National Forensic Science University (NFSU) has invited applications for its PhD in Psychology program for the 2026-27 academic session.
Interested candidates can apply for the program by the given deadline. Read the Article to know more about the application process, important dates, and other details.
Modes of Study
NFSU offers multiple modes of pursuing a PhD in Psychology, allowing candidates with different academic and professional backgrounds to apply.
Full-Time PhD
- Candidates are expected to pursue research on a full-time, regular basis.
- Students admitted under this mode are not permitted to undertake full-time or part-time employment elsewhere during the tenure of the program
- Daily attendance is mandatory and must be verified by the Research Guide/Co-guide (or maintained by the Dean’s Office, where applicable).
- Eligible scholars may apply for fellowships offered by national funding agencies such as CSIR, ICMR, DST, DBT, SERB, ICSSR, ICCR, SII, and NBHM.
- NFSU may award institutional scholarships to eligible full-time scholars who are not receiving any other fellowship, subject to university regulations.
- Full-time scholars may participate in academic activities, including lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, or laboratory demonstrations, for up to 8 hours per week.
The following categories are eligible under the Full-Time mode:
- Self-financed candidates who independently fund their doctoral studies.
- Project Fellows appointed under research and development projects being carried out at NFSU.
- Sponsored candidates nominated by academic institutions, industries, or recognized R&D organizations.
- Government or Fellowship-supported candidates, including those qualified through NET/JRF, GATE, GPAT, or other recognized national/state-level fellowship schemes.
- International students possessing the required academic qualifications and a valid passport/visa, including candidates sponsored through ICCR or the Study in India (SII) program.
Part-Time PhD
The Part-Time PhD option is designed for working professionals who wish to pursue doctoral research while continuing their employment. These scholars are required to complete at least 90 days of attendance during the entire PhD program.
Applicants must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer confirming that:
- They are permitted to pursue the PhD on a part-time basis.
- Their work responsibilities allow sufficient time for research.
- They will be granted leave whenever necessary to complete coursework and other academic requirements.
- They may use the organization’s research facilities, if available and applicable.
Professional Category
- This category is intended for experienced professionals recommended by recognized R&D organizations, academic institutions, government bodies, or industries. Applicants must have at least 10 years of cumulative work experience.
- Candidates admitted under this category are not eligible for fellowships or assistantships from NFSU, although they may receive sponsorship from their employer or pursue the program on a self-financed basis.
- Up to 10% of the annual PhD intake is reserved for the Professional Category.
- Admission is based on performance in the interview conducted by the PhD Evaluation and Admission Committee (PEAC).
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for admission to the PhD in Psychology at NFSU, candidates must satisfy the following academic qualifications.
Educational Qualifications
Applicants should meet any one of the following criteria:
- A 1-year (2-semester) Master’s degree after a 4-year Bachelor’s degree, with at least 60% aggregate marks (or equivalent CGPA).
- A 2-year (4-semester) Master’s degree after a 3-year Bachelor’s degree, with at least 60% aggregate marks (or equivalent CGPA).
- A 4-year Bachelor’s degree (preferably from an Institution of National Importance or an Institution of Eminence) with a minimum of 75% aggregate marks (or equivalent CGPA).
- A 4-year Bachelor’s degree in disciplines such as B.Tech, B.E, B.Pharm, or B.Arch from a recognized university/institute with at least 75% aggregate marks (or equivalent CGPA).
Relaxation in Marks
Candidates belonging to the following categories are eligible for a 5% relaxation in the minimum qualifying marks, as per the GoI’s reservation norms:
- Scheduled Caste (SC)
- Scheduled Tribe (ST)
- Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL)
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS)
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD)
- Other categories as notified by the Government of India
Additional Eligibility
The following candidates are also eligible to apply:
- Qualified professionals who are Fellow Members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI), or possess the Company Secretary (CS) qualification.
- Candidates holding a Master’s degree from a recognized foreign university or institution, provided it is accredited by the appropriate statutory authority in its home country and is considered equivalent to the required qualification.
- International applicants should possess adequate proficiency in the English language to pursue doctoral coursework and research.
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Application Process
The admission process for the PhD in Psychology at NFSU consists of four simple stages:
- Before applying, ensure that you meet the educational qualifications and eligibility criteria for the PhD program.
