BHU PhD Admission 2025-26, Process, Eligibility, Reservation Policy

BHU PhD Admission 2025-26 process is expected to follow a systematic and structured pattern for the enrolment process. However, the official notification has not been released. Yet, candidates can rely on the previous years’ admission scheme to find relevant information about the current year’s admission process. The PhD admission process for 2025-26 can typically be conducted through the Research Entrance Test (RET) while also allowing exemptions to those who have qualified through national-level fellowships or eligibility tests.

Here, interested candidates can find useful insights into BHU PhD Admission 2025-26, including the expected eligibility criteria, RET exam and exemptions, and other details. 

BHU PhD Admission 2025-26 Overview

Every academic year, aspirants eagerly wait for the announcement of the BHU PhD Admission 2025-26 to begin their research journey at this globally renowned institution in India.

Known for its academic excellence, cultural heritage, and strong research foundation, BHU attracts scholars from across the country and abroad. The admission process is expected to follow a structured and merit-driven pattern, primarily conducted through the BHU PhD Research Entrance Test (RET). 

Also, it offers exemptions to candidates who hold national-level fellowships such as UGC-NET JRF, CSIR-NET, ICMR-JRF, DBT-JRF, GATE, or MPhil degrees. Aspirants can anticipate the process to be divided into phases, ensuring that both RET-qualified and fellowship-holding candidates get equal opportunities for the Hindu University PhD admission process.

Here are the quick highlights of the BHU PhD Admission 2025-26 that may guide aspirants to prepare in advance for the enrolment process:

Note: The details in this table are based on past admission patterns and the PhD Information Bulletin 2024. Final admission rules may be subject to modifications when BHU issues the official PhD Admission 2025-26 notification. Therefore, candidates are recommended to visit the official web portal of BHU to find the latest updates regarding the BHU PhD Admission 2025-26.

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BHU PhD Eligibility 2025-26

Candidates should meet the eligibility requirements set for the Banaras Hindu University PhD admission process. Based on earlier admission cycles, the following BHU PhD eligibility criteria may be expected for candidates:

• Aspirants should hold a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized university.

• A minimum of 55% marks would generally be required for the unreserved category, whereas reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwD) may be given relaxation up to 5%.

• Candidates who have qualified in UGC-NET (JRF/LS), CSIR-NET, ICMR-JRF, DBT-JRF, GATE, or hold an MPhil degree may be exempted from the RET.

• Those who do not fall under the exemption categories would be required to appear for the Research Entrance Test (RET) conducted by BHU.

This eligibility structure ensures that only serious research aspirants who have demonstrated strong academic ability can apply. However, the latest BHU PhD eligibility criteria may only be confirmed once the official notification for the same is released.

BHU PhD Admission Process 2025-26 Details

The BHU PhD Admission Process 2025-26 is supposed to be in multiple stages, ensuring transparency and selection based on merit as per previous year trends. Aspirants may need to follow the steps below:

Release of Notification: BHU would publish the PhD Admission 2025-26 notification on its admission portal.

Online Registration: Candidates would be required to register through the BHU admission portal and create a profile.

Application Form Submission: The application form would need to be filled out carefully, uploading all supporting documents. For example, Master’s mark sheets, caste certificate, fellowship proof, etc.

Application Fee Payment: Candidates may be asked to pay an online fee for the BHU PhD Admission process, depending on their category.

RET Examination: Non-exempt candidates would appear for the RET, which may test both research aptitude and subject knowledge.

Interview/Viva Voce: Shortlisted candidates, both RET qualified and exempt, would undergo an interview conducted by the respective department.

Merit List & Seat Allotment: The final merit list would be prepared based on RET performance, interview marks, and fellowship category.

Document Verification & Admission: The selected candidates would finally submit their original documents and pay the admission fee to confirm their seats.

BHU PhD NET JRF Exemption and Exam

The Research Entrance Test (RET) conducted by BHU consists of two parts, in which Part A includes general research aptitude, reasoning, and analytical ability, and Part B has specific questions related to the subject of the candidate.

Exemptions from RET may be granted to candidates with the following qualifications:

• Qualified UGC/CSIR NET-JRF

• Holders of ICMR/DBT JRF fellowships

• Candidates with valid GATE scores in applicable subjects

• Aspirants with an MPhil degree are recognized as per UGC norms

Candidates under exemption categories may be directly called for an interview without appearing in the RET under BHU PhD Admission 2025-26 as per the previous enrollment guidelines.

BHU PhD Seat Availability and Distribution

Every academic year, BHU publishes a department-wise seat matrix for PhD admissions. For 2025-26, the seat availability would be announced in the official PhD Information Bulletin shared by the Banaras Hindu University. Based on earlier trends, here’s the expected seat distribution system:

Note: The exact number of seats in each department may vary depending on faculty availability, research supervisors, and academic council approval. Aspirants are advised to verify seat details in the official notification for BHU PhD Admission 2025-26 when released.

BHU PhD Admission 2025-26 Schedule 

Based on past admission cycles, the tentative schedule for the BHU PhD Admission 2025 may be as follows:

Note: These dates for BHU PhD Admission 2025-26 are purely indicative and may change depending on BHU’s official academic calendar. Candidates must regularly check the BHU Admission Portal for official updates.

BHU PhD Merit List Preparation

The preparation of the BHU PhD Merit List 2025-26 is expected to follow a weighted evaluation process as per past years’ trends. As per previous guidelines, the following system is followed:

• 70% may be given to performance in RET for non-exempt candidates.

• 30% may be given to the interview or Viva Voce.

• For exempted candidates like JRF holders, merit may be prepared solely on interview and academic performance.

• Department-wise merit lists would then be published on the official portal.

This structure ensures that candidates with strong academic foundations and research potential are given preference under the admission process for PhD courses in BHU.

BHU PhD Reservation Policy 2025-26 Admission

BHU strictly follows the Government of India’s reservation norms for PhD admissions. The reservation criteria for BHU PhD Admission 2025-26 may be as follows:

Note: Candidates claiming reservation benefits will be required to upload valid certificates issued by competent authorities at the time of application, as per the general trends in the admission process for PhD courses.

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