Mahindra University, Virginia Tech launch joint Ph.D. intake for 2026 batch

Prospective doctoral candidates are invited to apply before deadline of October 31, 2025. 

Mahindra University has started accepting applications for January 2026 intake of its Ph.D. programme, offered in collaboration with Virginia Tech. 

The joint Ph.D. programme spans into advanced domains across engineering and sciences with specialisations available in future areas such as Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Smart & Connected Cities, Biomarker Discovery, Energy & Water Nexus, Materials Research, Quantum Technologies, Civil & Structural Health Monitoring and Computational Sciences.

Students admitted to this course will gain hands-on research exposure through cutting-edge media labs, design thinking studios, AI/ML laboratories, and continuously upgraded science and engineering facilities.

Dr Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor, Mahindra University said, “Our partnership with Virginia Tech ensures that Ph.D. scholars at Mahindra University are mentored by globally recognised experts and exposed to research standards that match the best in the world. It blends academic rigour with innovation and international exposure.”

Important advantages of this doctoral programme include co-supervision by Virginia Tech faculty, interdisciplinary research environment with access to high-end labs and computing infrastructure, strong emphasis on publications in globally reputed journals and conferences, four-year doctoral journey with structured coursework, comprehensive examination, and guided thesis development, guidance from expert faculty across Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, AI, Humanities and Social Sciences and research in next-gen domains such as AR/VR/XR, Generative AI, Deep Learning, Urban Mobility, Structural Health Monitoring, RNAi Therapeutics, and Smart Materials

Admissions are being conducted as per UGC guidelines. Candidates will be evaluated through the UGC-NET score or Mahindra University’s written test (60% weightage) and an interview (40% weightage). UGC-NET qualified applicants receive default weightage but may opt to improve their score via MU’s written test. Prospective doctoral candidates are invited to apply by the deadline of October 31, 2025.