St Aloysius (Deemed To Be University) Mangalore Ph.D Botany: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. The Department of Botany at St. Aloysius currently offers only an undergraduate (B.Sc.) programme in Botany and the Ph.D. programme. There is no M.Sc. Botany programme at the main campus. Candidates wishing to pursue a Ph.D. in Botany must therefore have completed their M.Sc. in Botany or a related life science discipline from another recognised university before applying. This is an important distinction for prospective scholars to note.

Ans. The primary PhD supervisor in Botany is Dr. Sana Sheikh, whose research specialisations include Mycology, Phytochemistry, Seed Technology, and Bioremediation. Dr. Sheikh has published extensively in international journals and book chapters with Springer, Elsevier, and Taylor & Francis, covering topics such as fungal diversity, plant-pathogen interactions, green synthesis of nanoparticles, and pesticide biodegradation. Dr. Jyothi Miranda, a Professor in the department, also conducts collaborative research on Microalgal Diversity and Mangrove Ecology. Prospective scholars are strongly advised to contact the supervisor directly before applying to confirm research alignment and seat availability.

Ans. With only 2 PhD vacancies per intake cycle in Botany, admission is highly competitive. Candidates with UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE qualifications have a significant advantage as they are exempted from the written entrance test and need only appear for the interview. For candidates without these qualifications, performance in the written test (100 marks: 50% research methodology + 50% subject-specific) and interview will determine selection. Early application and prior contact with the supervisor to discuss research fit are strongly recommended.

Ans. The minimum duration for a full-time Ph.D. at St. Aloysius is 3 years. Full-time scholars can extend up to 3 additional years beyond Year 3, with an increment of Rs. 5,000 per year on the Year 3 fee for each extension year. Part-time scholars can extend up to 2 additional years beyond Year 3, paying the same Year 3 fee amount. The maximum duration is typically 6 years, subject to university regulations and the supervisor's approval.

Ans. Alumni of the Botany department at St. Aloysius have achieved remarkable positions globally. Notable alumni include Dr. Joiselle Blanche Fernandes (Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Germany), Dr. Madhu LN (Institute for Regenerative Medicine, USA), Ganesh Pai B (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre), Dr. Yatin J Mange (FOSS Analytical Pty Ltd, Australia), Dr. Sohail K Pinto (Hokkaido University, Japan), and Dr. Babitha Pais (IP Consultant and Registered Patent Agent, Bangalore). Ph.D. graduates can pursue careers in academia, research institutions, pharmaceutical and biotech industries, environmental consultancy, and intellectual property.

Ans. The department has a well-equipped laboratory, a well-maintained botanical museum, a greenhouse, and a departmental library. Field study opportunities include visits to Agumbe Rain Forest Research Station, Mangrove Vegetation at Thalapady, Jeddu Ayurveda Medicinal Garden, and Pilikula Botanical Museum and Arboretum. The department also has collaborative research projects with the Pilikula Development Authority and MRPL Biodiversity Project on Microalgal Diversity. Scholars benefit from interdisciplinary collaborations with the Biochemistry and Biotechnology departments, which share the DBT BUILDER Level-1 funded infrastructure.