South Asian University PhD Admission 2024 Notification. South Asian University is an international university established by the governments of the eight member states of the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) viz., Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The University has now moved to its own beautiful 100 acres campus at Maidan Garhi.
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South Asian University PhD Admission 2024
The University, established with the aim of evolving a South Asian consciousness, offers Master’s and PhD level programmes in the following disciplines:
- Biotechnology
- Computer Science
- Economics
- International Relations
- Legal Studies
- Mathematics
- Sociology
SAU attracts students from all member states and its degrees are recognized by all the eight SAARC countries. The university does not restrict admissions to students from outside SAARC countries.
A student can register for as many programmes as s/he desires subject to fulfilling the eligibility criteria and as long as the Entrance Test timings do not clash. For each programme, a separate application has to be filled.
A certain category of PhD candidates will be called directly for interviews. They are exempted from the Entrance Test. For details, see “PhD Programmes”. However, such candidates, if they desire, can take the Entrance Test also in addition to applying through Direct Mode. Separate applications need to be filled for each mode of admission.
From this year, the university announces admissions to new programmes in the Department of Computer Science, namely, B.Tech., Dual Degree (B.Tech.+M.Tech.), M.Tech. and Integrated (M.Sc.+M.Tech.).
Important Dates: South Asian University PhD Admission 2024
All the programmes of the university are full time and the classes are held in offline mode.
| Last date for applying is | 31st March 2024 (23:59 IST) |
| The Entrance Test will be held on | 20 & 21 April 2024 |
| 15.03.2024: | The entrance tests for MSc (Biotechnology), PhD (Biotechnology) and M.Tech. (Computer Science) has been rescheduled for 21.04.2024 in the Morning session. The entrance test for MA (Economics) has been rescheduled for 20.04.2024 in the morning. Session. |
| 15.03.2024: | For the programmes B.Tech. and Dual Degree (B.Tech+M.Tech) in Computer Science and Engineering, the minimum eligibility may be read as follows: A student must have passed the class 12 or higher secondary or any equivalent qualifying examination in Science stream (having mathematics and Physics/Chemistry as mandatory subjects) with a minimum of 65% marks in aggregate. |
| 15.03.2024: | Those who wish to be considered on the basis of their GATE/JEE score, must apply following the appropriate link on the admissions page. Those who wish to be considered on the basis of their GATE/JEE score as well as through the entrance test, must apply separately. |
| 15.03.2024: | The candidates from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh whom admissions were deferred in 2023 will soon receive a communication for further processing. |
PhD Programmes: South Asian University PhD Admission 2024
Admission to PhD programmes is made through two channels viz. through direct mode and through entrance test.
Through Direct Mode: South Asian University PhD Admission 2024
In this mode, certain categories of candidates will be exempted from the Entrance Test. They will be shortlisted on the bases of their CVs/SOPs/Research proposals/Letters of Recommendations and will be called directly for the interviews. The eligible categories are the following:
- Those who have been already awarded National fellowships in different SAARC countries on the basis of their respective National Entrance Tests
- Those who are funded by any Government agency to pursue PhD
- Those who are salaried and can get a leave from their organization for the two year residency period.
The students admitted through the direct mode will be provided the hostel accommodation (as per the Hostel rules) and will be exempted from paying the tuition fee. However, they will not be provided with any other financial support/fellowship/stipend throughout the tenure of the PhD programme.
For candidates applying through the above channel, separate merit lists will be drawn keeping in view the reservation of seats for candidates from different SAARC countries defined under SAU’s Rules.
Through Entrance Test: South Asian University PhD Admission 2024
In this mode, the admission procedure for the PhD programme consists of an Entrance Test followed by an interview. Students are required to score at least 50% marks in both, the Entrance Test and the interview separately, to be eligible for admission.
The students admitted through the Entrance Test will be provided the hostel accommodation (as per the Hostel rules) and will be exempted from paying the tuition fee. They will be entitled to the university stipend of INR 25,000 per month for a maximum period of five years provided they are not receiving any other financial support/fellowship/stipend for the purpose of pursuing the PhD programme.
