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    ADMISSIONS OPEN 2026–27

    Doctoral Programs (PhD)

    Advance your research and shape the future with expert guidance through PhD programs at Pillai University.

    Research Excellence

    Work alongside experienced faculty on cutting-edge research across disciplines, contributing to impactful discoveries and innovations.

    Interdisciplinary Approach

    Collaborate across domains—science, engineering, business, and humanities—to solve real-world problems.

    Funding & Scholarships

    Avail research fellowships, stipends, and financial assistance for meritorious candidates and full-time scholars.

    Why Pursue a PhD with Us?

    Join a dynamic research ecosystem that empowers you to push boundaries and create meaningful impact.

    Research Excellence

    Work alongside experienced faculty on cutting-edge research across disciplines, contributing to impactful discoveries and innovations.

    Interdisciplinary Approach

    Collaborate across domains—science, engineering, business, and humanities—to solve real-world problems.

    Funding & Scholarships

    Avail research fellowships, stipends, and financial assistance for meritorious candidates and full-time scholars.

    Industry Exposure

    Engage in conferences, publications, patents, and industry collaborations to build a strong research profile.

    PhD Programs

    Explore our specialized doctoral programs designed to accelerate your research career.

    Applications must be submitted in person at the campus office along with the required documents.

    PhD in Engineering

    Engage in advanced engineering research with focus on innovation and industry applications.

    Research Specializations
    Mechanical EngineeringElectronic EngineeringComputer EngineeringInformation Technology
    Duration:3–5 Years
    Mode:Full-time / Sponsored / Part-time
    Eligibility:M.Tech / M.E. with minimum 55% marks or equivalent

    PhD in Management

    Develop research-driven insights into modern business challenges and organizational strategies.

    Research Specializations
    MarketingHROperationsStrategy and generalInternational BusinessEnterepreneurshipOrganizational Behavior
    Duration:3–5 Years
    Mode:Full-time
    Eligibility:Master's degree in any discipline with minimum 55% marks or equivalent

    PhD in Architecture

    Focus on sustainable design, urban planning, and advanced architectural research.

    Research Specializations
    Sustainable ArchitectureUrban Planning and DesignArchitectural DesignLandscape ArchitectureHeritage and Conservation
    Duration:3–5 Years
    Mode:Full-time
    Eligibility:M.Arch / M.Plan or allied MA/MSc with 55% marks. Bridge courses for non-arch.

    PhD in Commerce

    Conduct impactful research in finance, markets, economic systems, and policy frameworks.

    Research Specializations
    CommerceEconomicsFinanceAccountancyBusiness
    Duration:3–5 Years
    Mode:Full-time
    Eligibility:Two-year Master's degree in Commerce, Economics, or allied subjects with 55% marks

    PhD in Science

    Advance fundamental and applied research in core scientific domains using experimental, computational, and theoretical approaches.

    Research Specializations
    PhysicsChemistryMathematicsPsychologyComputer Science
    Duration:3–5 Years
    Mode:Full-time / Part-time
    Eligibility:M.Tech / M.Sc. in relevant subject OR MCA with minimum 55% marks

    PhD in Humanities

    Explore social, cultural perspectives through critical and interdisciplinary research.

    Research Specializations
    EnglishEconomics
    Duration:3–5 Years
    Mode:Full-time
    Eligibility:Master's degree in relevant or allied subject with minimum 55% marks

    PhD in Design

    Explore innovation in user experience, product design, and visual communication.

    Research Specializations
    UX DesignProduct DesignVisual CommunicationFashion Design
    Duration:3–5 Years
    Mode:Full-time
    Eligibility:M.Des / MFA / M.Tech (Design) or allied MA/MSc with 55% marks. Bridge courses for non-design.

    Approved PhD Guides

    Meet our distinguished research mentors — experts in their domains, guiding doctoral scholars at Pillai University.

    Dr. Betty Sibil

    Management

    Area of Research
    Human ResourcesOrganizational Behavior

    Dr. Sikha Singh

    Management

    Area of Research
    Human Resource Management

    Dr. Ashish Tripathi

    Management

    Area of Research
    Agentic AI in Higher EducationAI for Startups and Entrepreneurs

    Dr. Neha Muniruddin Sayed

    Architecture

    Area of Research
    Architecture DesignUrban PlanningHeritage Conservation

    Dr. Amruta Sameer Patil

    Architecture & Design

    Area of Research
    Restorative & Regenerative DesignProduct DesignRural Development & Integration

    Dr. Avinash R Vaidya

    Engineering - Electronics / Electronics and Communication

    Area of Research
    Antenna DesignCommunication Engineering

    Dr. Pragnesh N Shah

    Engineering - Electronics / Electronics and Communication

    Area of Research
    5G and 6G Communication SystemsAI-Enabled Wireless Communication Systems

    Dr. Ankita V Pandit

    Engineering - Computer

    Area of Research
    CybersecurityAdversarial AITrustworthy AIIntrusion Detection and Prevention

    Dr. Mimi Cherian

    Engineering - Computer

    Area of Research
    Cyber SecurityIoTArtificial Intelligence

    Dr. Dhiraj Amin

    Engineering - Computer

    Area of Research
    Natural Language ProcessingArtificial IntelligenceAI Driven Cyber Security

