AKTU Ph.D: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. The AKTU Entrance Test (AET) evaluates research aptitude, subject knowledge, and analytical reasoning in the relevant discipline. Candidates holding a valid GATE score in a related subject or a UGC-NET (including JRF) qualification in the relevant field are exempt from the written test and proceed directly to an interview conducted by a departmental research committee. The interview assesses research interest and topic alignment with available faculty supervisors. Both AET-qualified and GATE/NET-exempt candidates must clear the interview to receive final admission.

Ans. Yes. AKTU permits part-time PhD enrolment for working professionals. The candidate must submit a no-objection certificate from the current employer and meet minimum residency norms prescribed by the university. Part-time scholars must complete all first-year coursework requirements just like full-time scholars. The total duration for part-time PhDs is longer than the 3-year minimum permitted for full-time scholars. The specific residency hours per semester are stated in the AKTU PhD ordinance available on the official website.

Ans. Scholars who hold UGC-NET JRF or CSIR-NET JRF can draw the national fellowship of INR 37,000 per month during the JRF period, rising to INR 42,000 per month as SRF after two years. These fellowships are disbursed by UGC or CSIR directly after enrolment details are submitted. Scholars without a JRF can receive departmental teaching assistantships or project-linked stipends if the supervisor holds an active funded research grant. UP domicile scholars should also check state government research fellowship announcements each year.

Ans. The minimum duration is 3 years for full-time scholars from the date of registration, in line with UGC PhD Regulations 2022. The first year is for coursework, which must be cleared before thesis work begins. The maximum duration is 6 years for full-time scholars and 8 years for part-time scholars. Scholars who exceed the permitted duration without an approved extension risk cancellation of registration. Extensions in genuine cases are granted by the university on application with supporting reasons.

Ans. AKTU follows UGC guidelines for thesis evaluation. After submission, the thesis is sent to external examiners, at least one of whom must be from outside the state. Examiners submit written reports on research quality and originality. If reports are positive, the scholar appears for an open viva voce in the presence of an external examiner and the internal supervisor. The PhD is awarded after the university approves the final thesis incorporating any corrections. The entire post-submission process typically takes 3 to 6 months.