Central University Karnataka PhD Admission 2025-26 Open Till March 2; Apply Now at cuk.ac.in

Content Writer | Updated On - Feb 20, 2026

CU Karnataka is inviting applications to its doctoral programs under the entrance exam category for the academic year 2025-26. Interested candidates should check the eligibility, important dates, and other information below.

Central University of Karnataka has opened the application process for PhD admission 2026. Interested candidates can apply online for doctoral programmes offered across various health science disciplines includes Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Life Science, Geology, Electronics & Engineering Communication Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Mechanical Engineering. Eligible candidates must submit the application form and fee by March 2, 2026.

Admissions will be based on the PhD Entrance Test conducted by the Central University of Karnataka for candidates seeking entry into the university’s doctoral programmes. To proceed further with the application fee, candidates have to pay the application fee of INR 500 (General, OBS (Non Creamy layer, EWS) candidates and INR 100 (SC, ST, PwD candidates).

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Central University Karnataka Admission 2026 Dates

The university has announced the entrance examination date, admit card release, and result schedule separately.

Admission Activity	Tentative Date
Date of declaration of eligible candidates to write the entrance examination	Feb 6, 2026
Date of addressing grievance on eligibility to write the entrance examination	Mar 2, 2026
Date of conducting entrance examination at CUK campus (Only at CUK campus)	Mar 5, 2026 to Mar 6, 2026
Date of interviews	Mar 9, 2026 to Mar 10, 2026
Date of declaration of selected candidates	Mar 12, 2026

Central University Karnataka PhD Admission Process

Admissions to doctoral programs at CU Karnataka are based on scores in the CUK PhD Entrance Test. However, candidates who have qualified national-level exams such as JRF (UGC/CSIR/DBT/ICMR), NET (UGC/ CSIR), GATE or equivalent, or those who have qualified NET under PhD only, have secured DST-INSPIRE Fellowship, or have Government or state government fellowships, or National, State-level teacher fellowship holders, will be exempt from appearing in the CUK Entrance examination and will directly appear for an interview. Such candidates must still complete the online application process through the SAMARTH Registration Portal.

Apply Here: CU Karnataka PhD Admission 2026

Central University Karnataka PhD Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for admission to the doctoral program at Central University of Karnataka, candidates must have an M.Phil with coursework or Masters degree in different branches of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Life Sciences, Geology, Computer science with at least 55% marks from a recognised institute by UGC or MHRD.

A candidate must have an ME or M.Tech degree in Electronics and Communication, Microwave Engineering, with at least 55% marks from a recognised institute by UGC or MHRD. Or candidates must have BTech, BE, & M.Tech in the relevant field with at least 55% marks from a recognised institute by UGC, AICTE or MHRD.

Central University Karnataka PhD Exam Highlights

Particulars	Details
Exam Date	Mar 9, 2026
Exam Mode	Offline (Physical presence required at university campus)
Exam Venue	Only at CUK campus
Question Type	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Total Marks	100 marks
Exam Structure	25% General Aptitude + 75% Subject-Specific Content
Attendance Requirement	Candidates must physically appear at the campus to take the test

Central University Karnataka PhD Seat Matrix

As per the official notification,A total of 120 Ph.D seats are available at Central University of Karnataka, including 20 in Chemistry, 16 each in Geology and Electronics & Communication Engineering, 15 in Life Sciences, 13 each in Physics and Computer Science, 12 in Electrical Engineering, 11 in Mathematics, and 4 in Mechanical Engineering for the 2025–26 admission cycle.

Candidates are advised to check the official website of the CU Karnataka and collegedunia.com for the latest updates.

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