Aditya Engineering College (AEC), Surampalem, Andhra Pradesh, now operating as Aditya University, offers a part-time Ph.D. (Agriculture) through its School of Science and Engineering. The programme runs for a minimum of three years and covers advanced research methodology, literature review, and original research in agronomy and crop science, soil science and plant nutrition, agricultural biotechnology, precision farming and remote sensing, post-harvest technology, water resource management, and agro-processing. Total minimum programme fees are Rs. 260,000 (one-time admission fee of Rs. 20,000 plus Rs. 40,000 per semester for six semesters). Part-time mode enables working professionals to pursue doctoral research while remaining employed. AEC ranks 536 in Collegedunia's 2025 India Engineering Colleges list.
The PhD January 2026 batch admissions at Aditya University are complete. The next application cycle is expected to open around October 2026 (Tentative) for the January 2027 batch. Check adityauniversity.in/admissions for updated notifications.
Key Points
- Research areas span agronomy, soil science, agricultural biotechnology, precision farming, post-harvest technology, and water resource management.
- Surampalem is located in the agriculturally rich East Godavari region, providing access to diverse farming systems for field research.
- Part-time PhD is suited for agricultural extension officers, Krishi Vigyan Kendra staff, and agri-business professionals seeking doctoral qualifications.
- Candidates with ICAR-NET or GATE (AG Paper) are exempt from the university entrance test.
AEC PhD Agriculture (PT) Fees
PhD Agriculture (PT) Fee Structure
| Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|
| Admission Fee (one-time) | Rs. 20,000 |
| Semester Tuition Fee (per semester) | Rs. 40,000 |
| Tuition Fee (6 semesters, minimum 3 years) | Rs. 240,000 |
| Total Fees (Minimum, 3 years) | Rs. 260,000 |
- Rs. 240,000 is the minimum tuition for six semesters; PhD duration may extend for part-time scholars who require more time to complete research and publication requirements.
- Part-time scholars do not receive the university's monthly research stipend (stipend is available only for full-time scholars).
- Additional charges such as examination fees and thesis evaluation charges apply as per university norms.
AEC PhD Agriculture (PT) Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| PhD Application Opens (Jan 2026 Batch) | October 24, 2025 |
| PhD Application Closes (Jan 2026 Batch) | November 23, 2025 |
| Online Entrance Test (Jan 2026 Batch) | December 7, 2025 |
| Interviews (Jan 2026 Batch) | December 18 to 19, 2025 |
| Results Declared (Jan 2026 Batch) | January 6, 2026 |
| Next Application Cycle (Jan 2027 Batch, Tentative) | October 2026 (Tentative) |
Entrance Exam Dates
| Exam | Registration End | Exam Date | Result |
|---|
| Aditya University PhD Entrance Test | November 23, 2025 | December 7, 2025 | January 6, 2026 |
- Candidates with CSIR-NET, UGC-NET, or GATE (Agriculture) qualifications are exempt from the university entrance test.
- Part-time PhD applicants must submit an employer's no-objection certificate at the time of admission.
- A preliminary research proposal is required at the application stage; it is evaluated during the interview.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- M.Sc. Agriculture or M.Tech Agricultural Engineering or equivalent from a recognised university from a recognised university with minimum 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC categories).
- Candidates with a valid CSIR-NET, UGC-NET, or GATE score are exempt from the Aditya University PhD entrance test but must attend the interview.
- Part-time applicants must submit a no-objection certificate from their current employer.
Admission Process
- Watch for the PhD application notification at adityauniversity.in (expected October each year for January batch).
- Fill the online application form, attach postgraduate degree documents, employer NOC (for part-time), and pay the application fee.
- Appear for the Aditya University PhD entrance test if not CSIR-NET/GATE qualified.
- Shortlisted candidates attend an interview with the research committee and present their preliminary research proposal.
- Final selection is based on entrance test score, interview performance, and research proposal quality.
- On selection, pay the admission fee and register for the first semester to commence doctoral research.
AEC PhD Agriculture (PT) Scholarships 2026
PhD Agriculture (PT) Scholarships Available
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|
| Aditya University Research Stipend | Not applicable (part-time mode) | Monthly stipend is for full-time scholars only |
| UGC-JRF / SRF (if applicable) | Rs. 37,000 / Rs. 42,000 per month | Valid UGC-JRF or SRF award holders; subject to employer-situation rules |
| Jagananna Vidya Deevena (AP Govt.) | Full fee reimbursement | SC/ST/BC/EWS students; family income below Rs. 2.5 Lakhs |
| National Scholarship Portal - Post-Graduate/Doctoral | As per NTA norms | Merit-cum-means basis; check NSP for doctoral-level eligibility |
- The university's Rs. 25,000 monthly stipend is available only to full-time PhD scholars.
- Government fee-reimbursement schemes (Jagananna Vidya Deevena) may cover part of the tuition for eligible SC/ST/BC/EWS students.
![Aditya Engineering College - [AEC]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1591109396Annotation20200602201850.jpg?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
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