Admission to Doctoral Programme

Eligibility

Applicants must have completed a Master’s programme from a recognised university by the time of admission. The applicant must have achieved at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade on a point scale in their Master’s programme.

Admission Process

The admissions process for the University’s Doctoral Programme consists of a written application for all applicants, and an online entrance exam and in-person interview for shortlisted applicants. For more details, refer to the Prospectus.

Written application: Complete the online application form and upload the required documents. The form includes the following:

  • Personal and professional details
  • A writing sample (mandatory)
  • List of up to three published pieces (optional)
  • Choice of supervisor
  • Contact details of two referees

Stage 1: Entrance Exam

To be held online on 29 June 2025, the exam includes the following. All responses will be anonymised for review.

  • Multiple choice questions (general logic, reading comprehension, and thematic knowledge)
  • Questions on thematic areas and on research methods
  • Research proposal (a short description of the proposed doctoral research)
  • An intellectual statement (a description of motivation and preparation to pursue a Doctoral degree)

Stage 2: Interview

  • On the basis of the written entrance exam, shortlisted applicants will be invited to an in-person interview at IIHS, Sadashivanagar, Bengaluru.
  • Applicants must ensure that referees submit their recommendation letters before the interview.

Admission

  • Final selection will be based on combined scores from the written exam and interview. A minimum of 40% is required to be considered.
  • Admission offers will be made after supporting documentation and transcripts have been verified, and other administrative requirements and checks are completed.

Key Dates

Online application process 4–20 June 2025
Online written exam 29 June 2025
Declaration of shortlisted applicants 7 July 2025
Interviews 18 – 19 July 2025
Offer of admission for PhD 22 July 2025
Final confirmed offer of admission 7 August 2025
Orientation 25 August 2025
Academic session begins 1 September 2025

* For detailed information on key dates, please refer to the Prospectus.

Prospectus

Access the Prospectus to learn more about this programme, the admissions process, key dates, courses, and more, for the academic year 2025–26.

Apply now for the PhD Programme
All fields are mandatory *
By submitting this form, you consent to the processing of your information in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

We use analytics and essential cookies to run the website and understand how visitors interact with it. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies.