Content Curator | Updated on - May 26, 2026

GITAM School of Business offers a PhD programme in Finance at the Bengaluru campus, designed for those aspiring to become thought leaders and researchers in the field of finance and accounting. This full-time doctoral programme combines rigorous academic research with practical industry insights, ensuring that scholars are well-prepared to address the challenges of today's complex financial environments. The 3-year programme is designed for candidates with an MBA, PGDM, CA, CS, ICWAI, or comparable master's degree, and emphasizes research, innovation, and practical application of theoretical principles. The curriculum covers business economics, financial accounting, cost accounting, and several specializations in finance. Faculty bring a wealth of industry and academic experience, creating an intellectually stimulating atmosphere that fosters a deep understanding of financial management, investment strategies, and corporate finance. This programme is designed to produce scholars who will not only contribute to academic knowledge but also drive impactful changes in organisations across diverse sectors.

PhD admissions for 2026-2027 are currently under preparation, with the official portal expected to launch soon. Based on the 2025-2026 admission cycle, applications typically open in April-May with a deadline around May 12th. The selection process involves the GITAM Research Admissions Test (GReAT) or exemption through valid CSIR/UGC-NET, GATE/GPAT, INSPIRE, ICAR, or DBT-JRF scores, followed by interviews. Candidates are advised to monitor the official research admissions portal (researchadmissions.gitam.edu) for 2026-2027 dates and registration details.

Key Points

Faculty with strong domain expertise, globally-renowned visiting faculty, CXOs, business leaders, and policymakers
Modern infrastructure including theatre-style classrooms, Bloomberg and NSE Labs, Analytics Lab, and collaboration spaces
Venture Development Centre with venture education, incubation, and access to funding and resources
Innovative pedagogy including case study method, activity-based learning, interdisciplinary approach, and collaborative projects
Research exposure through Centre for Business Growth, Centre for Business Engagement, and separate research track for internship and immersion
Multiple specialization options including Accounting & Finance, Marketing, International Business, Information Systems, Organisation Development & Human Resource, Operations & Supply Chain, and Entrepreneurship
Five immersive tracks (International, Industry, Social, Entrepreneurship, Research) and three internship tracks (Summer Internship, Founder's Lab, Research)
Strong focus on coursework, seminars, and dissertation research covering financial accounting, cost accounting, and corporate finance

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GITAM University Bengaluru Latest Updates & News

06 Jan, 2026 GITAM University Bengaluru Ph.D Finance Fee Structure 2026 has been released. The total academic fee is ₹ 90,000 . Read more.

GITAM PhD Finance Fees

The PhD in Finance programme at GITAM Bangalore follows a transparent fee structure designed to make quality doctoral education accessible. Full-time Indian nationals pay an annual fee of INR 30,000 for the 3-year programme, with a one-time application fee of INR 1,200 and no processing charges. Foreign nationals and NRI candidates have a different fee structure with annual fees in USD. The total tuition investment for Indian nationals over the complete 3-year duration is INR 90,000, making it one of the most affordable PhD programmes in India.

Fee Structure Table

Fee Component	Amount (INR)
Application Fee (One-time)	1,200
Annual Fee (Year 1)	30,000
Annual Fee (Year 2)	30,000
Annual Fee (Year 3)	30,000
Total Fees (3 Years)	90,000

The application fee is non-refundable.
Annual fees are subject to revision by the university as decided from time to time.
Foreign nationals and NRI candidates pay fees in USD (approximately USD 2,500 annually plus USD 300 processing fee).
Eligible PhD scholars admitted under the Full-Time programme are eligible for GITAM PhD Fellowship of INR 33,000 per month for a maximum period of three years.

GITAM PhD Finance Admission 2026

The PhD in Finance programme at GITAM Bangalore follows a merit-based selection process designed to identify candidates with strong research aptitude and commitment to finance and accounting research. The admission process is transparent and competitive, with multiple pathways for eligible candidates. Candidates with valid national-level examination scores can bypass the entrance test and proceed directly to interviews, while others must clear the GITAM Research Admissions Test (GReAT).

Admission Timeline and Key Dates (Based on 2025-2026 Cycle)

Event	Tentative Date
Application Portal Opens	April 2026
Last Date for Application Submission	May 12, 2026
GReAT Examination (All Disciplines except Pharmacy)	May 25, 2026
GReAT Results Announcement	May 30, 2026
Online Interviews of Qualified Candidates	June 5-20, 2026
Final Admission Results	June 30, 2026
Release of Admission Offer Letters & Fee Payment	July 1-15, 2026
Offline Document Verification & PhD Supervisor Selection	July 1-15, 2026
Induction Programme & Lab Visits	July 16-31, 2026
PhD Coursework Classes Begin	August 1, 2026

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

MBA, PGDM (recognised by AICTE or deemed equivalent by AIU), CA, CS, or ICWAI with minimum 55% marks in aggregate or equivalent grade
Master's degree with at least 7 years of relevant managerial experience
Candidates with 4-year Bachelor's degree should have minimum 75% marks in aggregate
M.Phil. degree holders with minimum 55% marks in aggregate are eligible
Valid CSIR/UGC-NET, GATE/GPAT, INSPIRE, ICAR, or DBT-JRF examination scores exempt candidates from GReAT