- Qualify Through the Entrance Process: Admission is primarily based on valid scores obtained in recognized national-level examinations, including:
- UGC-NET/CSIR-NET
- GATE
- GPAT
- DBT-JRF
- SET
- INSPIRE Fellowship
- Other equivalent examinations recognized by the Government of India
- For disciplines where no national-level entrance examination exists, or if seats remain vacant after admissions through these examinations, NFSU may conduct its own PhD Entrance Test.
- Appear for the Interview: Candidates shortlisted through the admission process are invited for a Personal Interview conducted by the PhD Evaluation and Admission Committee (PEAC). The interview assesses:
- Subject knowledge
- Research aptitude
- Motivation for doctoral research
- Suitability for the proposed research area
- Admission Confirmation: Final selection is based on the applicable admission criteria and interview performance. Selected candidates must complete the admission formalities, pay the fees, and submit the required documents within the given timeline to confirm their admission.
Entrance Test Exemption
The following candidates are exempt from the NFSU PhD Entrance Test:
- International applicants with the required qualifications and valid passport/visa, including ICCR and Study in India (SII) fellowship awardees.
- Candidates applying under the Professional Category.
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 2000 |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 1800 |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | 1800 |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 1600 |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 1600 |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | 1600 |
| CW | 2000 |
| J&K Migrant | 2000 |
| International | USD 50 |
Important Dates and Other Details
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Apply | 25 July 2026 |
| Interviews (NET & Professional Category) | 31 July 2026 |
| Interview Result | 2 August 2026 |
| PhD Entrance Test (If Required) | 11 August 2026 |
| Interviews (Entrance Qualified Candidates) | 12 August 2026 |
| Final Result | 14 August 2026 |
| Fee Payment & Admission Confirmation | 17 August 2026 |
| Joining Date | 18 August 2026 |
NOTE: The above schedule is tentative and may be revised by NFSU. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official admission notifications for the latest updates.
Reservation Policy
Admissions to the PhD program at NFSU follow the GoI’s reservation policy.
| Category | Reservation |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
| Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 10% |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)* | 5% (Horizontal Reservation) |
- The 5% reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) is provided horizontally across all reservation categories in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Required Documents
Applicants claiming reservation benefits must submit valid category certificates issued by the competent authority.
In addition:
- OBC-NCL candidates must provide a valid Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) certificate issued within the prescribed validity period.
- EWS candidates must submit a valid Income and Asset Certificate issued by the designated authority.
- PwBD candidates must produce a valid disability certificate issued by a competent medical authority.
Need More Help?
Need guidance with the application process, preparation, or interview strategy? Connect with the experts at UPS Education for personalized assistance.
Contact Number: +91-9899599967
Website: upseducation.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the last date to apply for the NFSU PhD in Psychology 2026?
The last date to submit the online application for the NFSU PhD in Psychology program for the 2026–27 academic session is 25 July 2026. Candidates should complete the application process before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
2. Is UGC-NET mandatory for admission to the NFSU PhD program?
No. NFSU considers candidates with valid scores in recognized national-level examinations such as UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, GATE, GPAT, DBT-JRF, SET, and INSPIRE Fellowship. If applicable, the university may also conduct its own PhD Entrance Test.
3. Does NFSU conduct its own PhD entrance examination?
Yes. If a recognized national-level entrance examination is not available for a particular discipline, or if seats remain vacant after admissions through national-level examinations, NFSU may conduct its own PhD Entrance Test.
4. Is there an interview for admission to the NFSU PhD program?
Yes. Eligible candidates must appear for a Personal Interview conducted by the PhD Evaluation and Admission Committee (PEAC), which evaluates subject knowledge, research aptitude, and motivation for doctoral research.
5. What is the application fee for the NFSU PhD program?
The application fee varies according to the candidate’s category. For Unreserved (UR) candidates, the fee is Rs 2000, while reduced fees apply to reserved categories as specified by NFSU.
6. Can working professionals apply for the NFSU PhD in Psychology?
Yes. NFSU offers both Part-Time PhD and Professional Category admissions for eligible working professionals, subject to the prescribed eligibility criteria and documentation requirements.
7. Are fellowships available for PhD scholars at NFSU?
Yes. Eligible full-time scholars may apply for fellowships from agencies such as UGC, CSIR, ICMR, DST, DBT, SERB, and ICSSR. NFSU may also offer institutional scholarships to eligible candidates, subject to university regulations.
