Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 30, 2026

The Ph.D. in Electronics and Communications Engineering at Gandhinagar Institute of Technology (GIT) is a research-focused doctoral programme offered through the Gandhinagar Institute of Research and Development (GIRD), a constituent research body of Gandhinagar University. The programme is designed to develop advanced research competencies in areas such as VLSI design, signal processing, wireless communications, embedded systems, and antenna design. The minimum duration is 3 years (full-time) or up to 6 years (part-time), with fees totalling approximately Rs. 2,55,700 for the full programme. Admissions are conducted twice a year (January and July sessions) through a university-level entrance test or exemption via GATE/UGC-NET scores. The programme is popular among working professionals and fresh postgraduates seeking to pursue research in the ECE domain within Gujarat.

Admission for the upcoming session (July 2026) is expected to open tentatively in May-June 2026, based on the previous year's pattern. The January 2026 session admission cycle has already concluded. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official Gandhinagar University website (gandhinagaruni.ac.in) for the next notification.

Key Points

Ph.D. programme is offered through GIRD (Gandhinagar Institute of Research and Development), the dedicated research arm of Gandhinagar University
Two dedicated Ph.D. supervisors available in ECE: Dr. Nilesh Parihar (Professor) and Dr. Rushit Trivedi (Assistant Professor)
Both full-time and part-time modes are available, making it accessible for working professionals
Candidates with valid GATE or UGC-NET scores are exempted from the university entrance test
The programme follows UGC guidelines for doctoral education, including mandatory coursework and research proposal presentation
Rated 4 Star Institute under GSIRF 2023 (Gujarat State Institutional Ranking Framework)

Official Link:

Go To Website

Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

GIT Ph.D. ECE Fees

The Ph.D. programme at GIT (via GIRD) involves a combination of one-time charges and per-semester fees. The most significant recurring cost is the semester fee of Rs. 35,000 per semester, payable for 6 semesters (3 years minimum). One-time charges include course work fees (Rs. 10,000) and thesis evaluation fees (Rs. 30,000), which together form a substantial portion of the total outlay. The total programme cost for a 3-year (6-semester) duration is approximately Rs. 2,55,700.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Type	Amount (Rs.)
Application Fees	One Time	1,000
Registration Fees	One Time	2,000
University Enrollment Fees	One Time	1,500
Course Work Fees	One Time	10,000
Identity Card Fee	One Time	200
Alumni Membership Fees	One Time	1,000
Semester Fees (Rs. 35,000 x 6 semesters)	Per Semester	2,10,000
Thesis Evaluation Fees	One Time	30,000
Total Fees		2,55,700

Hostel is optional and not included in the above total.
Hostel fees: Rs. 48,000/year (accommodation only), Rs. 80,000/year (accommodation + food), Rs. 1,06,000/year (accommodation + AC + food).
A refundable security deposit of Rs. 10,000 is applicable for hostel residents, refunded at the end of the course.
Semester fees are payable until the submission of the synopsis (thesis).
Fees beyond 6 semesters are applicable if the programme extends.
No EMI option is officially mentioned; fees are to be paid as per the university's schedule.

GIT Ph.D. ECE Admission 2026

Admissions to the Ph.D. in Electronics and Communications Engineering at GIT are conducted twice a year. The process involves an entrance test (unless exempted) followed by a research proposal presentation. Candidates with GATE/UGC-NET/CSIR-NET qualifications are directly eligible for the interview stage. The July 2026 session is expected to open for applications tentatively in May-June 2026.

College Admission Dates

Event	Tentative Date (2026)
PhD Admission Notification (July Session)	May 2026 (Tentative)
Application Start Date	May 2026 (Tentative)
Last Date to Apply	June 2026 (Tentative)
University Entrance Test (Phase I)	June/July 2026 (Tentative)
Research Proposal Presentation (Phase II)	July 2026 (Tentative)
Batch Commencement	July 2026 (Tentative)

Entrance Exam Dates

Exam	Event	Date
GATE 2026	Registration Start	August 28, 2025
GATE 2026	Registration End	October 13, 2025
GATE 2026	Admit Card	January 13, 2026
GATE 2026	Exam Dates	February 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026
GATE 2026	Result	March 19, 2026
UGC-NET (Phase 1)	Exam Dates	December 31, 2025 - January 7, 2026
UGC-NET (Phase 1)	Result	February 4, 2026
UGC-NET (Phase 2)	Exam Date	June 2026 (Tentative)

Note: GATE 2026 scores are valid for 3 years. Candidates with valid GATE/UGC-NET scores are exempted from the university entrance test but must appear for the Research Proposal Presentation.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

Candidates must hold a Master's degree (M.Tech/M.E./M.Sc.) in Electronics and Communication Engineering or a related discipline with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD candidates)
Candidates with a valid GATE score in EC (Electronics and Communication Engineering) or UGC-NET qualification are exempted from the university entrance test
Candidates must identify a research area and a willing supervisor from the available ECE faculty at GIRD before or during the application process

Admission Process:

Apply online at gandhinagaruni.ac.in/ph-d-admissions/ and pay the application processing fee of Rs. 1,000
Submit a printed copy of the application form along with self-attested documents and proof of payment
Appear for Phase I: University Entrance Test (MCQ-based, 70 marks total - 35 marks Research Methodology + 35 marks ECE Domain) - exempted for GATE/UGC-NET qualified candidates
Candidates scoring 50% or above in Phase I (or exempted) proceed to Phase II: Research Proposal Presentation (30 marks) before an Expert Committee
Final selection is based on merit, availability of seats, and consent of a supervisor
Upon selection, submit the enrolment form and prescribed fees to receive the Research Scholar (RS) designation

GIT Ph.D. ECE Scholarships 2026

Ph.D. scholars at GIT/GIRD can avail of various government-funded fellowships and scholarships. While the university does not offer a dedicated institutional fellowship for Ph.D. scholars in ECE, candidates qualifying through GATE or UGC-NET may be eligible for national-level fellowships. The most relevant scholarships for Ph.D. students in ECE are listed below.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship/Fellowship	Offered By	Eligibility	Amount	Deadline
Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) via GATE	AICTE/DST	GATE-qualified candidates admitted to Ph.D.	Rs. 37,000/month (JRF), Rs. 42,000/month (SRF)	At time of Ph.D. admission
UGC-JRF	UGC	UGC-NET qualified with JRF	Rs. 37,000/month (JRF), Rs. 42,000/month (SRF)	As per UGC notification
SERB-POWER Research Grants	SERB, India	Women researchers in Science and Engineering	Tuition Fees + Stipend (Full Funding)	March 31, 2026
Central Sector Scholarship for SC Students	Ministry of Social Justice	SC students in top-class institutions	Full Funding	March 31, 2026
Sitaram Jindal Scholarship	Sitaram Jindal Foundation	Indian nationals pursuing Ph.D.	Partial Funding	March 31, 2026

GATE/UGC-NET JRF fellowships are subject to the availability of funded projects and the university's recognition as a research institution under the respective funding body.
Candidates are advised to check the latest fellowship notifications from AICTE, DST, and UGC for updated amounts and deadlines.
The university may offer fee waivers or concessions for meritorious candidates; candidates should inquire directly with the admissions office.

GIT Ph.D. ECE FAQs

Ques. Is the Ph.D. in ECE at GIT a full-time or part-time programme, and can working professionals apply?

Ans. The Ph.D. programme at GIT (via GIRD) is available in both full-time and part-time modes. Working professionals can apply for the part-time option, which allows them to continue their employment while pursuing research. The minimum duration for part-time candidates is typically longer than the 3-year full-time requirement. Candidates must ensure they can attend the required coursework and research proposal presentations on campus.

Ques. What is the difference between the university entrance test and the GATE exemption route for Ph.D. admission?

Ans. Candidates who do not hold a valid GATE/UGC-NET/CSIR-NET score must appear for the university's two-paper entrance test: Paper I (Research Methodology, 35 marks) and Paper II (ECE Domain, 35 marks). Candidates scoring 50% or above qualify for Phase II. Those with valid GATE (EC paper) or UGC-NET scores are directly exempted from this test and proceed straight to the Research Proposal Presentation (Phase II). Both routes require appearing before the Expert Committee for the final selection.

Ques. How many Ph.D. supervisors are available in the ECE department at GIT/GIRD, and what are their research areas?

Ans. As per the official GIRD supervisor list, there are two registered Ph.D. supervisors in Electronics and Communication Engineering: Dr. Nilesh Parihar (Professor) and Dr. Rushit Trivedi (Assistant Professor). Candidates are advised to contact these supervisors directly before applying to confirm seat availability and alignment of research interests. Admission is subject to the availability of vacant seats declared by the supervisor for that academic year.

Ques. What happens if I cannot attend the Research Proposal Presentation on the scheduled date?

Ans. As per the official GIRD guidelines, if a candidate fails to attend the scheduled Research Proposal Presentation without a valid reason, it is treated as a lack of interest in pursuing the Ph.D. programme. The candidature is immediately cancelled, and the candidate will not be called for subsequent rounds. The university does not provide travel allowance or accommodation for candidates appearing for the entrance test or presentation.

Ques. Are hostel facilities available for Ph.D. scholars at GIT, and what are the charges?

Ans. Yes, hostel facilities are available for Ph.D. scholars at Gandhinagar University. The hostel is located approximately 2 km from the institute, with free bus service provided. Charges are: Rs. 48,000/year (accommodation only), Rs. 80,000/year (accommodation + food), and Rs. 1,06,000/year (accommodation + AC + food). A refundable security deposit of Rs. 10,000 is required. Electricity up to Rs. 1,000/month per flat is included; excess is chargeable.

Ques. Can I pursue a Ph.D. in ECE at GIT if my master's degree is in a related field like Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering?

Ans. Yes, candidates with a Master's degree in related disciplines such as Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, or Applied Electronics may be considered eligible, subject to the supervisor's discretion and the relevance of the proposed research area to ECE. The final eligibility is determined during the admission process. Candidates are advised to contact the GIRD admissions office or the respective ECE supervisor to confirm eligibility before applying.