The list of PhD programmes offered at SAU both through Direct Mode as well as through Entrance Test is given below along with the number of seats available in each mode and for each programme. To know about the specific eligibility criteria, format of the entrance test and other related details, click on the respective programme.
| PhD Programme | Number of Seats (max) | |
| Through Direct Mode | Through Entrance Test | |
| Biotechnology | 10 | 6 |
| Computer Science | 6 | 6 |
| Economics | 1 | 6 |
| International Relations | 6 | 6 |
| Legal Studies | 3 | 3 |
| Mathematics | 5 | 6 |
| Sociology | 6 | 5 |
Travel Subsidy for candidates invited for interview
In case the interviews are held in-person, the candidates invited for the interview will be given a travel subsidy (upper limit INR 5,000) towards actual travel cost by the shortest route as per instructions which will be communicated to those called for interview.
If candidates from outside India are unable to travel to New Delhi for the interview, they can seek permission for an interview through Skype.
Candidates should know before joining Ph.D. programme
- The tenure of the PhD programme is five years.
- The pre-PhD course work is compulsory for all students and is spread over the first two semesters and carries 16 credits as follows: course work (14 credits) plus seminar and term paper (2 credits). Distribution of credits between the first two semesters is decided by individual Departments / Faculties. Some Faculties and Departments may have a slightly higher credit requirement depending on their specific needs. Candidates are advised to carefully read Faculty and Department-specific requirements online. In addition, students will be required to qualify a non-credit course on “Introduction to South Asia” offered by the university if they have not already done so.
- At the end of the first year, students with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) less than 5.0 will be deemed to have failed and shall leave the university. There is no provision for a repeat test for improvement of grades in any pre-PhD course.
- Candidates with a CGPA above 5.0 but less than 6.5 can opt for the MPhil programme and complete their dissertation within one year (8 Credits). M.Phil. students securing an overall FGPA of 6.50 and above (including the grade obtained in M.Phil. dissertation), will get another opportunity to enrol for the Ph.D. programme as per the SAU rules. Students with CGPA of less than 6.5 will leave the university with an MPhil degree.
- Students with a CGPA of 6.5 and above will be considered for direct admission to the PhD programme as per SAU regulations. Such candidates, if they so wish, will also be permitted to pursue the M.Phil. Degree.
- Minimum residency requirement for PhD is two years after admission.
- Students pursuing a PhD degree at SAU are full-time students and are not permitted to take up any full or part-time work during the residency period.
Frequently Asked Questions: South Asian University PhD Admission 2024
⚫ Where is SAU located?
The university has now moved to its own beautiful 100 acres campus at Maidan Garhi. The complete address is “South Asian University, Rajpur Road, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068”.
⚫ Are there any regional campuses of SAU?
No, though we hope to have some in the future.
⚫ What major programmes does SAU offer?
Currently SAU offers Masters & PhD programmes in Applied Mathematics, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Economics, International Relations, Legal Studies and Sociology.
⚫ Are the degrees provided by the South Asian University recognized?
Yes. The degrees provided by the South Asian University are recognized in all the member countries of SAARC.
⚫ What is the eligibility criteria required for admission?
For admission to Master’s & PhD programmes in Economics, Sociology, International Relations and Legal Studies, the minimum prescribed eligibility criteria is 50% marks or an equivalent grade in the qualifying degree. For admission to Master’s & PhD programmes in Applied Mathematics, Biotechnology and Computer Science, the minimum prescribed eligibility percentage is 55% marks or an equivalent grade in the qualifying degree.For specific eligibility, please see the respective Master or PhD programme in the admission announcement.
⚫ How do I apply?
Applications are invited only through online mode. You have to register on the university website in order to apply online. The entrance test fee is USD 10 or INR 800 or equivalent. It is strongly recommended that the fee should be paid through online methods such as internet banking, debit/credit card or any other gateway available while submitting the application. However, if for some reason, online payment cannot be made, option of off-line payment is also available.
⚫ How do I apply for scholarships?
All scholarships are merit-based, depending on your rank in the Entrance Test . However, a limited number of freeships are available to students who cannot afford to pay the fees. Such students can apply on the prescribed application form after joining the University along with all supporting documents.