The Ph.D. in Political Science at GITAM (Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management) Deemed to be University, Bengaluru, is a minimum three-year full-time doctoral programme offered by GITAM School of Humanities and Social Sciences. GITAM is a NAAC A++ Deemed University (2023), with its Bengaluru Campus at Doddaballapur Main Road, Bengaluru 562163. The programme covers advanced research in international relations, public policy, governance, comparative politics, political theory, Indian political system, and security studies. All full-time scholars are eligible for a GITAM Ph.D. Fellowship of INR 33,000 per month for up to three years. Admission is through GReAT (GITAM Research Admissions Test) or direct interview for candidates with UGC-NET scores.
📋 Admission Status: GITAM Bengaluru Ph.D. (Political Science) admissions for 2026-27 are in the interview and offer-letter phase. GReAT results were declared by June 30, 2026; classes commence August 24, 2026. Apply early for the next cycle at researchadmissions.gitam.edu.
Key Points
- GITAM Ph.D. Political Science is a full-time doctoral programme at a NAAC A++ Deemed University in Bengaluru.
- Academic fee: INR 30,000 per year (minimum INR 90,000 for 3 years); application fee INR 1,200.
- GITAM Ph.D. Fellowship of INR 33,000/month for up to 3 years awarded to all full-time scholars.
- Research areas include international relations, public policy, governance, comparative politics, political theory, Indian political system, and security studies.
- UGC-NET/CSIR-NET qualified candidates are exempted from GReAT.
GITAM Bengaluru Ph.D. Political Science Fees
| Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|
| Application Fee (non-refundable) | INR 1,200 |
| Annual Academic Fee | INR 30,000 |
| Total Fees (3-Year Minimum) | INR 90,000 |
- Academic fee INR 30,000/year; three-year total INR 90,000.
- Application fee INR 1,200; pay at researchadmissions.gitam.edu.
- GITAM Ph.D. Fellowship is separate from the academic fee.
- Hostel charges additional; confirm at gitam.edu.
GITAM Bengaluru Ph.D. Political Science Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| GReAT 2026 Application Deadline | May 11, 2026 |
| GReAT 2026 Exam (Online) | May 23, 2026 |
| GReAT 2026 Results | June 30, 2026 |
| Online Interviews (School of Humanities and Social Sciences) | June 15 to 20, 2026 |
| Offer Letter and Fee Payment | July to August 2026 |
| Commencement of Ph.D. Programme | August 24, 2026 |
| GReAT (GITAM) Registration End | March 2026 |
| GReAT (GITAM) Exam Date | May 23, 2026 |
| GReAT (GITAM) Result | June 30, 2026 |
| UGC-NET Phase 2 (June 2026) Registration End | April 29, 2026 |
| UGC-NET Phase 2 (June 2026) Exam Date | Jun 22 to 30, 2026 |
| UGC-NET Phase 2 (June 2026) Result | July 2026 |
- Apply at researchadmissions.gitam.edu; pay INR 1,200 application fee.
- GATE/NET holders are exempted from GReAT; direct interview applies.
- Research proposal and online interview required after qualifying GReAT.
- 2026-27 applications closed; next cycle opens early 2027.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Master’s degree in Political Science, Public Administration, International Relations, or an equivalent discipline.
- A minimum aggregate of 55 percent marks (or 5.5 CGPA) in the qualifying master’s degree is required.
- A valid GReAT, GATE, CSIR-NET, or UGC-NET score is required; UGC-NET/CSIR-NET qualified candidates are exempted from GReAT.
- Candidates with M.Phil. in Political Science or M.A. with 55% marks and relevant research or teaching experience may also apply.
Admission Process
- Register at researchadmissions.gitam.edu and pay the INR 1,200 application fee.
- Appear in GReAT (online) or submit a valid GATE/NET score.
- Candidates who clear GReAT or hold a valid GATE/NET score are called for an online interview (June 15 to 20, 2026).
- Successful candidates receive admission offer letters in July to August 2026; pay fees to confirm.
- Complete document verification and join the programme on August 24, 2026.
✓ Opt for this if
- MA Political Science graduates targeting Bengaluru PhD
- UGC-NET qualified researchers in governance or IR
- Planning academic or civil services career in South India
- Research interest in comparative or South Asian politics
- Eligible for GITAM fellowship of INR 33,000/month
✗ Skip if
- Need JNU/Delhi-level political science research network
- Seeking prestigious public policy research institution
- Want North Indian politics specialisation focus
- Require externally funded large research project
GITAM Bengaluru Ph.D. Political Science Scholarships 2026
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|
| GITAM Ph.D. Fellowship | INR 33,000/month for up to 3 years | All full-time PhD scholars; no separate application; awarded at admission |
| MURTI Excellence Fellowship | INR 40,000/month for up to 3 years | Awarded to meritorious full-time scholars; competitive selection at admission |
| CSIR/UGC-JRF / GATE Fellowship | As per government norms | Valid JRF/GATE holders; exempted from GReAT and eligible for direct interview |
- GITAM Ph.D. Fellowship awarded at admission to all full-time scholars.
- MURTI Excellence Fellowship: competitive; awarded to meritorious candidates.
- CSIR/UGC-JRF holders keep fellowship; GATE holders qualify for GITAM fellowship.
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