The Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D.] in Computer Science and Engineering at Kishkinda University, Ballari, Karnataka, is a three-year full-time research programme designed for candidates who wish to contribute to knowledge in computer science and engineering through original research. Research at the university spans machine learning and artificial intelligence, computer networks, data science, software engineering, cybersecurity, and distributed systems. Kishkinda University is a UGC-recognised private university established in 2023; its research infrastructure is being actively developed with faculty who hold national and international publication records. Total programme fee is INR 1,31,000. Admission is through a university entrance test and interview; candidates with UGC NET/JRF or CSIR NET qualification may be exempt from the entrance test.
📋 Admission Status: PhD admission notification for 2026-27 is expected between August and October 2026. UGC-NET Phase 2 exam is scheduled for June 22 to 30, 2026. Contact the research office for the current application schedule.
Key Points
- The Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering at Kishkinda University, Ballari is a three-year full-time research programme under UGC regulations, offering original research in applied and emerging areas.
- Research areas include machine learning and artificial intelligence, computer networks, data science, software engineering, cybersecurity, and distributed systems, supervised by faculty from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering with active publication records.
- Graduates can pursue careers as assistant professor at engineering colleges and universities, research scientist, senior software engineer (R&D), and postdoctoral researcher.
- Total programme fee is INR 1,31,000 for three years; UGC JRF and CSIR JRF fellowship holders receive a monthly stipend that substantially offsets the cost.
Kishkinda University Ph.D. (Computer Science and Engineering) Fees
| Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|
| Total Fees (3 years, Hostel charges separate) | INR 1,31,000 |
- Fee for 3-year full-time PhD; verify current breakup with university.
- Hostel and mess charges payable separately per university norms.
- UGC/CSIR JRF fellowship holders may be eligible for fee concessions.
Kishkinda University Ph.D. (Computer Science and Engineering) Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| PhD Admission Notification | August to October 2026 (expected) |
| Application Window | August to November 2026 (expected) |
| UGC-NET Phase 2 Registration | April 29 to May 24, 2026 |
| UGC-NET Phase 2 Exam | June 22 to 30, 2026 |
| CSIR-NET Registration | June 8 to 21, 2026 |
| CSIR-NET Exam | July 2026 |
| PhD Entrance Test and Interview | November to December 2026 (expected) |
Entrance Exam Dates
| Exam | Registration End | Exam Date | Result |
|---|
| UGC-NET Phase 2 | May 24, 2026 | June 22 to 30, 2026 | July 2026 |
| CSIR-NET | June 21, 2026 | July 2026 | September 2026 |
- UGC NET/JRF or CSIR NET qualified candidates may skip entrance test.
- University PhD entrance test conducted after application deadline.
- Minimum 55% in PG required (50% for reserved category candidates).
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering or a closely related discipline from a recognised university with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks (50% for SC/ST and reserved category candidates), as per UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations.
- Candidates appearing in the final semester of their master’s programme may apply provisionally; they must submit the completed degree certificate before the date of joining.
- Candidates holding a valid UGC NET/JRF, CSIR NET, GATE, or equivalent national qualification may be exempt from the university PhD entrance test and proceed directly to the research interview stage.
Admission Process
- Monitor the Kishkinda University website (kishkindauniversity.edu.in) for the PhD 2026-27 admission notification, expected between August and October 2026; download and complete the application form.
- Submit the completed application with master’s mark sheets, research proposal outline, UGC NET/CSIR NET/GATE score card (if available), and other required documents within the application deadline.
- Appear for the university PhD entrance test (written) if not holding a NET/GATE exemption; shortlisted candidates are called for a research proposal presentation and interview before the departmental committee.
- Selected candidates receive a provisional admission letter; register and pay the first-year programme fee, complete document verification, and identify a research supervisor from the department.
- UGC JRF or CSIR JRF holders must additionally register their fellowship with the respective funding agency after joining to activate the monthly stipend.
✓ Opt for this if
- NET or JRF holders wanting entrance-test exemption
- Aspiring assistant professors in Karnataka colleges
- Working professionals seeking an affordable doctoral programme
- Candidates targeting AI, ML, or networks research
✗ Skip if
- Want IIT or NIT-level labs and funding
- Need an established doctoral supervision track record
- Seeking international research collaborations and facilities
- Prefer a brand-name university for academia
Kishkinda University Ph.D. (Computer Science and Engineering) Scholarships 2026
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|
| UGC JRF Fellowship | INR 37,000 per month as per UGC norms | UGC-NET JRF qualified candidates |
| CSIR JRF Fellowship | INR 37,000 per month as per CSIR norms | CSIR-NET JRF qualified candidates (science subjects) |
| Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF) | As per government norms | SC category PhD students |
| Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF) | As per government norms | Minority community PhD students |
| KUSAT Research Scholarship | As per university norms | Merit performers in university entrance test |
- JRF fellows receive a monthly stipend from UGC or CSIR directly.
- RGNF and MANF applications via National Fellowship Portal.
- KUSAT scholarship details via Kishkinda University research office.
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