NIT Karnataka PhD Admission 2026: Application, Eligibility, and Stipend Details
NIT Karnataka PhD Admission 2026 applications are invited for full-time and part-time doctoral programmes. Explore category-wise seat vacancies, eligibility requirements, GATE criteria, application fees, monthly stipends, and the complete step-by-step admission guide below.
NIT Karnataka PhD Admission 2026
NIT Karnataka offers PhD programmes across 14 specialized teaching departments, covering Engineering, Science, and Humanities. All prospective candidates are required to qualify through a mandatory written test and personal interview. Please note that both selection rounds are conducted in-person at the NITK Surathkal campus.
NIT Karnataka PhD Admission 2026 : Overview
To streamline your research, we have compiled a quick snapshot of the NIT Karnataka PhD Admission 2026 process. Review this summary carefully to ensure you have all the necessary information and documentation ready before submitting your application.
| NIT Karnataka PhD Admission 2026 : Overview | |
|---|---|
| Detail | Information |
| Institute Name | NIT Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal |
| Programme | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) |
| Academic Year | 2026–27 |
| Mode of PhD | Full-Time & Part-Time |
| Application Mode | Online (IRIS Portal) + Hard Copy |
| Total Scholarship Seats | 188 (Full-Time) |
| Application Start Date | 09 March 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 27 April 2026 |
| Qualifying Exam | GATE / UGC-NET / CSIR / NBHM / DAE-JEST |
| Selection Process | Written Test + Technical Interview |
| Official Website | www.nitk.ac.in |
| Notification | Notification PDF |
Apply Link of NIT Karnataka PhD Admission 2026
The application portal is now active on the official NIT Karnataka website. All applicants must first register via the IRIS portal. Submission of both the online form and the required hard copy is mandatory; we strongly advise submitting early to avoid technical delays. Access the direct application link below:
Apply for NIT Karnataka PhD Admission 2026
Steps to Apply for NIT Karnataka PhD Admission 2026
The application process for the NIT Karnataka PhD programme is conducted entirely online. Please review all official instructions thoroughly and ensure your academic and personal documentation is digitized and ready before starting your registration.
- Visit the official website: www.nitk.ac.in
- Click on the “PhD Admission 2026-27” link
- Register on the IRIS portal with your email and mobile
- Fill the online application form with correct details
- Upload all required documents carefully
- Pay the application fee online through IRIS portal
- Download and print the completed application form
- Attach self-attested copies of all required documents
- Send the hard copy by post to NIT Karnataka Surathkal.
- Save your payment receipt and application copy safely
NIT Karnataka PhD Application Fees
Application fees must be processed exclusively through the IRIS portal. Note that all fees are non-refundable once the application is submitted. Fee structures vary based on candidate category; please refer to the official guidelines for the exact amount applicable to you.
| NIT Karnataka PhD Application Fees | |
|---|---|
| Category | Application Fee |
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹500/- |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹150/- |
NIT Karnataka PhD Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility is determined by your previous academic qualifications and candidate category. Requirements for minimum marks and qualifying entrance exams differ by department. Verify your eligibility status using the official NIT Karnataka admission table before finalizing your application.
| NIT Karnataka PhD Eligibility Criteria | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate Type | Qualifying Degree | Min. Marks (General) | Min. Marks (SC/ST/PwD) | Qualifying Exam |
| A.1 | M.E. / M.Tech. or equivalent | 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 | 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 | GATE (optional) |
| A.2 (Direct PhD) | B.Tech./B.E./B.S. (4-year) within 5 years | 80% or CGPA 8.0/10 | 75% or CGPA 7.5/10 | GATE mandatory |
| A.3 | M.Sc./MBA/MCA/MA or equivalent | 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 | 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 | GATE/NET mandatory |
| Sponsored (B.2/B.5) | M.E./M.Tech. or equivalent | As above | As above | 2 years work experience |
NIT Karnataka PhD Seats
NIT Karnataka has announced 188 full-time scholarship-funded PhD seats. These are distributed across various categories, so ensure you check the specific vacancy list for your discipline before applying to confirm seat availability.
