Eligibility:
A master degree in any field from Pokhara University or any other recognized university along with the following specific qualifications:
1. Two years of work experience for those who have passed Master Level with 3.00/4.00 CGPA or high Second Division (55%);
2. One year of work experience for those who have passed Master Level with 3.30/4.00 CGPA or First Division;
3. There will be no requirement of working experience for those who have passed Master Level with 3.75/4.00 CGPA or Distinction Division.
4. A student must score a minimum CGPA of 3.3 in the coursework and must have successfully defended PhD proposal for registration to PhD.
5. If a student is unable to complete the doctoral proposal within the given duration or cannot secure a minimum CGPA 3.3 in the coursework, the completed credits of coursework can be transferred to an MPhil degree. The student can register 9 credits dissertation and pursue an MPhil degree.

Admission Process:
Admission to the PhD in Development Studies program will be on merit basis based on total score (200) obtained from:
1. Entrance test (100): Entrance test will be based on MCQ comprising of modules - Quantitative ability (20), Logical reasoning (20), English proficiency (20), Conceptual knowledge of Development Studies (20), and Research aptitude (20)
2. Interview (30)
3. Statement of purpose (5) and Research synopsis (10)
4. Academic achievement (40)
5. Research publication (10) and work experience (5)