Ph.D. in Social Work – Dibrugarh University

Eligibility Criteria

• Master’s degree in Social Work (M.S.W.) or related discipline from a recognized university.
• Minimum 55% aggregate (50% for SC/ST/PH categories).
• Valid GATE/UGC-NET/JRF score is preferred but not mandatory.
• English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) for candidates whose medium of instruction was not English.

Entrance Examination

University‑Based Ph.D. Entrance Test

• Mode: Offline (pen‑and‑paper) and Online (where applicable).
• Frequency: Once a year (usually in June).
• Sections:
  • General Ability (English, Logical Reasoning)
  • Research Aptitude in Social Work
  • Subject‑Specific Knowledge
• Duration: 2 hours; Total Marks: 100.

Qualified candidates may be exempted from the entrance test on the basis of a valid GATE/UGC‑NET/JRF score.

Fee Structure (2024‑25)

Admission Process

1. Online Application: Fill the application form on the University portal (link available on the official website).
2. Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of mark sheets, certificates, ID proof, and passport‑size photograph.
3. Entrance Test: Appear for the university‑conducted test or submit a valid GATE/NET score for exemption.
4. Interview: Shortlisted candidates are called for a research‑proposal interview with the Departmental Committee.
5. Admission Offer: Admission letter issued upon successful completion of interview and fee payment.
6. Registration: Formal registration with the university, allocation of supervisor, and enrollment in the research program.

Core Subjects & Research Areas

Core Coursework (2 semesters)

• Research Methodology in Social Work
• Advanced Theories of Social Development
• Quantitative & Qualitative Data Analysis
• Ethics & Human Rights in Social Work
• Policy Analysis & Program Evaluation

Popular Research Domains

• Community Development & Rural Livelihoods
• Gender, Violence & Social Justice
• Health and Mental Health Services
• Child Welfare & Protection
• Disaster Management & Rehabilitation
• Migration, Urbanization & Social Integration
• Environmental Justice & Sustainable Development

Provisional Syllabus (Year‑1)

After successful completion of coursework, candidates submit a research proposal and commence thesis work under faculty supervision.

Scholarships & Financial Assistance

• University Merit Scholarship (₹ 10,000 per semester) – awarded to top 10% of admitted candidates.
• UGC‑CSIR Junior Research Fellowship – ₹ 31,000 per month (subject to eligibility).
• State Government Stipends for SC/ST/PH candidates – varies by scheme.
• External Fellowships:
  • ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship
  • NHM Research Grant (Health‑related topics)
• Need‑Based Fee Waiver – up to 50% of tuition fees for economically weaker sections.

Career Scope & Opportunities

Graduates with a Ph.D. in Social Work from Dibrugarh University pursue rewarding careers in academia, research, policy formulation, and high‑impact NGOs.

Potential Job Profiles

• Assistant/Associate Professor – Universities & Colleges
• Senior Research Fellow – UGC, ICSSR, NGOs, International Agencies
• Policy Analyst – Government Departments, Think‑tanks
• Program Manager – UNDP, WHO, World Bank Projects
• Director – Community Development, Rehabilitation & Welfare Organizations
• Consultant – Social Impact Assessment, CSR Initiatives

Average Salary (India)

• Entry‑Level Academic (Lecturer): ₹ 5‑7 LPA
• Research Fellow (ICSSR/UGC): ₹ 8‑10 LPA
• Policy Analyst (Government/International Agency): ₹ 10‑14 LPA
• Senior Management (NGO/CSR): ₹ 12‑20 LPA

With the rising emphasis on evidence‑based interventions, demand for Ph.D. qualified social work professionals is projected to grow by 18% over the next five years.