NTA PhD Entrance Exam Overview 2026
NTA PhD Entrance Exam Overview
NTA PhD Entrance Exam 2025 Overview
The NTA PhD Entrance Exam is conducted for admission to institutes like DU, JNU, BHU, and BBAU. The official websites for the NTA PhD Entrance Exam 2025 are nta.ac.in and phd-entrance.samarth.ac.in.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has not released any official announcement on NTA PhD Entrance Exam for 2025.
NTA has conducted ICAR AICE JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) for agricultural research. Other PhD entrance exams in India include UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, GPAT, BET, JEST, and many more University-level and Institute-level exams for research admissions.
- NTA Ph.D Entrance Exam is expected to be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
- Applicants must have completed 10+2, UG, and PG degrees with 45% to 60% marks.
- The Ph.D course fee range starts from INR 80,000 and goes up to INR 1,20,000 (Approximate).
- Candidates must qualify for an entrance exam for several top universities.
In 2023, the NTA PhD Entrance Exam was conducted on October 26, 27, 30, and 31, 2023. In 2022, the test was planned for 50971 candidates and 35896 had appeared for the exam.
What is NTA PhD Entrance Exam?
PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy. The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). NTA Ph.D Entrance Exam is conducted for Ph.D admission in Universities including DU, JNU, BHU, and BBAU.
NTA Ph.D Entrance Exam Dates 2025
The important dates for NTA Ph.D Entrance Exam 2025 are listed below:
| Detail | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Date of Application Form | September 2025 |
| Last Date of Application Form | September 2025 |
| Application Fee Submission Last Date | September 2025 |
| Correction Window Open Date | September 2025 |
| Last Date for Correction | September 2025 |
| Admit Card Release Date | October 2025 |
| NTA PhD Entrance Exam Date | October 2025 |
| Result Release Date | November, 2025 |
| Official Website | phd-entrance.samarth.ac.in |
NTA PhD Entrance Exam Registration 2025
NTA will start NTA Ph.D Entrance Exam 2025 Registration on their official website. The steps to apply for NTA Phd Entrance Exam Registration 2025 are given below.
- Visit the official website of the Ph.D. entrance examination for the year 2025.
- A new page will open where you need to locate and click on the "Register" link.
- This action will lead you to another new page.
- On this page, carefully read and follow the instructions provided for filling out the online examination form.
- After understanding the instructions, click on the "Continue" link to proceed.
- Complete the online registration form with your personal information, including your full name, father's name, mother's name, date of birth, gender, nationality, and other requested details.
- Provide your government approved identity card number and address information on the website.
- Create a unique user ID and password to log in to the NTA Official website.
- Following this, you will receive an OTP (OneTime Password) on your registered mobile phone for PHD registration verification.
- Use the provided credentials to sign in and access your dashboard.
- Inside your dashboard, provide both personal and educational details as required.
- Choose the specific examination courses you intend to pursue and select the preferred examination cities where you wish to take the entrance exam for your Ph.D.
- Upload a passport sized photograph and your signature as per the specified guidelines.
- Proceed to make the online registration fee payment for the Ph.D. entrance examination, as applicable to your category.
- Lastly, take an online printout of the application.
NTA PhD Entrance Exam Application Fee 2025
The application fee for the NTA PhD Entrance Exam depends on the candidate's category and the number of test papers chosen.
| Application Fee | Fee (for one Test Paper) | Fee for Additional Test Paper (Per Test Paper) |
|---|---|---|
| General | Rs. 1200 | Rs. 800 |
| OBC-NCL/Gen-EWS | Rs. 1100 | Rs. 700 |
| SC/ST/Third Gender | Rs. 1000 | Rs. 700 |
| PwBD | Rs. 1000 | Rs. 700 |
NTA PhD Entrance Exam Eligibility 2025
Candidates must check the eligibility criteria for the NTA PhD Entrance Exam 2025 before applying.
- Age Limit: The National Testing Agency (NTA) does not impose any age limit for the Ph.D. Entrance Test 2025.
- Educational Status: Candidates who have cleared their postgraduate or equivalent examination, or are appearing in the 2025 examination, are eligible for the Ph.D. Entrance Test for DU, JNU, BHU, and BBAU-2025.
- University Age Criteria: Candidates must meet the age criteria set by the specific university they intend to join.
- University Policies: Admission policies for DU, JNU, BHU, and BBAU will include factors such as quota, category, relaxation, reservations, qualifications, subject combinations, and preferences.
- University Eligibility: Passing the entrance test does not guarantee admission. Candidates must fulfill the program-specific eligibility conditions of the university they are applying to.
