Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Ph.D. in Data Science at Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, is a full-time doctoral research programme offered under the School of Computational and Physical Sciences. The programme spans a minimum of 3 years (including 6 months of mandatory coursework) and a maximum of 6 years, with an annual fee of Rs. 65,000 for full-time scholars. Data Science is one of the most sought-after research domains today, and KJU's PhD programme covers areas such as big data analytics, machine learning, statistical modelling, data mining, and AI-driven decision systems. The programme is supported by qualified research supervisors and modern computing infrastructure. Kristu Jayanti University holds a NAAC A++ grade (CGPA 3.78/4) and is ranked 34th nationally by NIRF 2025, holding the number one position in Karnataka.

The Spring Admissions 2026-27 (January 2027 intake) cycle has now closed, with the application deadline having been November 25, 2026, and the programme commencing on January 5, 2027. For the upcoming 2027-28 cycle, applications are expected to open around October 2027, based on the previous year's schedule. Candidates with UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE qualifications can apply at any time and are exempt from the university entrance test (KJUET).

Key Points

The programme is offered in Full-Time and Part-Time modes on campus; distance education is not permitted.
Full-time scholars receive a monthly fellowship of Rs. 15,000 for up to 30 months (post-coursework), along with an annual scholarship of Rs. 10,000 and a contingency grant of up to Rs. 20,000 per annum for STEM disciplines.
Candidates with UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/SLET qualifications are exempt from the university entrance test (KJUET) but must appear for the personal interview.
The programme follows UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of PhD Degree) Regulations, 2022.
Women and differently-abled candidates are eligible for an additional 2-year extension beyond the standard maximum duration of 6 years.
A 33% annual fee waiver is available for candidates holding National/State-level fellowships (e.g., CSIR-JRF, UGC-JRF, GATE fellowship).
Data Science PhD is an interdisciplinary programme; candidates from Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, and related fields are eligible.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Ranking
FAQs

Kristu Jayanti University (Deemed to be University) Latest Updates and News

14 Apr, 2026 Kristu Jayanti University Admission 2026-27 is open. Apply online @kristujayanti.edu.in.

KJU Ph.D. Data Science Fees

The Ph.D. (Data Science) programme at Kristu Jayanti University has a transparent and affordable fee structure. Full-time scholars pay an annual fee of Rs. 65,000, while part-time scholars pay Rs. 60,000 per annum. Over the standard minimum duration of 3 years, the total fee for a full-time scholar amounts to Rs. 1,95,000. Full-time scholars also benefit from a monthly fellowship of Rs. 15,000 and an annual scholarship of Rs. 10,000, which substantially offsets the overall cost of the programme.

Fee Structure

Fee Component	Full-Time (Per Annum)	Part-Time (Per Annum)
Programme Fee	Rs. 65,000	Rs. 60,000
Total Fees (3 Years Minimum)	Rs. 1,95,000	Rs. 1,80,000

The fee is charged annually for the duration of the programme.
Candidates holding National/State-level fellowships (CSIR-JRF, UGC-JRF, GATE fellowship, etc.) are eligible for a 33% annual fee waiver, reducing the annual fee to approximately Rs. 43,550.
Full-time scholars receive a monthly fellowship of Rs. 15,000 (active after completion of coursework and full registration, for a maximum of 30 months).
Full-time scholars also receive an annual scholarship of Rs. 10,000 and a contingency grant of up to Rs. 20,000 per annum for STEM disciplines.
The application fee is Rs. 1,200 (non-refundable) for PG/PhD programmes.
Hostel availability for PhD scholars should be confirmed directly with the university.

KJU Ph.D. Data Science Admission 2026

Kristu Jayanti University conducts PhD admissions primarily through the Spring Admissions cycle (January intake), with applications typically opening in October. The Spring Admissions 2026-27 cycle has closed; the next cycle (2027-28) is expected to open around October 2027. Admission is through a two-stage process: a university entrance test (KJUET) followed by a personal interview, with candidates holding UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/SLET qualifications exempt from the entrance test.

College Admission Dates

Event	Spring 2026-27 (Actual)	Upcoming 2027-28 (Tentative)
Applications Open	October 1, 2026	October 2027 (tentative)
Application Deadline	November 25, 2026	November 2027 (tentative)
Entrance Test (KJUET) and Interview	December 6, 2026	December 2027 (tentative)
Programme Commencement	January 5, 2027	January 2028 (tentative)

Entrance Exam Dates

Exam	Relevance	Exam Date	Remarks
GATE 2027 (CS/IT/Statistics)	Exemption from KJUET; fellowship eligibility	February 7, 8, 14, 15, 2027	Result: March 19, 2027
UGC-NET (Computer Science / Statistics)	Exemption from KJUET; JRF/NET qualification	Conducted by NTA; check ugcnet.nta.ac.in	Dates announced by NTA
CSIR-UGC NET (Mathematical Sciences)	Exemption from KJUET; JRF/NET qualification	December 18, 2026 (Dec 2026 cycle)	June 2027 cycle dates to be announced

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

Master's Degree (2-year) in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Information Technology, or a related discipline with a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent CGPA.
Master's Degree (1-year) or 4-year Bachelor's Degree (Honours with Research) with a minimum of 75% marks or equivalent CGPA.
SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/Differently-Abled/EWS candidates are eligible for a 5% relaxation in the minimum marks requirement.
Foreign degree holders must have AIU recognition equivalent to a Master's programme in India.

