SMVITM, Udupi offers full-time Ph.D programmes at a VTU-recognised research centre across 7 specializations: Ph.D. (Chemistry), Ph.D. (Civil Engineering), Ph.D. (Computer Science and Engineering), Ph.D. (Electronics and Communication), Ph.D. (Mathematics), Ph.D. (Mechanical Engineering), and Ph.D. (Physics). Duration is a minimum of three years and a maximum of six years, with a uniform annual research fee of INR 61,200 across all specializations. Part-time enrolment is available for in-service candidates.
📋 Admission Status: Round 1 of the 2026 VTU-ETR concluded in April 2026, with pre-registration interviews held at SMVITM between March and April 2026. Round 2 notifications are expected in July 2026. Candidates with GATE or UGC-NET/CSIR-NET scores may proceed to the interview stage directly.
Key Points
- Research is conducted under a doctoral committee with a supervisor and co-supervisor per VTU regulations, with periodic progress reports required throughout the programme.
- VTU-ETR carries 70% weight and the pre-registration interview at SMVITM carries 30% weight in the final selection process.
- Part-time Ph.D enrolment requires an employer NOC and two 15-day residential periods at SMVITM per year as per VTU guidelines.
- Candidates holding GATE, UGC-NET (including JRF), CSIR-NET (including JRF), or SLET scores are exempt from VTU-ETR and appear only for the interview at SMVITM.
SMVITM Ph.D Fees 2026
The annual research fee is uniform at INR 61,200 across all seven Ph.D specializations at SMVITM. The indicative total for the minimum three-year duration is INR 1,83,600. If the programme extends beyond three years, the annual fee applies for each additional year up to the maximum six-year duration.
| Component | Amount |
|---|
| Annual Research Fee | INR 61,200 |
| Total Fees (minimum 3-year duration) | INR 1,83,600 |
- Applicable uniformly across all seven specializations at SMVITM.
- VTU registration and thesis evaluation charges apply per university norms.
- Hostel and living expenses are charged separately.
- Fees is subject to change, please verify with official sources before admission.
SMVITM Ph.D Admission 2026
Ph.D admission at SMVITM follows VTU’s two-round ETR cycle. Round 1 for 2026 concluded in April 2026. Round 2 opens in July 2026, with examinations in August 2026 and interviews tentatively in September 2026.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| VTU-ETR Notification Round 1 | January 2026 |
| VTU-ETR Examination Round 1 | February to March 2026 |
| Pre-Registration Interview Round 1 at SMVITM | March to April 2026 |
| VTU-ETR Notification Round 2 | July 2026 |
| VTU-ETR Examination Round 2 | August 2026 |
| Pre-Registration Interview Round 2 at SMVITM | September 2026 |
- GATE, UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, or SLET score exempts candidates from VTU-ETR.
- Apply at jnanashodha.vtu.ac.in and select SMVITM as preferred research centre.
- ETR score carries 70% and the interview carries 30% in selection.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- For engineering specializations (Civil Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electronics and Communication, Mechanical Engineering): candidates must hold a ME or M.Tech in the relevant or allied discipline from a recognised university with at least 60% aggregate marks or CGPA of 6.75 at Bachelor’s or Master’s level (55% or CGPA 6.5 for SC/ST/OBC and differently-abled candidates).
- For science specializations (Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics): candidates must hold a M.Sc. in the relevant or closely related discipline with the same minimum academic cut-off as specified above.
- Full-time admission is open to unemployed and sponsored candidates. Part-time admission is available for in-service candidates with at least one year of post-PG experience at an engineering institution or recognised research organisation.
Admission Process
- Register for VTU-ETR on jnanashodha.vtu.ac.in within the notified window and select SMVITM, Udupi as the preferred research centre along with the relevant department or discipline.
- Appear for the VTU-ETR, a 100-mark MCQ covering 50% research methodology and 50% subject content, with a qualifying mark of 35 out of 70 scaled marks (31 for SC/ST/OBC). GATE/UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/SLET holders skip this step.
- Attend the pre-registration interview at SMVITM by presenting a research proposal to the doctoral committee. The interview carries 30% and the ETR score carries 70% of the total selection score.
- On selection, complete the VTU online registration, pay the annual research fee, and submit original certificates along with an employer NOC if enrolling part-time.
✓ Opt for this if
- ME/M.Tech or MSc graduates targeting an academic career in Karnataka
- GATE or UGC-NET qualified researchers based near coastal Udupi
- In-service faculty at Karnataka colleges seeking a part-time VTU PhD
- Candidates with limited research funding who need low annual fees
✗ Skip if
- Candidates targeting IIT, NIT, or national lab-level research environment
- Those needing a funded JRF stipend from a premier research institute
- Students without an ME/M.Tech or MSc in a relevant discipline
- Graduates seeking metro city industry roles immediately after graduation
SMVITM Ph.D Scholarships 2026
Ph.D scholars at SMVITM may access external fellowships from VTU and central government agencies. The institute accepts all major national JRF and SRF awards.
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|
| VTU Research Fellowship | As per VTU norms | Full-time scholars via VTU-ETR or interview |
| UGC-JRF / UGC-SRF | As per UGC norms | Scholars with UGC-NET JRF qualification |
| CSIR-JRF / CSIR-SRF | As per CSIR norms | Scholars with CSIR-NET JRF qualification |
| Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship | As per DST norms | IIT/NIT/IISc graduates with exceptional record |
- JRF and SRF from DST, DBT, or ICMR are accepted at SMVITM.
- Confirm fellowship details with the SMVITM research office before admission.
![Shri Madhwa Vadiraja Institute of Technology & Management - [SMVITM]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1707287873download23.jpg?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
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