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Shri Khushal Das University (SKDU), Hanumangarh offers a full-time, on-campus Ph.D. (Home Science) programme under its Faculty of Science, designed to advance research in areas such as food and nutrition, human development, textile and clothing, resource management, and family studies. The programme has a minimum duration of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years (extendable up to 8 years), with a total fee of Rs. 3.10 Lakhs for the entire programme. Admission follows UGC Ph.D. Regulations 2022, with candidates qualifying through a university-level entrance test or exempted via national-level qualifications such as UGC-NET (Home Science). The programme is particularly popular among postgraduates in Home Science from Rajasthan and neighbouring states, given the university's affordable fee structure and its location in the Hanumangarh region.

Admissions for the 2026 batch are currently open. Candidates can register online at the official SKDU admission portal (admission.skduniversity.org). Based on the previous year's pattern, the registration window typically opens between March and May, with interviews and batch commencement in July-August. Candidates are advised to check the official website (skduniversity.com) regularly for updated notifications.

Key Points

Ph.D. (Home Science) is offered as a full-time, on-campus programme; distance mode is not available for Ph.D. at SKDU.
Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET (Home Science), DBT-JRF, ICMR-JRF, DST-INSPIRE, or equivalent national fellowships are exempted from the university entrance test and can directly appear for the interview.
The programme follows UGC Ph.D. Regulations 2022, including mandatory coursework in the first year.
Female Ph.D. scholars and Persons with Disabilities (more than 40% disability) are eligible for an additional 2-year extension, with a maximum programme duration of 10 years.
Female scholars are entitled to Maternity/Child Care Leave of up to 240 days during the entire Ph.D. programme.
No candidate registered for the Ph.D. programme is permitted to simultaneously pursue any other full-time programme.
The university has a dedicated Research Advisory Committee (RAC) and a Director of Research to guide scholars.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

SKDU Ph.D. (Home Science) Fees

The total fee for Ph.D. (Home Science) at SKDU is Rs. 3.10 Lakhs for the entire 3-year programme (minimum duration). This is consistent with other science-stream Ph.D. specialisations at SKDU. The fee is payable on a yearly basis, with an approximate annual outgo of Rs. 1,03,333. Hostel accommodation is available separately on campus and is not mandatory for Ph.D. scholars.

Fee Structure Table

Fee Component	Total (3 Years)
Tuition Fee	Rs. 3,10,000
Total Fees	Rs. 3,10,000

Hostel Fees (Optional, Not Included in Total Above)

Hostel Category	Annual Fee
Hostel (Standard)	Rs. 72,000 - Rs. 1,05,000 per year

Hostel fee is not mandatory and is charged separately.
It is not included in the Total Fees above.
The caution/security deposit (if any) is refundable at the time of leaving the university.
No EMI or instalment plan details are officially published; candidates are advised to contact the admissions office for payment schedule options.
Registration fee of Rs. 1,000 is charged at the time of application (as applicable for other programmes; confirm with the university for Ph.D.).

SKDU Ph.D. (Home Science) Admission 2026

Ph.D. (Home Science) admissions at SKDU are conducted as per UGC Ph.D. Regulations 2022. The process involves online registration, an entrance test (for candidates not exempted), and a personal interview. Candidates with valid UGC-NET (Home Science) scores are directly called for interview. The 2026 admission cycle is currently open, with the university inviting applications via its online portal. Based on the 2025 cycle, the tentative schedule for 2026 is as follows:

SKDU Ph.D. (Home Science) Admission Dates 2026 (Tentative)

Event	Tentative Date
Online Registration Opens	March 2026 (Ongoing)
Last Date for Registration	May 2026 (Tentative)
Entrance Test (if applicable)	June 2026 (Tentative)
Interview / Viva	June - July 2026 (Tentative)
Merit List Declaration	July 2026 (Tentative)
Batch Commencement	July - August 2026 (Tentative)

Relevant National Exam Dates (UGC-NET)

Exam	Event	Date
UGC-NET (Phase 1)	Exam Dates	December 31, 2025 - January 7, 2026
UGC-NET (Phase 1)	Result	February 4, 2026
UGC-NET (Phase 2)	Registration	April 1 - May 1, 2026 (Tentative)
UGC-NET (Phase 2)	Exam Date	June 2026 (Tentative)
UGC-NET (Phase 2)	Result	July 2026 (Tentative)

Note: UGC-NET (Home Science) is the primary national-level exam accepted for Ph.D. (Home Science) admission at SKDU. Candidates with a valid UGC-NET score in Home Science are exempted from the university entrance test.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have a Master's degree (M.Sc. Home Science or equivalent) with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD/EWS candidates).
Candidates with a 4-year/8-semester Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 75% marks (70% for reserved categories) are also eligible to apply directly.
Candidates who have completed M.Phil. with at least 55% marks are also eligible.

