TCET Mumbai Ph.D Computer Engineering: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. TCET's PhD Research Centre in Computer Engineering has been operational since AY 2017-18, making it one of the older and more established research centres at TCET. As of October 2025, 8 PhDs have been awarded and 19 scholars are currently pursuing their research. The research topics span a wide range including Machine Learning, Deep Learning, IoT, Blockchain, NLP, and AI-based healthcare applications. The centre has 6 University of Mumbai-recognized research guides, providing scholars with diverse research mentorship options. This track record makes it a credible choice for candidates seeking a PhD in Computer Engineering in Mumbai.

Ans. The PhD Computer Engineering centre at TCET has 6 recognized research guides: Dr. R.R. Sedamkar (Networking, Data Compression, ML), Dr. Sheetal Rathi (High Performance Computing, Data Science), Dr. Harshali Patil (Data Mining, ML, NLP, Software Engineering), Dr. Anand Khandare (ML, Data Science, NLP, Database Management), Dr. Megharani Patil (User Experience Design, Intelligent Systems), and Dr. Rekha Sharma (Software Localization, NLP, Parallel Computing, Computer Graphics). Most recent research topics have focused on Deep Learning, Explainable AI, healthcare applications, and intelligent systems. Candidates should align their research interest with the available guide's domain before applying.

Ans. Both PhD programmes at TCET are offered under the University of Mumbai and lead to a Ph.D. (Technology) degree. The Computer Engineering PhD centre (established AY 2017-18) is more established with 8 PhDs awarded and 6 research guides, while the IT PhD centre (established AY 2025-26) is newer with 9 PhDs awarded and 4 research guides. Research areas overlap significantly (ML, AI, Data Science), but Computer Engineering has a broader scope including Networking, Parallel Computing, and Software Engineering, while IT focuses more on Cybersecurity, ICT, and Blockchain. The choice should be based on the specific research area and the available guide whose expertise aligns with your research interest.

Ans. The PhD Computer Engineering programme at TCET is listed as full-time. However, University of Mumbai PhD regulations allow working professionals to pursue PhD under certain conditions, subject to a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer and approval by the university. Many of TCET's current PhD scholars are working professionals in the IT industry, which is reflected in the applied and industry-relevant nature of their research topics. Candidates who are working professionals should clarify the part-time or working professional PhD option directly with TCET's PhD coordinator (Dr. R.R. Sedamkar, IQAC Director and HOD PhD Programs) and the University of Mumbai before applying.

Ans. The annual fee at TCET is Rs. 75,000 per year. For a minimum 3-year programme (including coursework), the total college fee would be approximately Rs. 2,25,000. In addition, the University of Mumbai charges a registration fee (approximately Rs. 2,000) and semester fees (approximately Rs. 18,000 per semester for full-time scholars) as per UOM norms. Scholars who receive UGC-JRF, CSIR-JRF, GATE, or DST-INSPIRE fellowships can offset a significant portion of these costs. The total out-of-pocket cost depends on the duration of the programme and any fellowship support received. Most scholars complete the programme in 3 to 5 years.

Ans. A PhD in Computer Engineering from TCET (University of Mumbai) opens doors to academic positions (Assistant Professor, Associate Professor) in engineering colleges and universities, which require a PhD as per UGC norms. Research scientist roles in government R&D organizations (DRDO, ISRO, SAMEER, C-DAC, BARC) are also accessible. In the industry, PhD holders can pursue senior roles such as AI/ML Research Scientist, Principal Engineer, Data Science Lead, or R&D Manager in companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and leading Indian IT firms. TCET's collaboration with SAMEER and its strong industry network provides PhD scholars with research project opportunities and industry exposure during their research tenure.