Content Curator | Updated on - May 26, 2026

GITAM's PhD programme in Mechanical Engineering at the Bengaluru campus is designed to empower students with advanced knowledge and the tools necessary to delve into specialized research areas. This full-time doctoral programme provides a platform for graduates to explore their area of interest within the broader discipline of Mechanical Engineering, whether it be thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, or robotics. The 3-year programme is designed for candidates with a Master's degree (MTech or ME) in a relevant engineering field and emphasizes research, innovation, and practical application of theoretical principles. With a strong focus on emerging technologies and modern engineering challenges, graduates are equipped to take on leadership roles in various sectors, including manufacturing, automotive, energy, and aerospace industries.

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 expertise in Sustainable Engineering, Engine coolants and solar thermal fluids, Nano Materials for Engineering Applications, Digital Manufacturing, Solar Thermal Energy, and 3D printing
State-of-the-art infrastructure including Digital Manufacturing Lab, Material Testing Lab, Sustainable Energy Lab, and Harvard Style Classrooms
Access to research opportunities through MURTI Multidisciplinary Research and 3D Printing Design Lab
Industry and academic collaborations with Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding (CEMS), Collins Aerospace, L&T, and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India
Opportunity to earn 24 credits across different schools (Business, Humanities, Sciences) through the Liberal Education Model
Mandatory 2-credit venture development course encouraging innovative product and service development with real business potential
Specialization options in AI & ML for Autonomous Vehicles, Thermal Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Design for Manufacturing, and Smart Manufacturing

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GITAM University Bengaluru Latest Updates & News

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

GITAM PhD ME Fees

The PhD in Mechanical Engineering 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 ME Admission 2026

The PhD in Mechanical Engineering programme at GITAM Bangalore follows a merit-based selection process designed to identify candidates with strong research aptitude and commitment to mechanical engineering 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

Master's degree (MTech or ME) in a relevant engineering field with minimum 55% marks in aggregate or equivalent grade
Bachelor's degree (BE or BTech) in Mechanical, Production, Industrial, Automobile, Marine, Aerospace, or Metallurgy engineering or equivalent
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 ME 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 ME FAQs

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

Ans. PhD graduates in Mechanical Engineering from GITAM can pursue diverse career paths including design engineer, production engineer, maintenance engineer, research and development engineer, project engineer, quality control engineer, manufacturing engineer, HVAC engineer, automotive engineer, and robotics engineer. With India's expanding industrial landscape and growing investments in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy sectors, the demand for mechanical engineers is projected to rise significantly. Mechanical engineering is the largest industrial sector in India, accounting for 3.53% of the country's GDP.

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

Ans. The PhD in Mechanical Engineering programme offers specialization options in AI & ML for Autonomous Vehicles, Thermal Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Design for Manufacturing, and Smart Manufacturing. Additionally, students can pursue standard track offerings in Automotive Engineering, Digital Manufacturing, and Regular Mechanical Engineering. Students can also earn 24 credits across different schools (Business, Humanities, Sciences) through the Liberal Education Model for interdisciplinary learning.

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

Ans. PhD students have access to state-of-the-art facilities including Digital Manufacturing Lab, Material Testing Lab, Sustainable Energy Lab, and Harvard Style Classrooms. The university also provides access to MURTI Multidisciplinary Research and 3D Printing Design Lab. Additionally, students can collaborate with industry partners including Collins Aerospace, L&T, and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India through the Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding (CEMS).

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. What is the venture development course, and why is it mandatory?

Ans. The PhD programme includes a mandatory 2-credit venture development course that encourages students to develop innovative products and services with real business potential. This course transcends disciplinary boundaries and provides hands-on learning opportunities. It is designed to foster entrepreneurial thinking and prepare students not only for academic careers but also for roles in industry and startups where innovation and practical application of research are valued.

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

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