A PhD in Sanskrit typically takes 3 - 6 years, depending on the university, research topic, and whether you enrol as a full-time or part-time student. The PhD Sanskrit course offers a thorough study of the Sanskrit Language, Linguistics, and Literature. Applicants with a Master's degree in Sanskrit or a related course with 50% marks can pursue a PhD in Sanskrit. PhD Sanskrit admission is either merit or entrance exam-based, depending on the college. A few of the PhD Sanskrit colleges include BHU, University of Calcutta, Kurukshetra University, etc.
PhD Sanskrit graduates have the opportunity to find career opportunities in Educational Institutes, Media and Digital platforms, Computational Linguistics, etc. PhD Sanskrit students can be employed as a Sanskrit Translator, a Research Scholar, a Manuscript Preservationist, etc. For a fresher, the average PhD Sanskrit salary package ranges between INR 4 and 8 LPA.
- PhD in Sanskrit Course Highlights
- What is a PhD in Sanskrit?
- Why choose a PhD in Sanskrit?
- PhD in Sanskrit Eligibility
- PhD in Sanskrit Admission Process
- PhD in Sanskrit Entrance Exam
- PhD in Sanskrit Colleges in India
- PhD in Sanskrit Syllabus
- PhD in Sanskrit Job Profiles
- PhD in Sanskrit Future Scope
- PhD in Sanskrit FAQs
PhD in Sanskrit Course Highlights
Given below are the highlights of the PhD Sanskrit course:
Feature | Details |
Course Name | PhD in Sanskrit |
Duration | 3 - 6 years |
Eligibility | Master’s degree in Sanskrit or a related field with at least 50% marks |
Admission Process | Merit-based or Entrance Exam-based (varies by university) |
Colleges | Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, University of Calcutta, etc |
Career Options | Sanskrit Translator, Research Scholar, Professor/Lecturer, Manuscript Preservationist, etc |
Average Salary | INR 4 - 8 LPA |
What is a PhD in Sanskrit?
A PhD in Sanskrit is a doctorate program that involves the study of the Sanskrit Language, Linguistics, and Literature. It gives scholars an insight into the Sanskrit language and how it can be utilised from an academic perspective in industries such as education, Indian Archaeology, Manuscript Preservation, etc. It also helps students who pursue a PhD in Sanskrit to act in administrative sectors as translators and interpreters.
Why choose a PhD in Sanskrit?
Given below are the benefits of choosing a PhD in Sanskrit:
- It enables scholars to learn about Linguistics and Literature of one of the world’s oldest languages.
- It opens paths for researchers to study the ancient usage of language and its delve into Philosophy.
- Due to the decline in the number of students studying PhD Sanskrit, there is more scope in professions such as lecturers, translators and interpreters.
- Great for scholars looking to pursue a DSc in the same field.
PhD in Sanskrit Eligibility
To fulfil the PhD Sanskrit eligibility, the students must have completed a Master's in Sanskrit or a related field from a recognised university. Entrance exams are conducted by most institutes during PhD Sanskrit admissions. The institutes and their requirements determine the students' selection criteria.
PhD in Sanskrit Admission Process
The PhD Sanskrit admission process varies as per the respective colleges’ selection criteria. For example, the PhD Sanskrit admission process is as given below for the University of Calcutta:
- Download the PhD Sanskrit application form from the University of Calcutta website.
- Next, fill out the application form, along with self-attested copies of necessary mark sheets, certificates, and a passport-sized photo.
- Submit the completed application form and payment receipt at the University Campus.
- Obtain the admit card and get it stamped by the office after submission of the forms.
- Appear for the written entrance test (WRET). Candidates having NET/SET/M.Phil need not appear for the written test but must attend the interview.
- Written test results will be displayed on the notice board of the department.
- Attend the interview (for all shortlisted and exempted candidates).
- Wait for the final list of selected candidates, which will be shown on the official website.
