The University of Delhi has opened applications for its PhD in Psychology Programme for the academic session 2026–27.
Interested candidates can apply until 18 October 2026. Read the article to know more about the application process, important dates, and other details.
Research Areas Offered by the Department of Psychology
The Department of Psychology at the University of Delhi has listed the following major areas of research for its PhD programme:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Applied Developmental Psychology
- Organisational Behaviour
- Clinical Psychology
- Positive Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Environmental Psychology
- Applied Psychology
- Indian Psychology
- Military Social Psychology
- Neuropsychology
- Artificial Intelligence
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DU PhD Psychology Seat Matrix 2026–27
- The DU PhD admission bulletin provides the following category-wise seat distribution for the Department of Psychology:
| Category | Phase I | Phase II |
|---|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 11 | 6 |
| OBC-NCL | 7 | 4 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 4 | 2 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 2 | 1 |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 3 | 1 |
| Total category seats | 27 | 14 |
| PwBD (supernumerary) | 1 | 1 |
| Foreign Nationals (supernumerary) | 0 | 0 |
- The bulletin lists 27 category-wise seats in Phase I and 14 in Phase II, excluding supernumerary seats. These figures are tentative and subject to revision by the university.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for admission to the PhD in Psychology at DU, candidates must satisfy the following academic qualifications. Candidates must fulfil any one of the following qualification routes:
- Master’s Degree: Candidates must have completed a 1-year/2-semester master’s degree after a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree, a 2-year/4-semester master’s degree after a 3-year bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the relevant statutory regulatory body. A minimum of 55% aggregate marks or an equivalent grade is required.
- Four-Year Bachelor’s Degree: Candidates seeking admission on the basis of a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree must have secured at least 75% aggregate marks or an equivalent grade.
- M.Phil. Degree: Candidates who have completed an M.Phil. programme with at least 55% aggregate marks or an equivalent grade are eligible to apply, subject to the applicable requirements.
Relaxation in Minimum Marks: A relaxation of 5 percentage points in the minimum marks requirement may be available to eligible candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC-NCL, differently-abled and EWS categories, along with other categories recognised under the applicable UGC provisions. The relaxation also applies to the 75% requirement for candidates entering through a 4-year bachelor’s degree, subject to the applicable rules.
National-Level Test Requirement: Candidates must fulfil the applicable national-level test requirements specified in the university’s PhD admission guidelines. For the 2026–27 admission cycle, the university will consider UGC-NET examination scores from the December 2025 and June 2026 sessions, in accordance with the applicable admission and selection rules.
Candidates must also meet the university’s applicable eligibility conditions. Those already registered in a full-time programme of study at a university or institution are not eligible to register for the PhD programme.
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Method of Selection
The University of Delhi will conduct PhD Psychology admissions for 2026–27 based on national-level test scores and an interview. The selection process follows the university’s prescribed admission guidelines.
National-Level Test
The university recognizes three categories of UGC-NET qualification for PhD admissions:
- Category 1: Candidates awarded a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and eligible for appointment as Assistant Professor.
- Category 2: Candidates eligible for appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to a PhD programme, but not for JRF.
- Category 3: Candidates eligible for PhD admission only.
Category 1 candidates fall under Block A, while Categories 2 and 3 fall under Block B. For the 2026–27 admission cycle, DU will consider UGC NET examination scores from the December 2025 and June 2026 sessions.
Interview and Merit List
Candidates called for an interview must present and discuss their research interests or proposed research area before the selection committee. The interview assesses the candidate’s research competence, the feasibility of conducting the proposed research at the University of Delhi, and its potential contribution to existing or new knowledge.
The merit list is prepared using the following weightage:
- National-level test scores: 70%
- Interview: 30%
This weightage applies to candidates from both Block A and Block B.
During each admission phase, seats are first filled by eligible candidates from Block A. If seats remain vacant, eligible candidates from Block B may be considered according to merit.
The department determines the number of candidates called for interviews based on the seats declared for the respective phase. The recommended candidates’ merit list is displayed after approval by the Departmental Research Committee (DRC), along with a waiting list arranged in order of merit. The DRC reserves the right not to fill all advertised vacancies.
DU PhD Psychology Application Process
- Check if you’re eligible.
- Read the Psychology Department’s page. Confirm whether you need a research proposal and how the interview will be conducted.
- Register online at the official PhD admission portal by 18 October.
- Pay the application fee: It’s non-refundable under any circumstances.
- Keep your documents ready.
- OBC-NCL and EWS income certificates must be issued after 31 March 2026.
- Your name and your parents’ names must match across your reservation and qualifying certificates.
- Certificates not in English or Hindi need a certified translation.
- Attend your interview in person at the department. DU doesn’t pay for travel or accommodation, so plan ahead.
- Watch for the merit list on the university and department websites.
- If you’re selected, you’ll need to verify your original documents in person at the department and pay the admission fee (last date: 15 November).
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| UR, EWS and OBC-NCL candidates | 750 |
| SC, ST and PwBD candidates | 300 |
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Important Dates
The DU PhD Psychology has the following admission schedule for the 2026–27 academic session:
| Admission event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration begins | 6 October 2026 |
| Registration closes | 18 October 2026 |
| Departmental interviews | 21–31 October 2026 |
| Recommendation of DRC and BRS | By 10 November 2026 |
| Last date for fee payment | 15 November 2026 |
NOTE: The above schedule is tentative and may be revised by DU. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official admission notifications for the latest updates.
Need More Help?
Need guidance with the application process, preparation, or interview strategy? Connect with the experts at UPS Education for personalized assistance.
Contact Number: +91-9899599967
Website: upseducation.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the last date to apply for DU PhD Psychology 2026?
Registration closes on 18 October 2026. It opened on 6 October.
2. Is NET mandatory?
If you’re applying with a master’s degree, you need to qualify UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, GATE, CEED, or a similar national-level test. Some groups follow different routes. Permanent DU teaching and non-teaching staff and project JRF holders can go directly to the interview, and foreign nationals are exempt from the test and interview.
3. Is the interview online?
No. Interviews are held in person at the department. DU doesn’t pay for travel or accommodation.
4. Do I need a research proposal?
The bulletin’s Psychology entry doesn’t say. It asks candidates to check the department’s website for proposal requirements. At the interview, you’ll present your research interest to the committee either way.
5. Can I do the PhD while working?
Part-time PhDs are allowed, with a No Objection Certificate from your employer. It must confirm you can study part-time and that your duties leave enough time for research. DU doesn’t offer distance or online PhDs, and you can’t register if you’re already enrolled in a full-time programme elsewhere.
6. How long does the PhD take?
It takes a minimum of three years, including coursework, and a maximum of six. Up to two more years are possible through re-registration. Female scholars and scholars with a disability above 40% may get two extra years, with a ten-year cap.
