The PhD Admission Exam is a test administered to prospective doctoral students to assess their eligibility for admission to a doctoral program. The specific format and content of doctoral entrance exams vary by institution and field of study, but most exams are designed to test candidates’ knowledge of their field. them, critical thinking skills and the ability to conduct research.
Overview
In addition to these national level exams, many universities also conduct their own PhD entrance exams. These exams are typically more specific to the university’s own PhD programs.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for PhD entrance exams vary depending on the institution and the field of study. However, there are some general eligibility criteria that are common to most PhD entrance exams. These criteria typically include:
- Educational qualifications: Most PhD entrance exams require applicants to have a master’s degree in a relevant field of study. Some institutions may also accept MPhil or equivalent degrees.
- Minimum marks: Most PhD entrance exams require applicants to have obtained a minimum percentage of marks in their master’s degree. This percentage typically ranges from 55% to 60%.
- Entrance exam score: In addition to educational qualifications and minimum marks, most PhD entrance exams also require applicants to have obtained a certain score on the entrance exam. This score is typically determined by the number of applicants and the number of seats available in the PhD program.
In addition to these general eligibility criteria, some PhD entrance exams may also have additional requirements. For example, some exams may require applicants to have published a research paper in a peer-reviewed journal. Others may require applicants to have relevant work experience.
Exam Pattern
| Exam | Sections | Number of questions | Duration | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NTA PhD Entrance Exam | Section 1: Research Methodology | 50 | 180 minutes | 50% |
| Section 2: Subject-specific | 50 | 180 minutes | 50% | |
| UGC NET | Paper 1: General Aptitude | 50 | 120 minutes | 50% |
| Paper 2: Subject-specific | 100 | 180 minutes | 50% | |
| CSIR UGC-NET | Paper 1: General Aptitude | 50 | 120 minutes | 50% |
| Paper 2: Subject-specific | 100 | 180 minutes | 50% | |
| GATE | Single paper | 65 | 180 minutes | 100% |
Application Process
The PhD entrance exam application process varies depending on the institution and the field of study. However, there are some general steps that are common to most PhD entrance exam applications.
- Check the eligibility criteria. Before you apply for a PhD entrance exam, it is important to check the eligibility criteria for the exam and the PhD programs that you are interested in. The eligibility criteria may vary depending on the institution and the field of study, but most programs require applicants to have a master’s degree in a related field.
- Register for the exam. Once you have confirmed that you are eligible for the exam, you will need to register for it. The registration process may vary depending on the exam, but you will typically need to create an account and pay a registration fee.
- Gather your required documents. Most PhD entrance exam applications require applicants to submit a number of documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Be sure to gather all of the required documents well in advance of the application deadline.
- Fill out the application form. The application form will typically ask you for information about your academic background, your research interests, and your career goals. Be sure to fill out the application form carefully and accurately.
- Submit your application. Once you have completed the application form and gathered all of the required documents, you will need to submit your application. The submission process may vary depending on the exam, but you will typically need to upload your documents and pay a submission fee.
Syllabus
Here is a general overview of the topics that are typically covered on PhD entrance exams:
- General aptitude: This section of the exam typically covers topics such as quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical reasoning.
- Subject-specific knowledge: This section of the exam covers the specific subject area that the applicant is applying to. For example, a PhD entrance exam for a program in physics would cover topics such as classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics.
- Research methodology: This section of the exam covers the principles and methods of research. This may include topics such as experimental design, data analysis, and hypothesis testing.
In addition to these general topics, some PhD entrance exams may also include additional sections on topics such as teaching experience or research experience.
Important Dates
| Exam | Registration Start Date | Registration End Date | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| UGC NET | 10 May 2023 | 31 May 2023 | 13 June to 22 June 2023 |
| CSIR UGC-NET | 10 March 2023 | 11 April 2023 | 13 May 2023 |
| IGNOU PhD Entrance Exam | 21 November 2022 | 20 December 2022 | 08 January 2023 |
| DU PhD Entrance Exam | 23 May 2023 | 14 June 2023 | 17 to 21 October 2023 |
Tips for Exam Preparation
- Start early. Doctoral entrance exams can be very difficult, so it is important to start preparing early. This will give you plenty of time to review the material and practice your testing skills.
- Understand the test format. Before you start studying, take time to learn the test structure. This involves knowing how many questions there will be, what types of questions will be asked, and how long you will have to complete the test.
- Gather your study materials. There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the doctoral entrance exam, including textbooks, online courses, and practice tests. Collect the materials you think will be most useful to you and make a study plan.
- Create a study schedule. Once you have your study materials, create a study schedule that works for you. Make sure to schedule time for rest and relaxation. It’s also important to be realistic about the amount of time you can devote to studying each day.
- Form a study group. Studying with others can be a great way to stay motivated and learn from each other. If you know others who are also preparing for the exam, consider forming a study group.
- Take the practice test. Once you’ve studied all the material, take a few practice tests to get a feel for the test format and identify areas you need to review further. Practice tests can also help you manage your time effectively during the test.
FEES
| Exam | General | OBC-NCL/Gen-EWS | SC/ST/Third Gender/PwBD |
|---|---|---|---|
| UGC NET | INR 1200 | INR 1100 | INR 1000 |
| CSIR UGC-NET | INR 1400 | INR 1300 | INR 1200 |
| GATE | INR 2000 | INR 1500 | INR 750 |
FAQ?
The eligibility criteria for taking a PhD entrance exam vary depending on the institution and the field of study. However, most PhD programs require applicants to have a master’s degree in a related field. Some programs may also require applicants to have research experience or to submit a research proposal.
The format of the PhD entrance exam also varies depending on the institution and the field of study. However, most exams are designed to test the applicant’s knowledge of their subject area, their critical thinking skills, and their ability to conduct research. Some exams may be written, while others may be oral or involve a combination of both.
The topics covered on the PhD entrance exam vary depending on the subject area. However, most exams cover a range of topics, including research methods, statistics, and theory. Some exams may also cover specific topics related to the applicant’s field of study.
60 minutes of Duration
100 Questions
Instant Report
4 Dimensions
500+ Career Options
1M+ Test Taken
