Ph.D. in Social Work – Indus University

Eligibility Criteria

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) or related discipline with minimum 55% aggregate.
• Recognized university (UGC, AICTE, or NAAC accredited).
• Valid GATE/UGC NET/CSIR NET score (optional but preferred).
• Minimum 2 years of professional experience in social work, NGOs, or research (preferred).

Entrance Examination

Indus University conducts its own Ph.D. entrance test for Social Work. The exam pattern is:

Eligibility for the interview includes a minimum score of 55% in the written test.

Fee Structure (2026‑27 Academic Year)

Fee concessions are available for meritorious candidates and those awarded university‑level scholarships.

Admission Process

1. Online Application: Submit the application form on the university portal (last date: 30 April 2026).
2. Document Upload: Upload academic transcripts, degree certificates, GATE/NET scorecard (if any), and work experience letters.
3. Entrance Examination: Appear for the written test (scheduled for 15 July 2026).
4. Interview & Proposal Review: Shortlisted candidates present a 1,000‑word research proposal before the Faculty Panel.
5. Final Selection: Merit list released; candidates must accept the offer and pay the first-year tuition fee within 15 days.
6. Registration: Complete the university registration formalities and receive student ID.

Core Subjects (Year‑1)

• Advanced Research Methods in Social Work
• Qualitative & Quantitative Data Analysis
• Theory & Practice of Social Policy
• Ethics, Human Rights, and Social Justice
• Statistical Software for Social Research (SPSS/R)
• Field Practicum & Community Engagement

Prominent Research Areas

Community Development & Rural Empowerment

Impact of participatory governance, livelihood sustainability, and micro‑finance.

Child Welfare & Protection

Evaluation of child protection policies, rehabilitation of street children, and trauma‑informed care.

Gender & Social Inclusion

Intersectionality, gender‑based violence, and empowerment of LGBTQ+ communities.

Health & Mental Health Services

Social determinants of health, community mental health interventions, and policy analysis.

Elderly Care & Aging

Age‑friendly communities, geriatric social work, and policy frameworks for senior citizens.

Technology & Social Work

Digital inclusion, e‑health, and use of AI for social service delivery.

Sample Syllabus (First Semester)

Scholarships & Financial Aid

• Indus Merit Scholarship: 50% tuition waiver for top 10% of merit list.
• National Fellowship (UGC/ICSSR): Full tuition + monthly stipend of INR 30,000.
• NGO Sponsored Fellowship: Project‑based stipend ranging from INR 20,000‑40,000 per month.
• Women’s Empowerment Grant: Dedicated to female candidates pursuing gender‑focused research.
• Need‑Based Financial Aid: Up to 30% tuition reduction after income verification.

Career Scope after Ph.D. in Social Work

Graduates can pursue academic, research, and leadership roles across multiple sectors:

1. Assistant/Associate Professor – Universities & Colleges.
2. Senior Research Scientist – Think tanks, NGOs, International Agencies (UNDP, WHO).
3. Policy Analyst – Government ministries, legislative bodies, and advocacy groups.
4. Program Director – Large‑scale community development, health, and education projects.
5. Consultant – Social impact assessment, corporate social responsibility, and grant writing.
6. Chief Executive Officer – NGOs and social enterprises.

Average starting salary: INR 9‑12 LPA (industry) and INR 7‑9 LPA (academia).