Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Ph.D. in Data Science at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, is a full-time, on-campus research programme offered under the Department of Statistics and Data Science within the School of Sciences at the Central Campus. The programme spans a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years, with an annual fee of Rs 80,000. It integrates principles from Computer Science, Statistics, and Mathematics, making it one of the most interdisciplinary and industry-relevant doctoral programmes available. Given the explosive growth of data-driven decision-making across sectors, this programme is highly sought after by aspiring researchers, academicians, and industry professionals. Admission is based on the university's entrance test, research skill assessment, and personal interview, with UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE qualified candidates exempted from the entrance test.

Admissions for the June 2026 cohort are currently open. Applications can be submitted online from March 3, 2026, with the last date being June 14, 2026. The selection process including Entrance Test, Skill Assessment, Research Proposal Presentation, and Personal Interview is scheduled for June 19, 2026. The batch commences on July 10, 2026.

Key Points

Full-time, on-campus research programme at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore Central Campus
Unique interdisciplinary programme integrating Computer Science, Statistics, and Mathematics
Research focus areas include machine learning, deep learning, big data analytics, statistical modelling, and computational intelligence
Research Advisory Committee (RAC) meetings are mandatory at regular intervals to monitor research progress
Scholars are required to publish in peer-reviewed journals as part of the degree requirements
Full-time scholars are eligible for a monthly Research Fellowship (Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 per month) after completing coursework
Scholars can be engaged for up to 6 hours per week in academic/departmental work after coursework completion
Thesis adjudication fee of Rs 25,000 is payable at the time of thesis submission
JRF and externally funded scholars benefit from a fast-track admission process (within one week)

Official Link:

Go To Website

Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Ranking
FAQs

Christ University Latest Updates and News

14 Apr, 2026 Christ University Admission 2026 (2^nd Round) is open for UG & PG courses. Apply now! The last date to apply ranges between Mar 31 and May 5, 2026 (extended).

05 Mar, 2026 Christ University Ph.D Data Science Application (Jun 2026 Cohort) is open till Jun 14. Entrance Test, SA, Research Proposal, and PI will be held on Jun 19, 2026. Read more.

Christ University Ph.D. Data Science Fees

The annual fee for the Ph.D. (Data Science) Full-Time programme at Christ University is Rs 80,000 per year, applicable uniformly for all scholars regardless of specialisation. The total programme fee over the minimum 3-year duration amounts to Rs 2,40,000. Full-time scholars also receive an annual scholarship of Rs 20,000 and a contingency allowance of Rs 10,000 per year (for up to 3 years post-coursework), which partially offset the fee burden. A thesis adjudication fee of Rs 25,000 is payable separately at the time of thesis submission.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Per Year)	Total (3 Years Minimum)
Tuition / Programme Fee	Rs 80,000	Rs 2,40,000
Thesis Adjudication Fee	-	Rs 25,000 (one-time)
Total Fees (excluding hostel)	Rs 80,000	Rs 2,65,000

Annual scholarship of Rs 20,000 is awarded to full-time scholars each year.
Contingency allowance of Rs 10,000 per year is provided for up to 3 years from the month following successful completion of coursework.
Research Fellowship is paid monthly after coursework completion: Year 1 - Rs 15,000/month, Year 2 - Rs 18,000/month, Year 3 - Rs 20,000/month (for scholars with at least one Q1/Q2 journal publication; otherwise Rs 18,000/month).
Scholars receiving UGC, ICSSR, CSIR, or similar external fellowships are governed by separate university guidelines.
Hostel facility is available on campus; hostel fees are charged separately and are not mandatory.
Hostel charges vary by room type and are to be confirmed directly with the university.
No EMI option is mentioned in the official fee structure; fees are payable as per the university's annual schedule.

Christ University Ph.D. Data Science Admission 2026

Christ University follows a cycle-based PhD admission model with four cycles per year. The June 2026 cohort (Cycle 1) is currently open for applications. Admissions are based on a comprehensive selection process comprising an Entrance Test, Research Skill Assessment, Research Proposal Presentation, and Personal Interview. Candidates with valid UGC-NET (including JRF), CSIR-NET (including JRF), SLET/SET/KSET, GATE, or M.Phil qualifications are exempted from the Entrance Test but must appear for the Skill Assessment and Personal Interview.

Christ University PhD Admission Dates

Event	Date
Application Portal Opens	March 3, 2026
Last Date to Apply Online	June 14, 2026
Release of Admit Card	June 15, 2026
Orientation Session	June 16, 2026
Entrance Test, Skill Assessment, Research Proposal Presentation and Personal Interview	June 19, 2026
Publication of Final Selection List	June 24, 2026
Last Date for Fee Payment	July 6, 2026
Last Date to Complete Admission	July 7, 2026
Commencement of Coursework (June 2026 Batch)	July 10, 2026

Relevant Exam Dates for PhD Admission

Exam	Exam Dates	Result Date	Remarks
UGC-NET December 2025	December 31, 2025 - January 7, 2026	February 4, 2026	Exempts from Christ University PhD Entrance Test
UGC-NET June 2026	To be announced	To be announced	Notification expected soon
GATE 2026	February 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026	March 19, 2026	Exempts from Christ University PhD Entrance Test
CSIR-NET	To be announced	To be announced	Exempts from Christ University PhD Entrance Test

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have passed a postgraduate programme (MSc in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a relevant discipline) with a minimum of 55% marks.
Students appearing for their final postgraduate examinations in the current academic year are also eligible to apply.
Candidates who have completed their post-graduation from an international university must submit an equivalency certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

