PhD in Special Education Admission 2024-25, Steps to Apply, Check Previous Years Cutoff and Category-wise Cutoff, FAQs

PhD in Special Education About

PhD in Special Education deals with the study of research technologies and techniques and a thorough knowledge of educational research of literature. It is a 3 to 5-year doctorate degree course that focuses on the basic understanding of ethics and planning of educational research, literature review, sampling, tools, techniques, research on phenomenology, ethnographic research, etc. Candidates who want to get a specialization in education and have research-oriented technical expertise with an ability to solve key problems and have a thorough understandingng of research issues can choose a PhD in Special Education course for their higher degree. Candidates who have completed postgraduate education in the education stream are eligible for the course. They must have passed their examination with at least 55% marks in post-graduation from a recognized university. The PhD in Special Education Admission 2022 is done based on both entrance examination and merit basis. CSIR, UGC NET, LPU NEST, etc are some of the entrance examinations conducted for getting admission to the course. After completing all the eligibility criteria, students get admission to colleges such as LPU, Annamalai University, Christ University, etc. Candidates after completing their course can expect an average salary between INR 3,00,000 to INR 8,00,000 depending upon the job positions you are selecting. Post completing the PhD in Special Education, a candidate can start working as a project fellow, project officer, guest lecturer, professor, lecturer, etc in areas such as educational institutions, government research, project handling, research organizations, etc with an average salary between INR 4.5 to 11 LPA.

PhD in Special Education Highlights

PhD in Special Education Entrance Exam

• UGC-NET
• CUCET
• LPUNEST

PhD in Special Education Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the PhD in Special Education course are given as follows:

Candidates must have cleared their master's in a relevant stream with a minimum percentage of 55% aggregate marks from a recognized university.

Completed postgraduate degrees such as MA in Education or M.Ed

Candidates must have qualified in Ph.D. entrance exams.

At least 50% marks for reserved category (SC, ST, or PWD) candidates.

Duration of PhD in Special Education

PhD in Special Education Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for a PhD in Special Education may include the applicant's academic record, research experience, letters of recommendation, and the fit between the applicant's research interests and the program's focus.

Some programs may also require an interview as part of the selection process.

Admission Process for PhD in Special Education

Admission to PhD in Special Education in India is done through both the entrance exam and on the merit list prepared by some colleges based on the candidate’s postgraduate scores. The admission to the course is mostly done by some entrance examinations conducted both at the national level or the university level followed by a personal interview. The application form for admission to the course is mainly open between April to July every year.

Entrance Exams: Students who are getting admission to the college based on entrance exams must have to appear in the examination. After taking the exam a merit list will be prepared by the college authority to offer admissions. Some may also conduct an interview or counseling process for admission.

Merit-Based: The college or University will prepare a merit list of the candidates who have applied for admission to the course. The merit list will be prepared based on the master's subjects. An interview should be conducted by the university officials.

PhD in Special Education How to Apply

To apply for a PhD in Special Education, applicants will typically need to follow these steps:

1. Research programs and identify those that match their research interests
2. Complete the application form for each program
3. Pay any application fees
4. Submit official transcripts from all universities attended
5. Submit letters of recommendation
6. Submit a statement of purpose outlining their research interests and goals
7. Submit any additional required documents, such as GRE scores
8. Await notification of acceptance or rejection.

Application Process for PhD in Special Education

To apply for a PhD in Special Education, applicants must typically complete an online application form or a paper application.

The application form will typically require information such as personal details, academic history, transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

Applicants should also ensure they submit all required documents and application fees before the deadline.

Fee Structure for PhD in Special Education

Syllabus of PhD in Special Education

• Disability Policy and Advocacy
• Applied Behavior Analysis in Special Education
• Research Methods in Special Education
• Assessment and Evaluation in Special Education
• Multicultural Issues in Special Education
• Assistive Technology in Special Education
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Special Education
• Leadership and Management in Special Education

Job Scope After PhD in Special Education

Career Opportunities after PhD in Special Education

Professor of Special Education

Research Scientist

Director of Special Education

Policy Analyst

Special Education Consultant

Educational Program Director

Educational Researcher

Special Education Administrator

Special Education Advocate

Curriculum Specialist

PhD in Special Education Top Colleges

Admission Process for PhD in Special Education

1. Application for the entrance exam 
2. Result declaration
3. Entrance pass scholar calling for the interview and document verification
4. Provisional registration for pre-Ph.D. course work classes
5. Coursework classes shall be attended as scheduled by the University
6. Course work examination
7. Result declaration of coursework
8. Submission of synopsis ( 2 spiral bound copies with soft copy of synopsis)
9. Departmental research committee meeting scheduled by the University
10. A registration letter shall be issued
11. Research work started by scholar
12. 6 progress reports shall be submitted
13. Soft copy thesis submit
14. plagiarism report check by the university
15. Finally, after the plagiarism report soft copy thesis shall be sent to experts for evaluation
16. After the consent of experts pre-submission, one set spiral binding shall be submitted
17. After the successful presentation of the pre-submission thesis, 3 copies of hard bound thesis shall be  submitted
18. Viva shall be conducted as scheduled by the University, Degree Awarded.

Document Required for PhD in Special Education

• Documents (10th onwards)
• Aadhar Card/Pan Card, Caste Certificate
• Migration Certificate (Original)
• NOC (From Organization/ Institute/ University)
• Affidavit (undertaking)
• Guide Willing
• Assignments
• Synopsis (3 copies), Progress Report
• Library No Dues
• Lab Letter
• Thesis Hard copy (Spiral binding)
• No Dues, Thesis (6 hard copies)
• Affidavit -Submission (on Rs 100 Stamp and Notary Attested)
• C.D Soft copies (Thesis & Synopsis)
• Conference Certificate - 2
• Research Papers -2 (with ISSN No.)
• summary (page limit 20-30) -3 Copies 
• Plagiarism Report Below 10%

FAQs About Ph.D. Program 

Q.1 - What is the procedure for PhD Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.

Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & PhD programs at the University?

ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at the University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for the M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.

Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?

ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.

Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?

ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.

Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D. Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in the form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.

Q.6 - What will be the pattern of RET?

ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?

ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.

Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?

ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for participating in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.

Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?

ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.

Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?

ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.

Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?

ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.

Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?

ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.

Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?

ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.