ADBU Ph.D Comparative Religion: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. Yes, a Ph.D. in Comparative Religion from a UGC-recognised university like ADBU is a fully valid and valued academic qualification. It is particularly relevant for careers in academia (teaching Religious Studies, Philosophy, or Theology at colleges and universities), research institutions, interfaith dialogue organisations, NGOs working in religious harmony and peace-building, and cultural heritage organisations. In Northeast India, where religious diversity is a defining feature of society, scholars with expertise in Comparative Religion are increasingly sought for roles in conflict resolution, community development, and cultural documentation. The qualification also opens doors to international academic positions and research fellowships at universities and institutes studying world religions.

Ans. Comparative Religion is an academic discipline that studies multiple religious traditions from a neutral, scholarly perspective, examining their beliefs, practices, texts, rituals, and social impact without privileging any one tradition. Theology, on the other hand, typically involves the study of a specific religious tradition from within that tradition's framework. ADBU's Department of Comparative Religion takes an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on philosophy, anthropology, history, and social sciences to study world religions comparatively. This makes it more appropriate for scholars interested in interfaith dialogue, religious pluralism, and the study of indigenous or tribal religious traditions of Northeast India, rather than those seeking training within a specific theological tradition.

Ans. The Department of Comparative Religion at ADBU focuses on several key research areas: Themes, Symbols, Myths and Rituals among the World's Religions; Beliefs and Practices Regarding the Sacred, the Numinous, the Spiritual, and the Divine; Intercultural Philosophy and Dialogue of Cultures; Classical and Tribal Interpretation of Life and Being; and the Philosophical Moorings of Society in relation to Land, Forest, and Faith. These areas are particularly relevant for scholars interested in the religious traditions of Northeast India, including the indigenous tribal religions of Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and other northeastern states, as well as the interaction between Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism in the region.

Ans. Yes, candidates with a Master's degree in allied disciplines such as Philosophy, Sociology, Anthropology, History, or Theology are eligible to apply for Ph.D. (Comparative Religion) at ADBU, provided they meet the minimum marks requirement of 55% or CGPA of 6.0. The university's admission process considers the relevance of the candidate's academic background and research proposal to the department's thrust areas. Candidates from allied disciplines are advised to frame their research proposal clearly around a topic within Comparative Religion and demonstrate their familiarity with the field in the personal interview. A strong research proposal that connects their disciplinary background to religious studies will significantly strengthen their application.

Ans. As per ADBU's Ph.D. regulations, all research scholars, including those in Comparative Religion, must have at least two research publications co-authored with their supervisor in Scopus Indexed, Web of Science, or peer-reviewed journals with ADBU affiliation before submitting the thesis. For Comparative Religion scholars, relevant peer-reviewed journals include those in Religious Studies, Philosophy of Religion, Theology, Anthropology of Religion, and South Asian Studies. Scholars are advised to consult with their supervisor early in the programme to identify appropriate journals aligned with their research area and to plan their publication timeline accordingly, as securing two publications in indexed journals can take 12-24 months from submission to acceptance.

Ans. UGC-NET does not have a separate subject for Comparative Religion. However, candidates with NET qualification in allied subjects such as Philosophy (Paper Code 21), Religious Studies (if applicable), or other relevant humanities subjects may be considered for exemption from ADBU's written entrance test, subject to the university's discretion. NET qualification with JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) is particularly valuable as it provides a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000 (JRF) or Rs. 42,000 (SRF), which can significantly offset the cost of the Ph.D. programme. Candidates without NET qualification must appear for ADBU's written test covering Research Methodology and Subject-Specific areas, but all candidates must attend the personal interview regardless of NET status.