candidate proceeds to independent research under a supervisor. Extension beyond 5 years may be granted in exceptional cases as per UGC norms.

Ques. What are the career prospects after completing Ph.D. (Economics) from SKDU?

Ans. A Ph.D. in Economics opens doors to academic positions (Assistant Professor, Lecturer) in colleges and universities, research roles in think tanks, government policy bodies (NITI Aayog, RBI, Planning Commission), international organisations, and economic consultancy firms. Candidates with UGC-NET/JRF qualification alongside a Ph.D. are eligible to apply for faculty positions in UGC-recognised institutions.

Ques. Does SKDU provide a research supervisor for Ph.D. Economics students, and how is the supervisor assigned?

Ans. Yes, SKDU assigns a research supervisor from its faculty in the Department of Economics/Arts and Humanities. The supervisor is typically assigned based on the candidate's research proposal and the availability and expertise of faculty members. Candidates are encouraged to identify potential research areas and supervisors before applying, and this is often discussed during the personal interview stage.