AMU Ph.D Remote Sensing And Gis Applications: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Aligarh, Uttar PradeshCentral UniversityEstd 1920NAAC Grade A+ 3.4
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated 3+ months ago

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), a premier Central University established in 1920, offers a full-time, on-campus Ph.D. in Remote Sensing and GIS Applications through its Interdisciplinary Department of Remote Sensing and GIS Applications, Faculty of Science. The programme spans a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years, with a very limited seat intake of 1 seat per year. The annual tuition fee is Rs. 14,100, making it one of the most affordable doctoral programmes in geospatial sciences in India. Admission is through AMU's own Departmental Entrance Test (DET), with exemption for GATE (Geomatics)/UGC-NET/JRF qualified candidates. The Ph.D. in Remote Sensing and GIS Applications at AMU is highly regarded due to the department's international affiliations with UN-GGIM Academic Network and UNU-ProSPER.Net, its state-of-the-art geospatial laboratory, and its strong track record of placing graduates in government agencies, multinational corporations, and international universities.

Admissions for the 2026-27 session are currently ongoing. The application portal opened on March 25, 2026, with the last date for submission (without late fee) being April 20, 2026. The entrance exam is scheduled for April 27, 2026, and the final admission deadline is August 10, 2026.

Key Points

  • The Ph.D. programme is offered under the Interdisciplinary Department of Remote Sensing and GIS Applications, Faculty of Science - one of the few specialised geospatial science departments in Indian central universities.
  • The department has been a member of the UN Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) Academic Network since 2020 and was inducted into UNU-ProSPER.Net (Japan) in 2023.
  • The department is equipped with UAV-based sensing systems, Pix4D, WebODM, QGIS, SAGA, SNAP, Google Earth Engine, and other advanced geospatial tools.
  • Students of the department have consistently performed well in GATE Geomatics, with multiple students securing competitive ranks in GATE 2026.
  • Alumni have been placed at Tata Steel, WPS (Bengaluru), National Institute of Hydrology (Roorkee), and have pursued doctoral studies at University of Waikato (New Zealand), Parthenope University of Naples (Italy), and IIT Guwahati.
  • The department currently supports twenty doctoral scholars actively engaged in advanced research.

AMU Ph.D. (Remote Sensing and GIS Applications) Fees

Fee Structure

Fee ComponentAmount (Rs.)
Tuition Fee (per year, Full Time)₹14,100
Registration Fee (one-time)₹1,000
Security Deposit (one-time, refundable)₹5,000
Exam Fee (per semester)₹1,000
Thesis Submission Fee (one-time)₹25,000
Viva-Voce Fee (one-time)₹20,000
Hostel Charges (per month, approx.)₹1,200 - 1,500 (optional)
Total Fees (for minimum 3-year duration, excluding hostel)₹99,300
  • Security Deposit of Rs. 5,000 is refundable at the time of leaving the university, subject to no dues.
  • Hostel accommodation is not mandatory and is subject to availability.
  • Hostel charges are approximately Rs. 1,200 to Rs. 1,500 per month (mess charges extra at approximately Rs. 1,700 per month).
  • The total fees calculated above include: 3 years x Rs. 14,100 (tuition) = Rs. 42,300 + Rs. 1,000 (registration) + Rs. 5,000 (security deposit) + 6 x Rs. 1,000 (exam fee) = Rs. 6,000 + Rs. 25,000 (thesis submission) + Rs. 20,000 (viva) = Rs. 99,300.
  • If the programme extends beyond 3 years, an Extension Fee of Rs. 5,000 per extension period is applicable.
  • Entrance Exam Application Fee: Rs. 850 (non-refundable, paid at the time of applying).
  • Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) pay only Rs. 100 as tuition fee.
  • Payment can be made via NEFT/RTGS/IMPS/Cash Deposit/Bank Gateway.
  • No EMI facility is officially offered; fees are paid annually/semester-wise.

AMU Ph.D. (Remote Sensing and GIS Applications) Admission 2026

AMU Ph.D. Remote Sensing and GIS Applications Admission Dates 2026-27

EventDate
Official Notification ReleasedMarch 10, 2026
Application Portal OpensMarch 25, 2026
Last Date to Apply (without late fee)April 20, 2026
Departmental Entrance Test (DET)April 27, 2026
Entrance Exam Result / ShortlistMay 24 - May 30, 2026
Presentation-cum-InterviewJune 15, 2026
Final Selection List DisplayJuly 5 - July 15, 2026
Last Date of AdmissionAugust 10, 2026
Last Date to Submit Migration CertificateSeptember 30, 2026

GATE 2026 Geomatics Exam Dates

EventDate
GATE 2026 RegistrationAugust 28 - October 13, 2025
GATE 2026 Admit CardJanuary 13, 2026
GATE 2026 ExamFebruary 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026
GATE 2026 Answer KeyFebruary 19, 2026
GATE 2026 ResultMarch 19, 2026
  • GATE (Geomatics) qualified candidates are exempted from the AMU Departmental Entrance Test (DET).
  • UGC-NET/JRF qualified candidates are also exempted from DET as per UGC norms.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidates must hold a Master's degree (M.Sc. in Remote Sensing and GIS Applications, Geography, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, or a relevant discipline) with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwBD candidates) from a recognised university.
  • Candidates with a valid GATE (Geomatics) score or UGC-NET/JRF qualification are exempted from the Departmental Entrance Test (DET).
  • For Part-Time Ph.D., the candidate must be employed in a government/public sector undertaking/R&D organisation for at least two years and must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer.

