Eligibility and Selection Criteria for PhD Admission 2026 (Indian and International Students)

• Nalanda University offers 4 year doctoral programme for national and international students
• For full time students, it’s a fully residential programme
• For part-time students, residence will not be provided (baring contact programmes / workshops for a period of not exceeding more than seven days)

Essential Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicant should have a Master’s degree with at least 65% marks or equivalent Grade Point Average (GPA), preferably with dissertation at Masters’ level or M.Phil. Degree with 65% marks or equivalent Grade Point Average (GPA).
• Applicant to submit a Letter of Self Introduction, and 2 Letters of Recommendation/ References.
• Applicant to submit a Statement of Purpose (SoP). The SoP should clearly state:
  • The reason for opting the course / programme
  • The reason for choosing Nalanda University
• Applicant to submit a detailed Research Proposal (A Plagiarism check report with similarity of 10% or less from Turnitin must be attached to the proposal).
• Applicant to submit evidence of any research such as writing samples or published papers (at least 2 to 3).
• International applicants have to submit a language proficiency proof such as:
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
  • Any other standard English test on international platform
  • Or, completed a full-time degree-level course taught and assessed entirely in English
• NET/CSIRNET Qualified is a mandatory eligibility for Indian candidates.
• Assessment will be done on the basis of online interaction, document verification and Interview before final shortlisting for admission.

Eligibility Criteria for Employed Applicants (Part-time):

• Applicant should have a Master’s degree with at least 65% marks or equivalent Grade Point Average (GPA), preferably with dissertation at Masters’ level or M.Phil. Degree with 60% marks or equivalent Grade Point Average (GPA).
• Applicant must have a minimum of 8-10 years of work experience.
• Applicant to submit a Letter of Self Introduction, and 2 Letters of Recommendation/ References
• Applicant to submit a Statement of Purpose (SoP) (The SoP should clearly state the reason for opting the course/programme and choosing Nalanda University)
• Applicant to submit a detailed Research Proposal (A Plagiarism check report with similarity of 10% or less from turnitin must be attached to the proposal).
• Applicant to submit evidence of any research such as writing samples or published papers (at least 2 to 3).
• Application should be forwarded through proper channel along with a NOC from the present employer
• International applicants have to submit language proficiency proof such as:
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
  • Any other standard English test on international platform
  • Or, completed a full-time degree-level course taught and assessed entirely in English