DU PhD Entrance Exam 2026: Delhi University releases subject-wise exam pattern, syllabus, marking scheme and eligibility criteria for candidates who have not qualified UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE or other national-level entrance tests.
Delhi University PhD Entrance Exam 2026
DU PhD Entrance Exam 2026: Delhi University has released subject-wise exam pattern, syllabus and other details for DU PhD entrance exam 2026-27. The entrance test is being held for eligible candidates who are willing to get admission to PhD programmes and have not qualified national-level exams such as UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, CEED or other applicable tests.
As per notice released, University of Delhi has outlined DU PhD examination structure, research methodology component, subject-specific assessment and selection criteria for candidates applying through the direct PhD admission route after completing a four-year undergraduate programme.
DU PhD Entrance Exam 2026 Highlights
Check table to know Delho University PhD entrance exam pattern details
| Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
| University |
University of Delhi (DU) |
| Academic session |
2026-27 |
| Examination |
PhD Entrance Test |
| Exam duration |
2 hours |
| Total marks |
100 |
| Research Methodology |
50 Marks |
| Subject-specific section |
50 Marks |
| Negative marking |
Yes, for MCQs |
| Selection criteria |
70% entrance test, 30% interview |
DU PhD Entrance Exam 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Those willing to get direct PhD admission after completing a four-year or eight-semester undergraduate programme under DU's UGCF 2022, subject to university's prescribed conditions. They must fulfil these requirements
-
Minimum CGPA: At least 7.5 CGPA for general-category candidates
-
Relaxation: A minimum of 7 CGPA for SC, ST and PwBD candidates
-
Research experience: Candidates must have completed a dissertation, an academic project other than translation work, or an entrepreneurship project during the fourth year of their undergraduate programme
-
National-level examinations: The entrance test is intended for eligible applicants who have not qualified UGC-CSIR NET, GATE, CEED or a similar national-level examination
DU PhD Entrance Exam Pattern 2026
University of Delhi has prescribed a two-hour entrance test carrying 100 marks. The paper will comprise two sections: Research Methodology and a subject-specific descriptive section.
| Section |
Question format |
Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Research Methodology |
Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) |
50 |
| Subject-specific assessment |
Descriptive questions based on research, academic projects or entrepreneurship undertaken during the undergraduate programme |
50 |
| Total |
100 |
DU PhD Entrance Exam 2026 Subject-Wise Syllabus
Delhi University has released different Research Methodology syllabi for academic disciplines. The major areas are as follows.
-
Commerce, Humanities, Social Sciences, Home Science and Psychology
-
Physical, Natural and Applied Sciences
-
History, Philosophy, Music and Languages
The university has stated that further details concerning the PhD entrance test will be notified separately.
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Sanjana Surbhi is education focused content specialist with over five years of experience in education sector. She covers engineering and government exams. She holds Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Patn
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