Question 1

What is the Delhi University PhD entrance exam pattern?

Accepted Answer

DU PhD entrance is a 90-minute CBT with 100 questions divided into domain-specific subject questions and research aptitude questions. The exact split and paper pattern varies by department. Most departments have 80 domain questions and 20 research aptitude questions. There is generally no negative marking, which allows candidates to attempt all questions. Different departments — Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, Education — conduct separate entrance examinations.

Question 2

How prestigious is a PhD from Delhi University?

Accepted Answer

University of Delhi is India's largest and most prestigious multi-faculty university, consistently ranked in the top 5 in NIRF rankings for universities. DU has excellent departments in History, Economics, Political Science, English Literature, Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Zoology, among others. A PhD from DU, especially from departments like Delhi School of Economics, Physics, Chemistry, and History, carries significant academic prestige and is well-recognized in Indian academia and beyond.

Question 3

Are there fellowships available for DU PhD students?

Accepted Answer

DU PhD students can access fellowships from multiple sources. Those with CSIR/UGC JRF receive Rs. 37,000–42,000 per month from the respective funding agency. University fellowships are available for non-JRF students in select departments. DST INSPIRE PhD fellowships provide Rs. 31,000 per month for science graduates with exceptional academic records. Additionally, department research projects supervised by DU faculty often fund students as Junior Research Fellows on project grants.

Question 4

What is the admission process for DU PhD after the entrance exam?

Accepted Answer

Candidates who clear the DU PhD entrance are shortlisted for interviews with their respective department's Research Degree Committee. The interview evaluates the candidate's research proposal, domain knowledge, and research aptitude. Final selection is based on combined entrance test and interview performance, with separate merit lists for general and reserved categories. Students must also identify a potential supervisor from DU faculty before or at the time of interview in many departments.

Question 5

Can working professionals apply for DU PhD?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Delhi University offers full-time and part-time PhD programs. Working professionals in relevant fields can apply for the part-time PhD option, which allows them to continue employment while pursuing research under a DU faculty supervisor. Part-time PhD has a longer maximum duration (typically 6 years) compared to full-time PhD (5 years). The entrance process, eligibility, and coursework requirements are the same. Supervisors for part-time PhDs must be DU faculty members.

Year	Questions	Duration	Key Changes
2027	100	90 min	Latest pattern
2026	100	90 min	No major changes
2025	100	90 min	No major changes
2024	100	90 min	No major changes
2023	100	90 min	No major changes
2022	100	90 min	No major changes
2021	100	90 min	No major changes
2020	100	90 min	No major changes

Previous Year Papers & Mock Tests — DU PhD Entrance 2017–2027

Available Papers

2027 Mock Test

2026 Mock Test

2025 Mock Test

2024 Mock Test

2023 Mock Test

2022 Mock Test

2021 Mock Test

2020 Mock Test

Paper Pattern Over the Years

How to Use Previous Year Papers Effectively

Subject-wise Coverage Across Papers

Frequently Asked Questions

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