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

Ans. The Department of Physics has three recognised PhD supervisors. Dr. Chandra Shekhara Shetty T (Associate Professor, Stage II and Director of the Research and Development Cell) specialises in condensed matter physics, thin film technology, and materials science; he has received UGC funding for a minor research project and institutional seed money grants of Rs. 1.5 Lakhs (2021) and Rs. 3 Lakhs (2024). Dr. Rita Crasta (Assistant Professor, Stage III) specialises in materials science and nanoparticles and has received a seed money grant of Rs. 1.5 Lakhs (2022). Dr. Ravindra Swami is also a recognised supervisor. Candidates are encouraged to contact potential supervisors directly to discuss research alignment before applying.

Ans. The Department of Physics has 4 dedicated physics laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art instruments. The department has facilitated student research internships at TIFR (Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, Mumbai) and NPL (National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi). A student has also worked on a VGST (Vision Group on Science and Technology, Karnataka)-funded collaborative project on porphyrin graphene oxide thin films in collaboration with St Joseph Engineering College, Mangaluru. The department regularly organises national and international workshops and seminars, and has hosted talks on topics such as quantum computation in condensed matter physics and gyrochronology.

Ans. As per the 2024-25 PhD notification, the Department of Physics had 3 vacancies. The 2025-26 (January intake) notification also listed Physics under the School of Physical Sciences. With three supervisors and a limited number of seats, the admission process is moderately competitive. Candidates with a strong academic record in Physics, CSIR-NET/GATE qualification, and relevant research experience or project work are at a significant advantage. Candidates are advised to identify a potential supervisor and discuss research interests before applying.

Ans. Both CSIR-NET (Physical Sciences) and GATE (Physics - PH paper) are accepted for exemption from the university's written entrance test. CSIR-NET Physical Sciences is the more traditional qualifying exam for PhD admissions in Physics at Indian universities and also provides JRF funding. GATE Physics is increasingly accepted and is particularly relevant for candidates from engineering physics or applied physics backgrounds. Candidates who have qualified either exam are directly called for the interview. UGC-NET (Physical Sciences) is also accepted.

Ans. A PhD in Physics from St Aloysius opens doors to careers in academia (as a lecturer or professor), national research institutions (ISRO, BARC, DRDO, NPL, CSIR labs), and international research organisations. Notable alumni of the department include a researcher at ISRO, a scientist at BARC, a Post-Doctoral Fellow at IRSN (France), a researcher at Max Planck Institute (Germany), a researcher at Marie Curie Institute (Finland), a researcher at University of Wisconsin (USA), and an Assistant Professor at IISc (Bangalore). The department also trains students for competitive exams like IIT JAM and GATE, reflecting its strong academic foundation.

Ans. Yes, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) offers both full-time and part-time PhD options. For part-time scholars in the Basic Sciences and IT fee category, the annual fee is Rs. 65,000 per year (same for all three years, with no increment for extensions up to 2 additional years). Part-time scholars are expected to meet the same academic and research requirements as full-time scholars, including coursework completion and regular interaction with the supervisor. Candidates working in research labs, educational institutions, or the industry who wish to pursue a PhD on a part-time basis should confirm supervisor availability and institutional requirements at the time of application.