Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU), Kanpur, has invited applications for its PhD in Psychology program for the 2026-27 academic session.
Interested candidates can apply for the program through the university’s online admission portal before the given deadline. Read the Article to know more about the application process, important dates and other details.
Number of Seats for PhD Psychology
According to the seat matrix released by CSJMU Kanpur, a total of 22 PhD Psychology seats have been announced under affiliated colleges for the 2026 admission cycle.
| Subject | Campus Seats | Affiliated College Seats |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | NA | 22 |
NOTE: Candidates should note that the number of seats may increase or decrease depending on the availability of research supervisors and decisions taken by the University’s PhD Admission Committee.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria to get admission to the PhD Psychology program at CSJMU Kanpur:
Educational Qualification
- Applicants must possess:
- A Master’s degree or an equivalent professional degree recognized by the relevant statutory body in the relevant discipline/specialization.
- A minimum of 55% aggregate marks (or equivalent grade) in the qualifying examination.
- Candidates who have obtained an equivalent degree from a foreign institution recognized by an authorized accreditation agency in their respective country are also eligible to apply.
Relaxation in Minimum Marks
A relaxation of 5% marks (from 55% to 50%) is available for candidates belonging to:
- SC Category
- ST Category
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS)
- Differently-Abled (PwD) Category
The relaxation applies only to qualifying examination marks and does not include grace marks.
Final-Year Postgraduate Students
Students appearing in the final year or final semester of their postgraduate program are also eligible to participate in the admission process. However, admission will be subject to fulfilling the prescribed eligibility criteria upon declaration of results.
Important Note: Candidates must ensure that they satisfy all eligibility requirements before applying. Original documents and certificates will be verified during the admission process. Any discrepancy, incorrect information, or failure to produce the required documents may result in cancellation of candidature.
Method of Selection
As per the university notification, candidates seeking admission to the PhD Psychology program of CSJMU Kanpur are required to have a valid qualification in one of the accepted national-level examinations, such as:
- UGC-NET
- CSIR-UGC NET
- GATE
- ICMR
- ICAR or equivalent examinations accepted by the university
Eligible candidates will be shortlisted and invited for the interview process.
Interview and Selection Process
- The final selection of candidates will be based entirely on interview performance.
| Component | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Interview | 100% |
- The university will prepare the final merit list based on interview performance, subject to seat availability, reservation policies, and departmental requirements.
- In case two or more candidates obtain equal scores, preference will be given based on:
- Higher score in the qualifying national-level examination.
- Higher marks in the postgraduate degree.
- Higher marks in the undergraduate degree.
Reservation and Preference Categories
Admissions will be conducted in accordance with the reservation policies applicable under the Government of Uttar Pradesh and university regulations. Additionally, preference may be given to:
- Single Girl Child candidates
- Dependents of Martyrs
- Candidates with Disabilities or Special Abilities
Candidates claiming any of the above categories must produce valid supporting certificates during document verification.
The university has also stated that 10% of the total advertised seats will be reserved for eligible part-time PhD candidates as per applicable guidelines.
ALSO READ: Tecnia Institute of Advanced Studies MA Clinical Psychology (RCI) Admissions 2026
Application Process & Fee
- To apply for the CSJMU’s PhD Psychology program, candidates must complete the online application process on the official admissions portal. Applicants are advised to:
- Register yourself on the portal.
- In Admission Mode, select “Apply Without Entrance Exam (For Exempted Categories)”
- Next in Exempted Category, select “CSIR-UGC NET/GATE/ICMR/ICAR/AICE/UPCATET”
- Then log in using the credentials obtained during registration.
- Fill in the online application form carefully with accurate academic and personal details.
- Upload the required documents as asked in the application form.
- Documents Required: Candidates are advised to keep the following documents ready while filling out the online application form:
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets
- Undergraduate mark sheets and degree certificate
- Postgraduate mark sheets and degree certificate
- Previous semester mark sheets (for final-year postgraduate students)
- Valid NET/JRF/GATE/ICMR/ICAR score card
- Documents Required: Candidates are advised to keep the following documents ready while filling out the online application form:
- Finally, pay the application fee (non-refundable) through the online payment mode.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General/EWS/OBC | Rs 2,500 |
| SC/ST/PwD | Rs 1,500 |
Important Dates and Other Details
The tentative schedule for the PhD Psychology admission cycle is as follows:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Apply | 30 June 2026 |
| Subject-wise Interviews | 1–12 August 2026 |
| Final Result Declaration | 18 August 2026 |
| Admission & Counselling | 19–25 August 2026 |
| Orientation Program | 31 August 2026 |
| Course Work Begins | 1 September 2026 |
Need More Help?
If you need more information regarding the application process, dates or any other aspect of the program or require guidance with preparation, application strategy, or interview readiness, you can connect with UPS Education using the details below:
Contact Number: +91-9990717772
Website: upseducation.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many PhD Psychology seats are available at CSJMU Kanpur in 2026?
CSJMU Kanpur has announced a total of 22 PhD Psychology seats for the 2026 admission cycle. All seats are available through affiliated colleges, while no campus seats have been advertised under Psychology.
2. What is the minimum eligibility requirement for PhD Psychology admission at CSJMU?
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or an equivalent professional degree in the relevant discipline with at least 55% aggregate marks. Reserved category candidates are eligible for relaxation as per university norms.
3. Is there any relaxation in eligibility marks for reserved category candidates?
Yes. A relaxation of 5% marks (from 55% to 50%) is available for candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), EWS, and PwD categories.
4. Can final-year postgraduate students apply for PhD Psychology admission?
Yes. Candidates appearing in the final year or final semester of their postgraduate program are eligible to apply. However, admission will be subject to the fulfilment of the prescribed eligibility criteria after the declaration of results.
5. Is a national-level examination required for admission to the PhD Psychology program?
Yes. As per the university notification, candidates seeking admission to the PhD program are required to have a valid qualification in one of the accepted national-level examinations, such as UGC-NET, CSIR-UGC NET, GATE, ICMR, or ICAR. Eligible candidates will then be shortlisted for an interview, and the final merit list will be prepared based on interview performance.
