RET (Banaras Hindu University - Research Entrance Test)

BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY RESEARCH ENTRANCE TEST (BHU-RET 2026)

Banaras Hindu University Research Entrance Test (BHU RET 2026) serves as the primary gateway for PhD admissions across BHU's diverse faculties, evaluating research aptitude and subject expertise for the 2026-27 academic session.

Conducted annually by BHU's Controller of Examinations, RET targets master's graduates aspiring for doctoral research in fields like sciences, humanities, social sciences, and professional courses. Eligibility mandates a relevant postgraduate degree with 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD), no age limit. Exemptions apply to UGC-NET JRF/LS, CSIR-NET, GATE, ICMR/DBT-JRF, or MPhil holders, who skip Test A for direct Test B. Reservations follow GoI norms: SC 15%, ST 7.5%, OBC-NCL 27%, EWS 10%, PwD 5%.

RET comprises Test A (offline MCQs, 100 questions, 300 marks, 120 minutes): 40 questions (120 marks) on research methodology, logical reasoning, and analytical skills; 60 questions (180 marks) on department-specific master's topics. Scoring: +3 correct, -1 wrong; minimum 35% qualifies for Test B (shortlist ~4x seats). Test B includes a 1-2 page research proposal (25 marks) and viva-voce (25 marks).

Online registration via admission.bhu.ac.in (expected Jan-Mar 2026, fee Rs 600-Rs 1500). Steps: OTP-verified signup, academic/category details, document uploads (photo 20-50KB, signature 10-20KB), payment, correction window. Admit cards release 7-10 days pre-Test A (tentative Aug-Sep 2026); results as department merit lists (Oct 2026), followed by counseling (Nov-Dec).

Candidates may get the detailed info for BHU RET exam in this article.

BHU RET 2026 Exams Highlights

BHU RET 2026 Exam Dates

BHU RET 2026 exam dates are not officially announced yet; tentative schedule follows prior patterns with applications in Jan-Mar 2026, RET Test A in Aug-Sep 2026, and interviews shortly after.

BHU RET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

BHU RET 2026 eligibility requires a master's degree in relevant discipline with minimum 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD) from a recognized university.

Key Criteria

• Academic Requirement: Postgraduate degree in concerned/allied field; final-year students ineligible until completion.
• RET Exemptions: UGC-NET (JRF/LS), CSIR-NET, ICMR/DBT/ICAR-JRF, GATE (relevant subjects), INSPIRE/NBHM fellows, MPhil holders qualify via Test B + academics.
• Reservations: SC 15%, ST 7.5%, OBC-NCL 27%, EWS 10%, PwD 5% per GoI norms; valid certificates mandatory. No age limit

Click Here For BHU RET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

BHU RET 2026 Application Process

BHU RET 2026 application process is fully online via admission.bhu.ac.in. Steps are given below-

1. Register: Visit admission.bhu.ac.in > New Registration > Enter name, DOB, email/mobile > Verify OTP > Create login.
2. Fill Form: Log in > Select PhD/RET > Input academics (master's details, exemptions), category, department choice.
3. Upload Docs: Photo (20-50KB JPG), signature (10-20KB), marksheets, category/exemption proofs.
4. Pay & Submit: Fee Rs 600-Rs 1500 online (category-based) > Preview > Submit > Download confirmation PDF

Click Here For BHU RET 2026 Application Process

BHU RET 2026 Admit card

BHU RET 2026 admit card is a mandatory hall ticket downloadable from admission.bhu.ac.in 7-10 days before Test A (expected Aug-Sep 2026), containing exam details, candidate info, and instructions.

Download Process

1. Visit admission.bhu.ac.in > RET 2026 section > Login with application number + password/DOB.
2. Select "Download Admit Card" > Verify details > Print color copy on A4 sheet.
3. Affix passport photo if instructed; carry original photo ID (Aadhaar/Voter ID/PAN).

