About Ph.D
RV University (RVU), Bangalore, offers Ph.D programmes across eight disciplines in both full-time and part-time modes. All programmes follow UGC PhD Regulations 2022 with a minimum three-year duration and a uniform fee of INR 3,12,000 over three years. Admission requires a valid master’s degree with a minimum of 55 percent. UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, GATE, or SET holders are exempted from the RVU doctoral entrance test and directly appear for a research interview.
📋 Admission Status: Applications are currently open. Check rvu.edu.in for the application deadline.
Key Points
- UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, GATE, and SET/SLET holders are exempted from the RVU doctoral entrance test. A research interview is still mandatory for all candidates.
- UGC JRF holders receive INR 37,000 per month fellowship. RVU also offers its own research fellowships for selected scholars.
- Disciplines span Engineering, Management, Social Sciences, Law, Design, and Media, covering STEM and humanities research under one university.
RVU Ph.D Fees 2026
All Ph.D programmes at RVU carry a uniform fee of INR 3,12,000 for three years, comprising INR 75,000 tuition and INR 29,000 other fees per year. The fee is the same for full-time and part-time modes across all disciplines.
| Discipline | Mode | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Business Management | Full-Time / Part-Time | INR 3,12,000 |
| Computer Science and Engineering | Full-Time / Part-Time | INR 3,12,000 |
| Design | Full-Time / Part-Time | INR 3,12,000 |
| Drama, Films and New Media | Part-Time | INR 3,12,000 |
| Economics and Public Policy | Full-Time / Part-Time | INR 3,12,000 |
| Law | Full-Time / Part-Time | INR 3,12,000 |
| Liberal Arts | Full-Time / Part-Time | INR 3,12,000 |
| Media Studies | Full-Time | INR 3,12,000 |
- Fee covers 3 minimum years. Actual duration may extend per research progress.
- Fees are subject to change.
- Verify with official sources before taking admission.
RVU Ph.D Admission 2026
PhD 2026-27 admissions at RVU are open for both full-time and part-time modes. UGC-NET Phase 2 is scheduled for 22-30 June 2026. Candidates with valid NET/GATE/SET scores can apply directly and proceed to the research interview without appearing for the RVU entrance test.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| PhD Admission Applications | Open at rvu.edu.in/admissions |
| UGC-NET Phase 2 Exam | 22-30 June 2026 |
| UGC-NET Phase 2 Result | 1 July 2026 |
| RVU Doctoral Entrance Test | As notified on rvu.edu.in |
| Research Interview | After qualifying exam or entrance test |
- NET/GATE/SET holders are exempt from the RVU doctoral entrance test.
- Research interview before the doctoral committee is mandatory for all candidates.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Master’s degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised university with a minimum of 55 percent aggregate (50 percent for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates).
- Valid UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, GATE, or SET/SLET score exempts from the RVU doctoral entrance test.
- All candidates must clear a research interview before the RVU doctoral committee with a research proposal.
Admission Process
- Visit rvu.edu.in/admissions and apply online with PG marksheets and a research statement.
- Submit NET/GATE/SET certificate if applicable. Others appear for the RVU doctoral entrance test.
- Clear the research interview before the doctoral committee with a research proposal.
- On selection, pay the registration fee and complete enrolment. A supervisor is assigned thereafter.
✓ Opt for this if
- Working professionals in Bangalore wanting a part-time PhD without relocating
- NET/GATE/SET qualifiers who want to skip the entrance test and go straight to interview
- Scholars in Design, Media, Drama, or Liberal Arts seeking a UGC-compliant research environment
- UGC JRF holders looking to leverage INR 37,000/month fellowship at a Bangalore university
✗ Skip if
- You need a PhD from an IIT, IIM, or central university for competitive academic hiring
- Your research requires specialised infrastructure found only at IISC or NIT-tier institutions
- You are a STEM researcher seeking strong industry-academia collaboration for your doctoral project
RVU Ph.D Scholarships 2026
RVU PhD scholars may access UGC and CSIR fellowships, RVU’s own research fellowships, and state government scholarships. UGC JRF holders receive a monthly stipend during the research period.
| Scholarship / Fellowship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| UGC JRF / CSIR JRF | INR 37,000/month | UGC-NET/CSIR-NET qualifiers with JRF |
| RVU Research Fellowship | As notified by RVU | Merit-based, selected PhD scholars at RV University |
| Karnataka State Scholarship | As per state norms | Karnataka-domicile SC/ST/OBC doctoral scholars |
- UGC/CSIR JRF applications submitted via the UGC portal after result declaration.
- RVU fellowships are notified on rvu.edu.in after admissions.
RVU Ph.D FAQs
Ques. Is NET or GATE mandatory for PhD admission at RV University?
Ans. NET/GATE/SET is not mandatory for PhD admission at RVU. Candidates without these scores can appear for the RVU Doctoral Entrance Test. However, holding a valid UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, GATE, or SET/SLET score exempts candidates from the entrance test entirely. All candidates must still clear a research interview before the RVU doctoral committee.
Ques. What is the minimum eligibility for PhD at RV University?
Ans. Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised university with a minimum of 55 percent aggregate marks. Relaxation to 50 percent is applicable for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates as per UGC norms. The programme follows UGC PhD Regulations 2022 for all disciplines.
Ques. Can working professionals pursue a part-time PhD at RV University?
Ans. Yes. RV University offers part-time PhD mode for most disciplines including Business Management, CSE, Economics, Design, Law, and Liberal Arts. The part-time mode is designed for working professionals who can continue employment while completing their doctoral research under a registered supervisor at RVU.
Ques. What fellowship support is available for PhD scholars at RVU?
Ans. UGC JRF and CSIR JRF holders receive a fellowship of INR 37,000 per month during their research period. RV University also offers its own research fellowships for meritorious selected scholars. Details are notified on rvu.edu.in after admissions. Karnataka-domicile SC/ST/OBC scholars may apply for state scholarship schemes via scholarships.gov.in.
Ques. What is the total fee for a PhD at RV University?
Ans. The fee for a PhD at RV University is INR 3,12,000 for the minimum three-year duration, comprising INR 75,000 tuition and INR 29,000 other fees per year. The fee is the same across all eight disciplines and for both full-time and part-time modes. Hostel charges, if availed, are separate.
Ques. How is the research supervisor assigned for PhD students at RVU?
Ans. The research supervisor at RVU is assigned after the candidate clears the research interview and completes enrolment formalities. Candidates are expected to submit a brief research proposal during the interview stage. The doctoral committee reviews the proposal and matches the scholar with a faculty supervisor based on the research area and departmental availability.