Hello Aspirant,

It can be said for sure , but mostly yes.It will depend on your phd proposal, if it makes sense and if they are confident on your research plan and skills , you will be provided with the funding mostly.You are required to submit a synopsis (write up) in the subject of your interest to the University or Institute which will decide your subject of interest to get an interview call in some cases. It is up to the university to call for interview depending on your academic profile. Ph.D. Usually candidates have the freedom to choose their area of research according to personal interest. If you have enough knowledge and confidence , that it enough. There are no universal restrictions of any kind .In case you are called for the Personal Interview, it will be based on your area of interest or synopsis (subject and basic research methods). Usually , people may take a distant sub-field and it has been fine , they have got the funding . Since you have said it is not even remotely related , it all depends on the university , if you impress them with your purpose of your research , they will get the approval from UGC . However , you would be expected to have some sort of past degree or experience with your area.

All the best