Pondicherry University M.Tech Artificial Intelligence & Data Science: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

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Pondicherry University's M.Tech in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (also referred to as M.Tech AI & Data Science) is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme offered by the Department of Computer Science. The programme spans 4 semesters and is designed to equip students with advanced skills in artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, data analytics, and related computational technologies. With a seat intake of 15 students, the programme is offered on-campus at the Pondicherry University main campus in Kalapet, Puducherry. The total programme fee is Rs. 70,342 for the entire 2-year duration. Admission is based on GATE score, and the programme is popular for its focus on two of the most in-demand technology domains, with strong industry relevance and research opportunities.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic year are expected to open tentatively in April 2026, based on the 2025-26 cycle (online registration opened on 22nd April 2025 and closed on 21st May 2025, later extended to 20th June 2025). Counselling for the 2025-26 batch was held on 7th July 2025, with classes commencing on 10th July 2025. Candidates are advised to monitor the official Pondicherry University admissions portal (www.pondiuni.edu.in/admissions-2026-27/) for the 2026-27 notification.

Key Points

The programme is a newly introduced specialisation at Pondicherry University, reflecting the growing demand for AI and Data Science professionals across industries.
Offered by the Department of Computer Science, which has strong research output and industry connections.
AICTE PG Scholarship of Rs. 12,400 per month is available for full-time GATE-qualified students.
The programme is designed for students from engineering and computer science backgrounds, with a broad eligibility criterion.
Students benefit from the Department of Computer Science's well-equipped labs, including computing infrastructure for AI/ML research.

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PU M.Tech AI & Data Science Fees

The M.Tech Data Science and Artificial Intelligence programme at Pondicherry University falls under the Department of Computer Science fee structure. The total course fee is Rs. 70,342 for the entire 2-year programme. The highest payment is due in Semester I (Rs. 34,342) and Semester III (Rs. 30,000), with Semesters II and IV at Rs. 3,000 each. The fee structure includes additional components such as Industry Interface Fund, Placement Activity Fund, and Academic Activity Fund, which are specific to the Department of Computer Science.

Fee Structure

#	Fee Component	Sem I (Rs.)	Sem II (Rs.)	Sem III (Rs.)	Sem IV (Rs.)	Total (Rs.)
1	Tuition Fee	3,000	3,000	3,000	3,000	12,000
2	Registration Fee	300	-	-	-	300
3	Matriculation Fee	100	-	-	-	100
4	Recognition Fee	400	-	-	-	400
5	Sports Fund	500	-	500	-	1,000
6	Medical Examination / Facilities Fund	600	-	600	-	1,200
7	Library Fund	1,500	-	1,500	-	3,000
8	Computer Lab Fund	4,000	-	4,000	-	8,000
9	Amenities Development Fund	6,000	-	6,000	-	12,000
10	Students' Welfare Fund	400	-	400	-	800
11	Alumni Association Fund	200	-	-	-	200
12	Caution Deposit (Refundable)	2,000	-	-	-	2,000
13	Industry Interface Fund	5,000	-	5,000	-	10,000
14	Placement Activity Fund	3,000	-	3,000	-	6,000
15	Academic Activity Fund	4,000	-	4,000	-	8,000
16	Field Study / Tour Fund	-	-	-	-	-
17	Digital Activity Fund	2,000	-	2,000	-	4,000
18	Group Medical Insurance	142	-	-	-	142
19	University Development Fund	1,200	-	-	-	1,200
	Total Fees	34,342	3,000	30,000	3,000	70,342

Caution Deposit of Rs. 2,000 is refundable upon leaving the university after deducting dues.
Differently-abled students are exempted from all fees except caution deposit and Group Medical Insurance.
SC/ST students eligible for Post-Matric scholarships may defer fee payment until receipt of scholarship, subject to submission of undertaking.
Fees must be paid within 90 days of admission.
Late fee fine: Rs. 5 per day for the first 10 days; Rs. 10 per day thereafter.
Online payment is available via Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, and UPI.

Hostel Fees (Optional - Not Mandatory):

Hostel Fee Structure

#	Hostel Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
1	Room Rent for PG Students	900 per year
2	General Amenities Fund	700 per year
3	Establishment Charges	300 per year
4	Application Fee (one-time, at admission)	75
5	Caution Deposit (Refundable)	3,000 (one-time)

Hostel accommodation is not mandatory; it is subject to availability and recommendation of the Head of Department.
Preference is given to students coming from distant places.
Mess fees are paid separately at the beginning of each semester (exact amount notified at the time of hostel admission).
No room rent is charged from SC/ST students.
Rent-free accommodation is provided to differently-abled students.

PU M.Tech AI & Data Science Admission 2026

Admission to M.Tech Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at Pondicherry University is through GATE score. The university invites online applications from GATE-qualified candidates, followed by an in-person counselling process at the campus. For 2025-26, online registration opened on 22nd April 2025 and closed on 21st May 2025 (later extended to 20th June 2025). Counselling was held on 7th July 2025 and classes commenced on 10th July 2025. For 2026-27, similar dates are expected; candidates should watch the official admissions portal for the notification.

