Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

MAHE Manipal's Ph.D. in Neuroscience is a rigorous 3.5-year full-time doctoral program designed to develop advanced research competencies in neuroscience. The program emphasizes original research contributions, interdisciplinary collaboration, and academic excellence. The total course fee for self-financed candidates is INR 86,500, with admission conducted through the Manipal Entrance Test (MET). This program is highly popular among research-oriented students seeking to advance neuroscience knowledge and contribute to the field through independent research.

Admissions for the current cycle (2026) are ongoing. For the July 2026 admission cycle, applications are accepted from April to May 2026, with the PhD MET scheduled for June-July 2026. For the January 2027 cycle, applications open from October to November 2026, with MET in December-January 2026-27. Candidates must register at https://apply.manipal.edu/ and appear for the center-based online MET. Selected candidates will be invited for interviews at the respective institution.

Key Points

Research-focused curriculum with emphasis on original contributions to neuroscience
Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and well-equipped laboratories
Interdisciplinary research opportunities through joint supervision and collaborative projects
Flexible financial support up to INR 30,000 for conference presentations, workshops, and academic enhancement programs
Opportunity to pursue Dr. TMA Pai Scholarship with monthly stipends ranging from INR 27,500 to INR 38,500

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FAQs

MAHE Ph.D. (Neuroscience) Fees

The Ph.D. (Neuroscience) program at MAHE Manipal involves structured course fees payable in installments over the program duration. For self-financed candidates, the total course fee is INR 86,500, which includes tuition and thesis evaluation charges. The fees are designed to be manageable through installment payments, and candidates may also be eligible for the Dr. TMA Pai Scholarship, which provides additional financial support.

Fee Installments

Fee Component	Amount (INR)
First Installment	34,000
Second Installment	15,000
Third Installment	15,000
Fourth Installment	7,500
Thesis Evaluation Fee	15,000
Total Course Fee	86,500

Fees are applicable from the date of admission
In case of extension of course duration beyond 3.5 years, an additional fee of INR 7,500 will be charged per semester (every 6 months)
Maternity leave (maximum 240 days) can be availed once during the entire duration with no fee payment during the leave period
Financial assistance up to INR 30,000 is available for research-related activities like conference presentations and workshops, to be utilized within 4 years of admission or before thesis submission, whichever is earlier

MAHE Ph.D. (Neuroscience) Admission 2026

MAHE Manipal conducts PhD admissions twice annually through a merit-based selection process combining entrance examination and interview performance. The admission process is transparent and competitive, with candidates evaluated on their research aptitude, academic background, and interview performance. The university offers multiple admission categories including self-financed, national fellowship holders, and Dr. TMA Pai scholarship candidates.

Important Dates

Event	Timeline
Expression of Interest (EOI) from Guides	February-March 2026 (Cycle 1) / August-September 2026 (Cycle 2)
Online Application Submission	April-May 2026 (Cycle 1) / October-November 2026 (Cycle 2)
PhD MET (Manipal Entrance Test)	June-July 2026 (Cycle 1) / December-January 2026-27 (Cycle 2)
Interview Process	July 2026 (Cycle 1) / January 2027 (Cycle 2)
Merit List Declaration	July 2026 (Cycle 1) / January 2027 (Cycle 2)
Offer Letter Issuance	July 2026 (Cycle 1) / January 2027 (Cycle 2)
Admission Registration	July 2026 onwards (Cycle 1) / January 2027 onwards (Cycle 2)

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Master's degree in Neuroscience, Life Sciences, Biological Sciences, Psychology, Medicine, or related field from a recognized university with minimum 60% marks in aggregate or equivalent grade
Bachelor's degree (4-year) with minimum 75% marks in aggregate from a recognized university
MBBS/BDS/PharmD degree with minimum 60% marks in aggregate from a recognized university
Foreign qualifications must have equivalency certification from AIU/Commonwealth Universities/IAU

