CEPT University offers full-time Ph.D. programs for a duration of 4 years. The Ph.D. program is specialized in two streams that include Planning and Architecture. The program aims to build up core competencies like research capabilities, critical thinking and writing, and publication. The minimum eligibility is a Masters’s degree in the relevant field. Admission is done on the basis of the Entrance Test followed by an Interview OR GATE or GRE score

CEPT University Ph.D Admission Dates 2023

Event Date
Last date for receiving applications March 31,2023
Announcement of shortlisted for Interview April 07, 2023
Admission interviews April 21-22, 2023
Announcement of admitted candidates April 25, 2023
Semester begins July 24, 2023

CEPT University Ph.D. Eligibility Criteria

Ph.D. in Architecture –

  • Master’s (or equivalent) degree in Architecture, Conservation, Architectural Design, History & Theory of Landscape Architecture.
  • Master’s degree in social science (sociology, economics, anthropology, environmental science, history), art history, or civil engineering. In this case, a bridge-course of one year is to be done.

Ph.D. in Planning –

  • Master’s (or equivalent) degree in fields related to Planning (Infrastructure, Housing, Transport, or any other planning programs) or in Urban Design or Urban Management.
  • Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Geography / Sociology / Environmental Science / Climate Studies / Social Work / Economics / GIS / Geomatics / / Development Studies / Policy Studies / Political Science. In this case, a bridge-course of one year is to be done.

CEPT University Ph.D. Admission Guidelines

Admission to the Ph.D. program is based on the Written Test followed by an Interview although GATE Or GRE score holders can also apply.

How to apply?

  • Visit the official website of CEPT University.
  • Click on the 'Admission tab'.
  • Candidates will be redirected to the course-list page.
  • Click on the desired course
  • Click on the ‘How to Apply’ link.
  • Fill the application form
  • Upload the required documents
  • Pay the application fee online.

Read more: CEPT University Admission 2023

CEPT University Ph.D. Course Details

  • The normal duration of a Ph.D. program is 4 years of which the first 2 are for coursework. This requires full-time residency.
  • During this period, students will engage in teaching and/or faculty research for which they will receive a stipend.
  • After they have successfully completed the coursework, they will have to appear for a qualifying examination to test the competency in their field of specialization.
  • Once the exam is cleared, the students are given the status of ‘Ph.D. Candidate’.
  • Post this, the candidates will prepare and defend a research proposal within a maximum period of one semester.
  • During the candidacy, candidates will work in consultation with their Dissertation Advisory Committee.
  • Students can apply for diverse areas of research. However, they have to discuss their area of research interest with the respective Faculty Doctoral Program Coordinators.

The course details for both the specializations are the same. 

The Ph.D. program, which spans over 4 years, is divided as follows:

Year 1 – Residency (Coursework)
  • Formulate 2-year study plan
  • Complete required coursework and teaching/research assignments
Year 2 – Residency (Coursework)
  • Complete required coursework
  • Complete teaching assignments
  • Prepare for – QE and Research Proposal
  • Formation of DAC
Year 3 (Research)
  • Formulate research plan
  • Complete the fieldwork
  • Progress reviews with DAC
  • Research Publication
Year 4 – Submission (Research)
  • Progress reviews with DAC
  • Research Publication
  • Submit draft dissertation for external examinations
Course Structure for PhD Program – CEPT University
- - Grounding in domain Building competence in method and communication Grounding in research work Building competence in teaching
Year 1 Monsoon Seminar – Introduction to the intellectual foundation Supplementary Lectures / Seminars in Urban Studies / Sociology / Economics / Statistics or Electives / SWS Seminar – Research Design Research Colloquium – Participate as observer Independent Study 1 Engage in teaching (for 15-20 hours/week)
Spring Seminar – Key Texts in architecture/planning theories Seminar – Research Writing and Communication Research Colloquium Participate as observer Independent Study 2
Year 2 Monsoon Seminar – Application of theories, debates and Criticism Seminar – Research Methods (Qualitative / Quantitative) Research Colloquium – Participate as an observer Independent Study 3
Spring Research Proposal Writing Workshop Research Colloquium – Participate as a presenter Complete qualifying exam before semester end
Year 3 Monsoon DAC formation and Research Proposal Defence before the Monsoon semester end
Year 3 (Spring and Year 4) Dissertation Progress Reviews and Submission for external examination

CEPT University Ph.D. FAQs

Ques. Does CEPT University offer any financial assistance to the Ph.D. students?

Ans. Yes. Financial assistance is given to students in the form of a partial/full tuition fee waiver to deserving candidates. This is done through a set procedure that is based on need-cum-performance-based criteria.

Ques. What is the number of seats available in each specialization of Ph.D. and are there any reservations for the same at CEPT University?

Ans. Yes. There are reservations as per the CEPT PG policy. The number of seats in each specialization is 10.

Ques. Are there any scholarships provided for the Ph.D. students at CEPT University?

Ans. Yes. A scholarship is offered for the first 6 months of the mandatory coursework against teaching assignments (15-20 hours/week) as allocated by the respective faculty. Satisfactory performance can lead to an extension of the scholarship to another semester.

Ques. What are the fees for the Ph.D. programs at CEPT University?

Ans. The fee for the program is INR 3,80,000 per year. This makes it a total of INR 1,520,000 for 4 years. However, due to financial assistance and scholarship, the fee can be waived.

Ques. Is there any admission helpline of CEPT University that I can consult in case if I have a query regarding Ph.D. Admission?

Ans. Yes. The Doctoral department can be reached out on the telephone number - +91 7968310000. There is also an email id - doctoral.office@cept.ac.in.