Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has opened applications for PhD admissions for the 2025-26 academic year. The application window closes on December 16 . Admissions will proceed through three distinct modes: Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), National Eligibility Test (NET), and direct admission. Interviews for shortlisted candidates will commence on January 5, 2025 .
Prospective candidates can access the application portal at bhuonline.in. Applicants must prepare a valid email ID, a working mobile number, scanned copies of their photograph and signature. A credit card, net banking, or ATM-cum-debit card is required for fee payment during the application process.
BHU PhD Eligibility and Admission Modes
JRF Mode Admissions
- Candidates must have qualified for a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) from national agencies like UGC, CSIR, ICMR, or DBT.
- The university will not consider candidates holding only an assistant professorship or a NET qualification without JRF.
- Admission under this mode relies solely on performance in the interview. The final merit list will be based entirely on the interview percentile score.
UGC, CSIR NET Mode Admissions
- Eligibility extends to candidates who qualified in the UGC NET or CSIR NET examinations held in December 2024 or June 2025. This includes Category 1 (JRF), Category 2 (assistant professorship without JRF), and Category 3 (PhD-only).
- For agriculture sciences, qualification in ICAR-SRF (PhD) is also accepted.
- Merit calculation combines qualifying exam scores and interview performance. The scores obtained in the UGC/CSIR NET exam carry 70% weightage. The remaining 30% weightage comes from the university-computed interview percentile.
Direct Admission Mode
- This mode targets candidates awarded nationally or internationally recognized PhD scholarships, equivalent to those offered by UGC, CSIR, or ICAR. These admissions fall under a supernumerary quota.
- Individuals holding senior management positions may also be considered. Such applicants require prior approval from the Vice Chancellor, a minimum of 12 years of professional experience, and must be at least 43 years old.
- Permanent university employees, including research personnel working on externally funded projects, permanent teachers, or non-teaching staff, who meet the general eligibility criteria, can be considered for reserved seats.
Interview Schedule Overview
Interviews are structured by faculty grouping:
- January 5 to 16: Candidates for faculties of Arts, Social Science, Medicine, Ayurveda, and Science will have their interviews.
- January 10 to 16: Interviews for faculties including Commerce, Education, SVDV, Management Studies, Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Law, ESD, Dental Science, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, and Agriculture Sciences are scheduled.
Key Admission Dates 2025-26
Applicants should note the following critical dates for the BHU PhD admission process:
| Activity | Dates |
|---|---|
| Online Registration | December 6 to December 16 |
| Correction Window for Applications | December 17 |
| Issuance of Call Letters | December 20 to December 24 |
| Physical Verification of Documents and Interview | January 5 to January 16 |
| Physical Verification & Interview (Commerce-related courses) | January 10 to January 16 |
| Publication of Result, Offer Letter, and Fee Submission Link | January 24 to February 5 |
| Conclusion of First Round of Admissions | February 5 |
| Reporting to Department by Selected Candidates | February 10 |
Second Admission Cycle Details
BHU will initiate a second admission cycle on February 12 , subject to the availability of vacant seats after the completion of the first round. Any remaining vacant seats from one admission mode will be transferred and offered through other modes in this subsequent cycle.