Admission Process

Register at https://apply.manipal.edu/ and submit the online application form as per the timeline
Select the preferred stream (Health Sciences) and research domain during application
Appear for the All India center-based online PhD MET (exempted for GATE qualified applicants and UGC-NET qualified candidates with valid score cards)
Rank PhD topics based on preferences from the list provided on the candidate portal
Attend interview comprising presentation, viva voce on research area, and discussion on motivation and goals
Merit list prepared with 35% weightage for MET and 65% weightage for interview/viva voce
Interview committee allots PhD topic based on interview performance
Selected candidates receive offer letter from MAHE Admissions Office
Confirm offer acceptance and pay first installment fee through candidate portal
Complete document verification at Admissions Office with original certificates
Receive admission order and complete joining formalities at the respective institution
Submit joining report to Centre for Doctoral Studies (CDS) for registration

MAHE Ph.D. (Neuroscience) Scholarships 2026

MAHE Manipal offers the prestigious Dr. TMA Pai Scholarship to full-time PhD scholars, providing substantial financial support throughout the program duration. The scholarship is merit-based and awarded to selected candidates based on their performance in the entrance examination and interview. Additionally, financial assistance is available for research-related activities and academic enhancement programs.

Scholarship Amounts

Scholarship	Probationary Period (6 months)	First Year	Second Year	Third Year	Eligibility
Dr. TMA Pai Scholarship	INR 27,500/month	INR 34,000/month	INR 34,000/month	INR 38,500/month	Merit-based selection through MET and interview

Scholarship is applicable to full-time PhD scholars selected under Dr. TMA Pai category
Candidates selected under self-financed category are eligible to apply for grant-in-aid under the Dr. TMA Pai Scholarship program
Financial assistance up to INR 30,000 is available for the entire PhD duration for research-related activities including conference presentations, poster presentations, and workshop attendance
Assistance can be utilized within 4 years of admission or before thesis submission, whichever is earlier
All assistance requires prior approval from guide and Head of Institution
Maternity leave (maximum 240 days) can be availed once with no fee payment during the leave period

MAHE Manipal Ph.D Neuroscience Ranking

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MAHE Ph.D. (Neuroscience) FAQs

Ques. What is the minimum duration of the Ph.D. program at MAHE Manipal?

Ans. The minimum duration for the full-time Ph.D. program is 3.5 years (3 years 6 months) from the date of joining/registration. However, the maximum duration cannot exceed 6 years. Extensions beyond the minimum duration incur additional fees of INR 7,500 per semester.

Ques. Is the PhD MET mandatory for all applicants?

Ans. The PhD MET is mandatory for most applicants. However, it is exempted for GATE qualified candidates and applicants with UGC-NET qualification (Assistant professorship level) who possess valid score cards. These candidates can directly proceed to the interview stage.

Ques. Can I pursue Ph.D. while working as a Research Assistant or Junior Research Fellow?

Ans. During the Ph.D. course, you are not allowed to join another new project as RA/JRF/SRF unrelated to your Ph.D. research area. However, if you are selected as RA/JRF/SRF in a project related to your Ph.D. research area, you must apply to CDS for switchover approval through your guide, co-guide, HOD, and HOI.

Ques. What are the leave entitlements for Ph.D. scholars?

Ans. Ph.D. scholars are eligible for 12 days of Casual Leave (CL) and 15 days of Special Casual Leave (SCL) per calendar year. SCL can be availed only for academic enhancement programs such as conferences, workshops, and seminars with prior approval from guide and HOD/HOI. Any leave beyond eligibility extends the Ph.D. duration by the leave period availed.

Ques. What happens if I get a National Fellowship while pursuing Ph.D. at MAHE?

Ans. If you secure a National Fellowship (such as CSIR, UGC, DBT, etc.) during your Ph.D., you must apply to CDS for switchover approval through your guide, co-guide, HOD, and HOI with relevant documents. This allows you to transition to the National Fellowship category while continuing your research at MAHE.

Ques. Are there any financial assistance options beyond the Dr. TMA Pai Scholarship?

Ans. Yes, all Ph.D. scholars (including self-financed candidates) are eligible for financial assistance up to INR 30,000 for the entire Ph.D. duration. This can be used for presenting papers/posters at national/international conferences, attending workshops, and other academic enhancement activities, subject to prior approval from MAHE and recommendations from your guide and HOI.