Which is better Calcutta university or Presidency university for a PG course in economics?

Between Calcutta University and Presidency University for a PG, you should opt for Presidency University. Having studied in Calcutta University, I suggest you go for Presidency instead. Calcutta University is known to provide low marks to students. The teachers are part of the board or question setter which doesn't give good marks and a student has to study under them. Apart from this, there are certain colleges that, to improve their grades, give good marks to the students. Both of these cases are not good. Along with this, the marks get worse as the answer sheets are not checked by the college faculty and are instead checked by someone else. The Presidency won over these things. A student scores good marks in Presidency. The teachers are not that strict and they only check the answers sheets. As it's only the college teachers who do the questions and answers work in the exam, once getting familiar with them will help a student score well. Therefore, it's better to opt for Presidency University. Due to its better faculty, facilities and overall experience.

Does Calcutta University accept CUET scores for UG admission?

No. Calcutta University does not accept CUET (UG) scores for admission to any programme. UG admissions are conducted through the WBCAPbased solely on Class 12 merit, while PG admissions are handled separately by the University through its own merit and entrance test process.

How is UG admission done at Calcutta University in 2026?

UG admissions are conducted through WBCAP for Calcutta University and its affiliated colleges. Admission to BA, B.Sc, and B.Com programmes is based entirely on Class 12 marks, with no entrance exam or interview. Candidates must register on the WBCAP portal, fill in college and course preferences, and participate in online counselling and seat allotment.

What is the eligibility for PG admission at Calcutta University?

Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in the relevant discipline with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD). For most PG programmes, both CU and Non-CU candidates are required to appear for the departmental entrance test unless the number of applicants is equal to or less than the available seats. Merit is prepared as follows:Part A (CU candidates): 50% Entrance Test + 50% Honours/Major marksPart B (Non-CU candidates): 100% Entrance Test marks

Can students from other universities apply for PG at Calcutta University?

Yes. Graduates from recognised universities other than Calcutta University are eligible to apply for PG admission. Under the university's seat distribution policy, 80% of the intake is earmarked for the 2-year PG programme, within which 60% seats are for CU candidates and 40% for Non-CU candidates. Non-CU applicants are selected based on their entrance test performance.

What is the application fee for Calcutta University admission 2026?

The application fee differs for UG and PG admissions:UG (WBCAP): INR 400 for General/OBC and INR 200 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.PG (University Portal): INR 1,000 per group for General/OBC-A/OBC-B/EWS and INR 500 per group for SC/ST/PwD candidates.

Which entrance exams are accepted for B.Tech and M.Tech admission at Calcutta University?

B.Tech admission is based on WBJEE ranks followed by counselling, while M.Tech admission is based primarily on GATE scores and/or departmental interview, depending on the programme. These admissions are conducted separately from the regular UG and PG admission process.

Does Calcutta University have a management quota?

No. Calcutta University is a state university with no management quota. All seats are filled through WBCAP merit lists for UG and departmental merit or entrance test for PG.

What scholarships are available for Calcutta University students?

Calcutta University students can apply for several state and central scholarship schemes, including:Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means Scholarship (SVMCM): Monthly assistance ranging from INR 1,000 to INR 8,000, depending on the course level and eligibility.West Bengal Merit-cum-Means Scholarship: For students with annual family income below INR 2.5 lakh.Central Government Post-Matric Scholarships: Available for eligible SC, ST, and OBC students through the National Scholarship Portal.National Overseas Scholarship: For eligible SC students pursuing higher studies abroad.

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

Component	Amount (INR)
Registration Fee	INR 500
Security Deposit (Refundable)	INR 1,000
Semester Fee (per semester, full-time)	INR 4,000
Thesis Submission Fee	INR 5,000
Viva Voce Fee	INR 3,000
Total Fees (3 Years)	INR 33,500

Event	Date
CU PhD Application Opens (Cycle 1)	June 9, 2026
UGC-NET Phase 2 Exam	June 22 to June 30, 2026
UGC-NET Phase 2 Result	July 1, 2026
CU PhD Application Deadline	July 15, 2026
Departmental Interview	September 2026 (Tentative)
Merit List Declaration	October 2026 (Tentative)

Scholarship	Amount	Eligibility
UGC-NET JRF Fellowship	INR 31,000/month (Year 1 to 2) INR 35,000/month (Year 3 onwards)	UGC-NET JRF qualified candidates enrolled in Economics PhD
ICSSR Junior Research Fellowship	INR 31,000/month (Year 1 to 2) INR 35,000/month (Year 3 onwards)	Social science PhD scholars selected through ICSSR national fellowship process
National Fellowship for Scheduled Castes	INR 31,000/month (Year 1 to 2) INR 35,000/month (Year 3 onwards)	SC category PhD scholars enrolled in recognised universities
West Bengal State Research Fellowship	As per state government norms	West Bengal domicile candidates without any other fellowship

Calcutta University Ph.D. Economics FAQs

Ques. Is there a separate entrance test for PhD Economics admission at Calcutta University?

Ans. For Cycle 1, 2026, no separate university entrance test is conducted. Candidates must hold a valid UGC-NET (Economics) or SET score before applying. Selection is based on qualifying exam score with 70% weightage and a departmental interview with 30% weightage. JRF-qualified candidates are primarily assessed through the interview stage.

Ques. What research areas are available in PhD Economics at Calcutta University?

Ans. The Department of Economics at Calcutta University has faculty working across development economics, applied econometrics, monetary economics, agricultural economics, international trade, and public economics. Research supervisor selection is based on available vacancies notified in each admission cycle, and candidates are expected to align their research interests with available supervisors.

Ques. What financial support is available for PhD Economics students at Calcutta University?

Ans. UGC-NET JRF qualified candidates receive a monthly fellowship of INR 31,000 for the first two years and INR 35,000 from the third year. ICSSR Junior Research Fellows in social sciences receive fellowships at the same rates. SC category scholars may avail the National Fellowship for Scheduled Castes. West Bengal state fellowships are also available for eligible candidates without any other fellowship.

Ques. Can M.Phil. Economics graduates apply for the PhD programme at Calcutta University?

Ans. Yes. Candidates holding an M.Phil. degree in Economics or a related field with a minimum of 55% marks are eligible to apply, provided they also hold a valid UGC-NET or SET score. The regular two-stage selection process including the qualifying exam score (70% weightage) and departmental interview (30% weightage) applies to all candidates.

Ques. What is the duration and structure of the PhD Economics programme at Calcutta University?

Ans. The PhD in Economics at Calcutta University is a minimum 3-year full-time programme. The first year includes mandatory coursework under the university’s PhD regulations. After clearing the coursework, candidates conduct supervised research and submit a thesis within the prescribed time frame. The programme follows the UGC PhD Regulations 2022 (as adopted by Calcutta University in 2025).

Ques. What career options are available after completing PhD Economics from Calcutta University?

Ans. PhD Economics graduates from Calcutta University can pursue careers as university or college faculty members, economists in government planning bodies, researchers in economic think-tanks and development organisations, and analysts in policy research institutions. UGC-NET qualified PhD holders are eligible to apply for Assistant Professor positions at colleges and universities across India.

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

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Which is better Calcutta university or Presidency university for a PG course in economics?

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