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Collaborative Research & Academic Freedom
A culture of high-quality collaborative research and academic freedom supported by a sound research infrastructure.
WPU Goa is launching a new Ph.D. program in October 2026 in the following disciplines: Computer Engineering, Design, Management, Psychology, and Computer Science. As India’s first residential university with a unique transdisciplinary learning and research model, our doctoral programs aim to build future leaders in academia.
What we offer
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Transdisciplinary Research
We encourage scholars to pursue transdisciplinary research to help address the grand challenges and wicked problems of our times.
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Socially Relevant Expertise
We help scholars build expertise in socially and academically relevant areas, and demonstrate quality through high-impact publications.
Programme Overview
The Ph.D. in Psychology and Decision Science at WPU Goa is a pioneering, research-intensive doctoral programme founded on the University's philosophy of transdisciplinary learning and research. Designed to address the complex behavioural, technological, and societal challenges of the twenty-first century, the programme integrates psychology with behavioural economics, cognitive science, neuroscience, data science, management, public policy, artificial intelligence, ethics, and health sciences.
This transdisciplinary approach enables scholars to generate evidence-based insights that enhance individual well-being, organizational effectiveness, and public decision-making. Doctoral candidates engage in cutting-edge research across emerging domains such as Behavioural Economics and Nudge Ethics, Organizational Psychology and Workplace Well-being, Digital Well-being and Workplace Safety, Digital Vulnerability and Mental Health, and the Cognitive and Ethical Issues of AI Use, while exploring new frontiers in human behaviour and intelligent systems.
Guided by distinguished faculty and supported by advanced research methodologies, interdisciplinary collaborations, industry partnerships, and international academic networks, scholars are equipped to produce high-impact publications, policy recommendations, and innovative behavioural interventions. The programme prepares graduates for leadership careers in academia, behavioural research, healthcare, organizational consulting, public policy, technology companies, and international development organizations.
By combining scientific rigor with ethical inquiry and human-centred innovation, the Ph.D. in Psychology and Decision Science at WPU Goa develops future researchers and thought leaders capable of shaping healthier workplaces, more resilient communities, and responsible AI-enabled societies.
Eligibility
- A 1-year/2-semester master’s degree programme after a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree programme, or a 2-year/4-semester master’s degree programme after a 3-year bachelor’s degree programme, or qualifications declared equivalent to the master’s degree by the corresponding statutory regulatory body, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade in a point scale wherever a grading system is followed; or an equivalent qualification from a foreign educational institution accredited by an assessment and accreditation agency which is approved, recognised or authorised by an authority established or incorporated under a law in its home country, or any other statutory authority in that country to assess, accredit or assure the quality and standards of educational institutions.
- A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/differently-abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates, as per the decision of the commission from time to time.
- Provided that a candidate seeking admission after a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree programme should have a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade on a point scale wherever the grading system is followed. A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/differently-abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates, as per the decision of the regulatory body from time to time.
- Candidates who have completed an M.Phil. with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade in a point scale. A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/differently-abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates, as per the decision of the regulatory body from time to time.
Reservation is applicable only to Goa domicile candidates provided they submit the necessary documents for reservation before the interview. Candidates from outside Goa will be considered in the open category.
Selection Process
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Apply
Apply for our PhD program directly through our online portal by submitting your application along with all required academic documentation. A non-refundable fee of ₹2,000 must be paid online to successfully complete your submission. Please ensure all transcripts, CV, and research proposals are fully uploaded prior to payment. Incomplete applications or those without fee confirmation will not be processed for admission.
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Ph.D. Entrance Test
Eligible candidates shall be called to appear for the Ph.D. entrance test conducted by WPU Goa. Exemption from the Ph.D. entrance test will be given to students who qualify UGC-NET/UGC-CSIR NET/GATE (valid score)/CEED/GPAT (valid score) and similar national tests. The syllabus of the entrance test shall consist of 50% research methodology and 50% subject-specific content.
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Qualifying Marks
The Ph.D. entrance test shall be qualifying, with qualifying marks of 50%, provided that a relaxation from 50% to 45% shall be allowed for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/differently-abled category, Economically Weaker Section (EWS), and other categories.
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Interview / Viva-Voce
The interview/viva-voce will be conducted by the University for test-qualifying candidates. For selection, a weightage of 70% to the entrance test and 30% to the performance in the interview/viva-voce shall be given. For GATE/NET/JRF/SET/GPAT/CEED-qualified students, selection will be based on the interview/viva-voce.
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Provisional Admission
The recommended candidates will be intimated through email about their selection and will be offered Ph.D. provisional admission. The eligibility of a candidate is provisional as per the information provided in the application form and is subject to verification of minimum eligibility conditions, educational documents, and reservation documents (if any). Provisional eligibility to appear in the selection process is no guarantee of admission.
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Stipend
Candidates who join the Ph.D. programme on a full-time basis will be provided with a stipend as per the WPU norms.
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Confirmation & Duration
Ph.D. admission will be confirmed after successful completion of the coursework with 55% or more as per UGC norms. The Ph.D. programme should be a minimum of three years (including coursework) and a maximum of six years from the date of admission. A maximum of an additional two (2) years may be given through re-registration, provided the total period does not exceed eight (8) years.