| NIT Karnataka PhD Seats | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | OC | EWS | OBC-NCL | SC | ST | PwD (OC) | PwD (EWS) | PwD (OBC) | PwD (SC) | PwD (ST) | Total |
| PhD Scholarship Seats | 72 | 18 | 49 | 27 | 13 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 188 |
NIT Karnataka PhD Admission Important Dates
Adherence to the official timeline is critical. Late or incomplete applications will be summarily rejected. We recommend marking these important dates in your calendar to ensure you meet all deadlines for a successful application.
|
Key Deadlines: NIT Karnataka PhD Admission 2026 |
|
|---|---|
| Event | Date & Time |
| Opening of Application Portal | 09 March 2026 (Monday) |
| Last Date for Online Application | 27 April 2026 (Monday) at 23:59 hrs |
| Last Date for Hard Copy to Reach NITK | 01 May 2026 (Friday) at 17:00 hrs |
| Dispatch of Call Letters to Shortlisted Candidates | 11 May 2026 (Monday) |
| Written Test & Interview (Offline at NITK) | 27 May 2026 (Wednesday) – 29 May 2026 (Friday) |
| Last Date for Merit List Submission by Departments | 01 June 2026 (Monday) |
| Publication of Provisional Merit List | 08 June 2026 (Monday) |
| Online Fee Payment by Selected Candidates | 09 June 2026 – 19 June 2026 |
| Physical Reporting & Document Verification | To be announced later |
| Class Start Date | To be announced later |
NIT Karnataka PhD Selection Process
The selection process involves an offline written test and a personal interview held at the NITK Surathkal campus. Candidates are responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements. Review the detailed selection criteria provided by the department here.
| NIT Karnataka PhD Selection Process | |
|---|---|
| Component | Weightage |
| Written Test | 40% |
| Technical Interview (Total) | 60% |
| Technical Presentation (Research Aptitude) | 10% (part of interview) |
| Technical Interview (Subject Knowledge) | 40% (part of interview) |
| Research Publications | 5% (part of interview) |
| Teaching/Research/Industry Experience | 5% (part of interview) |
NIT Karnataka PhD Stipend
Full-time research scholars are entitled to a monthly stipend, which increases upon successful completion of the first two years. In exchange, scholars are expected to contribute to departmental teaching and laboratory responsibilities.
| NIT Karnataka PhD Stipend | |
|---|---|
| Period | Monthly Stipend |
| First 2 Years | ₹37,000/- per month |
| Next 2 Years (on satisfactory progress) | ₹42,000/- per month |
Documents Required for NIT Karnataka PhD Admission
Preparation is key; ensure you have all original certificates and self-attested copies ready for verification during your interview. Missing documentation can result in immediate disqualification. See the required checklist for NIT Karnataka PhD admission below.
- Original mark sheets of all semesters of qualifying degree.
- Date of Birth certificate (SSLC / Class X marksheet).
- Degree certificate or Course Completion certificate.
- Caste Certificate for SC/ST candidates (original copy).
- OBC certificate issued on or after 01 April 2026.
- EWS certificate issued on or after 01 April 2026.
- GATE / NET Score Card (if applicable to your category).
- Sponsorship and No Objection Certificate (if applicable).
- PwD certificate (if applicable to your category).
NIT Karnataka PhD Admission 2026: FAQs
The online application deadline is April 27, 2026, while the physical hard copy must be received at NITK by May 1, 2026.
GATE scores are mandatory for A.2 and A.3 categories; however, graduates from Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFI) with an 80% aggregate or 8.0 CGPA are eligible for an exemption.
Selected scholars will receive a monthly stipend of ₹37,000 for the initial two years, increasing to ₹42,000 per month thereafter.
Yes, candidates holding an M.E./M.Tech. degree under category A.1 are eligible to apply without a valid GATE score.
There are 188 full-time PhD positions available with scholarship support, distributed across the various departments at NIT Karnataka.