Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 27, 2026

The Ph.D. program in Automobile Engineering at PDA College of Engineering, Kalaburagi is a specialized doctoral program designed to develop research scholars in advanced automotive technologies and engineering. The program has a minimum duration of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years, offering full-time on-campus study. With 40 seats available annually, this program is recognized by Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belagavi. The course focuses on advanced research in internal combustion engines, automotive design, energy studies, thermal power engineering, and maintenance engineering. The program is popular among students seeking to contribute to innovations in the automotive industry and related sectors.

Admissions for the Ph.D. program are ongoing for the 2026 academic year. Prospective candidates can apply throughout the year as per VTU guidelines. The typical admission process involves submission of applications, followed by shortlisting based on academic credentials, and subsequent interviews. For the current academic year, interested candidates are advised to contact the college directly for specific application deadlines and admission schedules. The research centre for Automobile Engineering was established in 2014 and currently has 7 research scholars enrolled with 3 faculty guides.

Key Points

Established research centre with focus on automotive technologies and engineering
Comprehensive research areas including IC engines, automotive design, energy studies, and thermal engineering
NBA accredited department (2018-2021) ensuring quality education and research
Well-equipped laboratories including Auto CADD center, Auto scanning and testing lab, and Automotive chassis lab
Strong industry connections with placements in core automotive and ancillary industries
Faculty with diverse competencies in automotive engineering specializations

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Placements
Ranking
FAQs

PDA Ph.D. (Automobile Engineering) Fees

The Ph.D. program at PDA College of Engineering follows the VTU fee structure for doctoral programs. The total fees for the Ph.D. program is approximately 1.84 lakhs for the entire 3-year course duration, which translates to approximately 61,200 per year. This includes registration fees, college fees, and other mandatory charges as prescribed by VTU. The fees are refundable in nature and students may have the option to pay in installments as per college policy. Additional charges may apply for hostel accommodation if the student opts for on-campus residence.

Fee Structure

Fee Component	Amount (INR)
VTU Registration Fee	25,000
College Fee (Annual)	36,200
Total Annual Fee	61,200
Total Fees (3 Years)	1,84,000

Students may pay fees in installments as per college guidelines.
Hostel fees are separate and optional.
Additional charges may apply for laboratory materials and research resources.

PDA Ph.D. (Automobile Engineering) Admission 2026

Important Dates

Event	Date/Timeline
Application Submission	Throughout the year (as per VTU guidelines)
Shortlisting of Candidates	Within 2-4 weeks of application
Interview Round	As per college schedule
Admission Confirmation	Upon successful interview
Research Centre Established	2014

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Engineering/Technology or equivalent qualification from a recognized university
Minimum 55% marks in aggregate in the qualifying Master's degree (or equivalent grade B in UGC 7-point scale)
Relaxation of 5% marks (50% instead of 55%) is available for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer) and differently-abled candidates

Admission Process

The Ph.D. program at PDA College of Engineering follows a merit-based admission process as per VTU regulations. Candidates with strong academic backgrounds and research aptitude are encouraged to apply. The admission process involves evaluation of academic credentials, followed by an interview to assess research potential and subject knowledge. The college has a dedicated research centre with experienced faculty mentors who guide scholars through their doctoral journey.

Submit completed application form with required documents to the college
Wait for shortlisting based on academic credentials and research proposal
Appear for personal interview with research committee
Receive admission confirmation upon successful evaluation
Register with VTU and complete enrollment formalities
Begin research work under assigned faculty mentor

PDA Ph.D. (Automobile Engineering) Scholarships 2026

Various scholarship opportunities are available for Ph.D. scholars at PDA College of Engineering. Eligible candidates may apply for government scholarships, university scholarships, and merit-based awards. The college also facilitates access to research grants and funding opportunities through VTU and other research funding agencies. Interested scholars should contact the college administration for detailed information on available scholarships and application procedures.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship Type	Eligibility	Application Deadline
Government Scholarships (SC/ST/OBC)	Candidates belonging to reserved categories	As per government notification
Merit-based Scholarships	Candidates with excellent academic record	As per college guidelines
Research Grants	All eligible scholars	Throughout the year
VTU Research Fellowships	As per VTU norms	As per VTU notification

Scholarship availability and amounts vary based on government policies and funding.
Candidates are advised to check with the college for current scholarship opportunities.
Application procedures and deadlines are communicated by the college at the beginning of each academic year.

PDA Ph.D. (Automobile Engineering) Placement 2026

The Ph.D. program in Automobile Engineering at PDA College has a strong track record of producing research scholars who contribute significantly to academia and industry. Graduates from this program have pursued careers in various sectors including automotive manufacturing, ancillary industries, steel industries, cement and ceramic industries, and software industries. The department's emphasis on contemporary automotive technologies ensures that graduates are well-equipped to address real-world challenges in the automotive sector. Alumni have secured high positions in reputed companies both at national and global levels.

Placement Details

Placement Metric	Details
Research Scholars Enrolled	7
Faculty Guides	3
Research Centre Established	2014
NBA Accreditation	2018-2021
Department Established	1985
Specializations	IC Engines, Automotive Design, Energy Studies, Thermal Engineering, Maintenance Engineering
Laboratory Facilities	Auto CADD, Auto Scanning, Automotive Chassis, Auto Servicing, Auto Electrical Labs
Alumni Placement Sectors	Automotive, Ancillary, Steel, Cement, Ceramic, Software Industries

PDACEK Ph.D Automobile Engineering Ranking

Collegedunia Ranking

#379 out of 500 in India 2025

#67th in Karnataka

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PDA Ph.D. (Automobile Engineering) FAQs

Q1: What is the minimum duration of the Ph.D. program?

Ans. The Ph.D. program has a minimum duration of 3 years including coursework and research. However, the maximum duration is 6 years, allowing scholars flexibility to complete their research work thoroughly.

Q2: What are the research areas available in this Ph.D. program?

Ans. The program offers research opportunities in internal combustion engines, automotive design, energy studies, thermal power engineering, maintenance engineering, and related areas in automobile engineering.

Q3: Is the Ph.D. program full-time or part-time?

Ans. The Ph.D. program at PDA College is offered as a full-time on-campus program, requiring scholars to be present on campus for coursework, laboratory work, and research activities.

Q4: What is the fee structure for the Ph.D. program?

Ans. The total fees for the 3-year Ph.D. program is approximately 1.84 lakhs (61,200 per year). Fees are refundable and can be paid in installments as per college policy.

Q5: What laboratory facilities are available for research?

Ans. The department has well-equipped laboratories including Auto CADD center, Auto scanning and testing lab, Auto reconditioning lab, Automotive chassis lab, Automobile servicing lab, and Auto Electrical lab.

Q6: What are the career prospects for Ph.D. graduates from this program?

Ans. Graduates pursue careers in automotive manufacturing companies, ancillary industries, research institutions, higher education, and related sectors. The strong industry connections and NBA accreditation ensure that graduates are highly competitive in the job market.