VelTech University Ph.D Management Studies: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. Yes, the Part Time Ph.D. programme at Vel Tech is specifically designed for working professionals. Candidates employed in industries, R&D organisations, academic institutions, or government bodies can pursue the programme while continuing their jobs. However, they must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer confirming that they are permitted to pursue studies on a part-time basis. Candidates working outside a 50 km radius of the Vel Tech campus in Avadi, Chennai, must attend full-time course work at the institution for at least 6 months during their registration period, so some leave arrangement may be required during the course work phase.

Ans. The entrance examination is not mandatory for all candidates. Applicants who hold valid qualifications such as UGC NET, CSIR NET (JRF), SLET, GATE, Teacher Fellowships, or M.Phil. are exempted from the written entrance examination. They are directly called for the interview/viva-voce. For all other candidates, the entrance exam is compulsory, and a minimum of 50% marks must be secured to qualify for the interview stage. The final selection is based on 70% weightage to the entrance exam and 30% to the interview.

Ans. The minimum duration for the Part Time Ph.D. in Management Studies at Vel Tech is 4 years (48 months), and the maximum duration is 7 years (84 months). This means scholars must complete all requirements – including course work, research, and thesis submission – within this window. If a scholar requires more time beyond the minimum duration, they can apply for extension by paying an Extension/Re-registration Fee of Rs. 10,000 per extension, subject to the maximum duration limit.

Ans. The Ph.D. in Management Studies at Vel Tech covers a wide range of research areas including Sustainable Business, Economics and Policy, HR Analytics, Marketing, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Operations Management, and Organisational Behaviour, among others. The specific research topic is finalised in consultation with the assigned Research Supervisor and the Research Advisory Committee (RAC). Vel Tech also has a dedicated Technology Business Incubator and strong industry connect, which can be leveraged for applied management research.

Ans. While the monthly stipend is available only for Full Time scholars, Part Time scholars at Vel Tech are eligible for several research support benefits. These include Article Processing Charge (APC) support for Q1 journal publications, seed grants of up to Rs. 3 Lakhs for research activities, conference and international travel funding, and annual incentives for top-performing scholars. Additionally, scholars have access to Vel Tech's state-of-the-art research infrastructure, central library, and the university's 210+ international MoUs for collaborative research opportunities.

Ans. As per Vel Tech's Ph.D. regulations (VTR DR 2025), conversion from one mode of study to another is generally not permitted. However, in extraordinary circumstances, a change of mode may be considered with the approval of the Vice-Chancellor, based on the recommendation of the Dean of Research Studies. Candidates should carefully choose their mode of study at the time of application, keeping in mind their professional commitments and research requirements.