SPPU Ph.D Defence & Strategic Studies: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Aundh, PuneState UniversityEstd 1949NAAC Grade A+
Total fees
INR 68,600
3 years, no hostel
Median pay
INR 4.5 LPA
NIRF PG median, university level
PET cutoff
50%
45% for reserved categories
Interview
30%
Final selection weight

About SPPU Ph.D Defence Studies

SPPU offers a three-year, full-time Ph.D Defence and Strategic Studies through its Department of Defence and Strategic Studies. The course is on campus and can take up to five years under university rules. The department began as Military Studies in 1963 and later moved into defence, security and strategic research. The full fee without hostel is INR 68,600, and INR 86,150 with hostel fee added. You get admission through SPPU PET or a valid national test exemption, followed by an interview. The 2026 selected list had 5 candidates. The university NIRF PG median pay is INR 4.5 LPA, but Ph.D placements are not course-wise published.

SPPU Ph.D Defence and Strategic Studies Fees

The full course costs INR 68,600 without hostel and INR 86,150 with hostel. The academic fee is INR 68,600. You pay the academic fee for the full course as published by the fee page. The hostel fee is separate and is added only if you get a room.

Fee headAmountHow it is charged
Total academic feeINR 68,600Full course, as published
Hostel feeINR 17,550Full course, as published
Total, no hostelINR 68,600Full course
Total with hostelINR 86,150Full course

SPPU Ph.D Defence and Strategic Studies Admission Dates 2026

The Ph.D Arts admission window closed on 10 Sep 2026, and the interview stage comes next on 20 Oct 2026. Classes start on 16 Nov 2026. Keep your PET score card, master's mark sheets and research note ready for the interview.

EventDateStatus
Ph.D PET registration, last date to apply1 Sep 2026 to 10 Sep 2026Over
SPPU PET exam24 Sep 2026Over
PET result and score30 Sep 2026Over
Department interview shortlist12 Oct 2026Confirmed
Interview and research note check20 Oct 2026Confirmed
Selected list and guide allotment28 Oct 2026Confirmed
Admission fee payment, last date4 Nov 2026Confirmed
Department reporting and document check10 Nov 2026Confirmed
Classes start16 Nov 2026Confirmed

SPPU Ph.D Defence and Strategic Studies Eligibility

You need a master's degree in Defence and Strategic Studies or an allied subject with 55% marks. Reserved category students get 5% relaxation. You can use SPPU PET or a valid UGC NET, SET, GATE or similar test exemption.

RequirementWhat you need
DegreeMaster's degree in Defence and Strategic Studies or an allied subject
Marks55% for General, 50% for reserved categories
Entrance routeSPPU PET, or exemption through UGC NET, SET, GATE or similar test
Research noteTopic idea to discuss in the interview

SPPU Ph.D Defence and Strategic Studies Admission Process

SPPU conducts PET and then the department interviews shortlisted students. The written test has 70% weight and the interview has 30% weight. You must upload papers, discuss your research area and finish registration after selection.

StepWhat you do
1. Apply onlineFill the Ph.D form and choose the subject
2. Take PETClear the research and subject paper
3. Attend interviewDiscuss your topic before the department committee
4. RegisterPay the fee and submit papers after selection

SPPU Ph.D Defence and Strategic Studies Cutoff

The General PET qualifying score is 50% and the reserved category score is 45%. These are the scores used before the interview. The final merit list then adds the 70% written weight and 30% interview weight.

CategoryQualifying scoreRound and year
General50%PET, 2026
OBC-NCL45%PET, 2026
SC45%PET, 2026
ST45%PET, 2026
EWS45%PET, 2026

SPPU Ph.D Defence and Strategic Studies Placements

NIRF shows a university PG median pay of INR 4.5 LPA, but course-wise Ph.D pay is not published. The 2026 selected list had 5 candidates. Most research students use this degree for teaching, policy research, security studies or government-linked research work.

MetricValue
Median payINR 4.5 LPA, university PG median
Course-wise Ph.D payNot published
Placement rateNot published
Selected candidates5 in the 2026 department list
Usual work areasTeaching, policy research and security studies

SPPU Ph.D Defence and Strategic Studies Scholarships

Four schemes can cut the fee by INR 20,000 to INR 36,000 over the course. The Central Sector Scheme gives the biggest waiver used here. Most schemes need income proof, category proof and yearly progress.

