Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 30, 2026

The Ph.D. in Physics 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 has a minimum duration of 3 years and is offered through the Department of Physics, which has been a VTU-recognised Research Centre since 2013. The total programme fee is Rs. 45,000 (Rs. 15,000 per year), making it one of the most affordable doctoral programmes in Karnataka. Admission is based on the VTU Eligibility Test for Research (VTU-ETR) or a valid UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE score, and the programme currently has active research scholars working under experienced faculty. The department is known for its research in Nano-Organic Electronics, Earth's Field NMR, Computational Physics, and Non-Linear Optical Materials, with over 50 international publications and multiple government-funded research projects.

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

Key Points

The Department of Physics at AIET has been a VTU-recognised Research Centre since 2013, offering Ph.D. in Physics.
Active research areas include Nano-Organic Electronics, Earth's Field NMR Spectroscopy, Computational Physics (DFT using Gaussian 16), Non-Linear Optical Materials, Thin Films, and Hydrogen Fuel Cells.
The department has received government-funded research grants from VGST, SERB, CPRI (Ministry of Power), and VTU, totalling over Rs. 1 crore.
Faculty have been granted 6 patents and have published 50+ international journal papers.
The department offers summer/winter research internships for UG/PG students from other institutions.
Candidates with a valid UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE score are exempted from the VTU-ETR.

Official Link:

Go To Website

Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

AIET Ph.D. Physics Fees

The Ph.D. (Physics) 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 Structure

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 (approximately Rs. 1,500 application fee + Rs. 2,500 convocation fee at the time of degree award).
Fees are refundable as per VTU/AIET refund policy.

Explore Other Group Colleges of Alva's Institute of Engineering and Technology Mangalore

AIET Ph.D. Physics Admission 2026

Admission to the Ph.D. (Physics) 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. The 2026 VTU-ETR was notified in August 2026 and rescheduled in September 2026; for 2027, the notification is expected around July-August 2027.

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 (Physical Sciences)	NTA	Exempts from VTU-ETR
CSIR-NET (Physical Sciences)	CSIR-UGC	Exempts from VTU-ETR
GATE (Physics - PH)	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 (M.Sc. in Physics 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/CSIR-NET/GATE in the relevant subject.
Candidates must identify a research supervisor from the AIET Physics 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 Department of Physics.
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. Physics Scholarships 2026

Research scholars pursuing Ph.D. at AIET may be eligible for various government scholarships and fellowships. The department has active government-funded projects under which Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions may be available. Additionally, state and central government scholarship schemes are applicable.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship/Fellowship	Eligibility	Amount
Karnataka DST PhD Fellowship	Full-time PhD scholars in Science and Engineering in Karnataka	As per DST norms (varies)
Karnataka Minority PhD Fellowship (JRF Model)	Minority community candidates pursuing full-time PhD in Karnataka	As per state norms
Project-based JRF/SRF (SERB/CPRI/VTU funded projects)	Selected candidates based on project requirements	Rs. 31,000 - Rs. 35,000/month (JRF/SRF as per DST norms)
AIET Institutional Scholarship	Merit-based, as per AIET scholarship policy	Up to Rs. 10,000

Karnataka DST PhD Fellowship applications are typically invited annually; candidates should check the Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society (KSTePS) website for current notifications.
Project-based JRF/SRF positions depend on availability of funded projects in the department; interested candidates should contact the department directly.
Minority PhD Fellowship applications are invited by the Directorate of Minorities, Karnataka; the 2026-27 application window was open recently.

AIET Ph.D. Physics FAQs

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

Ans. The Ph.D. in Physics at AIET is primarily offered as a full-time programme. VTU regulations do allow part-time PhD for working professionals, but the candidate must be employed in a recognised institution/organisation and must fulfil the minimum residency requirements. You should contact the Department of Physics at AIET directly to check current availability of part-time PhD seats.

Ques. What are the active research areas in the Physics department at AIET? Can I choose my own research topic?

Ans. The department's active research areas include Nano-Organic Electronics, Earth's Field NMR Spectroscopy, Computational Physics (Density Functional Theory using Gaussian 16), Non-Linear Optical Materials, Thin Films, and Hydrogen Fuel Cells. Your research topic is finalised in consultation with your assigned supervisor and must align with the department's recognised research areas. You cannot choose a completely unrelated topic.

Ques. I have a valid GATE score in Physics. Do I still need to appear for the VTU-ETR?

Ans. No. Candidates with a valid GATE score in Physics (PH) or a valid UGC-NET/CSIR-NET score in Physical Sciences 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. How many PhD students are currently enrolled in the Physics department at AIET? How many supervisors are available?

Ans. As per the department's published data, there are currently around 9 active research scholars in the Physics department. Three faculty members are recognised as VTU research guides: Dr. Ramaprasad A T (5 scholars), Dr. Jayarama A (2 scholars), and Dr. Shashi Kumar K (2 scholars). 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. What is the minimum and maximum duration of the Ph.D. 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. Are there any funded research projects in the Physics department where I can get a stipend as a PhD scholar?

Ans. Yes, the department has active government-funded projects. A notable ongoing project is the CPRI (Ministry of Power, Government of India) funded project on photocatalytic hydrogen generation (2024-2027, Rs. 48 lakhs), where JRF/SRF positions may be available. Additionally, a SERB-funded project is ongoing. Interested candidates should directly contact Dr. Jayarama A (jrmarasalike@gmail.com) or the Head of Department at aietphy08@gmail.com for current JRF/SRF openings.