Admission Process:

Submit online application through the official university website (kristujayanti.edu.in).
Upload required documents: research proposal, statement of purpose, one recommendation letter, and all academic certificates.
Appear for the Kristu Jayanti University Entrance Test (KJUET) - Part A (Research Aptitude and Methodology) and Part B (Discipline-specific Data Science content).
Candidates with UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/SLET qualifications are exempt from KJUET but must attend the personal interview.
Final selection is based on KJUET score (70% weightage) and personal interview (30% weightage).
Qualifying marks: 50% for General category; 45% for Reserved categories in KJUET.

KJU Ph.D. Data Science Scholarships 2026

Kristu Jayanti University provides a robust financial support system for PhD scholars, especially full-time STEM researchers. The university's internal fellowship and scholarship schemes are designed to make doctoral education financially sustainable. Data Science scholars can additionally leverage GATE fellowships and UGC-NET JRF awards, and may also explore industry-sponsored research fellowships given the high demand for data science expertise.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship/Fellowship	Amount	Eligibility	Remarks
KJU Monthly Fellowship	Rs. 15,000/month	Full-time scholars only	Active after coursework completion and full registration; maximum 30 months
KJU Annual Scholarship	Rs. 10,000/year	Full-time scholars	Awarded annually
Contingency Grant (STEM)	Up to Rs. 20,000/year	Full-time STEM scholars	For research-related expenses
Fee Waiver for National/State Fellows	33% annual fee waiver	Scholars with CSIR-JRF/UGC-JRF/GATE fellowship/SLET	Applied on annual programme fee
UGC-JRF (Computer Science/Statistics)	Rs. 37,000/month (JRF); Rs. 42,000/month (SRF)	Qualified UGC-NET candidates	Awarded by UGC; separate application required
CSIR-JRF (Mathematical Sciences)	Rs. 37,000/month (JRF); Rs. 42,000/month (SRF)	Qualified CSIR-NET candidates	Awarded by CSIR; separate application required
Karnataka Government Scholarship	Varies	SC/ST/OBC students from Karnataka	Apply via ssp.postmatric.karnataka.gov.in
National Scholarship Portal	Varies	Eligible students based on category/merit	Apply via scholarships.gov.in

Fellowship recipients are required to contribute a minimum of 6 hours per week in tutorial or laboratory work and evaluations in the department.
The KJU fellowship and UGC/CSIR/GATE fellowships cannot be simultaneously availed; scholars must choose one.
Application deadlines for government scholarships vary; check the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) for current cycles.

Kristu Jayanti University (Deemed to be University) Ph.D Data Science Ranking

Collegedunia Ranking

#50 out of 277 in India 2025

#4th in Bangalore

#4 in Karnataka

Indiatoday Ranking

#26 out of 217 in India 2025

#4th in Bangalore

#4 in Karnataka

The Week Ranking

#18 out of 100 in India 2025

#4th in Bangalore

#4 in Karnataka

TOI Ranking

#11 out of 70 in India 2025

#4th in Karnataka

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KJU Ph.D. Data Science FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between a PhD in Data Science and a PhD in Computer Science at KJU?

Ans. The PhD in Data Science focuses specifically on data-centric research areas such as big data analytics, statistical modelling, data mining, machine learning applications, and AI-driven decision systems. The PhD in Computer Science has a broader scope covering algorithms, software engineering, cybersecurity, and computing systems in addition to data-related topics. Both programmes are housed in the School of Computational and Physical Sciences and share the same fee structure and admission process.

Ques. Can a candidate with an M.Sc. in Statistics or Mathematics apply for the PhD in Data Science at KJU?

Ans. Yes. Candidates with a Master's degree in Statistics, Mathematics, or related quantitative disciplines are typically eligible for the PhD in Data Science, provided they meet the minimum marks requirement (55% for a 2-year Master's). Data Science is inherently interdisciplinary, and strong quantitative backgrounds are valued. Candidates are advised to confirm eligibility with the Office of Doctoral Research at doctoral.research@kristujayanti.com.

Ques. Is there industry collaboration or sponsored research available for PhD in Data Science at KJU?

Ans. While KJU's official prospectus highlights research support and contingency grants, specific industry-sponsored PhD positions are not publicly listed. However, given KJU's growing industry connections and the high demand for data science research, candidates are encouraged to inquire directly with the Centre for Research and Development about any ongoing industry-collaborative research projects or externally funded positions.

Ques. How competitive is admission to the PhD in Data Science at KJU?

Ans. Admission is based on the KJUET (70% weightage) and personal interview (30% weightage). Candidates with GATE/UGC-NET/CSIR-NET qualifications are exempt from KJUET. The programme is relatively new and growing, and KJU's NAAC A++ status and NIRF ranking make it an attractive destination. Candidates with strong academic records and a well-defined research proposal have a good chance of selection.

Ques. What computing resources are available for PhD in Data Science scholars at KJU?

Ans. KJU has been continuously enhancing its infrastructure and research facilities. The School of Computational and Physical Sciences is equipped with modern computing labs, high-performance computing resources, and access to research databases. Scholars also receive a contingency grant of up to Rs. 20,000 per annum for STEM disciplines, which can be used for software licenses, datasets, and conference participation.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after a PhD in Data Science from Kristu Jayanti University?

Ans. A PhD in Data Science from KJU opens doors to academic positions in universities and research institutions, data science research roles in technology companies (Google, Microsoft, Amazon, etc.), government research organisations (ISRO, DRDO, NASSCOM), and consultancy roles in analytics and AI. The growing demand for PhD-level data scientists in both academia and industry makes this a highly valuable qualification. KJU's NAAC A++ accreditation and NIRF ranking (34th nationally, 1st in Karnataka) add strong credibility to the degree.