ScholarshipWho can get itAmount or waiver
MahaDBT post-matric supportReserved category students with income proofINR 30,000 over the course
Central Sector SchemeStudents with family income up to INR 8 LakhsINR 36,000 over the course
EWS supportEWS certificate and income proofINR 20,000 over the course
Minority or PwD supportValid certificate and bank accountINR 30,000 over the course

SPPU Ph.D Defence and Strategic Studies Ranking

SPPU has NIRF University rank #56, NIRF Overall rank #91 and NAAC A+. The rank tells you the wider university strength, not the Ph.D guide match. For this course, the supervisor and research topic matter more.

Ranking bodyYearRank or grade
NIRF University2025#56
NIRF Overall2025#91
NAAC2026A+

SPPU Ph.D Defence and Strategic Studies Course Structure

The first semester has research methods, conflict and peace, and contemporary literature. You then work with a guide on the thesis. Progress reports are filed during research, and the final work ends with thesis review and viva voce.

StageWhat you study or do
Course workResearch methods, conflict and peace, and literature study
Guide workTopic reading and research design
Progress reportsPeriodic research updates to the university
ThesisSubmission, review and open viva voce

Should you pick Ph.D Defence and Strategic Studies at SPPU?

This course suits students who want research in security, strategy and public policy.

Pick it if:
You want a security research base: DDSS works on defence, peace, conflict and national security topics in Pune.
You already have a clear topic: the interview checks whether the department can guide your research work.
You want a low fee: the full academic fee is INR 68,600, much lower than many research degrees.
Your plan is teaching or policy work: the degree fits academic, think tank and government-linked research paths.
Skip it if:
You want campus placement: course-wise Ph.D pay and placement rate are not published by the department.
You do not have a research note: the interview asks you to explain your topic before a committee.
You need a fixed finish date: the minimum is 3 years, but the university allows up to 5 years.
Your topic is outside defence studies: guide fit matters more here than the university name.
Counsellor's advice
Pick it if your topic matches a DDSS guide and you can wait for research work. If you mainly want a job, choose a taught master's first.
Ph.D Defence and Strategic Studies Eligibility▾
Master's degree: You need Defence and Strategic Studies or an allied subject.
Marks needed: General students need 55%; reserved category students need 50%.
Entrance route: Clear SPPU PET, or use UGC NET, SET, GATE or a similar valid test.
Final year: Final semester master's students can apply, but must submit papers before admission closes.
Ph.D Defence and Strategic Studies Admission Process▾
Apply online: Fill the Ph.D form and choose Defence and Strategic Studies as the subject.
Write PET: The paper has research methods and subject questions in equal parts.
Interview: Shortlisted students discuss their research topic before the department committee.
Merit list: SPPU uses 70% written score and 30% interview score for selection.
Register: Pay the fee, submit papers and complete guide allotment after selection.

Ph.D Defence and Strategic Studies Admission Dates 2026

▾

These are the official 2026 dates. Tap 2027 Session for expected dates of the next batch.

The 2027 calendar is not out yet. These dates are estimates based on 2026.
Over
1 Sep 2026 to 10 Sep 2026
Ph.D PET registration
Last date to apply was 10 Sep 2026. Late forms were not taken.
Over
24 Sep 2026
SPPU PET exam
The paper checks research methods and the subject.
Over
30 Sep 2026
PET result and score
The score decides who is called for interview.
Confirmed
12 Oct 2026
Department interview shortlist
Check your name and keep your papers ready.
Confirmed
20 Oct 2026
Interview and research note check
You discuss the topic and guide fit.
Confirmed
28 Oct 2026
Selected list and guide allotment
The department shares the selected list after interviews.
Confirmed
4 Nov 2026
Admission fee payment, last date
You lose the seat if the fee is not paid by 4 Nov 2026.
Confirmed
10 Nov 2026
Department reporting and document check
Bring originals and the fee receipt.
Confirmed
16 Nov 2026
Classes start
Course work starts in the first semester.
Tentative
Aug 2027
Ph.D PET registration
Expected in the same season as this year; the last date to apply is in the notice.
Tentative
Sep 2027
SPPU PET exam
Expected after the form window closes.
Tentative
Sep 2027
PET result and score
Expected after the entrance test.
Tentative
Oct 2027
Department interview shortlist
Expected after the PET result.
Tentative
Oct 2027
Interview and research note check
Expected in the department after shortlisting.
Tentative
Nov 2027
Selected list and guide allotment
Expected after the interview stage.
Tentative
Nov 2027
Admission fee payment
Expected within days of selection.
Tentative
Nov 2027
Department reporting and document check
Expected before course work starts.
Tentative
Dec 2027
Classes start
Expected after reporting and registration.

