NOU PhD 2026: Eligibility, Fee, Duration and Syllabus
Nalanda Open University’s PhD programme is currently suspended until further order, with no new research scholars registered since 2009. The official qualification requirement for the PhD programme is Post Graduation in the relevant area. NOU has not published an updated syllabus, fee, or duration for the 2026 session due to the ongoing suspension.
Key facts
| Programme Status | Suspended till further order |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Post Graduation in Relevant Area |
| Last Scholar Registration | Year 2009 |
| Past Research Mode | Part Time |
| Women Fee Discount | 25% discount (Excludes PhD) |
PhD Admission Status and 2026 Availability
The PhD programme at Nalanda Open University is officially suspended until further order. No new PhD research scholars have been registered at the university after the year 2009.
NOU has not published a 2026 syllabus, fee structure, duration, or admission dates for the PhD programme on its website as of 03 October 2026.
PhD Eligibility Criteria and Fee Guidelines
According to the eligibility rules published by the university, applicants must meet the master’s qualification requirement when the programme is active.
- Degree equivalence is determined solely by the Academic Council of Nalanda Open University.
- While NOU grants a 25% course fee concession to female candidates across various courses, the PhD programme is explicitly excluded from this discount.
NOU PhD Eligibility and Fee Summary
| Programme Name | Eligibility / Qualification | Fee (Per Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. Programme | Post Graduation in Relevant Area* | Suspended till further order |
Historical PhD Disciplines and Research Records
As per official records in the Data regarding PhD scholars of NOU, previous PhD scholars completed their research degrees under part-time enrolment.
- History: Studies covered Jayaprakash Narayan’s political role, Upanishadic philosophy, and anti-British activities in Bihar.
- Geography: Research included regional development in North Bihar, Mithila female literacy patterns, and land use changes in Madhepura.
- Psychology: Scholars researched adolescent stress coping strategies, mental health correlates, and role stress among working women.
- Hindi: Thesis work focused on literary analyses of Hazariprasad Dwivedi and Nagarjun.
- Education: Research topics included teaching styles, academic achievement, and common schooling systems in Bihar.
- Other faculties with past completions include Botany, Sociology, and Urdu.
Important NOU links
| What you can do | Official page |
|---|---|
| Check general university admission guidelines | nou.ac.in/admission |
| Access NOU admission portal | nouadm.samarth.edu.in/index.php/site/index |
| Contact NOU support desk | nou.ac.in/contact-us |
Official documents (PDF)
- View PDF — Official data listing registered PhD scholars, supervisors, and topics at NOU
Frequently asked questions
Is the PhD programme active at Nalanda Open University in 2026?
No, the PhD programme at NOU is currently suspended until further order. The university has not registered any new PhD scholar after the year 2009.
What is the eligibility criteria for the PhD programme at NOU?
The general eligibility rule specified by Nalanda Open University for the PhD programme is a Post Graduation degree in the relevant area.
Does Nalanda Open University offer BA or BSc in Psychology?
NOU offers a B.A. Honours in Psychology for a fee of Rs 2,400 per year. The university does not offer a B.Sc. in Psychology.
What are the fees for courses at Nalanda Open University?
Annual fees vary by level: B.A. and B.Sc. Honours courses cost Rs 2,400, M.A. and M.Sc. courses cost Rs 7,200, MCA costs Rs 20,000, and BLIS costs Rs 5,500 per year.
What courses are offered at Nalanda Open University?
NOU offers Post Graduate degrees, PG Diplomas, Graduate Honours degrees (B.A., B.Sc., B.Com, BCA), BLIS, MLIS, B.Ed, Intermediate, and Certificate courses.
Is there a fee discount for female candidates at NOU?
Yes, NOU offers a 25% fee concession to women candidates seeking admission to any course, except for the PhD programme.
Sources
Written from the official NOU pages and documents below, as read on 3 October 2026.