Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

LJ University (Lok Jagruti Kendra University), Ahmedabad, offers a full-time Ph.D. in Applied Sciences under its Doctoral Program, catering to researchers and science graduates who wish to contribute original knowledge to fields such as chemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, physics, and other applied science disciplines. The programme spans a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years, with fees payable for up to 8 semesters. The total programme fee (excluding hostel) amounts to approximately Rs. 2,97,700 for 8 semesters, making it an affordable doctoral option in Gujarat. Admission is based on valid scores in CSIR-NET/GATE (for Pharmacy and Science field) for full-time scholars, or the LJU PhD Entrance Test for part-time candidates, followed by a personal interview. The programme is open to both full-time scholars and working professionals (part-time mode), with seat intake decided annually. The Ph.D. in Applied Sciences at LJ University is popular among M.Sc. graduates, science faculty members, and research professionals seeking to advance their expertise in applied scientific research.

Admissions for the 2026 batch are currently open at LJ University. Based on the 2025 tentative schedule, the application process typically begins in March, with the entrance exam held in May. For the 2026 cycle, tentative dates are expected to follow a similar pattern (March-May 2026). Candidates are advised to monitor the official website (ljku.edu.in) for the 2026 admission notification and exact dates.

Key Points

The programme covers a broad range of applied science disciplines including chemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, physics, and environmental sciences.
Scholars are required to publish a minimum of 2 research papers indexed in Scopus/Web of Science/ABDC/EBSCO and present at least one paper at an international conference before thesis submission.
The programme is open to both full-time scholars and working professionals (part-time mode), with coursework classes held in evenings and weekends at the LJ University campus.
CSIR-NET/GATE qualified candidates are exempted from the LJU PhD Entrance Test.
Coursework of 12 credits includes Research Methodology (generic and specialized), Discipline-Specific Applied Science Courses, and components from SWAYAM/UGC-recognized platforms.
A minimum of 6 Research Advisory Committee (RAC) meetings (held every 6 months) must be completed before submitting the final synopsis.
The university disbursed Rs. 10.33 lakh in research incentives in 2024-25, with the School of Applied Sciences being among the contributors to research publications.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

LJU Ph.D. (Applied Sciences) Fees

The Ph.D. (Applied Sciences) programme at LJ University is structured with a per-semester tuition fee of Rs. 35,000, along with one-time charges for registration, coursework, and registration certificate. The total fee payable across 8 semesters (the maximum fee-paying period) comes to approximately Rs. 2,97,700, excluding the Viva-Voce exam fee of Rs. 20,000 charged in the last semester. A refundable security deposit of Rs. 15,000 is also collected at the time of admission. LJ Faculty and Staff are eligible for a reduced tuition fee of Rs. 15,000 per semester.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Application Fee (Non-Refundable)	1,500 + Taxes
Registration Fee (One Time)	2,500
Course Work Fee (One Time)	1,200
Registration Certificate Fee (One Time)	1,000
Tuition Fee Per Semester	35,000
Tuition Fee Per Semester (LJ Faculty/Staff)	15,000
Refundable Security Deposit (One Time)	15,000
Viva-Voce Exam Fee (Last Semester Only)	20,000
Total Fee (8 Semesters, General Category)	2,97,700
Total Fee (8 Semesters, LJ Faculty/Staff)	1,57,700

The Refundable Security Deposit of Rs. 15,000 is returned upon successful completion of the programme.
Fees are payable semester-wise. Non-payment for 3 consecutive semesters will lead to cancellation of registration.
Scholars are required to pay fees for a maximum of 8 semesters only, even if the programme extends up to 6 years.
Viva-Voce Exam Fee of Rs. 20,000 is charged additionally in the last semester.
LJ Faculty/Staff pursuing PhD pay Rs. 15,000 per semester as tuition fee; the difference is refunded upon programme completion, provided they continue with LJ University throughout.
Hostel (PG) facility is available separately at Rs. 72,000 to Rs. 1,44,000 per year (not mandatory).
Fees can be paid via NEFT/IMPS or through the QR code provided by the university.

LJU Ph.D. (Applied Sciences) Admission 2026

Admissions to the Ph.D. (Applied Sciences) programme at LJ University are open year-round, with entrance tests conducted in January and July each year. The 2025 admission cycle followed a March-May schedule for applications and entrance exams. For 2026, admissions are currently open and candidates should apply through the official admissions portal (admissions.ljku.edu.in). The admission process involves a written entrance test (unless exempted) followed by a personal interview/viva-voce.

LJ University PhD Admission Dates

Event	Tentative Date (2026)
Start of Application Process	March 1, 2026
Last Date to Submit Application Form	April 21, 2026
LJU PhD Entrance Exam	May 3, 2026
Declaration of Entrance Exam Result	May 10, 2026
Personal Interview / Viva-Voce	May 12-17, 2026
Declaration of Shortlisted Students	May 25, 2026

Relevant Entrance Exam Dates

Exam	Event	Date
GATE 2026	Registration	August 28 - October 13, 2025
GATE 2026	Admit Card	January 13, 2026
GATE 2026	Exam Date	February 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026
GATE 2026	Result	March 19, 2026
UGC-NET / CSIR-NET (Phase 1)	Registration	October 7 - November 7, 2025
UGC-NET / CSIR-NET (Phase 1)	Exam Date	December 31, 2025 - January 7, 2026
UGC-NET / CSIR-NET (Phase 1)	Result	February 4, 2026
UGC-NET / CSIR-NET (Phase 2)	Exam Date	June 1, 2026 (Tentative)

Note: CSIR-NET and GATE scores are valid for 2 years for PhD admission in Applied Sciences field at LJ University. Candidates should check official CSIR-NET and GATE websites for the most current dates.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a Master's degree in Science (M.Sc.) or equivalent with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate (50% for SC/ST/OBC/Differently Abled candidates).
For Full-Time PhD: Candidates must have a valid score in CSIR-NET/GATE (for Pharmacy and Science field) within the last 2 years.
For Part-Time PhD: Candidates must qualify the LJU PhD Entrance Test, unless exempted (CSIR-NET/GATE/JRF holders or M.Phil. degree holders are exempt from the entrance test).

Admission Process

Apply online at admissions.ljku.edu.in and pay the non-refundable application fee of Rs. 1,500 + taxes.
Candidates with valid CSIR-NET/GATE/JRF scores or M.Phil. degree are exempted from the LJU Entrance Test.
Appear for the LJU PhD Entrance Test (if not exempted): Single paper with 50% Domain Knowledge and 50% Research Methodology; minimum 50% marks required to qualify.
Shortlisted candidates appear for a Personal Interview/Viva-Voce before the Board of Studies (weightage: Written Test 70%, Viva-Voce 30%).
Final selection is based on combined performance in the written test and interview.
Admitted scholars must deposit fees within the stipulated deadline and submit required documents to the PhD Section (phdsection@ljku.edu.in).

LJU Ph.D. (Applied Sciences) Scholarships 2026

LJ University offers a unique internal scholarship for its own faculty and staff pursuing a PhD, along with the opportunity to avail government fellowships. The university's research incentive programme further supports scholars financially through publication rewards and project grants. Scholars qualifying for national fellowships such as CSIR-JRF can also avail monthly stipends during their doctoral tenure.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / Fellowship	Eligibility	Amount / Benefit
LJ University Faculty/Staff Scholarship	LJ University full-time faculty/staff enrolled in PhD	Tuition fee reduced to Rs. 15,000/semester (57% reduction); full difference refunded on programme completion
CSIR-JRF (Junior Research Fellowship)	Candidates qualifying CSIR-NET with JRF	Rs. 31,000/month (first 2 years), Rs. 35,000/month (remaining tenure) + annual contingency grant
UGC-JRF (Junior Research Fellowship)	Candidates qualifying UGC-NET with JRF	Rs. 31,000/month (first 2 years), Rs. 35,000/month (remaining tenure) + annual contingency grant
LJU Research Incentive	PhD scholars publishing in Scopus/WoS/ABDC/EBSCO indexed journals	Cash incentive per publication (part of Rs. 10.33 lakh disbursed in 2024-25)
LJU Student Project Grant	Innovative student-led research projects	Up to Rs. 1 lakh per project (Rs. 17 lakh awarded to 16 projects in 2024-25)
Digital Gujarat Scholarship	SC/ST/OBC/Minority/EWS students (Gujarat domicile)	As per government norms; applied through Digital Gujarat portal

The LJ Faculty/Staff scholarship requires the scholar to remain employed at LJ University throughout the PhD programme; the refund is made only upon successful completion.
CSIR-JRF fellowship is awarded to candidates who qualify CSIR-NET with JRF rank; the upper age limit is 28 years for men (with relaxation for reserved categories).
Research incentives are disbursed annually by the university based on publications and research output.
Government scholarships (Digital Gujarat, etc.) are subject to state government norms and annual renewal.

LJU Ph.D. (Applied Sciences) FAQs

Ques. What disciplines are covered under the Ph.D. in Applied Sciences at LJ University?

Ans. The Ph.D. in Applied Sciences at LJ University covers a broad range of disciplines including chemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, physics, environmental sciences, and other applied science fields. The specific research area is finalized in consultation with the assigned Research Supervisor based on the scholar's academic background and research interest.

Ques. Is CSIR-NET mandatory for PhD admission in Applied Sciences at LJ University, or can I apply with just a GATE score?

Ans. Both CSIR-NET and GATE scores are accepted for PhD admission in Applied Sciences at LJ University. A valid score in either exam (within 2 years) exempts you from the LJU PhD Entrance Test for full-time admission. For part-time admission, you can also qualify through the LJU Entrance Test if you do not hold CSIR-NET or GATE.

Ques. Can I pursue a Ph.D. in Applied Sciences at LJ University while working in a research lab or industry?

Ans. Yes. LJ University offers the PhD in Applied Sciences in part-time mode for working professionals. Coursework classes are scheduled in evenings and weekends at the LJ University campus. You will need to attend mandatory Research Advisory Committee (RAC) meetings physically at the campus, which are held every 6 months.

Ques. What is the minimum number of publications required before submitting the PhD thesis in Applied Sciences at LJ University?

Ans. Scholars must publish a minimum of 2 research papers related to their research topic, indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, ABDC, or EBSCO databases. Additionally, they must present at least one paper at an international conference. These are mandatory requirements before thesis submission at LJ University.

Ques. How does LJ University support research in Applied Sciences?

Ans. LJ University has a dedicated research promotion scheme that disbursed Rs. 10.33 lakh in research incentives in 2024-25. The university also awarded Rs. 17 lakh to 16 innovative student-led research projects. Scholars have access to well-equipped laboratories, library resources, and the university's research network. The university also organizes national and international conferences and workshops to facilitate knowledge exchange.

Ques. What is the maximum time allowed to complete the Ph.D. in Applied Sciences at LJ University, and what happens if I exceed it?

Ans. The maximum duration for the PhD programme at LJ University is 6 years. Scholars are required to pay fees for a maximum of 8 semesters only. If you are unable to complete within 6 years, you may need to seek an extension as per university regulations. It is advisable to maintain regular progress through timely RAC meetings, publications, and thesis writing to complete within the stipulated timeframe.