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Collaborative Research & Academic Freedom
A culture of high-quality collaborative research and academic freedom supported by a sound research infrastructure.
WPU Goa is launching a new Ph.D. program in October 2026 in the following disciplines: Computer Engineering, Design, Management, Psychology, and Computer Science. As India’s first residential university with a unique transdisciplinary learning and research model, our doctoral programs aim to build future leaders in academia.
What we offer
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Transdisciplinary Research
We encourage scholars to pursue transdisciplinary research to help address the grand challenges and wicked problems of our times.
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Socially Relevant Expertise
We help scholars build expertise in socially and academically relevant areas, and demonstrate quality through high-impact publications.
Programme Overview
The Ph.D. in Computer Science at WPU Goa is a future-ready, research-intensive doctoral programme that places transdisciplinary learning and research at the heart of knowledge creation and innovation. Designed to address the complex technological and societal challenges of the digital era, the programme integrates computer science with engineering, data science, mathematics, business, law, social sciences, public policy, and the humanities to develop impactful solutions for an increasingly interconnected world.
WPU Goa doctoral scholars pursue cutting-edge research across emerging domains such as Responsible AI and Algorithmic Governance, Human–AI Interaction and Cognitive Computing, Behavioral Data Science and Data Privacy, Smart Energy Systems and Algorithmic Microgrids, and Cybersecurity and FinTech Compliance, while exploring new frontiers in intelligent computing and digital transformation. The programme combines rigorous research methodology, advanced computational techniques, high-performance computing, and industry-driven innovation with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, international partnerships, and translational research.
Guided by accomplished faculty and supported by state-of-the-art research infrastructure, scholars are encouraged to produce high-impact publications, patents, prototypes, and technology-driven solutions with real-world relevance. Graduates will be well prepared for leadership roles in academia, research institutions, global technology companies, public policy organizations, and entrepreneurial ventures. By fostering ethical innovation, responsible technology development, and sustainable digital transformation, the Ph.D. in Computer Science at WPU Goa prepares researchers to shape the future of artificial intelligence, data-driven decision-making, cybersecurity, and next-generation digital ecosystems.
Eligibility
- A 1-year/2-semester master’s degree programme after a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree programme, or a 2-year/4-semester master’s degree programme after a 3-year bachelor’s degree programme, or qualifications declared equivalent to the master’s degree by the corresponding statutory regulatory body, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade in a point scale wherever a grading system is followed; or an equivalent qualification from a foreign educational institution accredited by an assessment and accreditation agency which is approved, recognised or authorised by an authority established or incorporated under a law in its home country, or any other statutory authority in that country to assess, accredit or assure the quality and standards of educational institutions.
- A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/differently-abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates, as per the decision of the commission from time to time.
- Provided that a candidate seeking admission after a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree programme should have a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade on a point scale wherever the grading system is followed. A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/differently-abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates, as per the decision of the regulatory body from time to time.
- Candidates who have completed an M.Phil. with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade in a point scale. A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/differently-abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates, as per the decision of the regulatory body from time to time.
Reservation is applicable only to Goa domicile candidates provided they submit the necessary documents for reservation before the interview. Candidates from outside Goa will be considered in the open category.
Selection Process
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Apply
Apply for our PhD program directly through our online portal by submitting your application along with all required academic documentation. A non-refundable fee of ₹2,000 must be paid online to successfully complete your submission. Please ensure all transcripts, CV, and research proposals are fully uploaded prior to payment. Incomplete applications or those without fee confirmation will not be processed for admission.
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Ph.D. Entrance Test
Eligible candidates shall be called to appear for the Ph.D. entrance test conducted by WPU Goa. Exemption from the Ph.D. entrance test will be given to students who qualify UGC-NET/UGC-CSIR NET/GATE (valid score)/CEED/GPAT (valid score) and similar national tests. The syllabus of the entrance test shall consist of 50% research methodology and 50% subject-specific content.
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Qualifying Marks
The Ph.D. entrance test shall be qualifying, with qualifying marks of 50%, provided that a relaxation from 50% to 45% shall be allowed for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/differently-abled category, Economically Weaker Section (EWS), and other categories.
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Interview / Viva-Voce
The interview/viva-voce will be conducted by the University for test-qualifying candidates. For selection, a weightage of 70% to the entrance test and 30% to the performance in the interview/viva-voce shall be given. For GATE/NET/JRF/SET/GPAT/CEED-qualified students, selection will be based on the interview/viva-voce.
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Provisional Admission
The recommended candidates will be intimated through email about their selection and will be offered Ph.D. provisional admission. The eligibility of a candidate is provisional as per the information provided in the application form and is subject to verification of minimum eligibility conditions, educational documents, and reservation documents (if any). Provisional eligibility to appear in the selection process is no guarantee of admission.
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Stipend
Candidates who join the Ph.D. programme on a full-time basis will be provided with a stipend as per the WPU norms.
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Confirmation & Duration
Ph.D. admission will be confirmed after successful completion of the coursework with 55% or more as per UGC norms. The Ph.D. programme should be a minimum of three years (including coursework) and a maximum of six years from the date of admission. A maximum of an additional two (2) years may be given through re-registration, provided the total period does not exceed eight (8) years.
Important Information
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Relaxations
Female Ph.D. scholars and persons with disabilities (more than 40% disability) may be allowed an additional relaxation of two (2) years; however, the total period for completion should not exceed ten (10) years. Female candidates shall be provided Maternity Leave/Child Care Leave for up to 240 days during the entire duration of the Ph.D. programme.
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Cancellation
WPU Goa reserves the right to cancel the admission of Ph.D. scholars in cases of grave misconduct, unsatisfactory progress, absence for two consecutive progress seminars, failure in any examination related to the Ph.D., fabrication in educational or reservation documents, ineligibility, or plagiarism in research publications and thesis work.
Fee Structure
| S.No. | Fee Type | Fee | Indian Students (INR) | International Students (INR) |
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| 1 | Structural Fee | PhD coursework fee (one-time) | 15,000 | 30,000 |
| 2 | Structural Fee | Tuition fee (per year) | 1,00,000 | 1,50,000 |
| 3 | Non-Structural Fee | Final defense (viva) fee (one-time) | 8,000 | 15,000 |
| 4 | Non-Structural Fee | Admission application fee | 2,000 | 2,000 |
Financial Assistance
- Full-time Ph.D. scholars admitted to the doctoral programme are eligible to receive a fellowship for a maximum period of five years, subject to the applicable regulations.
- The fellowship may be funded by WPU Goa or through Sponsored Research Projects. The fellowship for doctoral students offered admission through a sponsored project will be governed by the guidelines of the funding body.
- Those who qualify for fellowships such as UGC/CSIR-NET or other recognized funding schemes may also avail themselves of their own external fellowships.
- Scholars awarded the WPU Goa Fellowship will receive a monthly stipend of ₹37,000. Based on satisfactory academic and research performance, the fellowship may be enhanced to ₹42,000 per month after two years.