Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 8, 2026

The Ph.D. in Design at AURO University, Surat is a full-time doctoral research program offered under the School of Design. The program is available to candidates with a background in design disciplines including Fashion and Textile Design, Graphics and Communication Design, Interior Space Design, and Product Design. The annual fees are Rs. 1,50,000 per year, with a minimum duration of 3 years, making the total fees Rs. 4,71,000 (inclusive of one-time charges). The program is designed to develop advanced research skills, design thinking, and innovation capabilities, with access to expert faculty mentorship, state-of-the-art design studios, and doctoral seminars.

Admissions for the 2026 batch are currently ongoing. Candidates must qualify through the AURO PhD Entrance Test (APET) or hold a valid score in UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/CEED. Shortlisted candidates are called for a research proposal presentation and interview. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Key Points

The Ph.D. in Design program is available across all design disciplines offered at AURO University's School of Design.
The program follows UGC PhD Regulations and is available to candidates with a Master's degree (55%+) or a 4-year Bachelor's degree (75%+).
Admission is through AURO PhD Entrance Test (APET) or exemption via UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/CEED scores.
The curriculum includes doctoral seminars, workshops, research methodology training, and presentation and publication opportunities.
Students have access to state-of-the-art design studios, workshops, and research facilities.
The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research scope, combining design practice with theoretical and academic inquiry.
Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, design research, senior design leadership, and design entrepreneurship.

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Auro University Surat Latest Updates and News

06 Jun, 2026 Auro University Surat PhD Admission 2026 is open. Apply by Jun 26 @aurouniversity.edu.in. Entrance exam on Jun 28, followed by results on Jun 30, 2026. Check details.

AuroU PhD Design Fees

The annual fees for the Ph.D. in Design at AURO University is Rs. 1,50,000 per year (Odd Semester: Rs. 97,000 + Even Semester: Rs. 53,000). For the minimum 3-year duration, the total tuition fees amount to Rs. 4,50,000, plus a one-time payment of Rs. 21,000 (comprising Rs. 10,000 refundable security deposit, Rs. 6,000 orientation charges, and Rs. 5,000 alumni charges) payable with the first semester fees. Hostel accommodation is optional and available on campus at an additional cost.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (INR)
Tuition Fees - Odd Semester (per odd semester)	97,000
Tuition Fees - Even Semester (per even semester)	53,000
Annual Tuition Fees	1,50,000
Total Tuition Fees (minimum 3 years)	4,50,000
Orientation Charges (One-time)	6,000
Alumni Charges (One-time)	5,000
Refundable Security Deposit (One-time)	10,000
Total Fees (minimum 3 years, excluding hostel)	4,71,000
Hostel Fees - Non-AC Twin Sharing (per semester)	71,000
Hostel Fees - AC Twin Sharing (per semester)	93,500

The Rs. 10,000 security deposit is refundable at the time of leaving the university.
Hostel fees are optional and not included in the Total Fees row above.
Hostel fees once paid are non-refundable, irrespective of the days of stay.
A one-time hostel security deposit of Rs. 15,000 (refundable) is payable at the time of hostel admission.
The actual duration of the Ph.D. program may extend beyond 3 years depending on research progress; fees are payable for each additional year.
The university reserves the right to increase fees by up to 5% annually, subject to approval by the competent authority.

AuroU PhD Design Admission 2026

Admissions to the Ph.D. in Design at AURO University for the 2026 batch are currently ongoing. Candidates must qualify through the AURO PhD Entrance Test (APET) or hold a valid score in UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/CEED to be eligible for the interview round. Shortlisted candidates are called for a research proposal presentation and interview. Final selection is based on the entrance test score, research proposal presentation, and interview performance.

Important Admission Dates - College Level (2026)

Event	Date
Application Start Date	February 1, 2026 (Tentative)
Application End Date	Until seats are filled
APET (AURO PhD Entrance Test)	As notified by the university
Research Proposal Presentation and Interview	As notified by the university
Date of Commencement of Classes	July-August 2026 (Tentative)

Entrance Exam Dates (Exemption from APET if qualified)

Exam	Event	Date
UGC-NET Phase 1	Exam Date	December 31, 2025 - January 7, 2026
UGC-NET Phase 1	Result Date	February 4, 2026
UGC-NET Phase 2	Exam Date	June 2026 (Tentative)
UGC-NET Phase 2	Result Date	July 2026 (Tentative)
CEED 2026	Exam Date	January 18, 2026
CEED 2026	Result Date	March 4, 2026

Note: Candidates with a valid UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/CEED score are exempt from the APET and are directly eligible for the interview round. APET syllabus: 50% research methodology + 50% subject-specific content. Candidates must score at least 50% in APET to qualify for the interview (5% relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/differently-abled/EWS categories). CEED is particularly relevant for design PhD candidates.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

Master's degree in a relevant design discipline (M.Des, M.F.A., M.Arch, or equivalent) from a recognized university with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks or equivalent.
OR 4-year Bachelor's degree in a relevant design discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 75% aggregate marks or equivalent.
OR MPhil degree from a recognized university with at least 55% aggregate marks.
5% relaxation in marks for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled/EWS candidates as per UGC regulations.
Students appearing for their final-year degree examinations are also eligible to apply provisionally.

