Component

Amount (INR)

Academic Fees (3 Years)

INR 6,560

One-time Registration Fee

INR 1,000

Thesis Submission Fee

INR 5,000

Total Fees

INR 12,560

MDSU PhD Population Studies Admission 2026

Event	Date
Application Window Closed	June 2026
Counselling	July 2026

UGC-NET/JRF and CSIR-NET holders are exempt from MDSU RET.

Personal interview is mandatory for all shortlisted candidates.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Master’s degree in Population Studies, Sociology, Statistics, Geography, or a related social science discipline with minimum 55% marks.

SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates require a minimum of 50% marks in the qualifying degree.

Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET/JRF or CSIR-NET are exempt from appearing in the MDSU Research Entrance Test.

Admission Process

Submit the PhD application form at mdsuajmer.ac.in during the notified application window.

Appear for the MDSU Research Entrance Test (RET) or submit NET/JRF/CSIR-NET certificate for exemption.

Attend the mandatory personal interview conducted by the departmental selection committee.

Merit list is prepared based on RET score and interview performance.

Selected candidates complete document verification and pay fees within the stipulated period.

Academic session commences after counselling as per university schedule.

✓ Opt for this if

You want an affordable PhD at a recognised Rajasthan state university.
You hold UGC-NET/JRF and want RET-exempted PhD admission.
You are based in or near Ajmer and value proximity to the campus.
You plan an academic or government research career in social sciences.

✗ Skip if

You need a well-funded research lab with active external grants.
You expect strong industry placement support post-PhD.
You prefer a central university or IIT for higher research visibility.

MDSU PhD Population Studies Scholarships 2026

Scholarship	Amount	Eligibility/Schedule
UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)	INR 37,000/month	UGC-NET JRF qualified candidates. Apply to UGC directly.
CSIR Research Fellowship	INR 37,000/month	CSIR-NET JRF qualified candidates. Apply to CSIR directly.
Post-Matric Scholarship (Rajasthan)	As per govt norms	SC/ST/OBC/MBC/EBC students from Rajasthan. Apply via state portal.
Need-cum-Merit Scholarship (MDSU)	Varies	Students meeting merit and family income criteria. Apply at admission time.

JRF and CSIR fellowship applications go directly to UGC and CSIR respectively.

State scholarship deadline is typically in October each academic year.

MDSU PhD Population Studies FAQs

Ques. What is the eligibility to apply for PhD Population Studies at MDSU?

Ans. Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Population Studies, Sociology, Statistics, Geography, or a closely related discipline with at least 55% marks. SC/ST/OBC/PwD applicants need a minimum of 50% marks. Those who have qualified UGC-NET/JRF or CSIR-NET are exempt from the MDSU Research Entrance Test. All shortlisted candidates, including NET/JRF holders, must appear in the personal interview before final selection.

Ques. How much is the total fee for PhD Population Studies at MDSU Ajmer?

Ans. The total fee for the PhD programme at MDSU is INR 12,560. This includes academic fees of INR 6,560 payable over three years, a one-time registration fee of INR 1,000, and a thesis submission fee of INR 5,000. The low cost makes it one of the more accessible PhD options among state universities in Rajasthan, especially for candidates who also receive JRF funding.

Ques. What is MDSU RET and who is exempt from it?

Ans. The MDSU Research Entrance Test (RET) is a university-level written examination conducted for PhD admissions at Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University. Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET with JRF or CSIR-NET are automatically exempt and do not need to appear for the RET. All other applicants must qualify the RET and subsequently attend a personal interview conducted by the concerned department to complete the selection process.

Ques. How long does the PhD Population Studies programme at MDSU take?

Ans. The minimum duration of the PhD programme at MDSU is 3 years from the date of registration. During this period, scholars are required to complete prescribed coursework in the first year, submit periodic progress reports to the doctoral committee, and finalise their research thesis. The actual duration may extend beyond three years depending on the complexity and progress of the research.

Ques. Are there fellowships available for PhD scholars at MDSU?

Ans. Yes. Students who have cleared UGC-NET with JRF are eligible for the UGC Junior Research Fellowship of INR 37,000 per month. CSIR-NET JRF holders can avail of the CSIR Research Fellowship at the same rate. The Rajasthan government’s Post-Matric Scholarship is available for SC/ST/OBC/MBC/EBC students, and the MDSU Need-cum-Merit Scholarship is open to students who meet income and merit criteria.

Ques. What career paths open up after a PhD in Population Studies from MDSU?

Ans. A PhD in Population Studies from MDSU prepares graduates for assistant professor positions in universities and colleges. Research roles with government bodies such as the Registrar General of India, the National Population Commission, and state health departments are common career destinations. International organisations such as UNFPA, WHO, and UNICEF, as well as NGOs and public policy research institutes, also recruit population studies researchers. Academic publishing and census-related consultancy are additional career avenues.

MDSU Ph.D Population Studies: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility