Shivaji University PhD Admission 2026-27

Shivaji University, Kolhapur invites applications for admission to PhD Programme for the academic year 2026-27.

Eligibility Criteria

• A 1-year/2-semester master’s degree programme after a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree programme or a 2-year/4-semester master’s degree programme after a 3-year bachelor’s degree programme or qualifications declared equivalent to the master’s degree by Shivaji University or by the corresponding statutory regulatory body, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed or equivalent qualification from a foreign educational institution accredited by an assessment and accreditation agency which is approved, recognized or authorized by an authority, established or incorporated under a law in its home country or any other statutory authority in that country to assess, accredit or assure quality and standards of the educational institution.
• A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/VJNT/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled/ Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates as per the decision of the Commission from time to time.
• Provided that a candidate seeking admission after a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree programme should have a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade on a point scale wherever the grading system is followed. A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/VJNT/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled/ Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates as per the decision of the Commission from time to time.
• Candidates who have completed the M.Phil. programme of Shivaji University, Kolhapur or any other Statutory University or Degree considered equivalent to M.Phil. Degree of an Indian institution with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed or equivalent qualification from a foreign educational institution accredited by an assessment and accreditation agency which is approved, recognized or authorized by an authority, established or incorporated under a law in its home country or any other statutory authority in that country to assess, accredit or assure quality and standards of educational institutions, shall be eligible for admission to the Ph.D. programme. A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/VJNT/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled/ Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates as per the decision of the Commission from time to time.

The candidates are required to check the category wise intake quota available for Home University and Other University candidate. (displayed along with admission notification) for respective subjects for Ph.D. programme, before filling the online application.

Selection Process

• Admissions for Ph.D. programmes shall be through a Common Entrance Test and Interview conducted by Shivaji University, Kolhapur.
• Exemption for NET Candidates –
  • The Candidate who qualify NET after the UGC public notice dated 27th March, 2024 in category 1 is exempted from appearing for the university’s Ph. D. entrance (PET) test. However, the candidate has to appear for the interview of 100 marks (Refer annexure II and III).
  • The Candidate who qualify NET after the UGC public notice dated 27th March, 2024 in category 2 or 3 are exempted to appear for the university’s Ph.D. entrance (PET) test. However, the marks obtained by the candidate in such NET will be considered for admission to Ph. D. in place of score of the entrance test which shall be converted to 70%. Such candidate will have to appear for the interview of 30 marks (Refer annexure II and III).
  • The candidates who qualify in NET prior to UGC public notice dated 27th March, 2024, will have to appear for Ph.D. entrance test as per provisions of RRD 4.8. to RRD 4.13.
• Foreign candidates complying the eligibility criteria (for those who have obtained Masters Degree from foreign Universities) are exempted from appearing for entrance test. However They should appear for Interview in person / online, prior permission is required. For details please go through Ph.D. Prospectus available on university website.
• The quota for admission shall be 90% for Home University students and 10% for other university students. The reservation rules shall be applicable to 90% quota and 10% quota, separately. A candidate who has obtained the qualifying degree of Shivaji University (for admission Ph.D. programme) shall be treated as Home University student.
• All admissions shall be processed through the Research Advisory Committee (RAC). For selection of candidate, a weightage of 70% for the entrance test and 30% for the performance in interview shall be given.

Entrance Test

• The Entrance Test will be a qualifying test for admission to Ph.D. programme.
• The Entrance Test will be of 100 marks (50 questions of two marks each with multiple choices).
• The qualifying marks for Entrance test shall be 50% marks. Provided that a relaxation of 5% of marks (from 50% to 45%) shall be allowed for the candidates belonging to SC/ST/VJ-NT (Non-Creamy layers)/OBC (Non- Creamy layers)/SEBC/EWS/ Differently- abled category.
• Negative marking system will NOT be followed.
• The Entrance Test shall consist of 50% questions, based on Research Methodology and 50% shall be subject specific. The Entrance Test shall be conducted at the centre(s) notified by the university.

Application Process

Students should visit University website (https://www.unishivaji.ac.in) for detailed information regarding entrance examination, online application process, intake capacity, examination centres and Ph.D. regulations.

• Online Application will be available from: 29 August, 2026
• Last Date for application: 19 September, 2026 till 12.00 midnight

• Notification
• Prospectus
• Application Form
• General Instruction for Ph.D. Entrance Test
• Shivaji University Website