GITAM School of Architecture

About the Ph.D Program

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Architecture at GITAM School of Architecture (GSA) is a research-intensive program dedicated to advancing architectural knowledge through critical inquiry and creative innovation. It is ideal for scholars and professionals seeking to address complex challenges of the built environment through impactful research.

Key Features

Advanced Research Focus – Spanning topics like architectural theory, urban design, sustainability, digital design, and cultural heritage
Interdisciplinary Approach – Bridging urban planning, environmental studies, engineering, and social sciences
Expert Mentorship – Guidance from faculty with national and international research credentials
Academic & Professional Development – Focused on methodological rigour, critical thinking, and scholarly writing
Societal Impact – Encouraging research that contributes to equitable, resilient, and sustainable communities

Eligibility

Applicants to the PhD program in Architecture at GITAM School of Architecture must meet the following minimum criteria:

Academic Qualifications
A Master’s degree in Architecture or a closely related discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA.
Research Background
Demonstrated engagement in research, such as a postgraduate thesis, academic publications, or involvement in funded projects, is highly desirable.
Subject Proficiency
A solid foundation in architectural theory, design, or allied fields is essential to pursue research at an advanced level.
Admission Assessment
Candidates may be required to qualify through a written entrance test and/or personal interview, which evaluates research aptitude, academic readiness, and alignment with the School’s research priorities.

For detailed eligibility norms and criteria, please refer to the official Eligibility document.

Admission Procedure

The PhD admission process at GITAM is designed to identify research-oriented, academically strong candidates with a passion for advancing architectural knowledge. The key steps include:

Online Application Submission
Applicants must complete and submit the application through the university’s official admissions portal within the specified timeline.
Required Documents
Candidates should upload the following documents:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Preliminary Research Proposal
- Letters of Recommendation
- Proof of prior research experience (if applicable)
Entrance Examination
Shortlisted candidates will appear for a written entrance test assessing domain knowledge, critical thinking, and research capability.
Personal Interview
Qualified candidates will present their research proposal and discuss its alignment with GSA’s faculty expertise and research focus
Final Selection and Enrollment
Selection is based on academic merit, performance in the entrance test and interview, and the availability of a suitable faculty supervisor. Selected candidates will receive an offer of admission and must complete enrollment within the notified timeframe.

Key Benefits of Pursuing a PhD at GSA

The PhD program at GITAM School of Architecture offers a interdisciplinary, and research-intensive environment, supported by strong institutional and academic support. It empowers scholars to engage in meaningful research with real-world impact.

General Benefits

Monthly Fellowship of ₹33,000, as per university norms, to support full-time research.
Access to advanced research facilities across GITAM’s multidisciplinary campuses.
Funding support for participation in academic conferences, seminars, and workshops.
Opportunities to contribute to faculty-led, funded research projects.
Collaborations with national laboratories, industry leaders, and international research institutions.
Prospects to engage in interdisciplinary initiatives and innovation-focused partnerships.

University-Level Support

Cutting-edge infrastructure for digital, material, and environmental research.
Guidance and assistance in publishing scholarly work in reputed journals and conferences.
Comprehensive access to e-journals, databases, and global digital libraries.
Regular engagement with industry bodies and academic collaborators through seminars and projects.

School-Level Support

Use of specialised design studios and digital fabrication labs for experimentation and innovation.
A well-curated architecture library with national and international publications.
Access to material and structural labs that support technical and applied research.
Exposure to a strong academic-industry network, enabling impactful and practice-oriented scholarship.

Faculty

The PhD program at GITAM School of Architecture is led by a distinguished team of faculty members who bring a unique blend of academic scholarship, professional expertise, and research excellence. These faculty mentors play a pivotal role in guiding doctoral candidates through their academic journey.

Our faculty are deeply committed to:

Facilitating a culture of intellectual curiosity and critical inquiry
Providing close, continuous mentorship throughout the research process
Supporting interdisciplinary innovation across traditional and emerging domains of architecture

The areas of expertise span (but not limited to):

Sustainable architecture and regenerative design
Urban design and public space systems
Digital technologies and computational design
Heritage conservation and cultural studies
Construction systems and circular design practices

Doctoral candidates benefit from:

Access to research supervisors with national and international credentials
Engagement in funded research projects and academic publications
Mentorship that integrates theoretical rigour, technical depth, and societal relevance