Pursuing a PhD in India is a dream for many students aiming to contribute to the advancement of knowledge, engage in rigorous research, and develop expertise in a particular field. One of the primary routes to securing admission into a PhD program is through entrance exams. These exams are essential in filtering eligible candidates based on their academic qualifications and research aptitude.

Here we will explore the key PhD entrance exams in India, including UGC NET, GATE, CSIR NET, JEST, GPAT, and others, particularly focusing on the upcoming exams in 2025.

PhD Entrance Exams in India

In India, PhD admissions are conducted through a range of national and university-specific entrance exams such as UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, JEST, GPAT. These exams typically assess candidates’ subject knowledge, research aptitude, and analytical abilities. While some exams are held at the national level, others are specific to individual universities or research institutions.

Key national-level exams, such as the UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, JEST, and GPAT, are crucial for admission to PhD programs in fields like arts, humanities, science, engineering, and pharmacy. In addition to these exams, interviews and academic qualifications (such as a master’s degree with a required minimum percentage) are important factors in the admission process.

National Level PhD Entrance Exams

National level exams are widely recognized across various universities and research institutions in India. Some of the key exams include:

• UGC NET 2025

1. • UGC NET is conducted by the NTA.
   • UGC NET is required for candidates who wish to pursue a PhD in arts, humanities, social sciences, and other related fields.
   • In addition to PhD admissions, UGC NET also qualifies candidates for the role of Assistant Professor in universities and colleges across India.
   • The exam consists of two papers: Paper 1 tests general aptitude, while Paper 2 assesses subject-specific knowledge.

Also Read: UGC NET Exam Date 2025

• GATE 2025

1. 1. • GATE is primarily intended for engineering graduates and is used for admission to postgraduate programs, including PhDs, in prestigious institutes like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Science (IISc), and other top engineering colleges.
      • GATE exam tests candidates on their engineering discipline-specific knowledge, as well as general aptitude.
      • Securing a good rank in GATE can open doors to numerous PhD opportunities in renowned institutions across the country.

• CSIR NET 2025

1. 1. • For candidates aspiring to pursue a PhD in science and technology fields, the CSIR NET 2025 is a crucial exam.
      • Conducted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), this exam assesses candidates’ knowledge in subjects like life sciences, physical sciences, chemical sciences, earth sciences, and mathematical sciences.
      • In addition to PhD admissions, CSIR NET also qualifies candidates for Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) and lectureship positions.
      • A JRF is a coveted fellowship that provides financial support to candidates pursuing their doctoral research.

• JEST 2025

1. 1. • JEST exam is conducted for admission to PhD programs in physics and related interdisciplinary fields.
      • Several institutions, including IISc and IITs, use JEST scores for selecting candidates for their PhD programs.
      • The exam primarily focuses on theoretical physics, including subjects like mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics.
      • Students aiming for research in physics or applied sciences often consider JEST as a significant exam for 2025.

• GPAT 2025

1. • GPAT is a national-level exam for students wishing to pursue a PhD in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA),
   • GPAT 2025 evaluates candidates’ knowledge in pharmacy-related subjects like pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, and drug regulations.
   • Students who qualify for the GPAT exam may also be eligible for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in pharmacy-related research.

Other Notable PhD Entrance Exams

Besides the national exams mentioned above, there are other important exams for specific fields or universities.

• JGEEBILS (Joint Graduate Entrance Examination for Biology and Interdisciplinary Life Sciences)

1. 1. • JGEEBILS is an entrance exam conducted for admission to PhD programs in biological sciences and interdisciplinary life sciences.
      • It is organized by institutions like the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and other affiliated research institutes.
      • The exam tests knowledge in subjects such as biology, chemistry, and biochemistry, making it an essential exam for students looking to pursue a PhD in biology or related fields.

• DBT-JRF (Department of Biotechnology Junior Research Fellowship)

1. 1. • DBT-JRF is an exam conducted by the Department of Biotechnology for students interested in pursuing a PhD in biotechnology.
      • It offers a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) to qualified candidates, which helps in financial support during doctoral research in biotechnology.

• ICMR JRF (Indian Council of Medical Research Junior Research Fellowship)

1. 1. • For candidates interested in medical and health sciences, the ICMR JRF exam provides a pathway to PhD programs in medical research.
      • The fellowship is offered to deserving candidates, supporting their research endeavors in areas like public health, medical sciences, and clinical research.

• NIPER (National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research)

1. • NIPER conducts its own entrance exam for admission to M.S. (Pharm.), iPh.D., and Ph.D. programs.
   • Students aspiring for research in pharmaceutical sciences often take this exam as it opens opportunities in renowned pharmaceutical research institutes.

University-Specific PhD Entrance Exams

Several top universities in India also conduct their own entrance exams for PhD admissions, in addition to the national-level exams. Some of the well-known university-specific entrance exams include:

• JNU PhD Entrance Exam

1. 1. • Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is one of the most prestigious institutions in India. It conducts its own entrance exam for PhD admissions in various fields, including social sciences, humanities, and sciences.
      • JNU PhD Entrance Exam is widely respected, and securing a seat here is a significant achievement.

• DU PhD Entrance Exam

1. 1. • Delhi University (DU) also conducts a university-specific entrance exam known as DUET (Delhi University Entrance Test) for PhD admissions.
      • This exam is an essential step for those looking to pursue doctoral research at DU.

• IGNOU PhD Admission

1. • Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers PhD programs through an entrance exam and an interview process.
   • IGNOU is known for offering flexible distance education, and its PhD programs are no exception.

Key Considerations for PhD Admissions

Aside from clearing the entrance exams, there are other important factors to consider for PhD admissions in India:

• Academic Qualifications: Candidates generally need to have a Master’s degree in a relevant field with a certain percentage of marks.
• Interviews: Many universities require candidates to appear for an interview as part of the selection process.
• Fellowships: Securing fellowships like JRF provides financial support and enhances research opportunities during a PhD.
• UGC Regulations: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has set regulations governing the admission process, which all universities must follow.

PhD Entrance Exams FAQs