Guru Nanak Dev University Begins PhD Applications January 2026

Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar has officially started the PhD admission process for the January 2026 session across multiple academic disciplines. The university invited eligible candidates to submit their online application forms within the given deadline, providing an opportunity for research aspirants to apply in fields such as Agriculture, Science, Engineering, Humanities, Management, Social Sciences, and more.

As part of the admission process, GNDU announced key dates and important admission stages. The last date to apply online was January 10, 2026, while the PhD Eligibility Test was scheduled for January 19, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the Lecture Theatre Complex on the GNDU campus. After the test, the university planned to conduct department-level counselling on January 27, 2026, where shortlisted candidates would proceed with further admission formalities.

A major highlight of this admission cycle was the exemption from the PhD Eligibility Test for candidates who hold valid national-level qualifications or fellowships. Applicants with credentials such as UGC-NET (including Category-3), CSIR-JRF, SLET, GATE, GPAT, ICAR, INSPIRE, Rajiv Gandhi Fellowship, Teacher Fellowship, Direct Fellowship, M.Phil from GNDU, or a valid GNDU PhD eligibility certificate were allowed to skip the entrance test. However, all applicants - including exempted candidates - were still required to complete the online application process.

In terms of eligibility, candidates were required to hold a Master’s degree with at least 55% marks or equivalent CGPA. Reserved category and differently-abled candidates were given relaxation with a minimum requirement of 50% marks. The university also advised applicants who completed their Master’s degree through distance education, lateral entry, or from private/deemed universities to verify academic equivalence before applying to avoid admission cancellation later.

The PhD Eligibility Test was described as qualifying in nature, meaning it would only determine eligibility for further stages and would not guarantee final admission. Candidates were required to secure a minimum of 55% marks (50% for reserved categories) to qualify, and the test result would remain valid for two years, subject to admission rules and departmental requirements.

Overall, the GNDU PhD January 2026 admission announcement provided a structured timeline, clear eligibility guidelines, and multiple pathways for entry through national fellowships or entrance examinations. The initiative aimed to streamline research admissions and encourage qualified candidates from diverse academic backgrounds to pursue doctoral studies at the university.