Source: SPPU Ph.D admission portal and DDSS course page. Confirm on the official site before you act.

Savitribai Phule Pune University Ph.D Defence and Strategic Studies Fees 2026

▾

This is the full 3-year cost, not one year. Turn on the toggle to add hostel fee.

Total academic fee
Full course, as published
INR 68,600
Add hostel fee
Hostel fee
Full course, as published
INR 17,550
Total course fee
INR 68,600
3 years · academic fee, hostel not added
Total course fee
INR 86,150
3 years · academic fee + hostel fee
Education loan EMI
INR 1,157
7 yr · 10.5% per year
ROI
656%
median university PG pay INR 4.5 LPA vs the full fee
Education loan EMI
INR 1,453
7 yr · 10.5% per year
ROI
522%
median university PG pay INR 4.5 LPA vs the full fee

Source: SPPU fee page and Collegedunia course fee page. Confirm on the official site before you act.

Will your score get you a Ph.D seat at SPPU?

Pick your category and route. The cutoff ranges use the PET qualifying score before interview.

Category
Route
General · PET
50% and above: yes, you can reach the interview stage.
45% to 49.9%: almost there. Check if any relaxation applies.
Below 45%: not this year. Prepare again or use a valid exemption.
General · Exempted
50% and above: yes, you can reach the interview stage.
45% to 49.9%: almost there. Check if any relaxation applies.
Below 45%: not this year. Prepare again or use a valid exemption.
OBC-NCL · PET
45% and above: yes, you can reach the interview stage.
40% to 44.9%: almost there. Check if any relaxation applies.
Below 40%: not this year. Prepare again or use a valid exemption.
OBC-NCL · Exempted
45% and above: yes, you can reach the interview stage.
40% to 44.9%: almost there. Check if any relaxation applies.
Below 40%: not this year. Prepare again or use a valid exemption.
SC · PET
45% and above: yes, you can reach the interview stage.
40% to 44.9%: almost there. Check if any relaxation applies.
Below 40%: not this year. Prepare again or use a valid exemption.
SC · Exempted
45% and above: yes, you can reach the interview stage.
40% to 44.9%: almost there. Check if any relaxation applies.
Below 40%: not this year. Prepare again or use a valid exemption.
ST · PET
45% and above: yes, you can reach the interview stage.
40% to 44.9%: almost there. Check if any relaxation applies.
Below 40%: not this year. Prepare again or use a valid exemption.
ST · Exempted
45% and above: yes, you can reach the interview stage.
40% to 44.9%: almost there. Check if any relaxation applies.
Below 40%: not this year. Prepare again or use a valid exemption.
EWS · PET
45% and above: yes, you can reach the interview stage.
40% to 44.9%: almost there. Check if any relaxation applies.
Below 40%: not this year. Prepare again or use a valid exemption.
EWS · Exempted
45% and above: yes, you can reach the interview stage.
40% to 44.9%: almost there. Check if any relaxation applies.
Below 40%: not this year. Prepare again or use a valid exemption.
EDITOR'S NOTE

A qualifying PET score only gets you to the interview. The final list depends on guide seats and your research topic fit.

Savitribai Phule Pune University Ph.D Defence and Strategic Studies Scholarship Calculator

Answer two questions to see what you can claim. Confirm the final amount with the college.

Category
Annual family income
Scholarships you missedYou do not qualify on your answers. Tap to see why.▾

Each chip below says which answer blocked the scheme.

MahaDBT post-matric support
INR 30,000
State social welfare department
Paid every year for the full course if you keep passing.
Who qualifies: SC or ST, family income below INR 2.5 Lakhs a yearApply by Oct 2026
Not eligible on your answers
Central Sector Scheme
INR 36,000
Ministry of Education, through NSP
Paid every year for the full course if you keep passing.
Who qualifies: any category, family income up to INR 8 Lakhs a year, top 20 percentile in Class 12Apply by Oct 2026
Not eligible on your answers
EWS support
INR 20,000
Sample Institute of Technology
Paid every year for the full course if you keep passing.
Who qualifies: EWS certificate, family income up to INR 8 Lakhs a yearApply by Sep 2026
Not eligible on your answers
Minority or PwD support
INR 30,000
State backward classes welfare department
Paid every year for the full course if you keep passing.
Who qualifies: OBC-NCL, family income below INR 2.5 Lakhs a yearApply by Nov 2026
Not eligible on your answers
No scheme matches these answers. Ask the college about paying in parts and about education loans.
Estimated total waiver
INR 36,000
Your net course fee: INR 32,600
Estimated total waiver
INR 0
Your net course fee: INR 68,600
Estimated total waiver
INR 66,000
Your net course fee: INR 2,600
Estimated total waiver
INR 66,000
Your net course fee: INR 2,600
Estimated total waiver
INR 56,000
Your net course fee: INR 12,600

Savitribai Phule Pune University Ph.D Defence and Strategic Studies vs similar colleges

Tap a college to see it next to SPPU. The cream box marks the better number in each row: lower fees, higher pay, an easier cutoff.

Compare with
This page
Savitribai Phule Pune University
Pune
Compared with
Panjab University
Chandigarh
Compared with
Punjabi University
Patiala
Compared with
University of Madras
Chennai
Compared with
Rashtriya Raksha University
Gandhinagar
Compared with
Jawaharlal Nehru University
New Delhi
Total fees3 years, no hostel
INR 68,600
academic fee
INR 72,000
INR 3,400 more
INR 60,000
INR 8,600 less
Not published
INR 68,600
Same fee
INR 80,000
INR 11,400 more
Median payuniversity PG median
INR 4.5 LPA
NIRF PG median
INR 3.5 LPA
INR 1 LPA less
INR 4.8 LPA
INR 0.3 LPA more
Not published
INR 4.5 LPA
Same pay
INR 4.2 LPA
INR 0.3 LPA less
PET cutoffGeneral qualifying score
50%
General category
55%
5 points higher
45%
5 points lower
Not published
50%
Same cutoff
50%
Same cutoff
Seatslatest selected list
5
2026 list
8
3 more
5
Same seats
3
2 fewer
Not published
4
1 fewer
ROImedian pay vs full fee
656%
on INR 4.5 LPA
486%
170 points lower
800%
144 points higher
Not published
656%
Same ROI
525%
131 points lower
In short
Panjab University shows more seats, but SPPU costs less and has the higher median pay used here. If your topic matches a Pune guide, SPPU is the stronger pick.
In short
Punjabi University is cheaper and shows a lower PET cutoff, while SPPU has the stronger rank line. If fee is your limit, compare guide fit first.
In short
University of Madras has fewer published figures for this comparison. If both departments can guide your topic, choose the one with the closer supervisor match.
In short
RRU matches the SPPU fee used here, but its seat figure was not cleanly published. If your topic is security policy, compare guide profiles before choosing.
In short
JNU SIS is harder to compare because the subject sits in a wider international studies school. If you want Pune and a defence studies department, SPPU fits better.

Fees and pay can change. Check each college site before you decide.

FAQs on Savitribai Phule Pune University Ph.D Defence and Strategic Studies

Straight answers to what students ask before they decide.

Is this Ph.D at SPPU worth the fee?▾
Yes, if you want research in defence, security or strategy. The full fee without hostel is INR 68,600, so the cost is low for a three-year research degree. The value depends more on guide fit than placement. Speak to the department about your topic before you pay.
Should I take this course if I only want a job?▾
No, not as the first choice. Course-wise Ph.D placement rate is not published, and this degree is built for research work. The university PG median pay is INR 4.5 LPA, but that is not a course promise. Take it if teaching, policy research or security studies is your goal.
What job can I do after this Ph.D?▾
You can move toward teaching, research, policy writing, security studies and government-linked research work. The department course page focuses on conflict, peace, research methods and contemporary literature. If you want a corporate placement path, check a taught postgraduate course first and use this Ph.D after your topic is clear.
Who should pick Defence and Strategic Studies here?▾
Pick it if you already read on defence policy, war, peace, strategy or internal security. The 2026 selected list had 5 candidates, so guide fit matters a lot. Prepare a short research note before the interview. A clear topic will help more than a broad interest.
Who should skip this Ph.D at SPPU?▾
Skip it if you need course-wise salary data before joining. The page has INR 4.5 LPA as the university PG median, not a Ph.D Defence pay figure. Also skip it if your topic is outside defence studies. A weak topic match can slow the research work.
Is it right for higher studies and research?▾
Yes, because it is a research degree. The minimum duration is 3 years and the university allows up to 5 years, so it suits students who can stay with one topic. Check whether a DDSS guide works in your area before you decide.
Should I wait for the next Ph.D cycle?▾
Wait only if your research note is not ready. The 2026 window closed on 10 Sep 2026, and the next cycle is expected in 2027. Use that time to read recent papers and contact the department about guide fit. Do not wait only to avoid the interview.
Is the PET score enough for admission?▾
No. PET only gets you to the interview stage. SPPU gives 70% weight to the written score and 30% to the interview. The department also checks whether your research can be guided there. Keep your topic note clear and bring all papers for document check.
Can I get in without SPPU PET?▾
Yes, if you have a valid exemption such as UGC NET, SET, GATE or a similar national test accepted by the university. Exempted students still face the interview. Check the admission portal before applying, because the accepted exemption list can change by cycle.
What is the full fee for the course?▾
The full academic fee is INR 68,600 for the course. If hostel fee is added, the total shown here becomes INR 86,150. The fee block above shows both totals and the EMI estimate. Confirm the latest fee on the official SPPU page before payment.
Can scholarships reduce the fee?▾
Yes, but it depends on category, income and documents. The calculator above uses awards from INR 20,000 to INR 36,000 and keeps the base fee at INR 68,600. Apply through the scheme portal early, because a missing certificate can block the claim.
Is hostel guaranteed for Ph.D students?▾
Not from the course data published here. The hostel fee is shown as INR 17,550, but room allotment depends on university rules and availability. Ask the department or hostel office before you count it in your plan. Keep a nearby room option ready.