    Dr. Aditi Bhateja

    Engineering - Computer / IT

    Area of Research
    Artificial IntelligenceCryptographyCryptanalysisBiometrics

    Dr. Soumya S Mohapatra

    Engineering - Computer / IT

    Area of Research
    Cloud ComputingCloud SecurityIDSOptimization Techniques

    Dr. Amey P Marathe

    Engineering - Mechanical

    Area of Research
    Advanced Vehicle Dynamics and Autonomous Control

    Dr. Debasish Panda

    Engineering - Mechanical

    Area of Research
    Acoustic structuresOptimization of acoustic performance of auditorium

    Dr. Karpagavalli Subramanian

    Engineering - Electronics / Electronics and Communication

    Area of Research
    Artificial IntelligenceMachine Learning & Robotics

    Dr. Arun Shridharan Pillai

    Science - Physics

    Area of Research
    Quantum Materials based Memristive Devices

    Dr. Malavika Sharma

    Humanities - English

    Area of Research
    Linguistics-Psycholinguistics and Sociolinguistic

    Dr. Jennie Prajith

    Commerce

    Area of Research
    Business Policy and AdministrationConsumer Behaviour

    Dr. Abida Muntajar Khan

    Commerce

    Area of Research
    Accounting & Finance

    Dr. Nikita Shankarrao Bahaley

    Science

    Area of Research
    IoT Networks & Smart SystemsCyber Security / Network Security

    Dr.Shabab Ahmed Rizvi

    Commerce

    Area of Research
    Economics

    Dr. Ameet M. Mehta

    Engineering - Electronics / Electronics and Communication

    Area of Research
    5G and 6G Communication SystemsAI-Enabled Wireless Communication SystemsAntenna DesignCommunication EngineeringBiomedical & Signal Processing
    ADMISSION TEST

    PULSE Entrance Examination

    The PULSE Entrance Examination is designed to assess a candidate’s research aptitude and subject expertise for admission into PhD programs.

    Exam Structure

    .
    Research Methodology100 Marks

    Evaluates understanding of research design, quantitative & qualitative methods, data analysis, and academic writing.

    Subject-Specific Test100 Marks

    Assesses in-depth knowledge of the chosen discipline (Science, Engineering, Humanities, Management, etc.).

    Key Highlights

    • Standardized entrance test for all PhD programs
    • Designed to evaluate both analytical and domain-specific skills
    • Ensures readiness for advanced research work
    • Applicable for candidates not qualified through National Eligibility Tests or GATE

    Who Should Apply?

    • Do not have a valid NET qualification
    • Do not have a valid GATE score (where applicable)
    • Wish to demonstrate research aptitude through an institutional entrance exam
    IMPORTANT DATES

    Start of Application:

    02.05.2026

    PULSE Entrance Test (Offline Mode):

    On 24.05.2026

    Last Date for Submission of Application:

    22.05.2026 before 3:00pm

    Declaration of PULSE Result:

    6th June 2026

    View Result

    Interview for Eligible Candidates*:

    19/20th June 2026

    Learn More

    Final Merit List:

    Selected Students Please Contact Your Respective Guides

    View Selected Students

    Confirmation of Admission (Fee Payment & Document Verification):

    To Be Announced

    Commencement of Course:

    To Be Announced

    Admission Process

    Apply in person with required documents

    1

    Entrance Exam

    PULSE Examination

    2

    Interview

    Research Proposal Eval

    3

    Selection

    Final Merit-Based

    Important Note:

    • Candidates who qualify UGC-NET (including JRF), CSIR-NET, GATE, CEED, or equivalent examinations may be exempted from the PULSE entrance test, in accordance with University norms.
    • Final admission will be based on interview performance and overall merit.
    • Applications must be submitted in person at the campus office along with the required documents.
    • A minimum of 50% marks in the qualifying examination is required (45% for reserved categories).
    • Admissions will be conducted in accordance with University Regulations and University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations 2022.
    • The University reserves the right to modify or cancel the admission process at any stage.
    • Candidates are advised to regularly check the official website for updates
    Program Outcomes

    Research Outcomes that Matter

    Our curriculum is meticulously designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry. We ensure our scholars are not just researchers, but future leaders.

    Research Outcomes

    • Publications in reputed journals
    • Patent filing and innovation
    • Industry and policy contributions

    Skill Development

    • Advanced research methodology
    • Critical thinking and analysis
    • Academic writing and publishing

    Global Exposure

    • Conferences and symposiums
    • Collaborative research opportunities
    • International academic networking

    Career Prospects

    Unlock diverse career trajectories. Our interdisciplinary approach allows students to explore roles across multiple high-growth sectors.

    Academia

    Professor / Lecturer
    Research Scientist

    Industry

    R&D Specialist
    Data Scientist / Analyst
    Innovation Consultant

    Leadership Roles

    Policy Advisor
    Think Tank Researcher
    Corporate Strategist

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Everything you need to know about the PhD admission process.

    Your Academic Journey Starts Here.

    Be Part of a Community of Innovators and Creators at Pillai University.