Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

LJ University (LJKU), Ahmedabad, offers a full-time Ph.D. programme in Engineering and Technology under its Doctoral Program. The programme is designed to foster advanced research across various engineering disciplines including Computer Science, Electronics, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, and related fields. The minimum duration for the full-time Ph.D. is 3 years, with a maximum of 6 years. The annual tuition fee for the full-time Ph.D. is Rs. 70,000 per year. Admission is based on qualifying a relevant entrance exam (GATE/JEST) followed by two rounds of personal interviews. The programme is popular among engineering graduates and working professionals seeking to advance their research careers in academia or industry R&D.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic year are upcoming. Based on the 2025 admission cycle, LJ University typically opens applications in March, conducts the entrance exam in May, and announces shortlisted candidates by late May. The 2026 admission schedule is yet to be officially announced; candidates are advised to monitor the LJ University official website (ljku.edu.in) for updates.

Key Points

Ph.D. in Engineering at LJ University is offered across multiple disciplines including Computer Science, Electronics and Communication, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and related fields.
The programme is open to both full-time scholars and part-time scholars (working professionals), making it accessible to engineers and professionals already working in industry or academia.
Ph.D. 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 coursework (12 credits) includes Research Methodology (generic), Specialised Research Methodology, Discipline-Specific Courses, and one/two courses from SWAYAM/UGC-recognised platforms.
LJ University's SIRO (Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) recognition by DSIR enables scholars to apply for funded research projects from government agencies including AICTE, GUJCOST, and DST.
LJ University offers a 57% tuition fee reduction for its full-time faculty and staff pursuing a Ph.D., with the full tuition amount refunded upon programme completion.

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Ranking
FAQs

LJU Ph.D. (Engineering) Fees

The annual tuition fee for the full-time Ph.D. (Engineering) at LJ University is Rs. 70,000 per year, as per the official LJ University fee structure for 2026-27. For part-time Ph.D. scholars, the fee structure is semester-based. The programme requires fees for a maximum of 8 semesters, regardless of the actual duration (up to 6 years). A refundable security deposit of Rs. 15,000 is also charged.

Full-Time Ph.D. Fee Structure

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Tuition Fee (per year)	70,000
Total Fees (for 3 years minimum)	2,10,000

Part-Time Ph.D. Fee Structure (per semester)

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Registration Fees (One Time)	2,500
Tuition Fees (per semester)	35,000
Course Work Fees (One Time)	1,200
Refundable Security Deposit	15,000
Registration Certificate Fees (One Time)	1,000
Total per Semester (including one-time charges in first semester)	54,700
Viva-Voce Exam Fees (last semester only)	20,000
Total Fees (8 semesters tuition + one-time + viva)	3,19,700

Application fee: Rs. 1,500 + applicable taxes (payable online, non-refundable).
The security deposit of Rs. 15,000 is refundable upon completion of the programme.
Non-payment of fees for 3 consecutive semesters will lead to cancellation of registration.
LJU faculty/staff are eligible for a subsidised fee of Rs. 15,000 per semester (part-time), with the balance refunded upon programme completion.
Fees are payable via online QR code or bank transfer; details available on the LJU Ph.D. section portal.

LJU Ph.D. (Engineering) Admission 2026

Admission to the Ph.D. (Engineering) at LJ University is a two-stage process: qualifying a relevant entrance exam followed by personal interviews. For full-time Ph.D., candidates must have a valid GATE or JEST score. For part-time Ph.D., candidates without GATE/JEST must qualify the LJU Ph.D. Entrance Exam. The 2025 admission cycle has concluded. The 2026 admission schedule is expected to follow a similar pattern, with applications opening in March 2026.

Important Dates

Event	Tentative Date (2026)
Application Process Starts	March 2026 (tentative)
Last Date for Application	April 2026 (tentative)
LJU Ph.D. Entrance Exam (Part-Time, non-GATE/JEST candidates)	May 2026 (tentative)
Entrance Exam Result	May 2026 (tentative)
Personal Interviews (Round 1 and Round 2)	May 2026 (tentative)
Declaration of Shortlisted Candidates	Late May 2026 (tentative)

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a Master's degree (M.E./M.Tech./M.S.) or equivalent in Engineering/Technology from a recognised university with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/Differently-Abled candidates). Candidates with a B.E./B.Tech. with exceptional academic record may also be considered as per UGC norms.
For full-time Ph.D.: Candidates must have a valid GATE or JEST score in a relevant engineering discipline. The upper age limit for JRF is 35 years for men and 45 years for women as on July 1 of the year of application.
For part-time Ph.D.: Candidates without GATE/JEST must qualify the LJU Ph.D. Entrance Exam (written test: 50% domain knowledge + 50% research methodology) followed by an interview/viva-voce. M.Phil. degree holders are exempt from the entrance exam.