This page is AI assisted and human verified.

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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated on - Oct 2, 2026

SPPU: 3 Answered Questions

Can I get admission in bed med integrated course in sppu University....

Aditi DeshpandeLives in Pune,Maharashtra

The B.Ed+M.Ed program is a full-time program with a duration of 3 years offered by the Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune. To be eligible for this, 

  • A candidate must have passed a Bachelor degree of 3 years duration (or equivalent) under 10+2+3 pattern from any recognized university.

Other highlights of the course include

Duration

3 years (Full Time)

Course Level

UG Degree

Type of University

State

Year of establishment

1949

Hope this helps you!

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Which is better for doing an MBA, Christ University, Bangalore, or Pune University (PUMBA)?

Aditi BanerjeeLives in Bangalore

Christ Deemed-to-be University offers PG MBA programs and MBA integrated courses in collaboration with overseas universities. The highest offer was INR 21.46 LPA in the 2022 placement report.

Christ University's International Student Exchange program gives students global exposure. It offers this option for students to learn from peers abroad.

Pune University Department of Management Sciences offers a two-year MBA in Marketing, Finance, Systems, HR, and Operations. This department's flagship six-trimester program enrolls 180 students. The highest offer was INR 18 LPA in the 2022 placement report.

The top reasons to choose PUMBA are

  • ROI: MBA returns in India are decent. PUMBA is excellent. Its two-year tuition is Rs. 135,000. Last year's PUMBA average salary was Rs 5.5 lakh. The top 50% of packages exceed 6.5 lakhs. In Mumbai and Delhi, where staying and touring for two years exceeds tuition fees, other universities offer this ROI.
  • An Underdog: 6 of 9 students thought the college would contribute nothing to my experience and qualifications. But now I know my maximum value will be here. My friends who joined before and after us are the same. 
  • Faculty support: PUMBA grads have earned finance certifications while attending the classes. B-school's busy timetable makes such time luxury challenging. PUMBA promote such certificates and allows you to study for them during lectures. One faculty member explained additional certificates in different domains during induction. 
  • City institute name: Pune's schools and institutions are prominent in India. Its management school reputation is low. However, the city has several company offices. PUMBA is practically every company's first choice for Pune-based management recruitment.
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Which math M1 M2 or M3 is hard in the engineering course in Pune University?

Riya BanerjeeB.E Computer Science & Computer Programming,Savitribai Phule Pune University (2016)

Ony of my sisters is a part of Pune University and as per what she mentions, it is best that you practice the fundamental mathematical problems. Additionally, the best advice is not to get drained anytime at all while studying the subject.

Now, when shifting focus to your question, 

  • M1 incorporates basic algebra and is deemed pretty simpler than usual. 
  • On the other hand, M2 might still be difficult, yet it can however be aced if you practice the basics of integration and derivation.
  • In the case of M3, the course entirely depends upon the fundamentals you have earlier prepared for M2. 
  • After a brief elaboration, it is best that you rather choose preparing for M2, because it can contribute to making the subject quite easier. 

The study standpoint is curated as per the syllabus, and is best if you follow the pattern in accordance with it. 

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