PhD Degree in Women's Studies - About Minimum Qualification, Universities, And Admission 2025-26

About This Course

The Centre for Women’s Studies offers a dynamic Ph.D. programme designed to equip scholars with strong quantitative and qualitative research skills. Functioning as a hub for interdisciplinary inquiry, the Centre actively supports a wide range of research and development initiatives. Its academic focus spans crucial themes such as gender mainstreaming, women’s health, empowerment, legal rights, gender stereotyping, violence against women, and the socio-political participation of women. It also encourages research in emerging areas including eco-feminism, gender and sports, mental health, women in tribal communities, and the experiences of women with disabilities.

To qualify for admission, candidates must hold a Master’s degree in a Social Science discipline with at least 55% marks. Selection follows university-prescribed entrance examination norms, ensuring a fair and merit-based process. However, applicants who have cleared the UGC-NET-JRF in Women’s Studies are granted direct admission, recognizing their academic excellence and research potential.

The Women’s and Gender Studies Ph.D. Programme at the School of Human Studies, Ambedkar University Delhi, further enriches this academic landscape. It offers a vibrant space for critical social analysis, using gender as a core lens. The programme strongly encourages research that understands gender as intertwined with caste, class, sexuality, ability, community, and other social categories. This inclusive and intersectional approach allows scholars to explore the complexities of gender in contemporary society, fostering meaningful contributions to scholarship, policy, and social change.

Eligibility

To apply for the Ph.D. in Women’s Studies, candidates must hold a Master’s degree in any Social Science discipline with a minimum of 55% marks. The entrance examination consists of 100 multiple-choice questions at the postgraduate level, assessing the candidate’s understanding of Women’s Studies perspectives, key gender issues, feminist theory, and feminist research methodologies. Applicants are strongly advised to review the eligibility conditions before submitting their forms, as ineligible applications will be rejected at any stage without the possibility of appeal.

Shortlisting for the Research Aptitude Test (RAT) is based on both educational qualifications and the applicant’s submitted research proposal.

1. Educational Qualifications

Candidates must have at least a Second Class Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized university in India or abroad. A minimum of 55% aggregate marks or a 3.5 GPA on the UGC seven-point scale is required.

For SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer) and differently-abled candidates, the minimum eligibility is 45% marks or a 2.5 GPA on the UGC scale.

2. M.Phil Holders

Applicants who hold an M.Phil or an equivalent degree from a recognized institution are also eligible to apply.

3. Research Proposal Requirement

A detailed research proposal of about 1,000 words must be submitted along with the application. It should clearly outline:

The broad field of study

The research problem

Scope and objectives of the study

Rationale and significance of the research topic

Proposed methodology

Relevant work or research experience (if any)

PhD Degree in Women's Studies Admission Process

The admission process for enrolling in a Ph.D. in Women’s Studies generally follows a systematic and transparent procedure. Most universities require candidates to qualify through entrance examinations such as PET or NET, followed by a personal interview. Scoring well in these assessments is essential for securing admission. Application forms for these entrance tests are typically released toward the end of April each year, and students can apply either online or offline.

Once a candidate clears the required entrance examinations, they are invited for counselling, after which the final admission process begins.

Online Entrance-Based Admission Process

Many universities conduct online entrance exams for admission into the Ph.D. in Women’s Studies programme. The basic steps for the online application process include:

Registration:

Candidates must register by providing their email ID, mobile number, and creating a password.

Application Form Submission:

Applicants must fill in all required fields with accurate personal, academic, and contact details.

Entrance Examination:

Students must appear for the exam on the scheduled date announced by the university.

Interview and Admission:

After the results are declared, shortlisted candidates are called for a personal interview. Based on performance, the admission procedure is completed.

Merit-Based or Offline Admission Process

Some institutions also offer merit-based or offline admission options. The process typically involves:

Visiting the college to collect the admission form along with the prospectus after the application announcement.

Filling out the form with the necessary information and preparing a demand draft for the application fee.

Submitting the completed form and fee before the deadline.

Checking the cut-off list a few days before admission to confirm eligibility and likelihood of selection.

Future Scope

In the Ph.D. in Women’s Studies programme, students engage deeply with the social structures and inequalities that shape human experiences. The curriculum explores critical themes such as caste, gender, sexuality, race, and other forms of social stratification. Learners are also introduced to feminist pedagogy, gaining insight into feminist teaching–learning practices and research methodologies that challenge traditional academic frameworks.

Career Opportunities After a Ph.D. in Women’s Studies

Graduates of this programme can pursue a wide range of meaningful and impactful careers. Some popular job roles include:

Settlement and Youth Worker

Executive Director of a Non-Profit Organization

Community Service Agency Director

Child and Youth Worker

Family Support Worker

Event Planner

Market Research Analyst

Ph.D. holders in Women’s Studies can contribute in multiple sectors such as private women welfare organizations, NGOs, research institutions, and corporate offices. Many also choose to work individually or in groups as activists, advocating for gender equality and social justice.

Future Scope of a Ph.D. in Women’s Studies

A Ph.D. is a prestigious academic qualification that opens doors to opportunities both in India and abroad. Graduates with expertise in cultural, sexual, economic, and racial issues affecting women are well-positioned to contribute to women’s empowerment and social transformation.

Many Ph.D. scholars choose to pursue careers overseas, often securing positions in multinational organizations where they enjoy competitive salaries and improved living standards.

In India, they may find opportunities with prominent research bodies such as CSIR and DRDO, where they can support studies that advance human development and societal well-being. Additionally, Ph.D. graduates can build rewarding academic careers by working as professors in universities and colleges worldwide.