Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU) has released the official notification for Ph.D. Admission 2025-26. The university invites eligible candidates to apply for doctoral seats offered in regular mode across multiple disciplines. This admission cycle provides a total of 40 seats distributed among ten subjects. If you are planning to pursue advanced research in humanities, social sciences, management or computer science, read this guide carefully before you apply.
Quick facts
| Total Seats | 40 |
|---|---|
| Mode | Regular |
| Course Work | 6 months (mandatory) |
| Minimum Duration | 3 years (including course work) |
| Maximum Duration | 6 years (plus re-registration extension up to 2 years) |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Application Fee | ₹1,000 |
Seat Distribution by Discipline
| Discipline | No. of Seats (Category) |
|---|---|
| Economics | 2 (Gen:1, OBC/MOBC:1) |
| Political Science | 1 (STP:1) |
| Sociology | 2 (STH:1, OBC/MOBC:1) |
| History | 2 (Gen:1, STP:1) |
| Philosophy | 1 (Gen:1) |
| Management | 4 (Gen:1, STP:1, OBC/MOBC:1, EWS:1) |
| Commerce | 2 (SC:1, STP:1) |
| Education | 10 (Gen:4, STH:1, OBC/MOBC:3, PWD:1, EWS:1) |
| Journalism & Mass Communication | 7 (Gen:3, SC:1, OBC/MOBC:2, PWD:1) |
| Computer Science | 9 (Gen:5, SC:1, OBC/MOBC:3) |
Related: KKHSOU Recruitment
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy one of the following:
- Master’s degree: A 1-year/2-semester master’s after a 4-year bachelor’s OR a 2-year master’s after a 3-year bachelor’s (or equivalent) with at least 55% aggregate marks (or equivalent grade). A 5% relaxation applies to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/EWS/PWD categories.
- Candidates with an M.Phil. degree with at least 55% marks (or equivalent grade) are eligible. The same 5% relaxation applies for reserved categories.
- Applicants completing a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s directly should have at least 75% aggregate (relaxation for reserved categories as applicable).
Admission Process & Selection
- UGC-NET qualified candidates (JRF/Assistant Professor/PhD): Apply online. Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview and research-proposal presentation. Selection is based on interview performance.
- Non-NET candidates: If vacancies remain, an entrance examination will be conducted. The exam comprises two parts (details to be notified). Qualified candidates will be called for viva-voce/interview for final selection.
Course Work
All selected candidates must complete a mandatory six-month course work in regular mode. A course-work examination will be held at the end of the period.
Fee Structure
- Admission Fee: ₹20,000
- Course Work Fee: ₹5,000
- Monthly Fee: ₹1,000
- Thesis Submission Fee: ₹5,000
- Examination Fee (Viva-Voce): ₹5,000
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Opening of Online Application for NET-qualified | 1 September 2025 |
| Last Date for NET-qualified application | 10 September 2025 |
| Merit List & Interview Call | 18 September 2025 |
| Interview Dates (NET) | 22–25 September 2025 |
| Declaration of Selected List (NET) | 8 October 2025 |
| Vacancy Declaration (if any) | 9 October 2025 |
| Application for Non-NET Entrance | 9–17 October 2025 |
| Entrance Exam Date (Non-NET) | 26 October 2025 |
| Entrance Exam Result | 7 November 2025 |
| Interview & Viva-Voce (Non-NET) | 11–13 November 2025 |
| Final Selected List | 21 November 2025 |
| Admission Dates | 22–30 November 2025 |
| Commencement of Course Work | 3 December 2025 |
How to Apply
Apply online only through the official KKHSOU admission portal. Prepare scanned copies of academic certificates, ID proof and a recent passport-size photograph before filling the form.
Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification (PDF) | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Tips for Applicants
- Prepare a concise research proposal; shortlisted candidates must present it during the interview.
- NET-qualified candidates should have original certificates ready for verification at the time of interview.
- Non-NET candidates should revise subject fundamentals and general research methodology for the entrance exam.
- Keep multiple copies of identity proof, photographs and fee payment receipts safely stored.