University of Calcutta Ph.D Botany: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. Candidates must have qualified in a national-level examination such as CSIR-NET, UGC-NET, GATE, SET, or GPAT in Botany or Life Sciences. CSIR-NET Life Sciences is the most common pathway for plant sciences doctoral research as it also confers JRF fellowship funding. Applicants with Category-1 JRF status are assessed by departmental interview only, while Category-2 and Category-3 qualifiers are evaluated on 70% qualifying examination score and 30% interview performance.

Ans. The full-time course fee is INR 4,000 per semester. Other one-time charges include a registration fee of INR 500, a refundable security deposit of INR 1,000, an examination fee of INR 1,000, a DRC fee of INR 2,000, and a thesis submission fee of INR 5,000. For the minimum three-year full-time programme, the total fees amount to INR 33,500.

Ans. The full-time PhD programme has a minimum duration of three years and a maximum of six years. Part-time candidates, typically working professionals, may take between four and seven years to complete the programme. The actual duration depends on research progress, the complexity of the thesis topic, and assessments by the departmental research committee.

Ans. Candidates first qualify in CSIR-NET, UGC-NET, GATE, or an equivalent national-level examination. Applications are submitted offline to the Botany department. Shortlisted candidates are called for a departmental interview. JRF holders are assessed by interview alone, while Category-2 and Category-3 NET qualifiers are ranked on 70% qualifying examination marks and 30% interview performance. A final merit list is then prepared and published on the university website.

Ans. Doctoral students who qualify CSIR-NET JRF or UGC-NET JRF receive a monthly fellowship of INR 37,000 in the first two years. From year three, the fellowship is upgraded to INR 42,000 per month as a Senior Research Fellow, subject to satisfactory research progress review. These fellowships are paid directly by CSIR or UGC and are separate from university course fees.

Ans. Yes, the University of Calcutta offers a part-time PhD track for working professionals in education, research, or government roles. Part-time candidates pay INR 10,000 per semester in course fees and may take between four and seven years to complete the programme. Candidates are advised to confirm supervisor availability and research feasibility with the Botany department before submitting their application.