Symbiosis Institute of Geoinformatics Pune Ph.D Geoinformatics: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. The Ph.D. programme at SIG is offered in full-time mode. SIU does offer part-time Ph.D. options at some of its constituent institutes, but for SIG specifically, the programme is primarily full-time. Working professionals who wish to pursue a Ph.D. should check the latest SIU Ph.D. Rule Book available at scri.siu.edu.in for the most current provisions regarding part-time enrolment, as policies can be updated. Full-time scholars are eligible for JRF/SRF fellowships, which is a significant financial benefit for those who can commit to full-time research.

Ans. Research at SIG spans a wide range of geospatial domains including GIS and Spatial Analysis, Remote Sensing and Image Processing, Geospatial AI and Machine Learning, Urban and Regional Planning, Disaster Management, Environmental Monitoring, Precision Agriculture, and Geospatial Data Science. To find a supervisor, candidates should visit scri.siu.edu.in and check the list of recognised Ph.D. supervisors at SIG. It is strongly advisable to contact potential supervisors before applying to discuss research interests and availability of seats, as the number of doctoral students per supervisor is regulated by SIU norms.

Ans. No. Candidates who hold a valid NET/SET/SLET/GATE/M.Phil. qualification, or are recipients of UGC/CSIR/ICMR/DBT/RGNF/MANF/DST Inspire/NBHM fellowships, are fully exempted from the Ph.D. Entrance Test (PET). However, the Personal Interview is compulsory for all candidates, including those with PET exemption. The score must be valid on the date of application. Long work experience alone does not entitle any candidate to a PET exemption.

Ans. The minimum duration for the Ph.D. programme at SIU is 3 years from the date of registration. The maximum duration is typically 6 years (extendable in exceptional cases as per UGC norms). If a scholar cannot complete the programme within 3 years, they must continue to pay the annual tuition fee of ₹50,000 per year for each additional year. The SIU Ph.D. Rule Book (available at scri.siu.edu.in) contains detailed provisions regarding extensions, leave policies, and submission deadlines. Scholars are advised to plan their research timeline carefully and maintain regular communication with their supervisor.

Ans. Yes. SIG has active funded research projects from agencies like ISRO and DST (Department of Science and Technology). The institute has advertised positions for Junior Research Fellows (JRF) and Scientific Assistants under DST-SEED funded projects in the past. Ph.D. scholars who join such projects receive project-based stipends in addition to (or instead of) the SIU fellowship. Scholars are encouraged to keep an eye on the SIG website (sig.ac.in) for recruitment notices for project-based positions, which are periodically advertised. Being part of a funded project also accelerates research output and publication opportunities.

Ans. After the PET and Personal Interview, the final merit list is prepared based on combined scores (PET: 70%, PI: 30%). Selected candidates receive their final selection letters through their login credentials on scri.siu.edu.in. Upon selection, candidates must complete the registration formalities, pay the first-year fees, and submit required documents. The Ph.D. programme begins with a mandatory coursework phase (typically one semester), after which scholars must clear a coursework examination before proceeding to full-time research. The Research Advisory Committee (RAC) monitors the progress of each scholar through periodic reviews. All admissions are provisional and subject to SIU approval.