The Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering at Shri Madhwa Vadiraja Institute of Technology and Management (SMVITM), Udupi, Karnataka, is a full-time research programme conducted at a VTU-recognised research centre. The programme focuses on algorithms, machine learning, artificial intelligence, computer networks, data science, and systems software, preparing scholars for academic and R&D careers. Duration is a minimum of three years and a maximum of six years. Admission is through the VTU Eligibility Test for Research (VTU-ETR), conducted twice a year, with exemption for candidates holding GATE, UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, or SLET scores. Annual research fee is INR 61,200.
📋 Admission Status: VTU-ETR for 2026 Ph.D. admissions runs in two rounds - around February 2026 and August 2026; candidates with GATE or UGC-NET/CSIR-NET scores are exempt from ETR. Check jnanashodha.vtu.ac.in for current notifications.
Key Points
- The Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering at SMVITM, Udupi is a full-time research programme at a VTU-recognised research centre, spanning a minimum of three years and a maximum of six years.
- Research at SMVITM covers algorithms, machine learning, artificial intelligence, computer networks, data science, and systems software, with scholars working under a doctoral committee comprising a research supervisor and co-supervisor as per VTU norms.
- Graduates can pursue careers as researcher, academician, AI scientist, data engineering specialist, and senior software architect in research institutions and technology companies.
- Annual research fee is INR 61,200, giving an indicative total of INR 1,83,600 for the minimum three-year duration; actual fee depends on programme length.
- Admission is through VTU-ETR (conducted twice a year) or by GATE/UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/SLET score exemption, followed by a pre-registration interview at SMVITM.
SMVITM Udupi Ph.D. (Computer Science and Engineering) Fees
| Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|
| Annual Research Fee | INR 61,200 |
| Total Fees (minimum 3-year duration) | INR 1,83,600 |
- Annual fee INR 61,200 per year; total varies with programme duration.
- VTU registration and thesis charges apply as per university norms.
- Hostel accommodation and living expenses charged separately.
SMVITM Udupi Ph.D. (Computer Science and Engineering) Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| VTU-ETR Notification (Round 1) | January 2026 |
| VTU-ETR Application Deadline (Round 1) | February 2026 |
| VTU-ETR Examination (Round 1) | February to March 2026 |
| Pre-Registration Interview at SMVITM (Round 1) | March to April 2026 |
| VTU-ETR Notification (Round 2) | July 2026 |
| VTU-ETR Examination (Round 2) | August 2026 |
| Pre-Registration Interview at SMVITM (Round 2) | September 2026 |
- GATE, UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, or SLET score exempts from VTU-ETR.
- Apply on jnanashodha.vtu.ac.in; select SMVITM as research centre.
- ETR score carries 70%; pre-registration interview carries 30%.
- Part-time admission requires employer NOC; two residencies per year.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must hold a M.E. or M.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering or a related specialisation such as Information Technology or Software Engineering from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks or a CGPA of 6.75 on a 10-point scale at either the Bachelor’s or Master’s level (55% or 6.5 CGPA for SC/ST/OBC and differently-abled candidates).
- Candidates with a valid GATE, UGC-NET (including JRF), UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF), SLET, or CAT score are exempt from the VTU-ETR entrance test and may proceed directly to the pre-registration interview.
- Full-time PhD admission is open to unemployed candidates and sponsored or deputed candidates; part-time PhD is available for in-service candidates with at least one year of post-PG experience, working in an engineering college, polytechnic, university, or recognised research organisation.
Admission Process
- Register for VTU-ETR on the jnanashodha.vtu.ac.in portal within the notified window; select SMVITM as the preferred research centre and choose the relevant department/discipline.
- Appear for the VTU-ETR examination, a 100-mark MCQ paper covering 50% research methodology and 50% subject-specific content; qualifying mark is 35 out of the 70 scaled marks (31 for SC/ST/OBC). Candidates with GATE/UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/SLET scores skip this step.
- Attend the pre-registration interview at SMVITM; present a research proposal before the doctoral committee; this interview carries 30% weight in final selection (ETR score carries 70%).
- On selection, complete the VTU online registration on jnanashodha.vtu.ac.in, pay the annual research fee, and submit original certificates, NOC (for part-time), and other required documents to complete enrolment.
✓ Opt for this if
- CS/IT postgraduates targeting academic or R&D career
- GATE or UGC-NET qualified candidates based near Udupi
- In-service CS faculty from Karnataka colleges seeking part-time PhD
- Candidates researching AI, data science, or computer networks
✗ Skip if
- Candidates wanting IIT/NIT-level research environment
- Those needing JRF stipend from a top-ranked institute
- Students without ME/M.Tech in CS or allied discipline
- Those seeking industry jobs immediately after graduation
SMVITM Udupi Ph.D. (Computer Science and Engineering) Scholarships 2026
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|
| VTU Research Fellowship (Full-time scholars) | As per VTU norms | Full-time PhD scholars selected via VTU-ETR/interview |
| UGC-JRF / UGC-SRF | As per UGC norms | Scholars with UGC-NET JRF qualification |
| CSIR-JRF / CSIR-SRF | As per CSIR norms | Scholars with CSIR-NET JRF qualification |
| Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) | As per DST norms | IIT/NIT/IISc graduates with exceptional academic record |
- JRF/SRF from UGC, CSIR, DST, DBT, or ICMR accepted here.
- Confirm fellowship details with SMVITM research office at admission.
![Shri Madhwa Vadiraja Institute of Technology & Management - [SMVITM]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1707287873download23.jpg?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
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