NTA PhD Entrance Exam Pattern 2025
The Ph.D. Entrance Test for DU, JNU, BHU, and BBAU-2025 will be held in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.
- Mode of Exam: The exam will exclusively be conducted in CBT mode.
- Medium of Question Papers: Except for language papers, the exams will be held solely in English.
- Structure of Question Papers: The question paper will comprise two sections:
- Section 1: Research Methodology
- Section 2: Subject-specific
- Number of Questions: Each paper will contain 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), all in English except for language papers. All questions are mandatory.
- Exam Duration: The exam duration is 3 hours (180 minutes).
- Total Courses: Candidates can select a maximum of three courses, with one course per time slot as per the timetable.
- Subjects and Sections: Subjects are grouped into coherent combinations, each with a common Research Methodology Section I. Section 2 is specialized to the domain.
- Marking Scheme: 4 marks are awarded for each correct answer, and 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.
NTA PhD Entrance Exam Syllabus 2025
The NTA PhD Entrance Exam Syllabus 2025 covers a wide range of subjects and significant topics for the examination.
The syllabus is vast and covers fields such as Adult Continuing Education & Extension, African Studies, Ancient Indian History, Culture, Archaeology, Anthropology, Arabic, Bio-Physics, and many more.
Subject-wise Syllabus PDFs for NTA PhD Entrance Exam
The National Testing Agency (NTA) releases a separate syllabus PDF for each subject of the PhD entrance exam. Candidates can download the PDF for their specific subject from the table below.
| Subject | Download PDF | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Continuing Education & Ext. | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| African Studies | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archeology | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Anthropology | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Arabic | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Bio-Physics | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Biochemistry | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Biomedical Research | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Biotechnology | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Botany | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Buddhist Studies | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Chemistry/Chemical Science | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Chinese | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Chinese Studies | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Cinema Studies | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Commerce/Management/Financial Studies | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Comparative Politics & Political Theory | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Track - 1 (TROH) | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Track - 2 (TRTH) | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Track - 3 (TRDH) | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Computer Science and Engineering | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Computer Science/ Informatics | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| East Asian Studies | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Economics Studies & Planning | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Economics/ Regional development Economics/Business Economics | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Education | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Electronics and Communication Engineering / Electronic Science | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Energy Studies | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| English | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Environmental Studies/Environmental Sciences Research Area III & IV | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| European Studies | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Fine Arts | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| French | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Genetics | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Geology | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Geography/Political Geography/Regional Development Geography | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Germany | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Hindi | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Hindi Translation | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Hindustani Music | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Hispanic/ Spanish | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| History of Arts | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| History/Historical Studies [Ancient/Medieval/ Modern] | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Home Science | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Horticulture | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Human Rights | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Informal Sector & Labour Studies | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Inner Asia Studies | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| International Trade & Development | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Italian | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Japanese | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Japanese Studies | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Karnataka/Carnatic Music | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Korean | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Korean Studies | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Law | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Library & Information Science | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Life Science/ Life Sciences Group – I-V | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Linguistics | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Mass Communication and Journalism/ Media Studies | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Mathematics | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Mechanical Egineering | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Micro Systems | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Microbiology | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Modern Indian Language & Literary Studies | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Molecular Medicine | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Nano Sciences | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| National Security Studies | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Operational Research | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Percussion Music | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Persian | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Pharmaceutical Sciences/ Pharmacy | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Philosophy | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Physical Education & Sport Science | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Physics/Physical Sciences | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Political Science/Political Studies/Public Administration | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Portuguese | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Psychology | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Public Health | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Punjabi | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Russian | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Russian & Central Asian Studies | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Sanskrit | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Social Sciences in Health | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Social System | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Social Work | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Sociology | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| South Asian Studies | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Statistics | Check Here | ||||||||||||
| Studies in Science Policy | Check Here |
| Category | Reservation of Seats |
|---|---|
| GEN-EWS | 10% |
| OBC-NCL | 27% |
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 7.5% |
| PwD | 5% |
NTA PhD Entrance Exam Preparation Tips 2025
Preparation for the NTA PhD Entrance Exam 2025 should start early. A structured approach helps in covering the syllabus fully.
- Immediate Initiation: Start preparation promptly to secure a good score and ranking.
- Download Syllabus PDF: Download the NTA PhD Entrance Exam syllabus 2025 PDF first. It serves as a roadmap for preparation.
- Identify Key Books: Select reference books that match the NTA PhD Entrance Exam syllabus.
- Structured Study: Organise a study routine to cover all topics in the PhD Entrance Test syllabus. Allocate time wisely.
