Campus Times | Lucknow

The APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) has revised its PhD admission regulations, allowing eligible BTech and BE graduates to apply directly for doctoral programmes without first completing a postgraduate degree. The changes, approved by the university 75th Academic Council, will come into effect from the 2026-27 PhD admission cycle.

Until now, AKTU required candidates to hold a postgraduate qualification to be considered for PhD admission. Under the revised ordinance, students who have completed a four year (eight semester) BTech or BE programme with at least 75 percent marks or an equivalent grade will now be eligible to apply. Admission, however, will continue through the university regular PhD selection process.

Candidates admitted through the direct-entry route will be required to complete a minimum of eight courses carrying 24 credits during the first two years of their PhD. Research Methodology and Research Publication & Ethics have been made compulsory as part of this coursework.

The university has also brought greater clarity to its part time PhD policy. Working professionals will be able to enrol in part-time doctoral programmes after submitting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer. While full time PhD programmes will continue to be offered under both fellowship and non-fellowship categories, part time PhD will be available only under the non fellowship category.

Another key change is the publication requirement for research scholars. Before submitting their PhD thesis, candidates will now have to publish at least two research papers, a move aimed at strengthening the quality and academic impact of doctoral research at the university.

The revised regulations have been issued through an official notification and are aligned with the latest UGC guidelines on doctoral admissions.