Admit Card Details

• Candidate name, photo, signature, roll number, application number
• Exam center address (Varanasi-based departments), date/time (Test A: 120 min)
• Test B schedule (proposal/interview) for qualified candidates
• Instructions: No electronic gadgets, arrive 1 hour early, COVID protocols if applicable

BHU RET 2026 Syllabus

BHU RET 2026 syllabus covers research methodology/aptitude (40%) and master's-level subject knowledge (60%) for Test A, plus proposal/interview for Test B.

• Foundation of Research
• Problem identification and formulation
• Research design, Qualitative and Quantitative Research
• Measurement
• Sampling
• Data Analysis
• Interpretation of Data
• Paper Writing
• Use of Encyclopedias and tools, etc

Click Here For BHU RET 2026 Syllabus

BHU RET 2026 Exam Pattern

BHU RET 2026 exam pattern includes Test A (100 MCQs, 300 marks, 120 min) + Test B (proposal 25 marks + interview 25 marks).

Test A Details

Test A includes 100 MCQs worth 300 marks over 120 minutes: 40 questions (120 marks) on subject knowledge, logical/analytical capability, and research methodology at master's level; 60 questions (180 marks) on concerned subject areas. Scoring: +3 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect; minimum 35% required to qualify for Test B.

Test B Details

Test B evaluates a 1-2 page research proposal (25 marks) and personal interview (25 marks), totaling 50 marks. Shortlisting for Test B is approximately 4 times the available seats based on Test A merit.

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BHU RET 2026 Result

BHU RET 2026 results are released as department-wise provisional merit lists on admission.bhu.ac.in 2-4 weeks post-Test B (expected Oct 2026).

• Visit admission.bhu.ac.in > RET 2026 Merit Lists.
• Select department > Login/search roll/name.
• Download/print PDF for counselling verification

Click Here For BHU RET 2026 Result

BHU RET 2026 Preparation Tips

BHU RET 2026 preparation tips emphasize syllabus mastery (40% research aptitude, 60% subject), timed mocks, and Test B practice over 4-6 months.

Brief Tips

• Study Plan: 40% time on research methodology (problem formulation, sampling, data analysis—use C.R. Kothari book); 60% on PG notes/department topics. Daily revise weak areas.
• Practice: Solve 100 MCQs/day (+3/-1 scoring, 120 min mocks); analyze PYQs from bhu.ac.in for patterns.
• Test B: Draft 5-10 research proposals on current gaps; mock interviews on methodology/expertise

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BHU RET 2026 General Instructions

The BHU RET 2026 general instructions guide candidates on application, exam conduct, and admission procedures. They emphasize using the official portal, following eligibility rules, carrying valid documents, and adhering to exam-day discipline.

Apply Online Only: Applications must be submitted through bhuonline.in. No offline forms are accepted.

Valid Credentials: Use a working email ID and mobile number for registration and future communication.

Technical Requirements: Access to a computer with internet, printer, and scanner is necessary for completing the process.

Admit Card: Download from the BHU portal; carry a printed copy to the exam hall.

ID Proof: Bring a valid government-issued ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, etc.).

Reporting Time: Arrive at least 30 minutes before the exam start. Late entry is not allowed.

Prohibited Items: Mobile phones, calculators, smartwatches, notes, or electronic gadgets are strictly banned.

Exam Conduct: Follow instructions of invigilators; malpractice leads to disqualification.

BHU RET 2026 Counseling

BHU RET 2026 counseling is a department-wise process post-merit list: online registration, choice filling (up to 10 preferences), 2-3 allotment rounds, physical verification, and fee payment (expected Nov-Dec 2026)

Click Here For BHU RET 2026 Counselling

BHU RET 2026 Exam FAQs

Q1: Who can apply for BHU RET 2026? 

Ans. Candidates with a Master’s degree in a relevant subject (minimum 55% marks; relaxation for reserved categories) are eligible.

Q2: How do I apply?

Ans. Applications are accepted online only via bhuonline.in. No offline forms are allowed.

Q3. Is there negative marking?

Ans. Yes, typically -1 mark for wrong answers.

Q4. What happens after results?

Ans. Shortlisted candidates must register for counseling, upload documents, and attend seat allotment.