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PhD application deadline has been extended till 8th July 2026

Advancing Knowledge Through Research

PhD

A doctoral program for scholars who believe knowledge is only complete when it creates change,  in communities, institutions, and ideas.

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Program Overview

Rishihood University's doctoral program is built on one premise: research is complete only when it creates real change in policy, practice, institutions, or human lives.

Scholars work across 12 areas spanning Psychology, Design, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Public Leadership, and Indian Knowledge Systems. Every area is supervised by faculty with active research commitments in that domain.

Program Overview

Duration & Format

3–6 Years

(Full-time, On-Campus)

Program Details

Research Areas

12 across 6 Schools

Tuition Fee

₹15,000 per semester

Application Fee

₹1,000 + GST

What Makes It Different?

  • Expert Faculty Research Supervision
  • Dedicated Research Advisory Committee
  • Structured Coursework & Research Reviews
  • Access to Labs & Research Resources
  • Interdisciplinary Research Opportunities

Why Pursue a PhD at Rishihood?

Research with Real-World Relevance

Work on challenges across education, technology, mental health, sustainability, governance, and entrepreneurship.

Research with Real-World Relevance

Research Areas to choose from

Our research areas span six schools and reflect Rishihood's commitment to inquiry that is both academically rigorous and socially anchored.

Centre for Human Sciences (CHS)

Advancing interdisciplinary inquiry into human behavior, society, and civilizational development.

Centre for Human Sciences (CHS)

Program Structure

PhD students working

Coursework

All scholars complete a minimum of 12 credits through core courses and department-specific electives. Coursework builds research methodology, academic writing, and disciplinary depth.

Research Proposal – Synopsis

After coursework, scholars develop and present a research proposal (synopsis) before the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) for approval.

Pre-Thesis Submission

Before final submission, the research is reviewed for originality, academic quality, and readiness. Scholars incorporate feedback from supervisors and reviewers.

Thesis Submission & Viva-Voce

The final thesis is evaluated by external experts, followed by a viva-voce examination before an expert panel.

Degree Awarded

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), awarded upon successful completion of all academic and research requirements.

Who Can Apply

Whether you are coming directly from a master's program, returning from a career in industry, or looking to formalise years of professional inquiry, there is a pathway here.

Minimum Eligibility

Any one of the following

A 1-year/2-semester Master's degree (after a 4-year undergraduate degree) with at least 55% marks or equivalent UGC grade

A 2-year/4-semester Master's degree with the same conditions

A 4-year/8-semester Bachelor's degree with Research, with a minimum CGPA of 7.5/10

An M.Phil. degree, with a minimum CGPA of 6.0/10

Relaxations apply as per UGC norms.

Admission Process

1

Apply Online

Fill the application form at rishihood.edu.in (Application Fee: ₹1,000 + GST)

2

PhD Entrance Test

Conducted offline by the university (UGC-NET / CSIR-NET / GATE / CEED qualified candidates are exempt)

3

Personal Interview

Before the Admission Committee

4

Offer Letter & Reporting

Confirmation and on-campus joining

Working professionals must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at the time of interview.

Where Your Research Takes You

Academia & Research Institutions

Faculty, post-doctoral, and senior research roles

Policy & Public Sector

Research-informed governance, think tanks, and advisory bodies

Industry & Innovation

R&D leadership, applied research, and technology strategy

Entrepreneurship

Knowledge-driven ventures, social enterprises, and institutional innovation

International Organisations

Multilateral bodies, NGOs, and global research collaborations

PhD graduate receiving degree

FAQs

The program runs for a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years, including coursework. Extensions, if required, are considered as per UGC regulations.

The PhD program at Rishihood University is currently offered as a full-time, on-campus program. Part-time enrolment is not available at this time.

There are 12 research areas available across 6 schools — spanning Psychology, Design, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Public Leadership, and Indian Knowledge Systems.

Candidates must hold a Master's degree (1-year/2-semester after a 4-year UG, or 2-year/4-semester) with at least 55% marks, or a 4-year Bachelor's with Research at 7.5 CGPA, or an M.Phil. at 6.0 CGPA.

Yes. There is no restriction on the year of completion of your qualifying degree. Working professionals with relevant experience are encouraged to apply.

Yes. Reservations and relaxations are applicable as per UGC norms and Government of India guidelines.

Yes, a PhD Entrance Test is conducted by the university. Candidates who are UGC-NET / CSIR-NET / GATE / CEED qualified are exempt from the entrance test.

Shortlisted candidates from the entrance test are called for a personal interview before the Admission Committee. Final selection is based on the interview performance and the research proposal submitted.

Applications are submitted online at rishihood.edu.in. The application fee is ₹1,000 + GST, payable at the time of submission.

Once submitted, changes to the application form are generally not permitted. Please review all details carefully before final submission. For specific concerns, contact the admissions office.

The tuition fee is ₹15,000 per semester. Additional charges may apply for hostel, meals, and other facilities. The complete fee schedule is available on the university website.

Rishihood University supports scholars in applying for external fellowships such as UGC-JRF, CSIR-JRF, ICSSR, and other government-funded fellowships. University-funded fellowships may also be available subject to eligibility and availability.

Research supervisors are assigned based on the applicant's stated research interest, faculty availability, and mutual agreement. The matching process happens during or after the interview stage.

The Research Advisory Committee (RAC) is a panel of faculty members assigned to each PhD scholar. The RAC guides the scholar's research, reviews progress, and approves milestones such as the synopsis presentation.

Yes. Rishihood strongly encourages interdisciplinary research. Scholars can work across schools and disciplines, with co-supervisors from different departments where relevant.

For admissions-related queries, you can reach out to the Admissions Office at namaste@rishihood.edu.in or call 1800-120-6631. You may also visit rishihood.edu.in for more information.