Admission Process

Submit online application at researchadmissions.gitam.edu with required documents (Master's degree certificate, consolidated marks statement, Bachelor's degree certificate, 10th and 12th certificates, Aadhaar card)
Pay non-refundable registration fee of INR 1,200 through debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI
Appear for GITAM Research Admissions Test (GReAT) - a 2-hour written test with 50% coverage on Research Aptitude/Methodology and 50% on specific subject area (maximum 160 marks)
Candidates with valid national-level exam scores are eligible for direct interview
Participate in personal interview assessing research competence, suitability of research work at the institution, and potential to contribute new knowledge
Merit-based admission offers based on interview performance and seat availability

GITAM PhD Finance Scholarships 2026

GITAM offers comprehensive financial support to PhD scholars through its fellowship programme and merit-based scholarships. The university recognizes the financial commitment required for doctoral studies and provides multiple avenues for financial assistance to deserving candidates.

Available Scholarships and Financial Support

Scholarship Type	Amount	Duration	Eligibility
GITAM PhD Fellowship (Full-Time Programme)	INR 33,000 per month	Maximum 3 years	All Full-Time PhD scholars admitted to the programme
Merit-Based Scholarship	Up to 100% tuition fee waiver	Course duration	Based on entrance exam performance and merit
Need-Based Scholarship	Additional support	Course duration	Eligible merit scholars with combined parental income below prescribed limits

Scholarship Details and Conditions

GITAM PhD Fellowship of INR 33,000 per month is available for all Full-Time PhD scholars for a maximum period of three years, providing substantial financial support during the research period
Merit-based scholarships up to 100% of tuition fees are offered based on performance in GReAT or valid national-level examination scores
Need-based scholarships are available for eligible merit scholars whose combined parental income falls below prescribed limits (Tier A: Less than 12 LPA for courses with tuition fee >= 2 LPA)
Scholarship continuation in subsequent years is subject to maintaining minimum CGPA of 8.0 and compliance with university regulations
Scholarship award is on a first-come, first-served basis with limited seats available under scholarship quota
Candidates can avail of scholarships subject to timely fee payment and maintaining disciplinary standards

Application Deadline and Process

Scholarship applications must be submitted during the online application process at researchadmissions.gitam.edu
Candidates seeking need-based scholarships must upload tax documents (Form-16 or Income Tax Return acknowledgement) of both parents/guardians before the closure of the admission cycle
Scholarship awards are finalized after merit evaluation and interview performance assessment

GITAM PhD Finance FAQs

Ques. What are the career opportunities after completing a PhD in Finance from GITAM?

Ans. PhD graduates in Finance from GITAM can pursue diverse career paths including university professor in finance, senior financial analyst, investment strategist, corporate finance consultant, financial risk manager, chief financial officer (CFO), financial planning director, academic researcher in finance, treasury manager, and financial policy analyst. With the growing complexity of global financial markets and increasing demand for research-driven financial strategies, there are substantial opportunities for PhD holders in both academic and corporate sectors.

Ques. What specialization options are available within the PhD in Finance programme?

Ans. The PhD in Finance programme offers specialization options in Accounting & Finance, Marketing, International Business, Information Systems, Organisation Development & Human Resource, Operations & Supply Chain, and Entrepreneurship. Additionally, students can pursue five immersive tracks (International, Industry, Social, Entrepreneurship, Research) and three internship tracks (Summer Internship, Founder's Lab, Research) for comprehensive learning and practical experience in finance research.

Ques. What research facilities and infrastructure are available for PhD students?

Ans. PhD students have access to modern infrastructure including theatre-style classrooms, Bloomberg and NSE Labs, Analytics Lab, and collaboration spaces. The university also provides access to Centre for Business Growth and Centre for Business Engagement for research exposure. Additionally, students benefit from a Venture Development Centre with venture education, incubation, and access to funding and resources for entrepreneurial research projects in finance.

Ques. Is the PhD programme full-time only, or are there part-time options available?

Ans. GITAM offers both Full-Time and Extramural PhD programmes. The Full-Time programme is 3 years with an annual fee of INR 30,000 for Indian nationals and is designed for candidates who can dedicate themselves entirely to research. The Extramural programme is 4 years with an annual fee of INR 1,00,000 and is designed for industry professionals working in research institutions with a minimum of 2 years of experience. Both programmes require mandatory coursework with 75% attendance.

Ques. What is the difference between the GReAT exam and having a valid national-level exam score?

Ans. If you have a valid CSIR/UGC-NET, GATE/GPAT, INSPIRE, ICAR, or DBT-JRF examination score, you are exempted from taking the GReAT (GITAM Research Admissions Test) and can proceed directly to the interview stage. This exemption recognizes your performance in nationally recognized competitive examinations and streamlines the admission process for qualified candidates.

Ques. How does GITAM support practical learning and industry engagement in the PhD programme?

Ans. GITAM's PhD programme emphasizes case study method, activity-based learning, and collaborative projects with strong focus on practical industry interactions. The programme offers five immersive tracks including International, Industry, Social, Entrepreneurship, and Research tracks, allowing students to gain real-world experience in finance. Additionally, the Venture Development Centre provides access to funding and resources for students interested in entrepreneurial ventures, and the Centre for Business Engagement facilitates direct interaction with industry leaders and finance practitioners.

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GITAM University Bengaluru Ph.D Finance: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

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