DU to Introduce PhD in Hindu Studies from 2025-26 Academic Session

Delhi University is planning to introduce a PhD programme in Hindu Studies form the 2025-26 academic session, according to a proposal by a Standing Committee.

The Governing Body of the Centre for Hindu Studies has recommended that the PhD programme be introduced in 2025-26.

The programme was earlier intended to begin in the current academic session but was postponed, as per the proposal.

According to Prerna Malhotra, Joint Director of the Centre for Hindu Studies, the goal of the project to launch a PhD program in Hindu Studies is to give students more options.

The Academic Council will consider the recommendation made by our Governing Board to begin a PhD program in Hindu Studies. Students, particularly those who have already earned their JRF and NET degrees in Hindu Studies, have started coming to the Center to ask about research possibilities. Delhi University, a prestigious university, is dedicated to provide these kinds of chances and promoting research in a variety of Hindu Studies fields, she stated.

Ten places, including those under appropriate reservation and supernumerary categories, may be available at first from the Centre for Hindu Studies. According to the idea, the number of seats could grow in the future based on the academic needs and infrastructure of the Center.

The recommendation will be reviewed and decided upon by the DU Academic Council during its meeting on December 27.

The plan will be sent to the Executive Council, the university’s highest decision-making body, for approval when the Council accepts the recommendation.

The proposal said, “It was decided to recommend initiating a PhD in Hindu Studies with effect from the academic session 2025-26, in continuation of the decision taken by the Governing Body of the Centre for Hindu Studies on June 21, 2024.”

The PhD program’s eligibility requirements will be in conformity with Delhi University’s policies. Candidates must pass the university’s PhD eligibility exam, hold a Master’s degree in Hindu Studies or related fields with at least 55 percent of the possible points, and be qualified by JRF/NET.

The PhD Information Bulletin will outline the applicable relaxations for reserved categories.

Faculty with competence in Hindu Studies from the university’s affiliated departments and colleges who have shown interest will supervise research until official appointments are made.

Delhi University currently offers only a two-year Master’s programme in Hindu Studies. The Centre for Hindu Studies, established in 2023 with a focus on Brahmanical texts, began its first MA batch in November 2023.