Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ) has officially invited applications for its prestigious Doctoral (PhD) programs for the academic session 2025-26. Known for its research-centric approach and state-of-the-art infrastructure, CUJ offers PhD programs across various disciplines, including Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences.
Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ): CUJ PhD Admission 2025: Overview
| Feature | Details |
| University Name | Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ) |
| Program Level | Doctoral (PhD) |
| Academic Session | 2025-26 |
| Admission Basis | UGC/CSIR-NET (June/Dec 2024, June 2025), GATE, or CUJ Entrance Test |
| Mode of Application | Online (Samarth Portal) |
| Application Start Date | December 22, 2025 |
| Application End Date | January 12, 2026 |
| Official Website | cuj.ac.in |
Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ): Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the PhD program at CUJ, candidates must satisfy the following criteria:
Educational Qualification: A Master’s degree or equivalent in the relevant subject with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PWD/EWS candidates).
Mandatory Requirements:
Category 1: Candidates with a valid JRF (Junior Research Fellowship).
Category 2: Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET/CSIR-NET (without JRF) or GATE (Certificate issued on/after Jan 1, 2023).
Category 3: Candidates appearing for the CUJ Entrance Test (specifically for Engineering, Geoinformatics, and Tibetan Language).
Cycles Considered: Only scores from June 2024, December 2024, and June 2025 cycles of UGC/CSIR NET are valid for this session.
Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ): Benefits & Fellowship Amount
Selected candidates are eligible for various financial supports to facilitate their research:
| Benefit Type | Amount / Details |
| JRF Fellowship | As per UGC/CSIR norms (approx. ₹37,000 + HRA per month). |
| SRF Fellowship | Increased stipend after 2 years of successful research (approx. ₹42,000 + HRA). |
| Non-NET Fellowship | University provides a monthly stipend to full-time scholars who do not have JRF (subject to university rules). |
| Research Grants | Contingency grants for purchasing books, chemicals, or travel for field research. |
Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ): Required Documents for Application
Keep the following scanned copies (Max 500kb each, PDF/JPG) ready:
Passport-sized photograph and Signature.
Class 10th & 12th Marksheets and Certificates.
Graduation and Post-Graduation Marksheets & Degrees.
Valid Scorecard (UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/JRF).
Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS) in Govt. of India format.
NOC from Employer (for working professionals).
Medical/PWD Certificate (if applicable).
Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ): Application Process: Step-by-Step
Follow these steps to complete your registration on the CUJ Samarth Portal:
Step 1: Registration: Visit the official link
https://cuj.samarth.edu.inand register using a valid email and mobile number.Step 2: Fill Personal Details: Log in and enter your name, parentage, and category details carefully.
Step 3: Academic Info: Upload your marks from 10th grade through Post-Graduation and your NET/GATE scores.
Step 4: Upload Documents: Upload the required certificates mentioned in the list above.
Step 5: Fee Payment: Pay the application fee through the online gateway (Credit/Debit Card or UPI).
Step 6: Print Application: Download and save the final PDF for future reference during the interview.
Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ): Selection Process
The selection at CUJ follows a two-tier process:
Shortlisting: Based on the scores of National Level Tests (NET/GATE) or the University Entrance Exam.
Interview/Viva-Voce: Shortlisted candidates must present their research interest/proposal before the Departmental Research Committee (DRC).
Final Merit: Prepared by giving weightage to the entrance/NET scores and interview performance.
Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ): Important Dates to Remember
| Event | Date |
| Online Application Starts | December 22, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | January 12, 2026 |
| Display of Shortlisted Candidates | To be announced |
| Interview Dates | To be notified on the CUJ website |
Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ): Seat Matrix: Available Departments & Vacancies
CUJ offers research opportunities across a wide range of disciplines. Below is the seat distribution for the 2025-26 session:
| Program Name | Total Intake | UR | OBC | SC | ST | EWS |
| Physics | 26 | 11 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Chemistry | 21 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Mathematics | 15 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Civil Engineering | 15 | 9 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Geoinformatics | 15 | 8 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Environmental Sciences | 14 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Life Sciences | 12 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Energy Engineering | 12 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Metallurgical & Materials Eng. | 09 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Chinese | 09 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Computer Science & Eng. | 07 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Anthropology & Tribal Studies | 07 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Geography | 06 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Education | 06 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| English Studies | 06 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Mass Communication | 05 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Political Science | 05 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Statistics | 03 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Performing Arts | 02 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Economics & Dev. Studies | 01 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 196 | 106 | 39 | 23 | 10 | 18 |
Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ): Application Fees
| Category | Fee (1st Program) | Fee (Additional Program) |
| UR / OBC / EWS (Male) | Rs. 2000/- | Rs. 800/- |
| SC / ST (Male) | Rs. 1500/- | Rs. 700/- |
| Female (All) / PwD | Rs. 1000/- | Rs. 600/- |
Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ): Selection Process
| Component | Weightage |
| Entrance Exam Score (NET/GATE) | 70% |
| Interview / Viva-Voce | 30% |
The Interview: Shortlisted candidates will present their research interests via PowerPoint before a committee. The committee evaluates the candidate’s competence, the suitability of the research for the university, and its potential to add new knowledge.
Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ): FAQs
Q1. Can I apply for more than one PhD program? Yes, but you must fill out separate applications and pay additional fees for each department.
Q2. Is an online interview possible? No, candidates must appear for the interview in offline mode at the notified date and time.
Q3. What if my category certificate is from a Circle Officer? It will be accepted provisionally. If selected, you must submit a certificate from a higher competent authority (like an SDM or Tehsildar) within 15 days.
Q4. Who can I contact for technical issues? You can email admissionhelpdesk@cuj.ac.in or call 9304953735.
Conclusion
The Central University of Jharkhand offers a robust platform for high-level research with its A+ NAAC rating and diverse specializations. Aspiring researchers should ensure they submit their applications by January 12, 2026, and prepare a thorough research presentation for the interview stage