Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 8, 2026

Pillai College of Engineering (PCE), New Panvel, Mumbai, offers a full-time Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering under the University of Mumbai, established in 2017 with a sanctioned intake of 10 seats per batch. The programme spans a minimum of 3 years and up to 6 years, with an annual fee of Rs. 1,25,000, making the total tuition fee Rs. 3,75,000 for the minimum duration. Admission is through the University of Mumbai's Ph.D. Entrance Test (PET), and the programme is popular for its research focus in areas like Thermal Engineering, Robotics, Smart Materials, Fluid Mechanics, and Manufacturing Processes. The course is offered in full-time, on-campus mode and is ideal for candidates seeking careers in academia, research, or advanced industry roles.

Admissions for the 2026 cycle are upcoming. Based on the University of Mumbai's PET schedule, the notification is expected in July 2026, with the online entrance exam tentatively scheduled for September 19-20, 2026. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official PCE website (www.pce.ac.in) and the University of Mumbai portal for updates.

Key Points

Research areas span Controls, Instrumentation and Robotics, Smart Materials, Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, Solar Energy, Manufacturing Processes, Mechatronics, and more.
The department has 14+ well-equipped labs including Thermal Engineering, CNC, Fluid Mechanics, Refrigeration and AC, Smart Materials, and Mechatronics labs.
Scholars are expected to produce quality publications or patents as part of their research output.
The programme includes a structured coursework component in the first year followed by dedicated research.
Candidates with valid UGC-NET/JRF may be exempted from PET as per University of Mumbai norms.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

PCE Ph.D. (Mechanical Engineering) Fees

The Ph.D. (Mechanical Engineering) programme at PCE charges Rs. 1,25,000 per year as tuition fees, amounting to Rs. 3,75,000 for the minimum 3-year duration. Hostel facility is available on campus but is optional; hostel fees are approximately Rs. 1,00,000 per year (non-AC, including meals). The total cost including hostel for 3 years would be approximately Rs. 6,75,000.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount
Tuition Fee (per year)	Rs. 1,25,000
Tuition Fee (3 years total)	Rs. 3,75,000
Hostel Fee (per year, optional)	Rs. 1,00,000 (approx.)
Hostel Fee (3 years, optional)	Rs. 3,00,000 (approx.)
Total Fees (without hostel)	Rs. 3,75,000
Total Fees (with hostel, 3 years)	Rs. 6,75,000 (approx.)

Hostel is optional and not mandatory for Ph.D. scholars.
Fees are payable annually.
University-level fees (PET registration: Rs. 1,000; Registration: Rs. 2,000; Exam fee: Rs. 1,500; Thesis submission: Rs. 5,000; Viva fee: Rs. 3,000) are payable separately to the University of Mumbai.
Fee structure is subject to revision by the university/college each academic year.

PCE Ph.D. (Mechanical Engineering) Admission 2026

Admissions to the Ph.D. (Mechanical Engineering) programme at PCE are conducted through the University of Mumbai's Ph.D. Entrance Test (PET). The process involves online application, PET, personal interview/research proposal presentation, and final merit list preparation. The 2026 admission cycle is upcoming, with the PET expected in September 2026 based on the previous year's schedule.

Important Dates

Event	Tentative Date
Notification Release	July 12, 2026
Application Start Date	July 15, 2026
Application Last Date	August 30, 2026
PET (Online Entrance Exam)	September 19-20, 2026
PET Result Declaration	October 10, 2026
Interview / Research Proposal Presentation	October 25 - November 10, 2026
Final Selected Candidate List	November 25, 2026
Last Date of Admission	December 10, 2026

Entrance Exam Details

Exam	Conducting Body	Purpose	Remarks
University of Mumbai PET	University of Mumbai	Ph.D. Entrance Test for admission	Mandatory; conducted online; 100 MCQs (50% research aptitude + 50% subject)
UGC-NET / JRF	NTA	National Eligibility Test	Candidates with valid NET/JRF may be exempted from PET as per UGC norms
GATE	IITs / IISc	Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering	Valid GATE score may support exemption from PET; also useful for fellowship applications

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have passed a Master's degree or equivalent with at least 55% marks in aggregate (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates of Maharashtra).
Candidates appearing in the final year/semester of their Master's programme may apply provisionally.
Candidates must appear in the University of Mumbai PET in the relevant subject (Mechanical Engineering) unless exempted via UGC-NET/JRF.