PhD in Sanskrit Entrance Exam
Colleges such as the Sanskrit University, Mathura and RKMVERI conduct entrance tests for PhD Sanskrit admissions. Below is the list of entrance tests for PhD Sanskrit admissions:
Entrance Exam | Registration Last Date | Exam Date |
UGC NET 2025 | May 12, 2025 | June 21 to 30, 2025 |
AP RCET 2025 | April 24, 2025 | May 2 to 5, 2025 |
BVP PhD Entrance Test 2025 | June 30, 2025 | July 6, 2025 |
GATE 2026 | October 2025 | February 2026 |
CU Written Test (WRET) 2026 | February 2026 | February 2026 |
PhD in Sanskrit Colleges in India
Given below is a list of PhD Sanskrit colleges along with their location and course fees:
NIRF Ranking 2024 | University | Location | Annual Fees (INR) |
5 (University) | Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | 16,736 |
18 (University) | University of Calcutta | Kolkata, West Bengal | 6,000 |
101 - 150 (University) | Kurukshetra University | Kurukshetra, Haryana | 20,000 |
- | Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute | Howrah, West Bengal | 25,000 |
- | Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (HNBGU) | Srinagar, Uttarakhand | 6,000 |
- | Karnataka Sanskrit University | Bengaluru, Karnataka | 4,560 |
PhD in Sanskrit Syllabus
A PhD in Sanskrit provides in-depth knowledge of the Sanskrit language and its history. Given below is the PhD Sanskrit syllabus at BHU, Varanasi:
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Research Methodology | Specialised Elective Courses |
Advanced Sanskrit Studies | Literature Review and Seminar |
Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
Development of Research Proposal | Data Analysis and Interpretation |
Fieldwork/Data Collection | Drafting of Dissertation Chapters |
Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
Continuation of Dissertation Writing | Dissertation Submission |
Pre-Submission Seminar | Viva-Voce Examination |
PhD in Sanskrit Job Profiles
Given below is an overview of career opportunities and starting salary ranges for professionals post the completion of a PhD in Sanskrit:
Job Profile | Description | Average Salary (INR) |
Professor/Lecturer | Teaching Sanskrit at universities and colleges. | 5 - 9 LPA |
Research Scholar | Conducting advanced research in Sanskrit literature, linguistics, or philosophy. | 4 - 10 LPA |
Sanskrit Translator | Translating ancient manuscripts, texts, and scriptures. | 5 - 8 LPA |
Manuscript Preservationist | Preserving and digitising ancient Sanskrit texts and scriptures. | 4 - 7 LPA |
Computational Linguist | Working in AI and NLP to develop Sanskrit language models. | 6 - 10 LPA |
Content Writer (Sanskrit) | Creating Sanskrit content for books, media, and digital platforms. | 4.5 - 6 LPA |
PhD in Sanskrit Future Scope
Upon the completion of a PhD in Sanskrit, students can follow the following career paths:
- One can pursue a DSc in Sanskrit for further in-depth knowledge in this field.
- Certification courses such as Computational Linguistics or Sanskrit Journalism can also be pursued for upskilling.
- Some colleges offer post-doctoral research in Sanskrit and related fields that can help with specialisation.
PhD in Sanskrit FAQs
Are any scholarships granted to students pursuing a PhD in Sanskrit?
Yes, Colleges such as Central Sanskrit University offer scholarships to students pursuing a PhD in Sanskrit. Additionally, State Governments as well as NGOs also provide scholarships to students pursuing a PhD in Sanskrit.
Can a PhD in Sanskrit be done by distance learning?
It is usually not seen that universities offer part-time or distance learning courses in PhD Sanskrit, as it requires constant practical training and research work. You are advised to call up some universities to learn about their respective mode of study.
Can I pursue a PhD in Sanskrit without teaching experience?
Yes, teaching experience is not required for a PhD in Sanskrit, but exposure to Sanskrit research will be beneficial. Research skills and academic qualifications are accorded top priority by most universities in the admission process.
Can people from any field of study in a master's program pursue a PhD in Sanskrit?
No, students from any random discipline cannot pursue a PhD in Sanskrit. They need to have completed their masters from a field relevant to this course, such as Vedic Studies, Linguistics, etc.