Admission Process:

Fill the online application form at https://admissions.aurouniversity.edu.in
Appear for AURO PhD Entrance Test (APET) OR submit valid UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/CEED score for exemption
Shortlisted candidates called for research proposal presentation and interview
Final selection based on entrance test score, research proposal, and interview
Submission of mandatory documents and payment of semester fees to confirm admission

AuroU PhD Design Scholarships 2026

AURO University offers scholarship and financial aid options for Ph.D. students, including merit-based scholarships at the time of admission, performance-based scholarships, sports scholarships, and need-based financial aid. Additionally, students with UGC-NET/JRF or CEED qualifications may be eligible for UGC fellowships. All scholarships are applicable on tuition fees only, and only one scholarship can be availed at a time.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Benefit
AURO Merit Scholarship (at admission)	90%-95% in qualifying degree	20% on first semester tuition fees
AURO Merit Scholarship (at admission)	Above 95% in qualifying degree	25% on first semester tuition fees
UGC-NET JRF Fellowship	Qualified UGC-NET with JRF	Rs. 37,000/month (1st-2nd year) + Rs. 42,000/month (3rd-5th year) as per UGC norms
Sports Scholarship (Category A+)	International level Gold/Silver/Bronze	100% fee concession + free food and stay + Rs. 10,000/month diet money
Sports Scholarship (Category A)	National level Gold Medal	100% fee concession + free food and stay + Rs. 4,000/month diet money
Sports Scholarship (Category B)	West/North Zone Inter-University Gold Medal	60% fee concession
Student Performance-Based Scholarship	SGPA 9-9.49 (Top 3 or top 10% of class)	15% on tuition fees per semester
Student Performance-Based Scholarship	SGPA 9.50-10.00 (Top 3 or top 10% of class)	25% on tuition fees per semester
Need-Based Financial Aid	Min. 70% in qualifying exam; family income up to Rs. 5,00,000/year	Partial to full tuition fee waiver

Scholarship percentage is calculated on tuition fees only, not on other charges.
Only one AURO scholarship can be availed at a time; clubbing is not allowed.
UGC-NET JRF fellowship amounts are as per UGC norms and are subject to change.
Applications for scholarships must be submitted along with supporting documents by the last date of admissions.
For queries, contact: admissions@aurouniversity.edu.in

AuroU PhD Design FAQs

Ques. What design disciplines can I pursue a Ph.D. in at AURO University?

Ans. The Ph.D. in Design at AURO University is available across all design disciplines offered at the School of Design, including Fashion and Textile Design, Graphics and Communication Design, Interior Space Design, and Product Design. Candidates are expected to propose a research topic aligned with their design background and the faculty's research interests.

Ques. Is CEED score accepted for Ph.D. in Design admission at AURO University?

Ans. Yes, a valid CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design) score is accepted for exemption from the AURO PhD Entrance Test (APET). Candidates with a valid CEED score are directly eligible for the research proposal presentation and interview round, without needing to appear for the APET.

Ques. What is the total cost of the Ph.D. in Design program at AURO University?

Ans. The annual fees are Rs. 1,50,000 per year. For the minimum 3-year duration, the total fees amount to Rs. 4,71,000 (including one-time charges of Rs. 21,000). If the program extends beyond 3 years, additional annual fees of Rs. 1,50,000 per year are applicable. Students with UGC-NET JRF qualification may receive a monthly fellowship as per UGC norms.

Ques. What research facilities are available for Ph.D. in Design students at AURO University?

Ans. AURO University's School of Design provides Ph.D. students with access to state-of-the-art design studios, wood workshops, material labs, pottery studios, and fully equipped research facilities. Students also benefit from expert faculty mentorship, extensive research databases, doctoral seminars, and opportunities for presentation and publication in design journals and conferences.

Ques. Can a practising designer without a Master's degree apply for Ph.D. in Design at AURO University?

Ans. Practising designers with a 4-year Bachelor's degree in a relevant design discipline and a minimum of 75% aggregate marks are eligible to apply for the Ph.D. program at AURO University, as per the revised UGC PhD Regulations. However, candidates with only a 3-year Bachelor's degree must first complete a Master's degree (M.Des or equivalent) with at least 55% marks before applying.

Ques. How is the research proposal evaluated during Ph.D. in Design admission at AURO University?

Ans. Shortlisted candidates are called for a research proposal presentation and interview. The research proposal should clearly define the research problem, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes within the chosen design discipline. The evaluation panel assesses the candidate's research aptitude, design knowledge, clarity of thought, and alignment of the proposed research with the faculty's expertise and the university's research priorities.

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Auro University Surat Ph.D Design: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

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