Admission Process

Fill the online application form on the LJ University doctoral programme portal (ljku.edu.in/doctoral-program/registration-form) and pay the application fee of Rs. 1,500 + taxes.
Submit scanned copies of required documents including mark sheets, GATE/JEST scorecard, passport-size photograph, and employer NOC (for part-time candidates).
Appear for the LJU Ph.D. Entrance Exam (if applicable) or submit valid GATE/JEST scorecard.
Shortlisted candidates appear for two rounds of personal interviews at the LJU campus.
Final selection is based on entrance exam/GATE/JEST score and interview performance.
Selected candidates complete registration formalities and pay the prescribed fees to confirm admission.

LJU Ph.D. (Engineering) Scholarships 2026

Ph.D. scholars in Engineering at LJ University can avail scholarships and financial support through government schemes and university-specific benefits. GATE-qualified candidates admitted to full-time Ph.D. may be eligible for research fellowships. UGC-NET/JRF qualified candidates receive a monthly stipend. LJU faculty/staff pursuing Ph.D. receive a significant fee subsidy.

Scholarships and Fellowships

Scholarship/Fellowship	Eligibility	Benefit	Application Portal
UGC-JRF Fellowship	UGC-NET/JRF qualified candidates	Rs. 37,000/month (1st-2nd year), Rs. 42,000/month (3rd year onwards)	ugc.ac.in
GATE-based Research Fellowship	GATE-qualified candidates admitted to full-time Ph.D.	As per MHRD/UGC norms	Varies by institution
AICTE Research Promotion Scheme	Faculty/researchers in AICTE-approved institutions	Project-based funding	aicte-india.org
LJU Faculty/Staff Ph.D. Scholarship	LJU faculty/staff pursuing Ph.D.	57% tuition fee reduction; full tuition refunded on completion	ljku.edu.in
Gujarat Government Post Matric Scholarship (SC/ST)	SC/ST students; Gujarat domicile	Partial financial assistance	digitalgujarat.gov.in
AICTE Saksham Scholarship	Differently-abled students in AICTE-approved programmes	Rs. 50,000 per annum	aicte-pragati-saksham-gov.in

JRF and GATE fellowship amounts are subject to revision by UGC/MHRD from time to time.
LJU faculty/staff must continue with the university throughout the Ph.D. programme to avail the fee scholarship; the refund is made upon completion.
DSIR/SIRO recognition enables LJU scholars to apply for funded research projects from government agencies.

LJ University Ph.D Engineering Ranking

Collegedunia Ranking

#171 out of 500 in India 2025

#2nd in Ahmedabad

#7 in Gujarat

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LJU Ph.D. (Engineering) FAQs

Ques. Which engineering disciplines can I pursue for Ph.D. at LJ University?

Ans. LJ University offers Ph.D. in Engineering and Technology across multiple disciplines including Computer Science and Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, and related fields. The specific disciplines available in a given admission cycle depend on the availability of qualified research supervisors. Candidates are advised to check the LJU website or contact the Ph.D. section (phdsection@ljku.edu.in) to confirm the availability of supervisors in their area of interest before applying.

Ques. Is GATE mandatory for Ph.D. (Engineering) admission at LJ University?

Ans. For full-time Ph.D., a valid GATE or JEST score is required. For part-time Ph.D., candidates with GATE, JEST, or UGC-NET are exempt from the LJU entrance exam. Candidates without these qualifications must qualify the LJU Ph.D. Entrance Exam (written test + interview). Having a GATE qualification is strongly recommended as it may also make candidates eligible for research fellowships and project-based funding.

Ques. Can I pursue Ph.D. (Engineering) at LJ University with only a B.E./B.Tech. degree?

Ans. As per UGC norms, candidates with a B.E./B.Tech. degree with an exceptional academic record (typically 75% or above, or equivalent CGPA) may be considered for direct Ph.D. admission without a Master's degree. However, the standard eligibility requires a Master's degree (M.E./M.Tech./M.S.) with 55% marks. Candidates with only a B.E./B.Tech. should confirm the current eligibility norms with LJ University before applying.

Ques. What research infrastructure is available for Ph.D. (Engineering) scholars at LJ University?

Ans. LJ University has well-equipped research laboratories across its engineering departments. The university's SIRO recognition by DSIR enables scholars to access funded research projects and collaborate with industry partners. LJ University also has MoUs with international institutions and industry partners, providing access to advanced research facilities and collaborative research opportunities. The university's research culture is supported by 95+ SCOPUS/Web of Science publications across disciplines.

Ques. What are the publication requirements for Ph.D. (Engineering) scholars at LJ University?

Ans. Ph.D. scholars must publish a minimum of 2 research papers related to their thesis topic, indexed in Scopus/Web of Science/Hien Database/ABDC/EBSCO, and present at least one paper at an international conference before submitting their final thesis. A minimum of six 6-monthly Research Advisory Committee (RAC) meetings must be completed before submitting the final synopsis.

Ques. How long does it typically take to complete a Ph.D. in Engineering at LJ University?

Ans. The minimum duration is 3 years (full-time) and the maximum is 6 years. The typical completion time for a full-time Ph.D. in Engineering is 3-4 years, depending on the research topic, publication requirements, and thesis writing. Part-time scholars typically take 4-6 years. Scholars are required to pay fees for a maximum of 8 semesters only, regardless of the actual duration.