Important Dates

Event	2025-26 (Actual)	2026-27 (Tentative)
Online Registration Opens	22nd April 2025	April 2026 (tentative)
Last Date for Online Registration	20th June 2025 (extended)	June 2026 (tentative)
Counselling Date	7th July 2025	July 2026 (tentative)
Commencement of Classes	10th July 2025	July 2026 (tentative)

GATE 2026 Exam Dates

Event	Date
GATE 2026 Registration Opens	28th August 2025
GATE 2026 Registration Closes	13th October 2025
GATE 2026 Admit Card Release	13th January 2026
GATE 2026 Exam Dates	7th, 8th, 14th, 15th February 2026
GATE 2026 Answer Key Release	19th February 2026
GATE 2026 Result Declaration	19th March 2026

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

B.Tech./B.E. in Computer Science and Engineering / Information Technology / Electronics and Communication Engineering / Electrical and Electronics Engineering / Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering with a minimum of 55% marks.
OR M.Sc. in Computer Science / Information Technology / Software Engineering or equivalent with a minimum of 55% marks.
OR MCA with Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / Computer Applications / Information Technology or equivalent / Mathematics / Statistics / Physics / Electronics / Applied Science with a minimum of 55% marks in each degree.
A valid GATE score is mandatory for admission. Only GATE-qualified candidates are eligible to apply.

Admission Process:

Candidates must register online at the Pondicherry University admissions portal during the notified registration window.
Only GATE-qualified candidates are eligible to apply.
A merit list is prepared based on GATE score.
Shortlisted candidates are called for in-person counselling at the Pondicherry University campus (Department of Computer Science, Science Block, Gate No. 2).
Candidates must bring all original documents and self-attested copies for verification at the time of counselling.
Admission is offered based on merit, category-wise seat availability, and document verification.
Selected candidates must pay the prescribed fees online on the same day as counselling to confirm admission.
Candidates awaiting final year results may apply provisionally; mark sheets must be submitted by the first week of September.

PU M.Tech AI & Data Science Scholarships 2026

M.Tech Data Science and Artificial Intelligence students at Pondicherry University can avail several scholarship and fellowship schemes. The AICTE PG Scholarship is the most significant for GATE-qualified students, providing a monthly stipend that can substantially offset living expenses. University-level merit and merit-cum-means scholarships are also available for deserving students.

Scholarship Schemes

Scholarship / Fellowship	Eligibility	Amount	Remarks
AICTE PG Scholarship	Full-time GATE-qualified students	Rs. 12,400 per month	Awarded by AICTE for the duration of the programme
Merit Scholarship (PU)	Top 3 rankers in PG entrance exam	Rs. 2,000 / Rs. 1,500 / Rs. 1,000 per month	Continued in subsequent semesters based on SGPA
Merit-cum-Means Scholarship (PU)	20% of PG students; parental income below Rs. 2,50,000 p.a.	Rs. 750 per month	Based on merit (SGPA) and means
Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child	Single girl child pursuing PG	As per UGC norms	Provided by UGC
Government of India SC/ST/OBC Scholarship	SC/ST/OBC students	As per state government norms	Provided by respective state governments
PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme	All admitted students	Collateral-free education loan	Government of India initiative; apply at pmvidyalaxmi.co.in

A student is eligible for only one scholarship at a time.
AICTE PG Scholarship is available only to full-time GATE-qualified students and is subject to AICTE guidelines.
For Merit and MCM scholarships, candidates must maintain at least 70% attendance and pass all registered papers each semester.
SC/ST students who are eligible for Post-Matric scholarships may defer fee payment until receipt of scholarship amount, subject to submission of an undertaking at the time of admission.

PU M.Tech AI & Data Science FAQs

Ques. Is GATE mandatory for admission to M.Tech Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at Pondicherry University?

Ans. Yes, admission to M.Tech Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at Pondicherry University is strictly through GATE score. Only GATE-qualified candidates are eligible to apply. There is no provision for non-GATE candidates in this programme.

Ques. Which GATE papers are relevant for M.Tech Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at Pondicherry University?

Ans. Candidates with GATE scores in Computer Science and Information Technology (CS), Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC), Electrical Engineering (EE), and related papers are generally eligible, subject to meeting the educational eligibility criteria. Candidates should confirm the accepted GATE paper codes with the university at the time of application.

Ques. How many seats are available and what is the reservation breakdown?

Ans. The total intake for M.Tech Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is 15 seats. Reservation is as per Government of India norms: 15% for SC, 7.5% for ST, 27% for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), 10% for EWS, and 5% for differently-abled candidates.

Ques. What is the difference between M.Tech Data Science & AI and M.Tech CSE at Pondicherry University?

Ans. M.Tech Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is a specialised programme focused specifically on AI, machine learning, deep learning, and data analytics. M.Tech CSE is a broader programme covering the full spectrum of computer science. Both are offered by the Department of Computer Science and have the same fee structure and admission process (GATE-based).

Ques. What are the career prospects after M.Tech Data Science and Artificial Intelligence from Pondicherry University?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as data scientists, AI engineers, machine learning engineers, data analysts, and research scientists. Key employers include technology companies (Google, Microsoft, Amazon, TCS, Infosys), financial institutions, healthcare companies, and government research organisations. The AI and data science sector is one of the fastest-growing in India, with high demand and competitive salaries. Many graduates also pursue PhD programmes in AI/ML in India and abroad.

Ques. Is this a newly introduced programme at Pondicherry University?

Ans. Yes, M.Tech Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is a newly introduced programme at Pondicherry University, reflecting the university's commitment to staying current with industry trends. It was listed as a "New" programme in the 2025-26 admissions brochure. Candidates should verify the current status and any updates to the programme structure with the university.

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