Kerala University Ph.D Computer Science And Engineering: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Thiruvananthapuram, KeralaState UniversityEstd 1937NAAC Grade A++
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated on - Jul 25, 2026

Kerala University offers Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering, a three to six-year research programme at the Department of Computer Science at Kariavattom campus. Admissions are held biannually in January and July sessions. The total programme fee is INR 17,050 for three years covering research, defence, and thesis charges. GATE, UGC NET, or CSIR NET holders are exempted from the written entrance test. The university is ranked 25th in the NIRF 2025 University rankings.

📋 Admission Status: Applications are currently open. Last date to apply is 31 July 2026.


Kerala University Ph.D Computer Science Engineering Fees 2026

ComponentAmount (INR)
Annual Research Fee (per year)INR 1,500
Annual Open Defence Fee (per year)INR 1,500
Affiliation Fee (one-time)INR 750
Registration Fee (one-time)INR 800
Thesis Submission FeeINR 5,000
Total (3-year programme)INR 17,050
  • A 5% annual increase is applicable on research and defence fees from the second year onward.
  • JRF and SRF holders receive monthly stipends from UGC, CSIR, or DST, not from the university.

Kerala University Ph.D Computer Science Engineering Admission 2026

EventDate
January 2026 Session ClosedJanuary 15, 2026
July 2026 Session Notification ReleasedJuly 15, 2026
Application Deadline (July 2026 Session)July 31, 2026
  • Ph.D. admissions are held twice yearly in January and July through the Research Portal at research.keralauniversity.ac.in.
  • GATE, UGC NET JRF, and CSIR NET qualified candidates are exempted from the written entrance test.
  • The written entrance exam and departmental interview dates are communicated after the registration window closes.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related engineering discipline with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks from a recognised university is required.
  • A four-year B.Tech in Computer Science or Engineering with a minimum of 75% marks is also accepted as a direct qualification for the doctoral programme.
  • SC/ST candidates are eligible with a minimum of 50% marks, and GATE or UGC NET JRF holders are exempted from the written entrance examination.

Admission Process

  • Register online through the Research Portal at research.keralauniversity.ac.in and pay the registration fee of INR 800.
  • Submit the research proposal, academic certificates, GATE or NET score (if applicable), and category documents in the portal.
  • Candidates without GATE or JRF appear for the university-conducted Ph.D. entrance test covering computer science fundamentals and research aptitude.
  • Shortlisted candidates attend a departmental interview before the Computer Science faculty to assess research proposal and subject knowledge.
  • Selected candidates are assigned a research supervisor from the Department of Computer Science.
  • Complete the registration formalities and pay the annual research and affiliation fees to formally begin the doctoral programme.

✓ Opt for this if

  • Targeting a research or faculty career in computer science or AI.
  • Holding GATE, UGC NET JRF, or CSIR NET for direct exemption from entrance test.
  • B.Tech graduate with 75% and above seeking direct Ph.D. without M.Tech.
  • Interested in AI, Machine Learning, NLP, or Cybersecurity research areas.
  • Seeking an affordable research programme at a nationally ranked university.

✗ Skip if

  • Prefer IIT or NIT for Ph.D. with stronger research infrastructure.
  • Need a university that provides direct monthly stipend funding itself.
  • Expect a structured coursework component as part of the doctoral programme.
  • Require faster publication pipelines with dedicated research lab facilities.

Kerala University Ph.D Computer Science Engineering Scholarships 2026

Fellowship or ScholarshipAmountEligibility
UGC NET JRFINR 37,000 per month (first 2 years)UGC NET JRF qualified candidates pursuing full-time Ph.D. research
UGC Senior Research FellowshipINR 42,000 per monthJRF holders who complete 2 years of research and qualify for SRF upgrade
KSCSTE Research FellowshipAs per KSCSTE normsFull-time science and technology Ph.D. scholars in Kerala universities
DST Inspire FellowshipINR 80,000 per year plus contingencyTop 1% Class 12 scorers pursuing science research at doctoral level
  • GATE-qualified candidates with JRF status are entitled to JRF stipend for the first two years of research.
  • KSCSTE Fellowship applications are submitted through the official KSCSTE portal at kscste.kerala.gov.in.
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Table of Contents

Kerala University Ph.D Computer Science Engineering FAQs

Ques. What entrance exam is required for Ph.D. CSE at Kerala University?

Ans. Candidates must appear for the Kerala University Ph.D. entrance examination unless they hold a valid GATE, UGC NET JRF, or CSIR NET score. GATE and NET qualified candidates are directly called for a departmental interview, bypassing the written test. The entrance test covers computer science fundamentals and research aptitude.

Ques. Can a B.Tech graduate apply directly for Ph.D. CSE at Kerala University?

Ans. Yes, a four-year B.Tech degree holder in Computer Science or Engineering with a minimum of 75% marks can apply directly for Ph.D. at Kerala University without a Master’s degree. Regular M.Sc or M.Tech candidates need at least 55% marks in the qualifying degree from a recognised university.

Ques. What are the total fees for Ph.D. in Computer Science at Kerala University?

Ans. The total fees for a three-year full-time Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering at Kerala University is INR 17,050. This includes annual research fees of INR 1,500, annual open defence fees of INR 1,500, and a one-time thesis submission fee of INR 5,000, plus registration and affiliation charges.

Ques. What research areas are covered in Ph.D. CSE at Kerala University?

Ans. The Department of Computer Science at Kerala University supervises doctoral research in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, Cybersecurity, Image Processing, Computer Networks, Data Science, Software Engineering, and related emerging areas. Scholars align their proposal with the research interests of available faculty supervisors during the interview.

Ques. How often does Kerala University admit Ph.D. students in Computer Science?

Ans. Kerala University conducts Ph.D. admissions twice a year through January and July sessions. For the July 2026 session, applications close on 31 July 2026. The January 2026 session closed on January 15, 2026. Candidates can apply in either session through the Research Portal at research.keralauniversity.ac.in.

Ques. What funding is available for Ph.D. CSE scholars at Kerala University?

Ans. JRF-qualified scholars receive INR 37,000 per month for the first two years, upgraded to INR 42,000 as Senior Research Fellow. The DST Inspire Fellowship offers INR 80,000 per year plus contingency. KSCSTE fellowships are available for science and technology scholars pursuing research in Kerala universities.

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