Ph.D. in Performing Arts – Dibrugarh University
Comprehensive guide covering eligibility, entrance exam, fee structure, admission process, subjects, research areas, syllabus, scholarships & career prospects.
Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Performing Arts at Dibrugarh University offers advanced scholarly research in traditional and contemporary performing disciplines. The program is research‑oriented, fostering expertise in music, dance, drama, theater studies, and related interdisciplinary fields.
Eligibility Criteria
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | Master’s degree (M.A./M.Sc.) in Performing Arts or a related discipline with minimum 55% (50% for SC/ST) |
| Qualifying Examination | UGC NET/CSIR NET or University‑conducted Ph.D. Entrance Test |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit (relaxed for reserved categories) |
| Work Experience | Not mandatory, but professional experience in performing arts considered an advantage |
Entrance Exam
- Conducted by Dibrugarh University (annual cycle)
- Paper I: General Aptitude & Research Methodology (100 marks)
- Paper II: Subject‑Specific (Music, Dance, Drama, etc.) – 100 marks
- Duration: 3 hours per paper
- Selection based on combined score of entrance test and interview
Admission Process
- Online application submission via the university portal (deadline: 30 Sept.)
- Upload scanned copies of academic certificates, ID proof, and photographs
- Pay non‑refundable application fee (₹ 1,500)
- Appear for the entrance exam on the scheduled date
- Shortlisting of candidates based on exam score
- Personal interview & research proposal evaluation
- Issuance of admission letter and enrollment in the Ph.D. program
Fee Structure (2025‑26)
| Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | 1,500 |
| Entrance Exam Fee | 2,000 |
| Course Fee (per semester) | 8,500 |
| Registration & Library Fee | 3,000 (one‑time) |
| Annual Miscellaneous Charges | 5,000 |
| Total Approx. (4‑year programme) | ≈ 2,02,000 |
Core Subjects & Coursework
- Research Methodology in Performing Arts
- Advanced Musicology / Ethnomusicology
- Contemporary Dance Theory & Practice
- Drama & Theatre Studies
- Multimedia & Digital Performance
- Pedagogy of Performing Arts
- Seminars & Workshops (Guest Artists)
- Dissertation / Thesis (minimum 80 pages)
Research Areas
- Preservation of Indigenous Folk Forms of Assam
- Music Therapy and Cognitive Development
- Intercultural Performance Practices
- Digital Archiving of Performing Arts
- Gender & Representation in Theatre
- Innovations in Choreography & Stage Design
- Community‑Based Arts Education
- Performance Analytics using AI & Motion Capture
Syllabus Snapshot (Year‑wise)
| Year | Modules / Milestones |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | Research Methodology, Literature Review, Proposal Drafting, Seminar I |
| Year 2 | Core Subject Courses, Data Collection, Fieldwork, Seminar II |
| Year 3 | Advanced Topics, Publication of Papers, Thesis Draft Submission, Workshop |
| Year 4 | Thesis Completion, Viva‑voce, Publication of Final Research, Graduation |
Scholarships & Financial Assistance
- University Merit Scholarship (full tuition waiver for top 10% candidates)
- UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) – ₹ 31,000/month
- State Government Stipends for SC/ST/OBC candidates
- External Fellowships (e.g., Indian Council for Cultural Relations)
- Travel & Fieldwork Grants – up to ₹ 30,000 per project
Career Scope & Opportunities
- Assistant Professor / Lecturer in Performing Arts departments
- Research Fellowships at national & international cultural institutes
- Artistic Director / Choreographer for theatre and dance companies
- Musicologist, Ethnomusicologist, and Cultural Heritage Consultant
- Curator & Archive Manager for museums & cultural NGOs
- Policy Analyst for Ministry of Culture & State Arts Councils
- Freelance Writer, Critic, and Media Specialist in arts journalism
- Entrepreneur – Establishing performing arts schools, production houses, or digital platforms
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the minimum duration for completing the Ph.D.?
- Four years (full‑time) is the standard; part‑time candidates may take up to six years.
- Can I apply with a Master’s in a related field (e.g., Literature or Anthropology)?
- Yes, provided you possess a strong research proposal linking your background to performing arts.
- Is there a provision for direct admission without the entrance test?
- Candidates who have qualified UGC NET/CSIR NET with a minimum of 60% are exempted from the university entrance exam.
- How many publications are required before thesis submission?
- At least two peer‑reviewed journal articles or one conference paper plus one journal article are mandated.
- Are online classes available for the coursework?
- The university offers blended learning for certain modules, but core research activities require on‑campus presence.