Admission Process

Register and submit the online application form at espro.christuniversity.in by June 14, 2026.
Upload required documents including academic marksheets, research proposal, and qualifying exam scorecards (NET/GATE/SLET, if applicable).
Download the admit card from the portal (released June 15, 2026).
Attend the in-person selection process on June 19, 2026 at the applied campus (Bangalore Central Campus).
The selection process includes: Entrance Test and Skill Assessment (mandatory for all; ET exempted for NET/GATE/SLET/M.Phil holders), Research Proposal Presentation, and Personal Interview.
Academic performance (Class 10, 12, UG, PG) is also assessed as part of the selection criteria.
Final selection list is published on June 24, 2026.
Complete fee payment by July 6, 2026 to confirm admission.
Coursework commences on July 10, 2026.

Christ University Ph.D. Data Science Scholarships 2026

Christ University offers multiple financial support mechanisms for PhD scholars, making the programme financially accessible for meritorious and research-oriented students. Full-time scholars are eligible for an annual scholarship, contingency allowance, and a monthly research fellowship, which together significantly reduce the net cost of the programme. Additionally, the St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara Research Fellowship is available for outstanding scholars.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / Fellowship	Amount	Eligibility / Remarks
Annual Scholarship	Rs 20,000 per year	All full-time PhD scholars
Contingency Allowance	Rs 10,000 per year (up to 3 years post-coursework)	All full-time PhD scholars; can be carried forward
Research Fellowship - Year 1	Rs 15,000 per month	Full-time scholars after coursework completion (not receiving external fellowships)
Research Fellowship - Year 2	Rs 18,000 per month	Full-time scholars after coursework completion
Research Fellowship - Year 3	Rs 20,000 per month	Scholars with at least one Q1/Q2 journal publication; Rs 18,000/month otherwise
Research Assistant Position	Rs 25,000 per month (for 20 hrs/week)	Scholars who have completed 2+ years post-coursework and submitted PhD synopsis
St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara Research Fellowship	As per fellowship terms	Outstanding scholars; details available at christuniversity.in
UGC/CSIR/ICSSR Fellowships	As per respective fellowship norms	Scholars receiving external fellowships are governed by separate university guidelines

Research Fellowship is paid from the month following successful completion of coursework (generally from the 7th month of the cohort).
Scholars receiving UGC-JRF, CSIR-JRF, ICSSR, or similar external fellowships are not eligible for the university's Research Fellowship but are governed by separate guidelines.
The contingency allowance can be carried forward to subsequent years if unused.
Application for scholarships is through the Centre for Research.

Christ University Ph.D Data Science Ranking

Collegedunia Ranking

#23 out of 277 in India 2025

#2nd in Bangalore

#2 in Karnataka

Indiatoday Ranking

#10 out of 217 in India 2025

#2nd in Bangalore

#2 in Karnataka

The Week Ranking

#10 out of 100 in India 2025

#1st in Bangalore

#1 in Karnataka

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Christ University Ph.D. Data Science FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between the Ph.D. in Data Science and Ph.D. in Computer Science at Christ University?

Ans. The Ph.D. in Data Science is specifically designed to integrate Computer Science, Statistics, and Mathematics with a focus on data-driven research, modelling, and analytics. The Ph.D. in Computer Science has a broader scope covering algorithms, systems, networks, and software engineering. Data Science PhD is ideal for those whose research interest lies in machine learning, statistical modelling, big data, and computational intelligence.

Ques. Is the Ph.D. in Data Science available in part-time mode at Christ University Bangalore Central Campus?

Ans. Yes, the Ph.D. in Data Science is available in both Full-Time and Part-Time modes at the Bangalore Central Campus, as listed on the official Christ University doctoral programmes page. The annual fee of Rs 80,000 applies to both modes.

Ques. What qualifications are required to apply for the Ph.D. in Data Science at Christ University?

Ans. Candidates must hold a postgraduate degree (MSc in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field) with a minimum of 55% marks. Students in their final year of PG are also eligible to apply. International graduates must provide an AIU equivalency certificate.

Ques. Can I pursue the Ph.D. in Data Science at Christ University while working in the industry?

Ans. The programme listed in this article is Full-Time, which requires regular on-campus presence. However, Christ University also offers a Part-Time PhD in Data Science for working professionals. Part-time scholars are expected to meet the same academic requirements but with a more flexible schedule. Candidates are advised to check with the Centre for Research for specific part-time attendance requirements.

Ques. What are the typical research areas under the Ph.D. in Data Science at Christ University?

Ans. Research areas include machine learning and deep learning, big data analytics, statistical modelling and inference, natural language processing, computer vision, computational intelligence, data mining, and applications of data science in healthcare, finance, and social sciences. Scholars work closely with faculty who have active research projects in these domains.

Ques. How does the Research Fellowship work for PhD in Data Science scholars at Christ University?

Ans. Full-time PhD scholars (not receiving external fellowships like UGC-JRF or CSIR-JRF) receive a monthly Research Fellowship starting from the 7th month of the cohort (after coursework completion). The fellowship is Rs 15,000/month in Year 1, Rs 18,000/month in Year 2, and Rs 20,000/month in Year 3 for scholars with at least one Q1/Q2 journal publication (Rs 18,000/month otherwise). Additionally, scholars receive an annual scholarship of Rs 20,000 and a contingency allowance of Rs 10,000/year.