Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 30, 2026

The Ph.D. in Management at Alva's Institute of Engineering and Technology (AIET), Moodbidri, Mangalore is a full-time, on-campus doctoral research programme affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belagavi. The programme is offered through the PG Department of Business Administration, which is a VTU-recognised Research Centre. The total programme fee is Rs. 45,000 (Rs. 15,000 per year for 3 years), making it one of the most affordable doctoral programmes in management in Karnataka. Admission is based on the VTU Eligibility Test for Research (VTU-ETR) or a valid UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE score, followed by a Pre-Registration Interview at the research centre. The department has two VTU-recognised research guides and a strong track record of faculty publications in national and international journals.

Admissions for the 2026-27 session are currently upcoming. VTU typically issues the PhD admission notification between July and September each year, with the VTU-ETR conducted around September-October. For the 2027 cycle, the notification is expected around July-August 2027.

Key Points

The PG Department of Business Administration at AIET is a VTU-recognised Research Centre, offering Ph.D. in Management.
Two VTU-recognised research guides are available: Dr. Claret Mendonca (HOD, 9 international/national publications) and Dr. Nagendra S (Associate Professor, 17 national/international publications).
Research areas include marketing management, human resource management, finance, organisational behaviour, and business analytics.
The department has strong industry connections with companies like EY, Infosys, Bajaj Finserv, Toyota Kirloskar, and Alembic Pharmaceuticals, providing research collaboration opportunities.
The department has achieved 100% placements for MBA students year after year, reflecting strong industry linkages relevant to management research.
Candidates with a valid UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE score are exempted from the VTU-ETR.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Ranking
FAQs

AIET Ph.D. (Management) Fees

The Ph.D. (Management) programme at AIET is highly affordable, with a total fee of Rs. 45,000 spread over 3 years at Rs. 15,000 per year. This fee covers tuition charges as prescribed by VTU. Hostel accommodation is available on campus separately and is not mandatory for research scholars.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (INR)
Tuition Fee (per year)	15,000
Total Tuition Fee (3 years)	45,000
Hostel Fee (per year, optional)	As applicable
Total Fees (excluding hostel)	45,000

Fees are payable annually at Rs. 15,000 per year.
Hostel fees are charged separately and are optional for research scholars.
VTU registration and examination fees are payable directly to VTU as per their schedule.
Fees are refundable as per VTU/AIET refund policy.

AIET Ph.D. (Management) Admission 2026

Admission to the Ph.D. (Management) programme at AIET is conducted through VTU's centralised PhD admission process. Candidates must qualify the VTU-ETR or hold a valid UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE score, followed by a Pre-Registration Interview at the research centre. For 2027, the VTU PhD notification is expected around July-August 2027.

AIET PhD Management Admission Schedule

Event	Tentative Date/Period
VTU PhD Admission Notification	July - August 2026
VTU-ETR Application Window	August - September 2026
VTU-ETR Exam	September - October 2026
Pre-Registration Interview at AIET	October - November 2026
PhD Registration/Batch Start	November - December 2026

Qualifying Exam Details

Exam	Conducting Body	Relevance
VTU-ETR (VTU Eligibility Test for Research)	Visvesvaraya Technological University	Mandatory for candidates without NET/GATE
UGC-NET (Management / Commerce)	NTA	Exempts from VTU-ETR
GATE (Management - XH-C1)	IITs/IISc	Exempts from VTU-ETR

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

Candidates must hold a Master's degree (MBA or equivalent) with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC candidates) from a recognised university.
Candidates must qualify the VTU-ETR or hold a valid score in UGC-NET/GATE in the relevant subject.
Candidates must identify a research supervisor from the AIET Management Department who is recognised by VTU as a research guide.

Admission Process:

Apply online through the VTU portal when the PhD admission notification is released.
Appear for the VTU-ETR (if not exempted via NET/GATE).
Attend the Pre-Registration Interview at AIET's PG Department of Business Administration.
Receive allotment to a research supervisor and research topic.
Complete VTU registration formalities and pay the prescribed fees.
Commence coursework as per VTU PhD Regulations 2023.

AIET Ph.D. (Management) Scholarships 2026

Research scholars pursuing Ph.D. in Management at AIET may be eligible for various government scholarships and fellowships. State and central government scholarship schemes are applicable for eligible candidates.

Available Scholarships

Scholarship/Fellowship	Eligibility	Amount
UGC-JRF (Management/Commerce)	Qualified UGC-NET with JRF in Management or Commerce	Rs. 37,000/month (JRF) + HRA
Karnataka DST PhD Fellowship	Full-time PhD scholars in Management/Social Sciences in Karnataka	As per DST norms (varies)
SC/ST/OBC Government Scholarships	As per Karnataka state government norms	Varies by category
AIET Institutional Scholarship	Merit-based, as per AIET scholarship policy	Up to Rs. 10,000

UGC-JRF is the most prestigious fellowship for management PhD scholars; candidates must qualify UGC-NET with JRF to avail this.
Karnataka DST PhD Fellowship applications are typically invited annually; candidates should check the Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society (KSTePS) website for current notifications.
SC/ST/OBC scholarship applications are processed through the Karnataka state scholarship portal (SSP).

Alva's Institute of Engineering and Technology Mangalore Ph.D Management Ranking

TOI Ranking

#138 out of 150 in India 2022

#22nd in Karnataka

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AIET Ph.D. (Management) FAQs

Ques. Is the Ph.D. in Management at AIET a full-time programme? Can I pursue it part-time while working?

Ans. The Ph.D. in Management at AIET is primarily offered as a full-time programme. VTU regulations do allow part-time PhD for working professionals employed in a recognised institution or organisation, subject to minimum residency requirements. You should contact the PG Department of Business Administration at AIET directly to check current availability of part-time PhD seats.

Ques. What are the research areas available for Ph.D. in Management at AIET?

Ans. The department's research areas include marketing management, human resource management, financial management, organisational behaviour, entrepreneurship, and business analytics. Your research topic is finalised in consultation with your assigned supervisor (Dr. Claret Mendonca or Dr. Nagendra S) and must align with their areas of expertise and VTU's recognised research areas.

Ques. How many PhD guides are available in the Management department at AIET?

Ans. As per the department's published data, two faculty members are recognised as VTU research guides: Dr. Claret Mendonca (HOD, specialisation in management) and Dr. Nagendra S (Associate Professor). Each guide can supervise a limited number of scholars as per VTU norms, so seat availability depends on the current load of each supervisor.

Ques. I have a valid UGC-NET score in Management. Do I still need to appear for the VTU-ETR?

Ans. No. Candidates with a valid UGC-NET score in Management or Commerce (or a valid GATE score in the relevant subject) are exempted from the VTU-ETR. You will still need to attend the Pre-Registration Interview at AIET and complete the VTU registration process.

Ques. What is the minimum and maximum duration of the Ph.D. (Management) programme at AIET under VTU?

Ans. As per VTU PhD Regulations 2023, the minimum duration for a full-time PhD is 3 years from the date of registration. The maximum duration is 6 years (extendable in special cases with VTU approval). The programme includes a mandatory coursework component in the first year, followed by research work, progress reviews, and a final viva voce examination.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing Ph.D. in Management from AIET (VTU)?

Ans. A Ph.D. in Management from AIET (VTU-affiliated) opens doors to academic careers as Assistant Professor in management colleges and universities (eligible for UGC-NET exemption for teaching positions), research roles in think tanks and consulting firms, senior management positions in industry, and entrepreneurship. VTU is a well-recognised university in Karnataka, and a PhD from a VTU-affiliated institution is accepted for faculty positions across Karnataka and India.