Admission Process

Submit online application on the University of Mumbai Ph.D. portal during the notification period.
Appear for the Ph.D. Entrance Test (PET) conducted by the University of Mumbai.
Candidates declared eligible in PET obtain an Eligibility Certificate.
Submit willingness to join PCE as a Research Centre and appear for a Research Proposal Presentation/Interview before the Research Advisory Committee (RAC).
RAC recommends selected candidates; guide/supervisor is assigned.
Pay prescribed fees within two weeks of selection to confirm admission.
Produce all required documents at the time of admission.

PCE Ph.D. (Mechanical Engineering) Scholarships 2026

Ph.D. scholars at PCE can avail of various scholarships and funding opportunities from government bodies and the institution. National fellowships such as UGC-JRF and GATE-based fellowships provide monthly stipends to eligible research scholars, making the programme financially accessible for meritorious candidates. The college also offers merit-based scholarships and a Student Activities Fund for research-related activities.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / Fellowship	Offered By	Amount	Eligibility
UGC-JRF (Junior Research Fellowship)	UGC / NTA	Rs. 37,000/month (JRF); Rs. 42,000/month (SRF)	Qualify UGC-NET with JRF; valid for 5 years
DST-INSPIRE Fellowship	DST, Govt. of India	Rs. 31,000/month + Rs. 20,000/year contingency	Top 1% in PG; or qualify GATE/NET
AICTE Doctoral Fellowship	AICTE	Rs. 12,400/month	Faculty members pursuing Ph.D. under AICTE norms
PCE Merit-Based Scholarship	Pillai College of Engineering	Up to Rs. 10,000 per year	Academic toppers in respective year
Government Scholarships (SC/ST/OBC/EBC)	State/Central Govt.	As per scheme	As per government norms

JRF/SRF fellowships are awarded by UGC/CSIR and are not directly provided by PCE; scholars must independently qualify and apply.
Government scholarships (social welfare, EBC) are available as per Maharashtra state government norms.
Students are encouraged to apply to charitable organizations through the college registrar for additional financial support.

PCE Ph.D. (Mechanical Engineering) FAQs

Ques. What research areas are available under Ph.D. (Mechanical Engineering) at PCE?

Ans. The department covers a wide range of research areas including Controls, Instrumentation and Robotics, Smart Materials, Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, Solar Energy Utilization, Manufacturing Processes, Mechatronics, Product Design, and Industrial Engineering. Scholars work under experienced faculty mentors in well-equipped labs.

Ques. Is the Ph.D. (Mechanical Engineering) at PCE suitable for candidates from a B.E./B.Tech. background without an M.E./M.Tech.?

Ans. No. The minimum eligibility is a Master's degree (M.E./M.Tech. or equivalent) with at least 55% marks. Candidates with only a B.E./B.Tech. are not directly eligible unless they hold a professional degree declared equivalent to a Master's by a statutory body.

Ques. Can I pursue this Ph.D. while working in the industry?

Ans. The programme is primarily full-time. However, the University of Mumbai allows part-time Ph.D. enrolment (4-7 years) for working professionals with an NOC from their employer. Candidates should confirm part-time seat availability with PCE directly.

Ques. What is the expected research output from Ph.D. scholars at PCE?

Ans. Scholars are expected to produce quality research publications in peer-reviewed journals or file patents as part of their doctoral work. The programme emphasises high-impact research that contributes new knowledge to the field of Mechanical Engineering.

Ques. How is the guide/supervisor assigned for Ph.D. research at PCE?

Ans. The Research Advisory Committee (RAC) assigns guides to each admitted candidate based on the candidate's research interest, the faculty's expertise, and available vacancies. The list of available guides and their vacancies is published on the PCE website before each admission cycle.

Ques. What documents are required at the time of Ph.D. admission at PCE?

Ans. Required documents include SSC and HSC marksheets, B.E./B.Tech. degree and marksheets, M.E./M.Tech. degree and marksheets, PET score card, teaching/research experience letters (if applicable), detailed resume, research statement, caste certificate (if applicable), and NOC from employer (for working candidates).