Program Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Sociology at Dibrugarh University is a research‑oriented doctoral programme designed to develop scholars capable of contributing original knowledge to the field of sociology and related social sciences.
Eligibility Criteria
- Master’s degree (M.A./M.Sc.) in Sociology or a related discipline with at least 55% marks (or equivalent CGPA) from a recognised university.
- Candidates holding a Post‑Graduate Diploma in Sociology are also eligible if the diploma is recognised by the University.
- Minimum of 2 years relevant research or teaching experience (preferred but not mandatory).
- Valid score in the University’s Ph.D. Entrance Test or an equivalent national level test (e.g., UGC NET, CSIR NET).
- Age limit: No upper age restriction; however, age relaxations apply as per UGC regulations for reserved categories.
Entrance Examination
Pattern & Syllabus
- Mode: Offline (pen‑and‑paper) and Online (CBT) options.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Total Marks: 100.
- Sections:
- Research Methodology (20 marks)
- Sociological Theories & Concepts (30 marks)
- Contemporary Issues in Sociology (30 marks)
- Logical Reasoning & General English (20 marks)
Sample question papers and detailed syllabus are downloadable from the University Entrance Portal.
Fee Structure (2025‑26 Academic Session)
| Category | Fee (INR) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Application & Registration | 2,500 | Non‑refundable |
| Annual Tuition & Research Fees | 15,000 | Payable at the start of each academic year |
| Laboratory & Fieldwork Charges | 5,000 | One‑time fee (subject to project requirements) |
| Library & Digital Resources | 1,200 | Annual |
| Total (General Category) | 23,700 | |
| SC/ST/PwD Concession (50% waiver) | 11,850 | Applicable on tuition & research fees only |
Admission Process
- Online application submission through the University portal.
- Upload scanned copies of academic transcripts, research proposal (max 1500 words), and identity proof.
- Pay the non‑refundable registration fee.
- Appear for the Ph.D. Entrance Examination.
- Shortlisting based on entrance score & academic record.
- Personal Interview & Presentation of research proposal before the Departmental Review Committee.
- Final selection & issuance of Offer Letter.
- Admission confirmation by payment of the first-year tuition fee.
Core Subjects & Research Areas
Core Coursework (Semester‑wise)
- Advanced Sociological Theory
- Research Design & Methodology
- Quantitative & Qualitative Data Analysis
- Statistical Software Applications (SPSS, R, NVivo)
- Ethics in Social Research
- Seminar on Contemporary Social Issues
Popular Research Domains
- Rural Development & Agrarian Studies
- Ethnicity, Migration & Diaspora Studies
- Gender, Sexuality & Social Justice
- Urbanization, Housing & Informal Settlements
- Social Policy & Welfare Systems
- Media, Communication & Digital Societies
- Environmental Sociology & Climate Change
Sample Syllabus (Year‑1)
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | SOC601 | Advanced Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology | 4 |
| I | SOC602 | Research Methodology & Design | 4 |
| II | SOC603 | Statistical Techniques for Social Research | 3 |
| II | SOC604 | Qualitative Data Analysis & Software | 3 |
| II | SOC605 | Seminar: Emerging Issues in Sociology | 2 |
Remaining credits are obtained through the dissertation (research work) and optional electives.
Scholarships & Financial Assistance
- University Merit Fellowship: INR 12,000 per month for the first two years (renewable based on academic performance).
- UGC-DAE (JRF) Fellowship: Full stipend as per UGC norms, subject to national eligibility.
- Assam State Scholarship for Women Researchers: One‑time grant of INR 50,000.
- Research Project Grants: Funding opportunities through external agencies (ICSSR, Ministry of Education, etc.) for fieldwork and data collection.
Career Scope & Opportunities
Graduates of the Ph.D. programme in Sociology from Dibrugarh University are well‑positioned for the following roles:
- Assistant/Associate Professor – Universities & Colleges (eligible for NET/SET).
- Senior Research Fellow – Government research institutes (ICSSR, NITI Aayog, CSIR).
- Policy Analyst / Programme Manager – Ministries, NGOs, and International Agencies (UNDP, WHO).
- Data Scientist / Social Statistician – Corporate research wings, market research firms.
- Consultant – Community development, Urban planning, Social Impact Assessment.
- Author / Editor – Academic publishing houses, journals, think‑tanks.
Average starting salary for Ph.D. holders ranges from INR 7‑10 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential in academia and consultancy.
Contact & Further Information
For detailed queries, download the official prospectus or contact the Department of Sociology:
Department of Sociology
Dibrugarh University
Campus, Dibrugarh – 786004, Assam, India
Phone: +91‑374‑264‑2000
Email: sociology@dibru.ac.in
Visit the official Ph.D. Sociology page for online application and latest announcements.