Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Ph.D. (Architecture) program at Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) is a full-time doctoral research program offered under the Department of Architecture, School of Architecture and Design, Faculty of Science, Technology and Architecture (FoSTA). The program is modelled on the latest UGC guidelines for PhD programs and is designed to enable scholars to undertake independent, original research in the field of architecture, contributing meaningfully to knowledge in areas such as architectural design, building technology, sustainable architecture, heritage conservation, urban design, and architectural history and theory. The program is open to candidates with a relevant Master's degree (minimum 55% marks or CGPA 5.5/10) and involves a written entrance test and interview for selection. The annual fee is Rs. 30,000 (till final thesis submission), with a one-time registration fee of Rs. 10,000, making the minimum total cost for a 3-year full-time PhD approximately Rs. 1,00,000.

MUJ conducts PhD admissions twice a year, in January and July. The January 2026 batch has already been admitted and course work commenced on January 21, 2026. The next admission cycle is expected to open for the July 2026 batch, with applications likely to be invited around May/June 2026. Candidates are advised to monitor the official MUJ PhD page (jaipur.manipal.edu/research-phd.php) for notifications.

Key Points

The PhD in Architecture at MUJ is offered under the Department of Architecture, which also runs the B.Arch program, ensuring access to experienced faculty with strong academic and professional backgrounds.
PhD admissions are conducted twice a year (January and July batches), providing two opportunities annually to apply.
Candidates who have qualified M.Phil / UGC-CSIR NET / JRF / SLET / GATE / Teacher Fellowship are exempted from the PhD entrance examination.
The Dr. Ram Das Pai Scholarship is available for meritorious PhD scholars, with a separate interview conducted after the main selection process.
The program is offered in both full-time and part-time modes, allowing practicing architects and faculty members to pursue doctoral research alongside their professional commitments.
MUJ has active research infrastructure including Central Analytical Facilities (CAF) and Sophisticated Analytical Instrumental Facilities (SAIF) to support interdisciplinary research.

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Ranking
FAQs

MUJ Ph.D. (Architecture) Fees

The PhD (Architecture) program at MUJ is structured with a one-time registration fee and an annual fee payable till the final thesis submission. The registration fee of Rs. 10,000 is a non-refundable one-time charge, while the annual fee of Rs. 30,000 is payable each year until the thesis is submitted. For a minimum 3-year full-time PhD, the total cost works out to Rs. 1,00,000. If the program extends beyond 3 years, the annual fee of Rs. 30,000 continues to apply for each additional year.

Fee Structure

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Registration Fee (One-Time, Non-Refundable)	10,000
Annual Fee (Per Year, till thesis submission)	30,000
Total Fees (Minimum 3 Years)	1,00,000

The annual fee of Rs. 30,000 is payable each year until the final thesis is submitted.
If the PhD extends beyond the minimum duration, the annual fee continues to apply for each additional year.
Foreign/NRI scholars are charged USD 300 (registration) + USD 1,100 per year (annual fee).
Hostel accommodation is available on campus at an additional cost (optional).
Fees are subject to revision as per the Fee Fixation Committee's approval.

MUJ Ph.D. (Architecture) Admission 2026

MUJ conducts PhD admissions twice a year, in January and July. The selection process involves a written entrance test (online mode) followed by an interview of shortlisted candidates. Candidates with M.Phil/UGC-CSIR NET/JRF/SLET/GATE/Teacher Fellowship qualifications are exempted from the entrance test and directly called for interview. The January 2026 batch has already been admitted. The next batch is expected to be the July 2026 cycle.

January 2026 Batch Dates

Event	Date
Call for PhD Applications	December 08, 2025
PhD Applications Closed	December 27, 2025
PhD Entrance Test (Online)	January 05, 2026
Interview of Shortlisted Candidates	January 06-08, 2026
Declaration of Results	January 09, 2026
Dr. Ram Das Pai Scholarship Interview	January 12-13, 2026
Fee Submission and Document Verification	January 16, 2026
Last Date of PhD Registration	January 20, 2026
PhD Course Work Commenced	January 21, 2026

July 2026 Batch Dates

Event	Tentative Date
Call for PhD Applications	May 2026
PhD Applications Close	June 2026
PhD Entrance Test	June/July 2026
Interview of Shortlisted Candidates	July 2026
PhD Course Work Commencement	July/August 2026

Note: Exact dates for the July 2026 batch will be notified on the official MUJ PhD page. Candidates are advised to check jaipur.manipal.edu/research-phd.php regularly.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have qualified a Master's degree (M.Arch, M.Des, M.Plan, or equivalent) from a UGC-recognized institution with a minimum of 55% marks or CGPA of 5.5 on a 10-point scale.
The qualifying degree should be in Architecture or a closely related discipline.
Candidates holding M.Phil / UGC-CSIR NET / JRF / SLET / GATE / Teacher Fellowship qualifications are exempted from the PhD entrance examination.
Candidates with qualifying degrees from foreign universities must obtain equivalence certification from the Directorate of Research (DoR) at MUJ.

