South Asian University PhD Admission 2026-27

South Asian University, New Delhi invites online application for PhD admission for the academic session 2026-27.

Modes of Admission

Admission to PhD programmes is offered through two modes –

SAU Entrance Test Mode

• For Indian Candidates: Center-based online tests conducted by the University.
• For SAARC Candidates (excluding India): Proctored online tests on stipulated dates.

Direct Admission Mode (Without SAU Entrance Test)

• In India: Based on scores from national-level tests
• In Other SAARC Countries: Based on national-level test scores or qualifying examination results from recognized institutions.
• For Non-SAARC Candidates: Based on scores obtained in their qualifying examination.
• Candidates who are currently taking the qualifying examination or awaiting the results of the national-level test will be given another opportunity to update this information.

Selection Process

Through Direct Mode

Applications for admission will be processed twice a year.

In this mode, certain categories of candidates will be exempted from the Entrance Test. They will be shortlisted on the basis of their CVs/SOPs/Research proposals/Letters of Recommendation and will be called directly for the interview process. The eligible categories are the following:

• Those who have been already awarded National fellowships in different SAARC countries on the basis of their respective National Entrance Tests.
• Those who are funded by any Government agency to pursue PhD.
• Those who are salaried and can get a leave from their organization for at least the period until the course work is completed.
• Those who are not covered in any of the above categories however, possess the minimum eligibility criteria to pursue PhD. The applications of such candidates will be discussed and forwarded by the FAC of the respective Faculty to CAC. The CAC will recommend the potential candidates to be called for interview.
• Candidates admitted to the PhD programmes through the Direct Mode are granted a 75% concession in the semester fee.

For candidates applying through the above channel, separate merit lists will be drawn keeping in view the reservation of seats for candidates from different SAARC countries defined under SAU’s Rules.

Through Entrance Test

(The admissions through this mode are made once a year only for which the applications are invited usually from January/February each year)

• In this mode, the admission procedure for the PhD programme consists of an Entrance Test followed by an interview. Students are required to score at least 50% marks in both, the Entrance Test and the interview separately, to be eligible for admission.
• Candidates admitted through SAU entrance test will receive monthly scholarship of INR 39,000/- for Science Streams and INR 36,000/- for Other Streams. After paying the applicable fee, the students will be left with an amount of around INR 25,000/- p.m. depending upon the dollar exchange rate.
• The admission to the PhD programmes through entrance mode is made once a year only for which the applications are invited usually from January/February each year.

Application Process

• Candidates have to apply online on the link available at university website.
• Read instruction given there carefully before filling application form.

• Last Date: 10 April, 2026
• Release of Admit Cards: 20 April, 2026
• Conduct of Entrance Test: 25 & 26 April 2026
• Interviews for PhD Candidates: 1 June- 5 June 2026
• Result Declaration of PhD programmes: 11th June 2026

• Application
• Brochure
• SAU Website