Admission Schedule
Ph.D. Admissions 2026-27, starting October 2026.
| Sr. No. | Activities / Execution Roadmap | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Release of admission notification | Thu, 6 Aug '26 |
| 2 | Last date for filling online Ph.D admission application form. | Tue, 25 Aug '26 |
| 3 | Last date for eligibility verification from Dept. Eligibility Committee | Mon, 31 Aug '26 |
| 4 | List of eligible candidates for Ph.D entrance test, List of non-eligible candidates, List of exempted candidates from the Ph.D Entrance test for all Ph.D candidates. | Wed, 2 Sept '26 |
| 5 | An online meeting will be conducted for all eligible candidates and exempted candidates from the entrance test to explain the Ph.D entrance examination and admission process and to address their queries. The invitation for the online meeting will be sent to the candidates registered email addresses. | Fri, 4 Sept '26 |
| 6 | Sharing of Model Question paper with Candidates through email. | Sat, 5 Sept '26 |
| 7 | Online Ph.D Entrance Test for candidates eligible for the entrance test (Candidates who have applied for more than one program will have their next program test conducted on the same day after the completion of the first test.) | Sat, 12 Sept '26 |
| 8 | List of the eligible candidates for interview (List will be sent to candidates registered email) | Tue, 15 Sept '26 |
| 9 | Interviews of candidates who qualify in the entrance test will be conducted as per the UGC norms. (The actual dates and timings for the online interview will be communicated via email by the Ph.D Coordinator of the respective Ph.D program). | Thu, 17 Sept & Fri, 18 Sept '26 |
| 10 | Email communication to be sent to provisionally selected candidates. | Tue, 22 Sept '26 |
| 11 | Provisional admission of selected candidates with online payment of fees and offline/online document submission. | Wed, 23 Sept '26 to Mon, 28 Sept '26 |
| 12 | Last date of payment of fees for the provisionally selected candidates | Mon, 28 Sept '26 |
| 13 | Email communication to be sent to the waiting list candidates (against vacancy). | Wed, 30 Sept '26 |
| 14 | Provisional admission of waiting list candidates (if any) with online payment of fees and offline/online submission of documents | Sat, 3 Oct '26 |
| 15 | Common induction programme for provisionally admitted research scholars - Online | Tue, 6 Oct & Wed, 7 Oct '26 |
| 16 | Research scholars reporting to Goa Campus for on-boarding | Sat, 10 Oct '26 |
Important Information
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Relaxations
Female Ph.D. scholars and persons with disabilities (more than 40% disability) may be allowed an additional relaxation of two (2) years; however, the total period for completion should not exceed ten (10) years. Female candidates shall be provided Maternity Leave/Child Care Leave for up to 240 days during the entire duration of the Ph.D. programme.
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Cancellation
WPU Goa reserves the right to cancel the admission of Ph.D. scholars in cases of grave misconduct, unsatisfactory progress, absence for two consecutive progress seminars, failure in any examination related to the Ph.D., fabrication in educational or reservation documents, ineligibility, or plagiarism in research publications and thesis work.
Fee Structure
| S.No. | Fee Type | Fee | Indian Students (INR) | International Students (INR) |
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| 1 | Structural Fee | PhD coursework fee (one-time) | 15,000 | 30,000 |
| 2 | Structural Fee | Tuition fee (per year) | 1,00,000 | 1,50,000 |
| 3 | Non-Structural Fee | Final defense (viva) fee (one-time) | 8,000 | 15,000 |
| 4 | Non-Structural Fee | Admission application fee | 2,000 | 2,000 |
Financial Assistance
- Full-time Ph.D. scholars admitted to the doctoral programme are eligible to receive a fellowship for a maximum period of five years, subject to the applicable regulations.
- The fellowship may be funded by WPU Goa or through Sponsored Research Projects. The fellowship for doctoral students offered admission through a sponsored project will be governed by the guidelines of the funding body.
- Those who qualify for fellowships such as UGC/CSIR-NET or other recognized funding schemes may also avail themselves of their own external fellowships.
- Scholars awarded the WPU Goa Fellowship will receive a monthly stipend of ₹37,000. Based on satisfactory academic and research performance, the fellowship may be enhanced to ₹40,000 or ₹42,000 per month after two years.
Scholarships
WPU Goa offers financial assistance and scholarships to meritorious students based on their academic performance in the National Level/State Level entrance exams / Entrance Examination conducted by WPU for the academic year 2026-27.
| Scholarship Name | Award Theme | Eligibility / Selection Basis | Tuition Waiver (Up To) |
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| Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship | Premier institutional scholarship | Exceptional all-round performance in academics, co/extra-curricular activities, leadership, interview, and other significant accolades awarded as the university’s highest scholarship honor. | 100% |
| Goa Domicile Scholarship | Goa Domicile | Students domiciled in Goa will be offered scholarship in the form of a 15% tuition fee waiver. | 15% |
| Diversity and Inclusivity Scholarship | Diversity, access, and inclusion to high-quality academia | Candidates adding meaningful socioeconomic, geographic, cultural, or first-generation representation to the cohort. | 35% |
All scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis as adjustments to the tuition fee. To maintain the scholarship throughout the programme, students must maintain a minimum score of 8 CGPA across all semesters, attain a minimum of 80% attendance, maintain an unblemished record of research ethics, and adhere strictly to the WPU Goa honour code.