Admission Process

  • Submit the online application form on the AMU Controller of Exams website (www.amucontrollerexams.com) along with the application fee of Rs. 850.
  • Appear in the Departmental Entrance Test (DET) if not exempted via GATE/NET-JRF.
  • Shortlisted candidates appear for a Presentation-cum-Interview before the Doctoral Research Committee (DRC).
  • Final merit list is prepared based on entrance test score and interview performance.
  • Selected candidates complete admission formalities including submission of original documents, payment of fees, and registration on the university portal.
  • Candidates must submit a research proposal at the time of interview.

AMU Ph.D. (Remote Sensing and GIS Applications) Scholarships 2026

Available Scholarships

ScholarshipEligibilityAmount
UGC-NET JRF FellowshipCandidates who have qualified UGC-NET with JRFRs. 37,000/month (JRF, first 2 years); Rs. 42,000/month (SRF, next 3 years)
GATE Fellowship (AICTE)GATE-qualified PhD scholars (disbursed via UGC/AICTE)As per AICTE/UGC norms (subject to grant availability)
Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF)Minority community students (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi) pursuing PhDRs. 25,000/month (JRF, first 2 years); Rs. 28,000/month (SRF, next 3 years) + contingency grant
National Fellowship for SC StudentsSC category PhD scholarsAs per UGC norms
National Fellowship for ST StudentsST category PhD scholarsAs per UGC norms
BSR Fellowship (UGC)Meritorious PhD scholars in SciencesAs per UGC norms
CSIR-JRF FellowshipCandidates who have qualified CSIR-NET with JRF (Earth Sciences)Rs. 37,000/month (JRF); Rs. 42,000/month (SRF)
  • Fellowships from national funding agencies (UGC, AICTE, CSIR, etc.) are disbursed subject to the grant being provided to the university by the respective agency.
  • Candidates must fulfil the eligibility requirements of the concerned scholarship independently.
  • Application for MANF is made separately through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
  • UGC Non-NET Fellowship of Rs. 8,000/month may be available for regular PhD scholars who do not hold any other fellowship, subject to university policy.
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Table of Contents

AMU Ph.D. (Remote Sensing and GIS Applications) FAQs

Ques. Is GATE Geomatics the right exam for Ph.D. Remote Sensing and GIS Applications at AMU, or should I appear in UGC-NET?

Ans. Both GATE (Geomatics) and UGC-NET/JRF are accepted for exemption from the Departmental Entrance Test (DET) at AMU. GATE Geomatics is specifically designed for candidates from remote sensing, GIS, photogrammetry, and geospatial science backgrounds, making it the most relevant exam for this programme. UGC-NET in Earth Sciences or Geography is also accepted. If you hold a valid score in either of these exams, you are directly called for the Presentation-cum-Interview without appearing in the DET. However, you must still apply through the official AMU portal and submit a research proposal.

Ques. What are the research thrust areas of the Interdisciplinary Department of Remote Sensing and GIS Applications at AMU?

Ans. The department's research thrust areas include land use and land cover change analysis, urban sprawl and growth modelling, flood mapping and disaster management, wetland monitoring and conservation, groundwater potential zone mapping, agricultural crop monitoring, environmental impact assessment, UAV-based photogrammetry and thermal sensing, and geospatial applications for sustainable development. The department uses advanced tools including Google Earth Engine, QGIS, SAGA, SNAP, Pix4D, and WebODM. Given its membership in UN-GGIM Academic Network and UNU-ProSPER.Net, the department also focuses on sustainability-oriented geospatial research aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Ques. How many PhD seats are available in Remote Sensing and GIS Applications at AMU, and how competitive is the admission?

Ans. The Ph.D. programme in Remote Sensing and GIS Applications at AMU has only 1 seat per year, making it extremely competitive. The department currently supports twenty doctoral scholars, indicating that seats are filled based on supervisor availability and research funding. Candidates with GATE Geomatics scores or UGC-NET/JRF qualifications have a significant advantage. It is strongly recommended to contact the department and identify a potential supervisor before applying, as supervisor availability is a key factor in PhD admission. A well-prepared research proposal aligned with the department's thrust areas is essential.

Ques. What is the fee structure for Ph.D. Remote Sensing and GIS Applications at AMU, and are there any funded positions?

Ans. The annual tuition fee is Rs. 14,100, and the total fees for the minimum 3-year duration (excluding hostel) amount to approximately Rs. 99,300. This is extremely affordable compared to private institutions. Regarding funded positions, the department has active research projects funded by national agencies. PhD scholars who qualify GATE/JRF receive fellowships of Rs. 37,000/month (JRF) or Rs. 42,000/month (SRF). Additionally, project-funded positions may be available depending on ongoing funded research projects in the department. It is advisable to check with the department directly for any funded PhD positions.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing Ph.D. Remote Sensing and GIS Applications from AMU?

Ans. Graduates of this programme have been placed in diverse sectors. Alumni have secured positions at Tata Steel, WPS (a multinational corporation in Bengaluru), and the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee. Several alumni have also pursued post-doctoral research and faculty positions at international universities including the University of Waikato (New Zealand) and Parthenope University of Naples (Italy). Career opportunities exist in government agencies (ISRO, NRSC, Survey of India, Forest Survey of India), private GIS companies, environmental consulting firms, urban planning departments, and academic institutions.

Ques. What is the role of the research proposal in the AMU PhD Remote Sensing and GIS Applications interview, and how should I prepare it?

Ans. The research proposal is a critical component of the Presentation-cum-Interview at AMU. It should clearly outline the research problem, objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and relevance to the department's thrust areas. Given the extremely limited seat intake (1 seat per year), the proposal must demonstrate originality, feasibility, and alignment with the research interests of available supervisors. It is strongly recommended to review the published research of faculty members in the department, identify a specific research gap, and frame your proposal accordingly. The DRC will evaluate your understanding of the subject, clarity of research objectives, and awareness of existing literature during the interview.

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