Content Curator | J/hVSQ

LJ University (Lok Jagruti Kendra University), Ahmedabad, offers a full-time Ph.D. programme in Entrepreneurship and Innovation under its Doctoral Program, designed to cultivate research-driven thinkers and innovation leaders. 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 one of the more affordable doctoral programmes in Gujarat. Admission is based on the LJU PhD Entrance Test or valid scores in UGC-NET/GMAT/GRE/CAT (for Management and Commerce field), followed by a personal interview. The programme is open to both full-time scholars and working professionals (part-time), with a seat intake decided annually by the university. The Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship and Innovation is popular among aspiring academicians, startup founders, and management professionals seeking to contribute original research to the field of entrepreneurship, innovation ecosystems, and business strategy.

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 is open to both full-time scholars and working professionals (part-time mode), offering flexibility for industry practitioners.
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.
LJ University's active incubation ecosystem (LJ Innovation Village) supports PhD scholars in Entrepreneurship with access to startup funding, mentorship, and industry connect.
The university disbursed Rs. 10.33 lakh in research incentives in 2024-25, and 20 mature startups received funding support through the incubation centre.
Coursework of 12 credits includes Research Methodology, Discipline-Specific 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.
80% attendance is compulsory for coursework classes, which are held in evenings/weekends at the LJ University campus.

Official Link:

Go To Website

Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

LJ University Latest Updates and News

16 Apr, 2026 LJ University Admission 2026 is ongoing for Ph.D Entrepreneurship till May 15, 2026. The entrance exam is scheduled for June 1, 2026. View details.

LJ University Important Events

PhD5

LJU Ph.D. (Entrepreneurship) Fees

The Ph.D. (Entrepreneurship and Innovation) 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. (Entrepreneurship) Admission 2026

Admissions to the Ph.D. (Entrepreneurship and Innovation) 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
UGC-NET (Phase 1)	Registration	October 7 - November 7, 2025
UGC-NET (Phase 1)	Exam Date	December 31, 2025 - January 7, 2026
UGC-NET (Phase 1)	Result	February 4, 2026
UGC-NET (Phase 2)	Registration	April 1 - May 1, 2026 (Tentative)
UGC-NET (Phase 2)	Exam Date	June 1, 2026 (Tentative)
UGC-NET (Phase 2)	Result	July 1, 2026 (Tentative)
CAT 2025	Exam Date	November 30, 2025
CAT 2025	Result	December 24, 2025

Note: UGC-NET and CAT scores are valid for 2 years for PhD admission in Management and Commerce field at LJ University. GMAT and GRE scores are also accepted; candidates should check official GMAT/GRE websites for current test dates.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a Master's degree or equivalent professional degree (CA, CS, etc.) 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 UGC-NET/GRE/GMAT/CAT (for Management and Commerce field) within the last 2 years.
For Part-Time PhD: Candidates must qualify the LJU PhD Entrance Test, unless exempted (UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/GPAT/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 UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/GPAT/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. (Entrepreneurship) 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 UGC-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
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.
UGC-JRF fellowship is awarded to candidates who qualify UGC-NET with JRF rank; the upper age limit is 35 years for men and 45 years for women as on July 1 of the application year.
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. (Entrepreneurship) FAQs

Ques. Is the Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship at LJ University a full-time or part-time programme, and can working professionals apply?

Ans. LJ University offers the PhD in Entrepreneurship and Innovation in both full-time and part-time modes. Working professionals can opt for the part-time mode, where coursework classes are scheduled in evenings and weekends at the LJ University campus. This makes it accessible for industry practitioners and entrepreneurs who wish to pursue doctoral research without leaving their jobs.

Ques. What is the minimum duration to complete the PhD at LJ University, and how many semesters do I need to pay fees for?

Ans. The minimum duration for the PhD programme is 3 years, while the maximum is 6 years. However, scholars are required to pay fees for a maximum of 8 semesters only, regardless of the actual duration of the programme. This means even if you take longer than 4 years, you will not be charged fees beyond 8 semesters.

Ques. I have a valid UGC-NET score. Do I still need to appear for the LJU Entrance Test?

Ans. No. Candidates with valid UGC-NET (including JRF), UGC-CSIR NET, GATE, GPAT, SLET, or teacher fellowship are exempted from the LJU PhD Entrance Test. M.Phil. degree holders are also exempt. However, all candidates must appear for the Personal Interview/Viva-Voce before the Board of Studies, which carries 30% weightage in the final selection.

Ques. How many research papers do I need to publish before submitting my PhD thesis 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.

Ques. What is the LJ Innovation Village, and how does it benefit PhD scholars in Entrepreneurship?

Ans. LJ Innovation Village is LJ University's dedicated incubation and innovation ecosystem. It provides PhD scholars in Entrepreneurship with access to startup mentorship, funding support, and industry networking. In 2024-25, 20 mature startups received funding through the incubation centre, with a total fund of approximately Rs. 1.62 crore raised. Scholars can also participate in events like Startup Week and Sharkteen, which provide real-world exposure to entrepreneurship ecosystems.

Ques. What happens if I miss paying fees for a few semesters during my PhD at LJ University?

Ans. Non-payment of fees for 3 consecutive semesters will lead to cancellation of your PhD registration at LJ University. It is important to pay fees on time each semester. Fees can be paid online via NEFT/IMPS to the university's bank account or through the QR code provided. After payment, scholars must email the transaction receipt along with required documents to phdsection@ljku.edu.in.

Course Finder

Search from 20K+ Courses and 35+ Streams

LJ University Ph.D Entrepreneurship: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Table of Contents