DU PhD Admission 2025-26, Eligibility, Process, Phases & Merit List

DU PhD Admission 2025-26 PDF notification invites applications from eligible candidates across India. Known for its world-class faculty, diverse research areas, and academic excellence, DU remains one of the most reputed destinations for doctoral studies. Here, candidates can learn about phase 1, phase 2, merit list release, and other essential details related to the DU admission process, along with important dates, documents required, and more. 

DU PhD Admission 2025-26 Highlights

Delhi University PhD Admission 2025-26 will be conducted in two phases under the revised guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in March 2024. These changes are aimed at streamlining admissions, ensuring merit-based selection, and aligning research programs with national standards.

Applicants will be admitted under three categories: JRF qualified, Assistant Professor eligible, and PhD-only eligible candidates. Additionally, DU has introduced a clear seat distribution policy (60% seats for Phase I and 40% for Phase II) and a merit list formula (70% national test score + 30% interview).

The following table can help the candidates to learn about the structure and procedure of DU PhD Admission 2025-26:

Note: This summary is based on DU’s official notification dated 19th August 2025. Applicants must always check the DU website for real-time updates.

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DU PhD Admission 2025-26 Important Dates

Staying updated with important dates is essential for a smooth application process for PhD admission in DU. The following table gives the tentative schedule for Delhi University PhD Admission 2025-26:

Note: These dates are tentative based on the official announcement. Departments may release specific timelines. Therefore, candidates are recommended to frequently visit the official web portal of the DU to stay updated about any changes in schedule.

DU PhD Admission Eligibility 2025-26

DU PhD Admission Eligibility must be taken care of while applying. As per the UGC Notification (27 March 2024), admissions are categorised into three groups. Each category defines whether a candidate is eligible for JRF, Assistant Professor, or PhD admission. Further, here is the detailed information about the DU PhD Admission Eligibility criteria:

Furthermore, candidates can refer to the following key details about eligibility criteria related to the DU PhD admission process:

• Candidates in Block A (Category 1) are the highest priority, as they are eligible for JRF, Assistant Professor, and PhD admission.

• Candidates in Block B (Categories 2 & 3) are also eligible for PhD admission, but their priority comes after Block A.

• For Block B candidates, the validity of UGC/CSIR NET scores is one year only.

Delhi University has defined Phase-Wise Eligibility norms related to the enrolment in different PhD courses:

• Phase I: Candidates who qualified UGC/CSIR NET in December 2024 and June 2025.
  Phase II: Candidates who qualified UGC/CSIR NET in June 2025 and December 2025.

Note: Candidates must ensure that their NET qualification falls within the valid period corresponding to their phase of admission. In simple words, candidates must have a valid NET certificate if they want to apply for DU PhD Admission 2025-26.

Steps Under DU PhD Admission Process 2025-26

The DU PhD Admission Process 2025-26 is carefully structured to ensure a transparent and merit-based selection. Every applicant will be required to go through a combination of national-level eligibility checks and departmental interviews for admission to DU.

Here are the simple steps that can ease the DU PhD Admission Process for students:

Note: Even JRF-qualified candidates will be required to undergo an interview round conducted by the University. Direct admission without interviews is not permitted as per the official notification for the DU PhD Admission Process.

DU PhD Admission Phase I

DU PhD Admission Phase I covers 60% of the total available seats in each department in the Delhi University. This phase gives priority to candidates with earlier NET/JRF qualifications. Here are the details related to DU PhD Admission Phase I:

Note: If seats remain vacant in Phase I, they will be carried forward to Phase II according to the PDF notification shared by DU for the DU PhD Admission process.

DU PhD Admission Phase II

DU PhD Admission Phase II covers the remaining 40% of seats and is open to candidates from the later cycles of UGC-NET. Interested candidates can go through the following table to learn about the quick details related to the phase II admission process for PhD in DU:

Note: Phase II ensures that students from later UGC NET cycles also have fair chances at DU admissions. Here, students who have missed the opportunity for enrolment in DU for a PhD can find admission now. 

DU PhD Admission Merit List 2025-26

The DU PhD Admission Merit List plays a decisive role in selecting candidates. According to the official notification published by the Delhi University officials, merit will be prepared using a fixed weightage system as follows:

Important Points to remember for candidates:

• The merit formula applies uniformly to all categories (Categories 1, 2, and 3).

• In each phase, Block A candidates are considered first. Only if seats remain vacant, Block B candidates are considered.

• Merit lists are department-specific and published separately.

Note: Applicants should regularly check the DU admission portal for their respective department’s merit list. This way, there will be fewer chances of missing important deadlines related to the DU PhD Admission process.

Documents Required for DU PhD Admission 2025-26

Applicants must prepare the following documents before applying for Delhi University PhD Admission 2025-26:

• Master’s degree certificates and mark sheets

• UGC/CSIR NET/JRF scorecard

• Valid ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport, Driving License, etc.)

• Research proposal (if required by department)

• Category/Reservation certificates (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD)

• Passport-size photographs

• Proof of fellowship (for JRF candidates)

Note: Departments may ask for additional documents depending on the discipline. Candidates must visit the official website of the DU to be aware of all the documents required for DU PhD Admission 2025-26. 

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