The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Automobile Engineering at PES College of Engineering (PESCE), Mandya is a research-intensive doctoral programme registered under Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU). Established in 1962 and accredited NAAC A, PESCE conducts doctoral research through its Department of Mechanical Engineering across areas including automotive powertrain systems, vehicle dynamics, internal combustion engines, alternative fuels, automotive electronics, and crash safety engineering. The programme follows VTU’s doctoral regulations: candidates undergo coursework, a comprehensive examination, and independent research leading to a thesis. Admission is through the VTU Eligibility Test for Research (VTU-ETR); candidates holding GATE, UGC NET, or CSIR NET qualifications are typically exempted from the entrance test.
📋 Admission Status: PESCE Mandya Ph.D. in Automobile Engineering admissions for 2026-27 are open through the VTU doctoral admission process. Candidates with GATE or UGC NET may be exempt from VTU-ETR.
Key Points
- PESCE is a NAAC A accredited autonomous VTU-affiliated institution with over six decades of engineering education and active research programmes.
- Research covers powertrain systems, vehicle dynamics, automotive electronics, alternative fuels, and crash safety engineering.
- Total programme fee is INR 2,00,000 for the full doctoral registration period.
- GATE and UGC NET/CSIR NET qualified candidates are generally exempt from the VTU-ETR entrance test.
- Doctoral graduates pursue roles as research scientists, automotive engineers in R&D, senior design engineers, university faculty, and technical specialists in automotive OEMs in automotive OEMs, R&D centres, defence laboratories, national research institutions, and engineering academia.
PESCE Mandya Ph.D. (Automobile Engineering) Fees
| Component | Amount (INR) |
| Annual Registration and Institutional Fee | INR 33,000 |
| Total Fees (Full Programme) | INR 2,00,000 |
- Covers VTU registration, institutional, and exam charges for full doctoral tenure.
- Fee paid in annual instalments; exact schedule confirmed at admission.
- Thesis submission and viva-voce charges may apply additionally.
PESCE Mandya Ph.D. (Automobile Engineering) Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| VTU PhD Notification | February to March 2026 (Tentative) |
| VTU-ETR Application Window | March to April 2026 (Tentative) |
| VTU-ETR Examination | May 2026 (Tentative) |
| VTU-ETR Result | June 2026 (Tentative) |
| Admission and Supervisor Allotment | July to August 2026 (Tentative) |
- Apply through the VTU portal during the notified PhD admission window.
- Attach GATE/UGC NET/CSIR NET scorecard to claim VTU-ETR exemption.
- Contact PESCE Mandya research office to confirm available supervisor vacancies before applying.
- Bring original degree certificates and transcripts for the supervisor interview.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automobile Engineering, or a related engineering discipline from a recognised university.
- A minimum of 55 percent aggregate in the qualifying Master’s degree is required (50 percent for SC/ST/OBC-NC and PwD candidates).
- A valid GATE, UGC NET, or CSIR NET score is preferred for VTU-ETR exemption.
- Candidates without GATE/NET must appear for the VTU Eligibility Test for Research.
Admission Process
- Check the VTU portal for the PhD admission notification and available supervisor seats at PESCE Mandya.
- Register and apply via the VTU online doctoral admission portal.
- Appear for VTU-ETR if not exempted by GATE/UGC NET/CSIR NET.
- Attend the supervisor interview at PESCE Mandya and confirm research area.
- Complete VTU registration, first-year coursework, and comprehensive examination as per VTU doctoral regulations.
✓ Opt for this if
- Professionals targeting research or faculty roles in Automobile Engineering
- Master graduates with GATE or UGC NET/CSIR NET qualification
- Karnataka-domicile candidates seeking VTU-registered doctoral credentials
- Engineers seeking transition to senior R&D or academia roles
- UGC JRF holders seeking PhD at an NAAC A institution
✗ Skip if
- Candidates seeking quick postgraduate degrees (PhD is 3-6 years minimum)
- Those requiring strong campus placement support (PhD is self-driven career)
- Candidates without a relevant Master degree in the specialisation
- Those needing national brand recognition beyond Karnataka and VTU network
- Professionals unwilling to commit to long-term research engagement
PESCE Mandya Ph.D. (Automobile Engineering) Scholarships 2026
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
| AICTE Doctoral Fellowship | As per scheme norms | GATE-qualified PhD candidates; apply via AICTE portal |
| UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) | INR 37,000/month (JRF); INR 42,000/month (SRF) | UGC NET-JRF qualified candidates; apply via UGC portal |
| Karnataka SC/ST Fee Reimbursement | Full fee reimbursement | Karnataka-domicile SC/ST students; apply via state scholarship portal |
| National Scholarship Portal (NSP) | As per scheme norms | Merit-based; family income criteria apply; apply at scholarships.gov.in |
- UGC JRF holders: apply directly to UGC for fellowship disbursement.
- GATE-qualified PhD students: check AICTE portal for doctoral fellowship eligibility.
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