University of Lucknow: Admission to Ph.D. Programmes, 2026-2027

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University of Lucknow

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Admission to Ph.D. Programmes, 2026-2027

University of Lucknow
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Admission to Ph.D. Programmes, 2026-2027

Online applications for Ph.D. admission at the University of Lucknow for the 2026-27 session are commencing on May 27, 2026, with a submission deadline of June 30, 2026. Candidates can apply online via the 'Samarth' portal available on the University of Lucknow's website (www.lkouniv.ac.in ).

Admissions for the 2026-27 session will be conducted for both full-time (regular) and part-time Ph.D. programs.

The Ph.D. application fee is Rs. 2,000/- for General, OBC, and EWS candidates and Rs. 1,000/- for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and differently-abled categories.

Before applying, candidates are advised to carefully read the Ph.D. Ordinance 2026 (available on the university website) and the guidelines issued alongside this notice.

Eligibility Criteria for Admission to the Ph.D. Programme

A 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree programme or 1-year/2-semester master’s degree programme after a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree programme or a 2-year/4-semester master’s degree programme after a 3-year/6-semester bachelor’s degree programme or qualifications declared equivalent to the master’s degree by the corresponding statutory regulatory body, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed. Students seeking admission into Ph.D. after a 4-year UG programme will be required to have at least one publication in peer-reviewed or refereed journals.
OR
Equivalent qualification from a foreign educational institution accredited by an assessment and accreditation agency which is approved, recognized or authorized by an authority, established or incorporated under a law in its home country or any other statutory authority in that country to assess, accredit or assure quality and standards of the educational institution.
A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade would be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates as per the decision of the UGC from time to time.
Provided that a candidate seeking admission after a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree programme should have a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade on a point scale wherever the grading system is followed. A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates as per the decision of the UGC from time to time.
Candidates who have completed the M.Phil. programme with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed or equivalent qualification from a foreign educational institution accredited by an assessment and accreditation agency which is approved, recognized or authorized by an authority, established or incorporated under a law in its home country or any other statutory authority in that country to assess, accredit or assure quality and standards of educational institutions, shall be eligible for admission to the Ph.D. programme. A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade would be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates as per the decision of the UGC from time to time.

Categories of the Ph.D. Programme:
A candidate can apply Ph.D. Programme in following categories:

Full-time Research Scholar
Part-Time Research Scholar
International Research Scholar

Full-time Research Scholar:
The full-time research scholars shall be regular students of the University irrespective of whether the Research Supervisor is from the University or from an affiliated/associated college. Full-time research scholar shall not accept, any paid assignment other than research fellowship, research assistantship, etc. during the period of research. They will be required to complete at least three years residence.

Procedure for Admission

The University shall advertise Ph.D. admission notification in advance on its website. The admission notification will mention the number of seats for admission, subject wise. Ph.D. admissions will be advertised twice a year (in May and December).

University shall admit Ph.D. students in three phases

Phase 1: First who qualify the fellowship in UGC-JRF/ CSIR – JRF/ ICAR/ ICMR/ DBT –JRF/ AICTE (doctoral fellowship)
and / or
Phase 2: Second, on seats left after completion of Phase 1, who qualify the UGC-NET/ CSIR – NET either for Assistant Professor or for Ph.D. admissions
and /or
Phase 3: Third, on remaining seats left after completion of Phase 1 and 2, through Research Entrance Test (RET) to be conducted at the level of the University.

Selection Procedure for Phase 1 and Phase 2

The selection of the candidates seeking admission in Ph.D. programme under Phase 1 and Phase 2 [category (i) and (ii)] shall be based on an interview to be conducted by the DRC of the concerned department according to PhD Ordinance 2026 of Lucknow University.
In the interview, candidates are required to discuss their research interest/area through a presentation before the DRC and the following points should be ensured:
- The candidate possesses the competence for the proposed research.
- The research work can be suitably undertaken at the University.
- The proposed area of research shall contribute to new /addition of knowledge.

Selection Procedure for Phase 3

The selection of candidates seeking admission in Ph.D. programme under Phase 3 [category (iii)], that is, on the remaining seats after completion of Phase 1 and Phase 2 shall be based on 70% weightage in the entrance test (RET) and 30% to the performance in interview.
The paper of the Research Entrance Test (RET) shall consist of 50% of research methodology and 50% of subject specific questions.
A candidate appearing for admission through RET, shall be required to have secure:
- At least 50% marks in RET in case of General Candidates.
- At least 45% marks in Research Entrance Test (RET) in case of reserved categories (SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwBD).
A candidate securing marks as given in section 5.2.4 of PhD Ordinanace 2026, shall be required to appear for an interview before the DRC for further assessment. The DRC shall award marks as per ANNEXURE B-2 [for category 5.1.2 (iii)] of PhD Ordinance 2026 of Lucknow University.
The final merit of admission in Ph.D. programme of Phase 3 [category (iii)] shall be as follows:
Total Marks=Marks Secured in RET + Marks Secured in Interview/viva-voce Performance.

Annual Fee: Rs. 10,126/- + Laboratory fee (if applicable).

Part-Time Research Scholar:
A candidate can apply for Part-Time Research Scholar under following two categories*

If he/she is employed and has submitted No Objection Certificate from the Head of the Institutions/Organizations where he/she is employed. (see Regulation 7.5.2 of PhD Ordinance 2026)
If he/she is an outstanding working professional (Non –Government Organization) in his/her field of work.

*Separate Application online form shall be filled by the candidate, who is willing to apply under both the categories.

Fee Structure of both Programme is as below.
Annual Fee Strcture for category (i) Part-Time Ph.D. - Rs. 52,580.00
Annual Fee Strcture for category (ii) Part-Time Ph.D. - Rs. 1,52,830.00
(Selection for Admission of this category (PhD-Part-Time) will on the basis of 7.5.3 of Ph.D. Ordinance 2026 of Lucknow University).
For other details see the Ph.D. ordinance 2026 of Lucknow University.

Contact:
+91 79912 05008
luadmission2026@gmail.com

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