- Previous Year Papers Practice: Solve previous year question papers to understand question patterns and difficulty level.
- Mock Tests and Sample Papers: Work through sample papers and free mock tests to simulate the real exam experience.
- Holistic Preparation: Follow all the above steps to face the Doctor of Philosophy Entrance Test confidently.
NTA PhD Entrance Exam Paper Analysis 2025
NTA PhD Entrance Exam 2025 paper analysis will be updated after the conclusion of the exam. The examination is conducted online in computer-based test mode.
The paper has two parts. Part A is a general aptitude test covering English comprehension, logical reasoning, and quantitative ability. Part B includes questions related to the subject the candidate has selected.
NTA PhD Entrance Exam 2025 Answer Key
NTA will release the final answer key for PhD exams on its official website nta.ac.in. Candidates can check the final answer key on that website.
NTA PhD Entrance Exam 2025 Final Answer Key
The NTA PhD 2023 final answer key has been released. The result is compiled based on the final answer key declared.
No grievance regarding answer keys will be entertained after the declaration of the result or NTA Score of the PhD Entrance Test for DU, JNU, BHU, and BBAU - 2025.
What is NTA PhD Entrance Exam 2025?
NTA PhD Entrance Exam 2025 is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is held for admission to PhD programs at universities such as DU, JNU, BHU, and BBAU.
Who Can Apply
Candidates who have completed their postgraduate or equivalent examination can apply. Candidates who are appearing in 2025 can also apply.
There is no age limit set by NTA. Candidates must meet the age criteria of the respective university.
Application Process
Eligible candidates need to apply online through the official website. The application process involves providing personal details and educational background.
Candidates must select exam courses and upload documents during the application process.
Exam Mode and Language
The exam is conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode. For DU, JNU, BHU, and BBAU-2025, the exam is conducted in English.
Syllabus
The syllabus covers a wide range of subjects and topics specific to the universities and their respective programs. Candidates should refer to the official syllabus document for detailed information.
Exam Structure and Duration
The exam consists of two sections - Research Methodology and Subject-specific. The question paper has 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
The exam duration is 3 hours (180 minutes).
Preparation Tips
- Download the syllabus.
- Identify key reference books.
- Study systematically.
- Practice previous year papers.
- Utilize mock tests and sample papers.
- Ensure holistic preparation.
Application Fees
The application fee varies based on the category and the number of test papers applied for. Different fee structures exist for different categories.
- General
- OBC-NCL/Gen-EWS
- SC/ST/Third Gender
- PwBD
Exam Date
The exact exam date is yet to be announced (TBA). Candidates are advised to keep an eye on the official website for updates.
Official Updates
Visit the official website regularly for updates, notifications, and important announcements regarding the exam. The official website is phd-entrance.samarth.ac.in.
What is the NTA PhD Entrance Exam 2025?
The NTA PhD Entrance Exam 2025 is a national-level entrance test. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts it for admission to Ph.D. programs at universities like DU, JNU, BHU, and BBAU.
Who Can Apply for the NTA PhD Entrance Exam?
Candidates who have completed their postgraduate degree or an equivalent examination can apply. Those who are appearing for their final year exams in 2025 are also eligible.
NTA has not set an age limit for this exam. However, candidates must meet the age criteria set by the specific university they are applying to.
Application Process
Eligible candidates must apply online through the official website. The process requires filling in personal details, educational background, and selecting the exam courses.
Candidates also need to upload the required documents during the online application.
Exam Mode and Language
The exam is conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode. For the DU, JNU, BHU, and BBAU 2025 exams, the question paper is in English.
Exam Pattern and Duration
The question paper has two sections: Research Methodology and Subject-specific. It contains 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
The total duration of the exam is 3 hours (180 minutes).
Syllabus for the Exam
The syllabus covers a wide range of subjects and topics. These topics are specific to the universities and their respective Ph.D. programs.
Candidates should refer to the official syllabus document for detailed information on topics.
Application Fee
The application fee depends on the candidate's category and the number of test papers they apply for. Different categories have different fee structures.
- General
- OBC-NCL/Gen-EWS
- SC/ST/Third Gender
- PwBD
Important Dates
The exact exam date for NTA PhD Entrance Exam 2025 is yet to be announced (TBA). Candidates should check the official website regularly for updates.
How to Prepare for the Exam
Preparation should start with downloading the official syllabus. Candidates should identify key reference books and study systematically.
Practicing previous year papers and using mock tests and sample papers is also recommended for holistic preparation.
How to Stay Updated
Visit the official website regularly for updates, notifications, and important announcements. The official website for the exam is phd-entrance.samarth.ac.in.