Admission Process

Monitor the official MUJ PhD page for the call for applications notification.
Apply online through the MUJ admissions portal (admissions.jaipur.manipal.edu).
Appear for the PhD Entrance Test (online mode) if not exempted.
Shortlisted candidates are called for a Personal Interview.
Final selection is based on combined performance in the entrance test and interview.
Pay the registration fee (Rs. 10,000) and first annual fee (Rs. 30,000) to confirm enrollment.

MUJ Ph.D. (Architecture) Scholarships 2026

MUJ offers the Dr. Ram Das Pai Scholarship for meritorious PhD scholars, with a separate scholarship interview conducted after the main selection process. This scholarship is available to deserving candidates across all PhD programs at MUJ, including Architecture. Additionally, candidates who qualify for external fellowships such as UGC-JRF, CSIR-JRF, or DST-INSPIRE are encouraged to apply with their fellowship, which significantly reduces the financial burden of the doctoral program.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / Fellowship	Applicable To	Amount	Selection Criteria
Dr. Ram Das Pai Scholarship	All PhD Programs at MUJ	As per scholarship terms	Separate interview after main PhD selection; merit-based
UGC-JRF / CSIR-JRF	All PhD Programs	Rs. 37,000/month (JRF) + HRA	Qualify UGC-NET/CSIR-NET with JRF; apply separately to UGC/CSIR
DST-INSPIRE Fellowship	All PhD Programs	Rs. 37,000/month + Rs. 20,000/year contingency	Apply to DST separately; for top-ranked Master's graduates

The Dr. Ram Das Pai Scholarship interview is conducted on January 12-13 (for January batch) and equivalent dates for July batch.
External fellowships (JRF, INSPIRE) are applied for separately from the PhD admission process.
Candidates with external fellowships are given priority in admission and are exempted from the entrance test.
All scholarship details are communicated at the time of the scholarship interview.

Manipal University Jaipur Ph.D Architecture Ranking

Collegedunia Ranking

#40 out of 76 in India 2025

#2nd in Rajasthan

NIRF Ranking

#21 out of 40 in India 2025

#2nd in Rajasthan

IIRF Ranking

#42 out of 62 in Top Private Colleges in India 2025

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MUJ Ph.D. (Architecture) FAQs

Ques. What research areas can I pursue in the PhD (Architecture) program at MUJ?

Ans. The Department of Architecture at MUJ supports research across a wide range of areas including architectural design theory, sustainable and green architecture, building technology and materials, heritage conservation, urban design, housing studies, vernacular architecture, and architectural history. Candidates are advised to contact the PhD office at office.phd@jaipur.manipal.edu to confirm supervisor availability in their specific area of interest before applying.

Ques. What is the difference between PhD (Architecture) and PhD (Architecture and Planning) at MUJ?

Ans. Both programs are offered under the School of Architecture and Design at MUJ. PhD (Architecture) focuses specifically on architectural research, while PhD (Architecture and Planning) has a broader scope that may include urban planning, regional planning, and landscape studies alongside architecture. The fee structure, admission process, and duration are identical for both programs. Candidates should choose based on their specific research interest and supervisor availability.

Ques. Is a B.Arch + work experience sufficient to apply for the PhD (Architecture) at MUJ, or is a Master's degree mandatory?

Ans. As per UGC guidelines (which MUJ follows), a Master's degree with minimum 55% marks is mandatory for PhD admission. A B.Arch alone is not sufficient. Candidates must have completed M.Arch, M.Des, M.Plan, or an equivalent postgraduate degree in architecture or allied disciplines before applying for the PhD program.

Ques. Can practicing architects with their own firms apply for the part-time PhD in Architecture at MUJ?

Ans. Yes, MUJ offers the PhD in both full-time and part-time modes. Practicing architects, faculty members at architecture colleges, and professionals in allied fields can apply for the part-time PhD. The minimum duration for part-time PhD is typically 4 years. The fee structure (Rs. 30,000/year) remains the same for both modes.

Ques. What is the minimum and maximum duration of the PhD (Architecture) program at MUJ?

Ans. As per UGC guidelines, the minimum duration for a full-time PhD is 3 years and for part-time PhD is 4 years from the date of registration. The maximum duration is typically 6 years for full-time and 7 years for part-time (extendable in special cases with approval). The annual fee of Rs. 30,000 is payable for each year until the thesis is submitted.

Ques. How do I find a supervisor for my PhD (Architecture) research at MUJ?

Ans. MUJ publishes a list of prospective supervisors for each PhD admission cycle on the official PhD page (jaipur.manipal.edu/research-phd.php). Candidates are encouraged to review this list, identify faculty members whose research interests align with their own, and reach out to them before applying. The PhD office can also be contacted at office.phd@jaipur.manipal.edu for guidance on supervisor availability.