Delhi University Announces PhD Entrance Exam Pattern and Syllabus for 2026-27

The University of Delhi has officially released the comprehensive exam pattern, syllabus, and selection criteria for the upcoming PhD entrance examination for the 2026-27 academic session. This announcement provides essential clarity for prospective doctoral candidates who have not cleared national-level tests such as the UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, or CEED.

The entrance examination serves as a primary gateway for students seeking admission to the university's research programmes. By outlining the specific requirements for the research methodology component and subject-specific assessments, the university aims to streamline the admission process for applicants, including those pursuing direct entry following a four-year undergraduate programme under the University of Delhi's Curriculum Framework (UGCF) 2022.

Exam Structure and Selection Criteria

The entrance test is designed as a two-hour examination carrying a total of 100 marks. The paper is divided into two distinct sections, each worth 50 marks. The first section focuses on Research Methodology and consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), which are subject to negative marking. The second section is a subject-specific descriptive assessment, which evaluates a candidate's research capabilities, academic projects, or entrepreneurship work completed during their undergraduate studies.

The final selection of candidates will be based on a weighted criteria system, with the entrance test accounting for 70 percent of the total score and the subsequent interview process contributing the remaining 30 percent. The university has curated specific Research Methodology syllabi tailored to various academic disciplines, including Commerce, Humanities, Social Sciences, Home Science, Psychology, Physical and Natural Sciences, as well as History, Philosophy, Music, and Languages.

Eligibility and Direct Admission Pathways

For students applying for direct PhD admission after completing a four-year or eight-semester undergraduate programme, the university has established clear academic benchmarks. General category candidates are required to maintain a minimum of 7.5 CGPA, while a relaxation is provided for SC, ST, and PwBD candidates, who must hold a minimum of 7 CGPA. Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate relevant research experience, such as the completion of a dissertation or an academic project, excluding translation work.

The university has indicated that further logistical details regarding the conduct of the entrance test will be communicated through separate official notifications. Prospective students are advised to monitor official university channels for updates on schedules, admit card releases, and specific examination dates as the academic cycle progresses.