ADBU Ph.D Counselling Psychology: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. The PhD in Psychology and Counselling at ADBU covers a wide range of research areas including Psychological Assessment and Counselling, Trauma and Transformation, Positive Psychology, Addiction and Trauma Psychology, Social Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Psychological Research, Learning Disability and Educational Psychology, Culture, Heredity, Environment and Developmental Psychology, Psycho-spiritual Integration, Psychology of Meaning and Psychology of Leadership, and Socio-Cultural Determinants and Behavioural Psychology. Candidates are expected to identify a specific research area and present a research proposal at the time of the personal interview.

Ans. Candidates who have qualified NET/GATE or similar national-level tests are exempted from the written entrance test. All other candidates must appear for the written test, which covers Research Methodology and Subject Specific Area. However, all candidates (including those exempted from the written test) must attend the personal interview, where they are required to present a research proposal not exceeding 300 words. The final selection is based on marks/grades in the Master's degree, performance in the written test (if applicable), and performance in the personal interview.

Ans. All candidates admitted to the PhD programme at ADBU must complete a mandatory coursework of one semester (six months) before formal registration as a PhD scholar. Candidates must secure a minimum grade point of 6.00 in the coursework to proceed. The coursework is designed to build research skills and subject knowledge. After successful completion of the coursework, the candidate prepares a detailed research proposal and submits it for approval. Formal registration as a PhD scholar must be completed within 18 months of the date of admission.

Ans. Research scholars at ADBU are required to have at least two research publications co-authored with their supervisor in Scopus Indexed, Web of Science, or peer-reviewed journals, with affiliation to Assam Don Bosco University, before submitting the thesis. A research paper jointly published by two research scholars may be given equal weightage to both, with justification about their contribution by the supervisor. This requirement ensures that scholars contribute meaningfully to the academic literature in their field before completing their doctorate.

Ans. The PhD programme at ADBU has a minimum duration of 3 years and a maximum of 5 years from the date of formal registration. Candidates are expected to submit their thesis within 5 years of registration. If a scholar requires an extension beyond 5 years, a case-by-case permission may be granted by the university, but the scholar will be required to pay semester fees at the rate prevalent at the time of extension (not the fees at the time of joining). Scholars are advised to plan their research timeline carefully to complete within the stipulated period.

Ans. Graduates with a PhD in Psychology and Counselling from ADBU can pursue careers as Assistant Professors in colleges and universities (after qualifying UGC-NET, which may be waived for PhD holders as per UGC regulations), clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists, researchers in academic and research institutions, consultants in corporate wellness programmes, and mental health professionals in hospitals and NGOs. The PhD from ADBU, a NAAC 'A' Grade and UGC 12B-recognised university, is widely accepted for academic and research positions across India. Graduates can also pursue post-doctoral research at national and international institutions.