Ph.D. in Social Work from Assam Don Bosco University: Eligibility, Entrance Exam, Fee Structure, Admission Process, Subjects, Research Areas, Syllabus, Scholarship & Career Scope
Introduction about Ph.D. in Social Work at Assam Don Bosco University
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Social Work at Assam Don Bosco University (ADBU) is crafted for seasoned professionals who aspire to lead transformative research, shape public policy, and drive systemic change across communities. This rigorous program blends advanced theoretical frameworks with practical field investigations, empowering candidates to become thought‑leaders in social welfare, community development, and interdisciplinary research.
Eligibility Criteria for Ph.D. in Social Work at Assam Don Bosco University
- Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) or a related discipline (e.g., Sociology, Psychology, Public Health) with a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent CGPA.
- For candidates with a professional degree (e.g., BSW) plus a postgraduate diploma, a cumulative score of at least 60% is required.
- Valid GATE/UGC‑NET score in Social Work or related subjects (optional but gives merit advantage).
- Research proposal aligned with ADBU’s PhD Topic Selection and Proposal Assistance services.
- English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) for international applicants.
Entrance Exam for Ph.D. in Social Work at Assam Don Bosco University
ADBU conducts its own entrance examination, the ADBU Ph.D. Social Work Entrance Test (ADBU‑SWET), twice a year (June & December). The exam evaluates:
- Research methodology and statistics.
- Theoretical foundations of Social Work.
- Contemporary social issues and policy analysis.
- Critical writing and analytical skills.
Candidates with a valid UGC‑NET or GATE score may be exempted from the written test and proceed directly to the interview stage.
Fee Structure for Ph.D. in Social Work at Assam Don Bosco University
| Component | Annual Fee (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Coursework | 85,000 | Includes seminars, workshops, and lab access. |
| Research Project & Fieldwork | 30,000 | Covering data collection, travel, and material costs. |
| Library & E‑Resources | 10,000 | Unlimited digital and physical resources. |
| Examination & Evaluation | 7,500 | Per semester assessment fees. |
| Miscellaneous (Administration, Utilities) | 5,000 | Annual campus services. |
| Total (Approx.) | 137,500 | Subject to annual revision. |
Students may avail of the university’s PhD Admission Assistance to navigate fee payment plans and scholarship applications.
Admission Process for Ph.D. in Social Work at Assam Don Bosco University
- Online Application: Submit the application form through the ADBU portal.
- Document Upload: Attach scanned copies of mark sheets, degree certificates, ID proof, and research proposal.
- Entrance Test/UGC‑NET Score: Appear for ADBU‑SWET or upload valid UGC‑NET/GATE scores.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited for a research interview with the faculty panel.
- Admission Offer: Conditional offer letter is issued, followed by fee payment.
- Enrollment: Complete registration, attend orientation, and begin coursework.
Ph.D. Subjects and Specializations in Social Work at Assam Don Bosco University
ADBU offers interdisciplinary specializations that reflect emerging trends and societal needs:
- Community Development & Rural Welfare
- Health & Mental Health Social Work
- Child & Family Welfare
- Social Policy & Administration
- Human Rights & Gender Studies
- Environmental & Climate Justice
Research Areas in Social Work at Assam Don Bosco University
Doctoral candidates can explore cutting‑edge research domains, including:
- Impact assessment of government welfare schemes.
- Social determinants of health in tribal populations.
- Innovative community‑based interventions for child protection.
- Policy analysis of gender‑based violence prevention.
- Digital technology adoption in social service delivery.
- Resilience building in disaster‑prone regions.
Documents Required for Ph.D. in Social Work at Assam Don Bosco University
| Document | Format | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Completed Application Form | Online submission only. | |
| Academic Transcripts & Degree Certificates | PDF (Scanned) | Originals to be produced on campus. |
| Research Proposal (2,000–3,000 words) | DOCX or PDF | Guidelines provided on ADBU portal. |
| UGC‑NET / GATE Score Card (if applicable) | Exemption from entrance test. | |
| Proof of Identity (Aadhaar / Passport) | Government‑issued photo ID. | |
| Resume/Curriculum Vitae | Highlight research experience. |
Assam Don Bosco University Ph.D. Syllabus for Social Work
The syllabus is structured into three major phases – Coursework, Comprehensive Exams, and Dissertation.
Phase I – Coursework (Year 1)
- Research Methodology & Statistics for Social Sciences
- Theoretical Foundations of Social Work
- Advanced Topics in Community Development
- Ethics and Human Rights in Social Work
- Seminar on Emerging Social Issues
Phase II – Comprehensive Examination (End of Year 2)
A written and oral exam evaluating mastery of core concepts and readiness for independent research.
Phase III – Dissertation (Years 3‑5)
- Proposal Development & Approval
- Data Collection & Analysis
- Writing & Publication of Research Findings
- Final Defense before a panel of experts.
How To Apply for Ph.D. in Social Work at Assam Don Bosco University
Follow these steps to submit a successful application:
- Visit the official Ph.D. Social Work portal and register a new account.
- Complete the online form, ensuring accurate personal and academic details.
- Upload the required documents (refer to the Documents Required table).
- Pay the non‑refundable application fee of INR 2,500 via net banking or UPI.
- Schedule your entrance test or upload your UGC‑NET/GATE score.
- After the interview, accept the admission offer and pay the first-year tuition.
Need help with the application paperwork? Explore our Editing and Proofreading Services to perfect your proposal and CV.
Career Scope and Job Opportunities After Ph.D. in Social Work from Assam Don Bosco University
A Ph.D. from ADBU opens doors to high‑impact roles such as:
- Senior Research Fellow / Principal Investigator in national and international NGOs.
- Professor or Department Head in universities and research institutes.
- Policy Analyst or Advisor to governmental ministries (Health, Rural Development, Women & Child Development).
- Director of Community Development Programs for multinational agencies.
- Consultant for UN agencies, World Bank, and other global development bodies.
Graduates also receive ongoing support from the university’s Research Publication Support to disseminate their findings in reputable journals.
Scholarship for Ph.D. in Social Work at Assam Don Bosco University
ADBU offers a range of merit‑based