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

Ans. Candidates must have qualified in a national-level entrance examination such as CSIR-NET, UGC-NET, GATE, SET, or GPAT in Zoology or Life Sciences. CSIR-NET is the most relevant pathway for life sciences research as it also confers JRF fellowship funding. Applicants with Category-1 JRF status proceed directly to the departmental interview, while Category-2 and Category-3 qualifiers are evaluated on 70% qualifying examination score and 30% interview performance before the departmental committee.

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 and the pace of thesis submission as assessed 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 Zoology 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 a combined score of 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 have qualified CSIR-NET JRF or UGC-NET JRF are eligible for a monthly fellowship of INR 37,000 in the first two years of study. 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 provided directly by CSIR or UGC and are independent of university course fees.

Ans. The University of Calcutta has hostel facilities on campus, but allotment to PhD students is subject to availability and the university hostel allocation process. Doctoral scholars who receive JRF fellowships often arrange private accommodation near the campus. Candidates are advised to contact the Zoology department directly for current hostel vacancy information and the application procedure.