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

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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated on - Jun 24, 2026

Calcutta University’s Ph.D. in Political Science is a research programme in comparative politics, international relations, and public policy for postgraduates with an MA in the discipline.

📋 Admission Status: Applications for the 2026-27 session are processed through the Department of the relevant subject under the Research Eligibility Test (RET) notification on caluniv.ac.in, with provisional selection and registration expected by October 2026.


Key Points

  • Ph.D. in Political Science at Calcutta University
  • Minimum 55 percent aggregate in qualifying Master’s degree
  • NET, GATE, and SET holders are exempt from CU RET

University of Calcutta Ph.D. Political Science Fees 2026

ComponentAmount (INR)
Tuition Fee (3 years)INR 18,000
Annual Tuition FeeINR 6,000
Application Fee (one time)INR 500
Total Programme FeeINR 18,000
  • Fee structure as notified by the University of Calcutta for 2026-27.
  • Covers tuition, registration, library, and lab charges. Thesis fees billed separately.
  • JRF holders receive a monthly stipend from UGC or CSIR NET.

University of Calcutta Ph.D. Political Science Admission 2026

EventDate
CSIR-NET Exam DateJuly 25, 26, 27, 2025
Online Application Last DateJuly 15, 2026
CU Research Eligibility Test (RET) Registration EndJuly 15, 2026
UGC-NET Registration EndPhase 1: November 7, 2025Phase 2: May 24, 2026
UGC-NET Exam DatePhase 1: December 31 to Jan 7, 2026Phase 2: Jun 22 to 30, 2026
UGC-NET ResultPhase 1: February 4, 2026Phase 2: Jul 1, 2026 (Tentative)
CSIR-NET Registration EndJune 21, 2026 (Tentative)
CSIR-NET ResultSeptember 04, 2026 (Tentative)
Ph.D Admission Notification (RET)May 2026
Online Application OpensJune 2026
Research Eligibility Test (RET)August 2026
CU Research Eligibility Test (RET) Exam DateAugust 2026
Interview by Departmental Research CommitteeSeptember 2026
CU Research Eligibility Test (RET) ResultSeptember 2026
Provisional Selection and RegistrationOctober 2026
  • Apply at caluniv.ac.in under the Department Ph.D. admission notification.
  • NET, CSIR, SET, and GATE holders are exempt from the CU RET.
  • DRC evaluates the research proposal and academic record before provisional registration.
  • Confirm enrolment via research proposal, supervisor allotment, and fee payment at Department.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Political Science or a closely allied discipline from the University of Calcutta or an equivalent recognised university, with a minimum of 55 percent aggregate marks (50 percent for SC, ST, and OBC candidates).
  • Candidates with a valid UGC NET, CSIR NET, SET, GATE, or M.Phil from the University of Calcutta are exempt from the Research Eligibility Test (RET) but must appear for the Departmental Research Committee interview.
  • Final selection is based on RET performance or NET equivalence, the research proposal, the Departmental Research Committee interview, and availability of a willing research supervisor in the chosen area.

Admission Process

  • Watch for the Ph.D admission notification on the official University of Calcutta website at caluniv.ac.in and the dedicated notice board of the Department of the relevant subject.
  • Register on the Ph.D admission portal with a valid email ID and mobile number and complete the online application form, listing the broad area of research and proposed supervisor where applicable.
  • Pay the application fee online (INR 500 for General and OBC, INR 250 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates) as per the Department notification.
  • Upload scanned copies of qualifying Master’s marks cards, identity proof, NET or equivalent certificate where applicable, research proposal, photograph, and signature.
  • Appear for the Research Eligibility Test (RET) where applicable, followed by an interview before the Departmental Research Committee on the proposed area of research.
  • On provisional selection, submit the registration documents and pay the registration and tuition fees at the Department to confirm the Ph.D enrolment.

✓ Opt for this if

  • MA Political Science graduates targeting university teaching or research careers
  • UGC-NET qualified candidates in Political Science seeking CU fellowship
  • Students interested in comparative politics, IR, or public policy research
  • Researchers aiming for think-tank or civil services research roles

✗ Skip if

  • Candidates without a postgraduate background in Political Science or allied fields
  • Students seeking corporate, management, or industry-oriented programmes
  • Those preferring campuses with strong UPSC coaching tie-ups outside Kolkata
  • Candidates looking for taught PG programmes rather than thesis research

University of Calcutta Ph.D. Political Science Scholarships 2026

ScholarshipAmountEligibility
West Bengal Post-Matric ScholarshipUp to INR 10,000 per yearSC, ST, and OBC students with family income below INR 2,50,000 per year
Swami Vivekananda Merit cum Means ScholarshipINR 12,000 per year (UG) / INR 18,000 per year (PG)Students with at least 60 percent in qualifying exam and family income below INR 2,50,000
National Scholarship PortalVariableCentral and state government scholarships through scholarships.gov.in
Minority Community ScholarshipUp to INR 20,000 per yearStudents from notified minority communities with family income below INR 2,00,000
Kanyashree K3INR 2,000 per monthFemale PG students continuing higher education in West Bengal
  • Apply for WB Post-Matric Scholarship at oasis.gov.in.
  • Swami Vivekananda and Kanyashree K3 require 60 percent aggregate each semester.
  • PwBD candidates receive additional fee concessions under the Rights Act.
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Table of Contents

University of Calcutta Ph.D. Political Science FAQs

Ques. What is the duration of the PhD in Political Science at Calcutta University?

Ans. The Ph.D. in Political Science at CU requires a minimum of three years. With approval, candidates may extend to six years. Part-time enrolment is available for working professionals with a CU-affiliated research supervisor.

Ques. What is the eligibility for the PhD in Political Science at CU?

Ans. An MA in Political Science or an equivalent postgraduate degree with 55 percent aggregate (50 percent for SC, ST, PwD) is required. UGC-NET qualified candidates in Political Science are exempt from the CU Research Eligibility Test.

Ques. What is the CU Research Eligibility Test for Political Science?

Ans. The CU RET is a written test of research aptitude conducted by the university. Candidates with NET, GATE, CSIR-NET, or SET are exempt and proceed directly to the DRC interview on their research proposal at the Department of Political Science.

Ques. How can I apply for the PhD in Political Science at Calcutta University?

Ans. Visit caluniv.ac.in for the Ph.D. admission notification. Submit the online application with the research proposal, qualifying marks sheets, and NET or GATE certificate for Political Science before the notified deadline.

Ques. What is the total fee for the PhD in Political Science at CU?

Ans. The total Ph.D. fee is INR 18,000 for three years, covering tuition, registration, library, and laboratory charges. A one-time application fee of INR 500 applies. JRF holders receive a monthly stipend from UGC or the funding agency.

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University of Calcutta: 1 Answered Question

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

Tiyasha GhoshStudied at the University of Calcutta (2018)

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.

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