Mahindra University has opened applications for the January 2026 intake of its prestigious Ph.D. programme, offered in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The programme provides research scholars access to world-class laboratories, interdisciplinary mentorship, and co-supervision by Virginia Tech faculty, positioning it among India’s most globally benchmarked doctoral offerings.
The Ph.D. programme spans advanced domains across Engineering & Sciences with specialisations available in key future-facing areas such as Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Smart & Connected Cities, Biomarker Discovery, the Energy & Water Nexus, Materials Research, Quantum Technologies, Civil & Structural Health Monitoring and Computational Sciences.
Students admitted to the programme will gain hands-on research exposure through cutting-edge media labs, design thinking studios, AI/ML laboratories, and continuously upgraded science and engineering facilities. Mahindra University also hosts the Mahindra University–Virginia Tech Interdisciplinary Advanced Research Center for Transformative Technologies (IARCT²), which anchors collaborative research in emerging and frontier technologies.
Dr Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor, Mahindra University said, “Global collaborations enable a rich exchange of knowledge, expose learners to fresh perspectives, and create mutual value for every institution involved. 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.”
Key advantages of the 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. To apply click https://www.mahindrauniversity.edu.in/programs/mahindra-university-virginia-tech/.
