The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Nursing at Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), Bangalore, Karnataka, is a doctoral research programme offered through RGUHS’s affiliated research centres and teaching institutions across Karnataka. RGUHS, established in 1996 by the Government of Karnataka, is the apex statutory authority for health sciences education in the state and regulates doctoral programmes under the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations 2022. The Ph.D in Nursing focuses on original research in nursing research methodology, clinical nursing sciences, community health nursing, nursing education and leadership, and evidence-based nursing practice, supervised by research-active faculty recognised as doctoral guides by RGUHS. Admission is through the RGUHS research entrance test followed by an interview before the doctoral committee; candidates with NET/JRF qualifications may be exempted from the written test. Total university fees for the programme are INR 68,000 for the minimum three-year duration.
📋 Admission Status: RGUHS Ph.D in Nursing admissions for 2026-27: RGUHS typically issues doctoral admission notifications in May-June and August-September each year. Candidates must hold a postgraduate degree in the relevant field with minimum 55 percent aggregate. Monitor rguhs.ac.in for the current notification and application schedule.
Key Points
- Ph.D in Nursing at RGUHS Bangalore; research is conducted at affiliated RGUHS research centres and teaching hospitals across Karnataka.
- Admission through RGUHS research entrance test and doctoral committee interview; NET/JRF-qualified candidates are exempt from the written test.
- Total university fees: INR 68,000 for the minimum three-year programme; plus INR 2,500 application/entrance fee.
- Eligibility: M.Sc Nursing from a recognised university with minimum 55 percent aggregate; minimum 55 percent aggregate (50 percent for SC/ST/OBC).
- RGUHS is Karnataka’s statutory health sciences university; Ph.D qualification supports academic and senior research positions in AYUSH, nursing, pharmacy, and allied health sectors.
RGUHS Bangalore Ph.D Nursing Fees
| Component | Amount (INR) |
| Application and Entrance Fee (one-time) | INR 2,500 |
| Total University Fees (3 Years) | INR 68,000 |
- RGUHS university fees; affiliated centres may charge additional bench fees.
- Hostel and living charges at affiliated institutions are payable separately.
- Verify the latest fee at rguhs.ac.in before applying.
RGUHS Bangalore Ph.D Nursing Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| RGUHS Ph.D Notification (Cycle 1) | May to June 2026 (check rguhs.ac.in) |
| Application Submission Deadline | June 2026 |
| RGUHS Research Entrance Test | July 2026 |
| Doctoral Committee Interview | August 2026 |
| Provisional Registration | September 2026 |
| RGUHS Ph.D Notification (Cycle 2) | August to September 2026 |
- Monitor rguhs.ac.in for Ph.D notifications; two cycles per year.
- NET/JRF holders exempt from written test; interview still required.
- Apply at rguhs.ac.in with PG marksheets and research synopsis.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must hold a M.Sc Nursing from a recognised university with minimum 55 percent aggregate from a recognised university.
- Minimum 55 percent aggregate in the postgraduate qualifying degree (50 percent for SC/ST/OBC candidates).
- Candidates with valid UGC-NET/JRF or CSIR-JRF are exempt from the RGUHS written entrance test; interview before the doctoral committee is still mandatory.
- A confirmed doctoral guide recognised by RGUHS is required before finalising registration.
Admission Process
- Monitor rguhs.ac.in for the Ph.D admission notification; RGUHS typically issues two cycles per year (May-June and August-September).
- Submit the online application with a research synopsis, postgraduate marksheets, NET/JRF certificate (if applicable), and proposed supervisor details.
- Appear for the RGUHS research entrance test (exempted for NET/JRF holders) and the doctoral committee interview.
- On selection, identify a recognised RGUHS doctoral guide and finalise the research plan.
- Complete provisional registration, pay prescribed fees, and commence mandatory doctoral coursework and research at the affiliated institution.
✓ Opt for this if
- M.Sc Nursing graduates targeting nursing faculty positions in Karnataka colleges
- Seeking RGUHS-recognised Ph.D for academic career in nursing education
- Planning research in nursing practice, community health, or critical care nursing
- Karnataka-domicile candidates with NET/JRF seeking affordable doctoral programme
- ICMR fellowship holders interested in nursing research at RGUHS-affiliated institutes
✗ Skip if
- Expecting a standalone university Ph.D with national NIRF ranking
- Seeking high-end biomedical research infrastructure beyond nursing clinical settings
- Prefer a co-supervisor arrangement at a central university or AIIMS-affiliated programme
- Looking for a fully funded fellowship seat without prior NET/JRF qualification
RGUHS Bangalore Ph.D Nursing Scholarships 2026
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
| Karnataka SC/ST Fee Reimbursement | Full fee reimbursement | Karnataka-domicile SC/ST scholars; apply via state scholarship portal after enrolment |
| ICMR SRF | INR 42,000/month (SRF) | ICMR Senior Research Fellowship; ICMR-funded research projects; apply via icmr.gov.in |
| UGC/NET JRF Fellowship | INR 37,000/month (JRF) | NET/JRF qualified scholars; standard UGC norms apply |
| CSIR-JRF | INR 37,000/month | CSIR-qualified scholars in science disciplines; apply via CSIR norms |
- ICMR SRF/JRF: apply via icmr.gov.in for ICMR research projects.
- UGC/CSIR JRF fellows are exempt from the RGUHS research entrance test.
- Karnataka SC/ST scholars: apply for reimbursement via state portal.
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