Admission Process

Register online at the SKDU admission portal (admission.skduniversity.org).
Upload required documents: M.Sc. marksheet, passport-size photograph, and signature.
Candidates with UGC-NET/DBT-JRF/ICMR-JRF/DST-INSPIRE or equivalent qualifications are exempted from the entrance test and directly called for interview.
Other candidates appear for the university-level Ph.D. entrance test.
Shortlisted candidates present their research interest/area through a presentation before the interview panel.
Merit list is displayed on the university notice board; a waiting list is also maintained.
Selected candidates complete the admission formalities and fee payment.

SKDU Ph.D. (Home Science) Scholarships 2026

SKDU offers a range of institutional scholarships applicable on tuition fees, along with government-funded scholarships. Ph.D. scholars may benefit from merit-based and social responsibility scholarships offered by the university. Additionally, national fellowships such as UGC-JRF provide monthly stipends to qualifying candidates, making the programme financially accessible for meritorious students.

Scholarships Available for Ph.D. (Home Science) Students

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount / Benefit
SKDU Merit Scholarship (SKDUCET)	95% or above in SKDUCET	100% of tuition fee
SKDU Merit Scholarship (SKDUCET)	90-94.99% in SKDUCET	50% of tuition fee
SKDU Merit Scholarship (SKDUCET)	80-89.99% in SKDUCET	30% of tuition fee
Merit/Qualifying Exam Scholarship	91% or above in qualifying exam	30% of tuition fee
Merit/Qualifying Exam Scholarship	75-90% in qualifying exam	20% of tuition fee
Social Responsibility - Defense	Son/Daughter of Armed/Para-Military/State Police	30% of tuition fee
Social Responsibility - Disability	More than 50% physical impairment	30% of tuition fee
Social Responsibility - Orphan	Both parents deceased / abandoned child	50% of tuition fee
Sports Scholarship	International players	100% of tuition fee
Sports Scholarship	National Medal Winners	50% of tuition fee
UGC-JRF (National)	Qualified UGC-NET with JRF	Rs. 37,000/month (1st-2nd year); Rs. 42,000/month (3rd year onwards)
NSP (PM-USP Yojana)	80% in qualifying exam, parental income up to Rs. 4.5 Lakhs	Rs. 82,000 per annum

Institutional scholarships (SKDUCET, Merit, Social Responsibility, Sports) are applicable only on tuition fees.
Only one category of institutional scholarship can be availed at a time.
Scholarship continuation requires clearing all semester/annual exams without backlog in the first attempt and maintaining a minimum of 80% attendance.
UGC-JRF is a national fellowship awarded by the Government of India and is independent of the university's scholarship scheme.
Candidates are encouraged to apply for UGC-NET with JRF to avail the national fellowship alongside their Ph.D. programme.

SKDU Ph.D. (Home Science) FAQs

Ques. Is UGC-NET mandatory for Ph.D. (Home Science) admission at SKDU?

Ans. No, UGC-NET is not mandatory. However, candidates who have qualified UGC-NET (Home Science) are exempted from the university entrance test and can directly appear for the interview. Candidates without UGC-NET must appear for the SKDU Ph.D. entrance test.

Ques. What are the research areas available under Ph.D. (Home Science) at SKDU?

Ans. Ph.D. (Home Science) at SKDU covers a broad range of research areas including food and nutrition, human development and family studies, textile and clothing, resource management, and extension education. Candidates are advised to contact the university's Research Director or the Home Science department to confirm available supervisors and active research areas before applying.

Ques. Can candidates with M.Sc. (Food and Nutrition) apply for Ph.D. (Home Science) at SKDU?

Ans. Yes, candidates with M.Sc. (Food and Nutrition) or related disciplines are generally eligible to apply for Ph.D. (Home Science), as Food and Nutrition is a sub-discipline of Home Science. Candidates should confirm eligibility with the university at the time of application.

Ques. How is the fee paid for the Ph.D. programme - is it semester-wise or annual?

Ans. The total fee for Ph.D. (Home Science) at SKDU is Rs. 3.10 Lakhs for the 3-year programme. Based on the university's general fee structure, fees are typically paid on an annual basis. Candidates should confirm the exact payment schedule with the admissions office at the time of joining.

Ques. What documents are required at the time of Ph.D. registration at SKDU?

Ans. Candidates need to keep ready the following documents before filling the online application form: marksheet of Post Graduation (M.Sc.), a passport-sized photograph (200x230 pixels preferred), and a scanned signature (140x60 pixels preferred). Additional documents such as NET scorecards, category certificates, and identity proof may be required at the time of interview and admission.

Ques. Is hostel accommodation available for Ph.D. scholars at SKDU?

Ans. Yes, SKDU has hostel facilities on its 150-acre campus. Hostel fees range from Rs. 72,000 to Rs. 1,05,000 per year depending on the type of accommodation. Hostel accommodation is optional and not included in the Ph.D. programme fee. Scholars are advised to apply for hostel allocation early as seats may be limited.

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SKDU Ph.D Home Science: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

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